1.[URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/bos"][IMG]http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/20080123/80x60/bos.gif[/IMG][/URL]Champions until proven otherwise. Lost James Posey in the offseason who was huge for them but kept Eddie House and drafted Bill Walker near the end of the draft. If healthy finally from his knee problems he could end up being the biggest steal in the draft. The big 3 are back and they should be hungry to prove last year wasn't just a one year run.




2.[URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/lal"][IMG]http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/20080123/80x60/lal.gif[/IMG][/URL]Bynum is back and supposedly 100% recovered from his knee problems. The front court of him and Gasol is scary good. They lost Turiaf to FA but that should not be a loss that hurts them at all. Sasha Vujacic was resigned and Kobe wants a ring without Shaq badly. Look for them to come out of the gates on fire.




3.[URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/nor"][IMG]http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/20080123/80x60/nor.gif[/IMG][/URL]Chris Paul....Anything else? Tyson Chandler keeps improving every year and is one of the leagues top rebounders. The signed James Posey in FA who will provide them with hustle and heart come playoff time. He hits big shots. They could use an upgrade at sg but Mo Pete and Bonzi will have to do for now. They are aging and are not great scorers but CP3 makes the best with what he's got. With him on the floor you will get open looks.




4.[URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/hou"][IMG]http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/20080123/80x60/hou.gif[/IMG][/URL]If Yao and Tracy can stay healthy this team could finally be for real. Adding Artest for little to nothing was the best move so far of the offseason. He will bring toughness and defense as well as the third scoring option that Houston has lacked recently. He also loves Rick Adlemen which is a great sign.




5.[URL="http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/teams/sas"][IMG]http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/20080123/80x60/sas.gif[/IMG][/URL]The Spurs are the machine that keeps on going and going. Great mental toughness and veteran leadership here. Tim Duncan and Tony Parker are ready to lead this team into the new season. They didn't really address thier problem of age yet and come playoff time thats going to hurt them. Michael Finley is back for one more run at it as is Bruce Bown. Robert Horry did not contribute much last year but his departure could hurt worse then expected. He was a great locker room guy and could always be counted on to hit the big shot and play under control.





6.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Utah%20Jazz.gif[/IMG]Utah is just scratching the surface in my opinion. They have been knocking on the door for a few seasons now, and if the AK to Russia talks can go away for good, then they can focus on winning the west. Its going to be tough but Deron Williams is getting better every year and is closing the gap, if there is one.... between himself and Chris Paul for the title of best PG in the league. Deron and Carlos Boozer form one of the best tandems in the league. Jerry Sloan returns as coach and together they have a great shot at reaching the finals.




7.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Cleveland%20Cavaliers.gif[/IMG]Lebron James makes them a contender in the East by himself. They added a legit pg who can score consistently in Mo Williams this offseason which makes them even tougher. They still need to address thier frontcourt soon though. Big Z is getting older and slower FAST. And Ben Wallace is pretty much worthless as a starter at this point. He has the worst contract in the league by far. Wally Sczerbiack needs to stay healthy and be able to knock down shots constently this year and the Cavs just may take out the Celtics in the playoffs.




8.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Detroit%20Pistons.gif[/IMG]The core of RIP,Chauncy,and Prince is returning for another go round. These guys seem to breeze through the regular season every year but falter in the playoffs. HC Flip Saunders is on the hotseat this season if Detroit fails again. This team is built to play for a championship now, not in the future. Rodney Stuckey was a pleasent surprise last season and hopefully he can continue to build upon last seasons sucess.




9.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Phoenix%20Suns.gif[/IMG]New Coach, same team. Big mistake by GM Steve Kerr last year in trading for Shaq. They have two more years with the big man at 20 mill a pop. Shaq is a shell of his former self at this point. Steve Nash doesnt look like he is slowing down but fathertime is right around the corner. Amare Stoudamire keeps on getting better and better and is fully recovered from knee surgery. Its pretty much now or never for this group of guys.




10.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Dallas%20Mavericks.gif[/IMG]Dallas has all the tools to get it down this year, they just have to do just that, GET IT DONE. Rick Carlisle is going to make a huge difference I think, as he wont micro manage like Avery Johnson did. He will let Jason Kidd loose and DIrk should flourish because of it. The only bad blood they have right now is Josh Howard. His status is in the air right now as he is fast becoming one of the most hated athletes in sports.




11.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Orlando%20Magic.gif[/IMG]Orlando is up and coming fast. Dwight Howard looks to establish his dominance at the Center position even more this year and if he can get along with Stan Van Gundy he will be better for it. Hedo Turkaglu is coming off of a MIP award and he will be a big part of this team as well. They need to figure out if Jameer Nelson is going to be the future pg of this team or not.




12.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Toronto%20Raptors.gif[/IMG]Made a big move in trading pg T.J. Ford for PF/C Jermaine O'neal. If O'neal is healthy then it will be interesting to see how he meshes with Chris Bosh. Jose Calderon is in for a big season. He is on of the more underated players in the league. Not much depth here but they can make it work if everyone stays healthy.




13.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Philadelphia%2076ers.gif[/IMG]Philly was a surprise team last season and with the addition of former MVP candidate Elton Brand, they will be even better. They overpaid badly to keep Iggy around but this core in the East could be special. Lou Williams is a fan favorite and will play a bigger role this season as well.




14.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Portland%20Trail%20Blazers.gif[/IMG]Oden is back! Huge expectations this season for Portland fans. Jerryd Bayless was a huge addition in a draft day trade with the Pacers. He had an outstanding summer league and has Portland officials excited at the prospect of having him and Brandon Roy play together. Lamarcus Aldridge will threaten for an allstar bid this year and Portland should make the playoffs.




15.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Los%20Angeles%20Clippers.gif[/IMG]This could be the Clippers best season in years. They are built for one or two years is the problem. Elton Brand screwed them and left for the money in Philly but they managed to lock up Allstar Baron Davis. They also grabbed Marcus Camby from Denver for nothing but a future second rounder. Ricky Davis comes over from Miami and Jason Williams is here to backup Baron at the point. Could be a nice season for the Clip show. Its going to be interesting. They also lost Corey Maggette so they will need someone to step up into that second scoring option role. Chris Kaman is one of the best Centers in the league and will be perfect playing next to Camby who will start at PF.




16.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Washington%20Wizards.gif[/IMG]Gilbert Arenas is out until at least the second month of the season. No telling how the team will react to his return since they have played without him for so long. Caron Butler has really matured in the league and was an allstar last year. Antawn Jamison resigned and will be a big contributer once again.




17.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Denver%20Nuggets.gif[/IMG]Denver could very well be the worst defensive team in league history. They were just awful last season and they gave away thier best defensive player in Marcus Camby to save some cash. I have no idea what direction this team is going in, especially dealing with the Carmelo Anthony offcourt issues. They are in for a long season. Barely made the 8 seed last season and I don't see them making the playoffs at all this year.




18.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Golden%20State%20Warriors.gif[/IMG]Losing Baron Davis is a huge blow to this franchise. Monta Ellis was resigned to be the pg of the future but he celebrated by riding a moped and tore up his ankle then lied about how it happened. Smart move Monta. His status right now is up in the air. Brought in Maggette who will contribute in the scoring department and if he can jell with Steven Jackson they could be a nice solid team once again and compete for the 8 spot out West but its not likely.




19.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Atlanta%20Hawks.gif[/IMG]Atlanta lost Josh Childress to Greece, but I think Marvin Williams can fill that void with more minutes. Mike Bibby is back and fully healthy which is great news for ATL. They have a good upside and were able to lock up Josh Smith as well. Coaching issues reamain a problem as management doesn't seem convinced that Mike Woodson is the man.




20.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Miami%20Heat.gif[/IMG]Probably should fly much higher up the rankings but I'll let them prove it first. Two rookies they drafted in Beasley and Chalmers look to be great additions but both had marijauna issues already in the rookie transition program. Thats not a good sign. No new deal in place for Marion so he may be playing for a new contract next season which is good for Miami. Wade is healthy again too so this is going to be an exciting season for Heat fans.




21.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Charlotte%20Bobcats.gif[/IMG]Surprise, Surprise, the Bobcats I think will be much improved with Larry Brown now in the fold. Emeka has resigned and Morrison is back from season ending injury last year. They have some solid depth and big time scorers in Jason Richardson and Gerald Wallace. These guys are all young and hungry. D.J. Augustine was a great draft pick and will prob push Raymond Felton for the starting pg role right away.




22.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Sacramento%20Kings.gif[/IMG]Sacramento is not going to be a very good team this year. They have some good young players but the roster is just poorly put together right now. The Ron Artest experiment is over and they got nothing in return for him. Francisco Garcia is capable of scoring big numbers and should take that starting spot that Artest had this year. Beno Udrih is going to be the full time starting pg now. Hmmmmm......




23.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Indiana%20Pacers.gif[/IMG] I like this Pacer team. Mike Dunleavy is one of the most underated players in the league and Brandon Rush in my opinion was the steal of the draft. They also attained Roy Hibbert and Jarrett Jack. Those two are good solid additions to this ball club. Troy Murphy is a good shooter but not great with his back to the basket. Either way he should compliment Hibbert nicely. They need to find another pg somehow as they have decided to part ways with Jamal Tinsley.




24.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Milwaukee%20Bucks.gif[/IMG]The Bucks will finish the season ranked much higher. They managed to trade for Richard Jefferson and Luke Ridnour this offseason. They also hired Scott Skiles as Head Coach who has a reputation of turning teams around early. They are going to be very exciting this season. Michael Redd is coming off a gold medal preformance in the Olympics so should be in groove and ready to go. This could be the most improved team in the NBA.




25.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Chicago%20Bulls.gif[/IMG]Tough times for Bulls fans. I think they made a big mistake in taking Derik Rose over Michael Beasley in the draft. Even if Rose turns out to be better then Beasley he will struggle this year. He had an awful summer league and left early with injuries. Luol Deng was resigned long term but Ben Gordon is on the outside. He refuses to sign for less then 12 mill a year and no team is prepared to pay him that. He may find himself on a one year tender or playing overseas. The Bulls still lack a quality Center and until they find one Drew Gooden will have to man the position. He is no scrub but is undersized and should be playing PF.




26.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Minnesota%20Timberwolves.gif[/IMG]The T-Wolves have no where to go but up. They are just too young to make much noise. Being in the West doesnt help matters any either. Al Jefferson is one big bright spot though and he is progressing fast and turning into one of the best young post players in the league. Sebastion Telfair has yet to live up to the hype but was resigned because he did show improvement last year and is slowly getting better. They traded for Mike Miller who will be the teams best scorer and probably team captain.




27.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/New%20York%20Knicks.gif[/IMG]I wanted to put them higher then this but past years has forced me to leave them near the bottom until they prove otherwise. I think they have a roster that translates well to new coach Mike D'Antoni's style of play. Stephon Marbury still has not been told if he is staying or going yet, and Allan Houston was brought back. Both situations are laughable and make me think that this is the same NY Knicks that we have seen over the last 5-6 years but something about them is intriguing. Im curious to see what happens in NY this year.




28.[IMG]http://l.yimg.com/a/i/us/sp/v/nba/teams/80x60/okc.gif[/IMG] Formerly the Seattle Sonics... They still have Jeff Green and Kevin Durant so thats a nice duo to build around. Durant only got better as the season rolled on last year. They will compete more this year but will still be one of the leagues worst teams. Too young and too inexperianced.




29.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/New%20Jersey%20Nets.gif[/IMG]Vince Carter is it. This team is doing nothing but clearing cap space to make a run at Lebron in 2010. They are moving to Brooklyn soon so anything they do before then is pretty much meaningless. I dont even think they are trying to win.




30.[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Memphis%20Grizzlies.gif[/IMG]Worst team in the entire league. Im not going to waste my time even trying to come up with something nice to say about them. Perrenial losing organization.

Darius Ali

1.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team28.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/DAL.gif[/IMG][/URL]Dallas comes out with the big win tonight against Philly at home to up thier recored to 2-0. Their defense is better then they showed during this game. With Brady out for the year I think Dallas is the favorite to win it all now.



2.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team14.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/PIT.gif[/IMG][/URL]Im going with Pittsburgh at number two. They are 2-0 and pretty much shut down the Browns offense on Sunday that was supposed to be among the leagues best this season. Willie Parker looks great so far along with Big Ben.




3.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team18.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/NE.gif[/IMG][/URL]I know everyone thinks the Pats should be alot lower but until they lose a game they will be in the top 3 in my book. EVERYONE said they would lose to the Jets on Sunday and Cassel would play badly. But they showed great poise and coaching while Cassel managed the game perfectly and did not throw an INT.




4.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team8.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/NYG.gif[/IMG][/URL]The Giants have played near flawless ball so far and are also 2-0. Eli was outstanding on Sunday and they ARE the defending champs so until they lose they really can't fall too far.




5.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team17.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/GB.gif[/IMG][/URL]Aaron Rodgers has quieted all doubters. He destroyed Detroit with over 300 yds passing and 3 Td's with no Int's. This team went 13-3 last season and I think they actually may be better without Favre and his carefree wing it all over the field approach.




6.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team7.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/PHI.gif[/IMG][/URL]Killed the Rams in game one and almost beat Dallas tonight but didn't. 1-1 record but they are still a team to be reckoned with. So far thier offense is surprising me.




7.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team13.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/IND.gif[/IMG][/URL]Peyton Manning led a 4th quarter comeback this week against a tough Minnesota defense and once he gets back in rythem from his surgery the offense should run even more smoothly. As long as he is around they will prob never fall out of the top ten.




8.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team21.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/DEN.gif[/IMG][/URL]Denver is the best team in thier division which isnt saying much but Cutler looks outstanding so far. They are coming off a huge win with a two pt conversion in the final seconds against the Chargers. Brandon Marshall grabbed 18 balls and thats the second highest total for a single game ever. Denver is a dangerous team.



9.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team12.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/BUF.gif[/IMG][/URL]The Bills look outstanding so far, but keep in mind that they have played two subpar teams. Marshawn Lynch is a beast and Trent Edwards has continued to build on last seasons success. Maybe a bit high for them but they are still undefeated so I'll keep em here until they lose.




10.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team29.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/CAR.gif[/IMG][/URL]The Panthers look very good without Steve Smith, but keep in mind that its taken two last min comebacks to get those wins. With Smith back they will have one of the best weapons in football. They are a top ten team right now for sure, but Im not ready to put them any higher.




11.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team4.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/NO.gif[/IMG][/URL]Big let down loss against the Skins this week but they have a great offense. They MUST get more yds on the ground though. Reggie Bush is not getting it done. He is a weapon in the passing game but he is a RB and must learn how to run between the tackles to give the Saints a more balanced attack.




12.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team11.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/SD.gif[/IMG][/URL]Lets be real now, the Chargers are 0-2 but both losses are flukes. One insane grab at the buzzer and the blown call against Denver. They are a different team without Merriman recking havoc on defense but they still have a good offense.




13. [URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team16.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/CHI.gif[/IMG][/URL]Dissapointing loss to Carolina but the Bears will be fine. Orten is a great game manager and thats what this team has been lacking. They lose Devin Hester but he is not much of a factor anywhere other then special teams. This team is built on defense and thats whats going to carry them this season.




14.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team23.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/ARI.gif[/IMG][/URL]The worst of the 2-0 teams. They have beaten terrible teams back to back in San Fran and Miami. Kurt Warner will NOT lead this team to the playoffs. It WONT happen.




15.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team24.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/BAL.gif[/IMG][/URL]The Ravens have yet to play thier second game, but in week one the defense looked like the old Ravens defense. They looked good running the ball as well. Having a rookie QB will eventually catch up to them but so far so good for Baltimore.




16.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team27.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/WAS.gif[/IMG][/URL]The Skins have some nice weapons on Offense but Im still not sold on Jason Cambell. They beat the Saints this week which was a surprise.




17. [URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team6.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/MIN.gif[/IMG][/URL]0-2. Great defense and run game. PLEASE for the love of God get AP some help. The man deserves it before he turns into Barry Sanders. Travaris Jackson is never going to be an elite QB.




18.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team30.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/JAC.gif[/IMG][/URL]For some reason Del Rio has gone away from the run and thats why the Jags are winless. They are a running team. Period. Jerry Porter will help when he gets back but for now, use Drew and Fred Taylor. They are great backs in this league. Garrard is not going to win games with his arm.




19.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team15.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/TB.gif[/IMG][/URL]No way should Brian Griese being starting over Jeff Garcia. Thats horrible. The Bucs should win 8-9 games regardless though.




20.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team25.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/NYJ.gif[/IMG][/URL]The Jets are the most overated team in the NFL. Brett Favre is not going to be the savior of this team like everyone wants.




21.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team10.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/TEN.gif[/IMG][/URL]Titans are 2-0. Kerry Collins is a Trash QB in my opinion but they team as a whole is very solid. I don't see them making the post season this year and I would have them lower but they have not lost so its not fair to have them any lower then here.




22.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team20.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/CIN.gif[/IMG][/URL]Its just a shame that the Bengals are ranked so low. This team is a mess. Marvin Lewis has lost control of this team and the locker room. I think its time for him to go. They will not move forward until either him or Chad whatever he calls himself today, are gone.



23.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team31.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/CLE.gif[/IMG][/URL]Im shocked that the Browns have not played better football. They have some nice tools and I think they will improve and make a run at the playoffs. If they don't then Romeo Crennell may lose his job.



24. [URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team1.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/DET.gif[/IMG][/URL]Great offense. No defense. Thats what happens when you draft WR's in the first round every year.




25.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team5.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/SF.gif[/IMG][/URL]Sneaky team thats better then advertised. Patrick Willis is a beast and so is Frank Gore. Mike Martz has been great for this team so far. Big OT win against Seattle this week.




26.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team22.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/STL.gif[/IMG][/URL]The Rams need to start playing defense. Torry Holt and Marc Bulger are not getting any younger. Steven Jackson has been terrible since getting a bigger contract.




27.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team32.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/HOU.gif[/IMG][/URL]Schaub has the ability to play better and must do that for the Texans to be considered a legit team. Andre Johnson can't do it all himself. They also have no run game at all.




28.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team19.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/SEA.gif[/IMG][/URL]Seattle has been killed with injuries. They have no WR core at all. Hasselback is aging and Holmgren may have worn out his welcome here. Not looking any better for next week either as Deion Branch is not going to play then either.




29.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team26.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/OAK.gif[/IMG][/URL]Looked pathetic in week one but showed some heart against the Chiefs in week two. Tons of inside problems and they may be looking for a new Head Coach soon. That would be a huge mistake for a team that has had no consistency as far as coaching goes for the last 6 years.




30.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team2.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/ATL.gif[/IMG][/URL]This team is bad. Very bad. They have some game changers here and there and may be able to steal a few more wins but no more then 3-4 win season for this team. And to think they could have L.T. instead of Vick....




31.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team3.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/KC.gif[/IMG][/URL]Lost to the Raiders. Enough said.




32.[URL="http://www.covers.com/pageLoader/pageLoader.aspx?page=/data/NFL/teams/team9.html"][IMG]http://images.covers.com/covers/data/logos/NFL/MIA.gif[/IMG][/URL]Miami is just a joke. No run game. No coaching. No nothing. They will have the worst record in the league again and may not win a game this season.

Darius Ali

[IMG]http://www.sportscolumn.com/images/nfl/nwe.gif[/IMG]1. The New England Patriots top this first edition of power rankings and for good reason. Yes they lost the superbowl and yes Tom Brady may have a injured foot, but lets be real here. Any team that goes 18-0 and loses the superbowl in the last few minutes is not going to slip much if at all. Replay that Superbowl ten times and the Pats win at least 8 times. A healthy Randy Moss is returning with a long term contract. Brady is Brady, and the with the exception of a few loses on the Defensive side of the ball the Pats will be the favorites once again to win it all. Thier offense alone should get them 12 wins.


[IMG]http://www.sportscolumn.com/images/nfl/dal.gif[/IMG]2. I'll put Dallas at number two to start the year. Romo had another year to fully grasp being an NFL starter and has a great relationship with Terrell Owens who is probably the second best WR in the game today. Marion Barber will be the feature back this season and he is a handfull. A big powerfull back who punnishes defenders. They will not lose in the first round of the playoffs this season.


[IMG]http://www.sportscolumn.com/images/nfl/ind.gif[/IMG]3. The Colts with thier legendary offense are back with Peyton recovering from surgery and Marvin Harrison looking to put his offseason legal issues behind him. The Colts defense has improved over the years and vet safety Bob Sanders leads them into the new season. You can never count the Colts out of any game. There is no doubt that they are a top 3 team.


[IMG]http://www.sportscolumn.com/images/nfl/sdg.gif[/IMG]4. San Diego has L.T. and the rest of the league doesn't. If Merriman can stay healthy and take care of his knee and Philip Rivers continues his improvement then the Chargers could be playing for a Superbowl this year.


[IMG]http://www.sportscolumn.com/images/nfl/pit.gif[/IMG]5. Big Ben is healthy again and ready to go. Hines Ward is aging fast but with Willie Parker back at full strength the Steelers can make another run this season. They have a a team full of veterans. Thier O-line could be better but still good enough to propel them through the season.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/New%20York%20Giants.gif[/IMG]6. Giant fans won't be happy that NY is ranked this low to start the year but in all honestly I struggled to even have them this high. There are serious concerns on the D-Line where Osi Umenyiora is lost for the season with a knee injury and Michael Strayhan has retired. Eli Manning also needs to prove that his playoff run wasn't a fluke and that he can carry this team through an entire regular season with consistency.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Jacksonville%20Jaguars.gif[/IMG]7. The Jags found gold when they signed Jerry Porter this offseason. This gives them a true number one WR which they have lacked for awhile now. Porter had ups and downs in Oakland but honestly, thats Oakland. He has a ton of talent and should explode on the scene this season. The two headed running attack of Fred Taylor and Jones-Drew will once again be a force in the Jacksonville backfield.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/New%20Orleans%20Saints.gif[/IMG]8. Adding Jeremy Shockey makes this already explosive offense even more potent. This is do or die for Reggie Bush to prove he wasn't a bust and the Saints certainly have the fire power to carry him even if he doesn't perform well.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Cleveland%20Browns.gif[/IMG]9. The Browns are an up and coming team after decades of mediocrity. Derrick Anderson played great last season and Braylen Edwards is establishing himself as one of the games best WR's. They were a blocked FG in Oakland away from the playoffs last season. Romeo Crennell will have this team ready to go.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Green%20Bay%20Packers.gif[/IMG]10. The Packers will not be devestated from the loss of Favre contrary to popular opinion. Aaron Rodgers will be just fine. This team was 13-3 last season and still has the main pieces. Very solid defense coming along with A.J. Hawk and Charles Woodson coming of a great seasons. Look for the Pack to win in the area of 10-12 games and get into the postseason once again.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Seattle%20Seahawks.gif[/IMG]11. Seattle got Julius Jones this offseason and he should help improve the run game significantly over last season. The WR core in Seattle is not looking good and with Deion Branch coming of surgery thats even worse for Hawk fans.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Philadelphia%20Eagles.gif[/IMG]12. IF McNabb can stay healthy then Philly could be a solid team this season. L.J. Smith is a great tightend and Brian Westbrook is resigned after his little holdout bid.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Minnesota%20Vikings.gif[/IMG]13. Adrian Peterson is already a top 3 back in the league and only going to get better barring injury. Adding WR Bernard Berrian from Chicago should help Tarvaris Jackson's develoupment. Jared Allen is in town and he helps the pass rush imensely.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Houston%20Texans.gif[/IMG]14. They have a very hard schedule to open the season. Jacksonville, Pittsburgh, and Tennessee away from home, followed by a Week Five matchup against the Colts. If they can go 2-2 then they will be ok. I like Schaub alot and Andre Johnson is a beast. Mario Williams is proving that he was worth the number one pick. Ahman Green is healthy and if he has anything left the Texans will surprise alot of people.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Tampa%20Bay%20Buccaneers.gif[/IMG]15. They won thier division last season but Jeff Garcia is a year older. They may have the best defense in the league but they have to get production out of thier offense. Its such a shame that Cadillac Williams has been hit with injuries. If the offense can put up 20 pts a game min they can win the division again but the Saints are going to be a force to deal with.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Carolina%20Panthers.gif[/IMG]16.They are only starting off this low because Steve Smith is out for the first two games after punching a teammate in practice. Good job Steve. They don't have a run game so they need thier best WR on the field. Julius Peppers needs to rebound from a subpar last season and he has all the tools to do that.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Washington%20Redskins.gif[/IMG]17. Jason Campbell had better prove this year that he is a capable long term starter. Clinton Portis is good for another 1200 yds and 8-10 Tds but he needs help through the air. Im picking them to pull off the upset against NY in week one.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Arizona%20Cardinals.gif[/IMG]18. Arizona has a new coach and all the weapons on offense to succeed. With Seattles decline over the last few seasons the Cards could jump up this year. Boldin needs to be kept happy though. They also need to protect, protect, protect, starter Kurt Warner. If he is pressured then its a turnover waiting to happen.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/New%20York%20Jets.gif[/IMG]19. With Brett Favre in the mix the Jets have high expectations for this season. He must learn the playbook and fast. Thomas Jones is an above average back and the addition of Alen Faneca on the O-line is huge. The Jets should compete for a wild-card spot this season.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Tennessee%20Titans.gif[/IMG]20. I hate putting the Titans this high because Vince Young is horrible in my opinion. But until they miss the playoffs, which they would have done last season had the Colts played thier starters in week 17, they will be right in the middle of the pack. LenDale White is a solid back and the Jeff Fisher is a very good coach. All thier sucess depends on Vince improving. This is do or die time for him. So far his stats have been atrocious.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Denver%20Broncos.gif[/IMG]21. The Broncos are also ranked so low because of Brandon Marshalls 3 game suspension. He is an up an coming star if he can stay out of trouble. I like Jay Cutler alot and Shannahan always has this team competing. No matter who they throw in at RB over the years, it has been successfull.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Detroit%20Lions.gif[/IMG]22. John Kitna is VERY underated and Detroit may make some noise this season. Although, they are Detroit. Nothing good ever happens there. They definetly have the firepower with Roy Williams and Calvin Johnson but they lost Mike Martz to the Niners. We'll have to see how much that affects the offense. They also have a rookie in Kevin Smith starting at RB.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Cincinnati%20Bengals.gif[/IMG]23. Then Bengals should be so much higher on this list. Its a shame. I think Marvin Lewis has lost all control. The players walk all over him and the Chad Johson show has gotten out of control. They say they want to clean up thier act but they bring back Chris Henry? Yeah ok. Same old Bengals. Did nothing to improve a poor defense either.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Buffalo%20Bills.gif[/IMG]24. Everything rests on how second year man Trent Edwards performs. Lee Evans is a great and Marshawn Lynch is going to be a good one as well but they need good, consistent QB play. It doesnt help that they are in the Pats division either.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/St%20Louis%20Rams.gif[/IMG]25. The Rams had a horrible year last season but thier O-line was pretty beat up and injured. Bulger, Holt, and Steven Jackson are still here. If they can just get better play on the defensive side of the ball then they will drastically improve from last season.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Chicago%20Bears.gif[/IMG]26. The Bears are finally going with Kyle Orten as the starter. A move they should have made two seasons ago. Devin Hester is back and will once again be a factor on special teams. The Defense will once again be among the leagues best but they have issues at the RB position after releasing problem child, Cedric Benson. Look for another down year in Chicago.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Baltimore%20Ravens.gif[/IMG]27. The Ravens are not going to win many games this season. Ray Lewis is on his last legs and thier QB position is a mess. Rookie Joe Flacco will open the season but without any legitimate WR options to throw too he will struggle. Joey Harrington and Troy Smith are the backups and niether inspires much confindence at this point.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Oakland%20Raiders.gif[/IMG]28. Well the good news is that the Raiders are no longer the joke of the league. The bad news is that they are still not good. They have a bright future with Jamarcus Russell and Darren McFadden though. Those two along with an improved Defense that was already pretty good will help Oakland improve once againg this season. Think 7 wins, which for the Raiders is ALOT.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Kansas%20City%20Chiefs.gif[/IMG]29. Kansas City gained Glen Dorsey but lost Jared Allen. As much as I love Herm Edwards, he just isn't a very good Head coach. Not going to be a very good year for Chief fans. Dwayne Bowe however is going to be a stud at WR.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/San%20Francisco%2049ers.gif[/IMG]30. The Alex Smith saga is over. He lost his starting job to.... whats his name again? J.T. O'sullivan? Wow. Does it get much worse then that? Well at least they got offensive wizard Mike Martz. Maybe he can pull 5-6 wins out of this club.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Miami%20Dolphins.gif[/IMG]31. Miami has nowhere to go but up. Chad Pennington should be able to improve thier record by a few games. Ted Ginn is explosive in the return game and should catch more passes this season. They have Jake Long to improve the line and a new head coach. 3 wins maybe?


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nfl/Atlanta%20Falcons.gif[/IMG]32. The Falcons are just horrible. Nothing reallly more to say. Matt Ryan is a rookie QB but is paid more then Tom Brady.................:scared:

Darius Ali

[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Chicago%20Bulls.gif[/IMG]1.[IMG]http://www.draftexpress.com/headshots/michaelbeasley.jpg[/IMG]
[B]Michael Beasley[/B]-[I]freshman sf/pf from Kansas state. 6-9 235 lbs.[/I]

Michael has been the projected top pick from the start of the college season. He dominated the NCCA as a freshman and led the nation in rebounding. He has an NBA ready body at only 19 years old. Very good footwork and back to the basket moves as well as nice range on his jumpshot. He can knock down the three at a good percentage. The Bulls have lacked a true superstar since the days of Jordan. Beasley is the closest thing to a garunteed allstar that there is in the draft. Remember, the last time the Bulls used a top pick on a guy named Michael? It worked out pretty well.

[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Miami%20Heat.gif[/IMG]2.[IMG]http://www.draftexpress.com/headshots/derrickrose.jpeg[/IMG]
[B]Derrick Rose[/B]-[I]Freshman PG from Memphis. 6-3 180lbs[/I].

Its no secret that Miami wants Rose. He led Memphis to the national championship as a freshman. They did lose that game to Kansas but Derrick really helped his draft stock. Alot of people think he may even go #1 to Chicago. Derrick is not a great shooter but can knock down big shots when needed. He has exceptional ball handling skills and is an above average defender. Plays hard and gets his teamates involved. If Chicago takes Beasley then Rose is a LOCK to be in a Miami uniform nest season.

[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Minnesota%20Timberwolves.gif[/IMG]3.[IMG]http://www.draftexpress.com/headshots/o.j.mayo.jpg[/IMG]
[B]O.J. Mayo-[/B]Freshman SG from USC. 6-4 195 lbs.

This may be a little bit high for Mayo but with his recent strong performances in the NBA pre-draft camps I think his stock is rising. One of the most hyped players ever coming out of highschool, he would would have already been in the league if it were not for the NBA Age limit rules. Mayo has a solid jumper and is very explosive. He penetrates well and passes well for a sg. Could end up playing some PG in the NBA. I see him as a Baron Davis type scoring pg. Minnesota already has a great young post player in Al Jefferson so they can use someone like Mayo in their backcourt. With those two together in a few years the Timberwolves could really have something special.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Seattle%20SuperSonics.gif[/IMG]4.[IMG]http://www.draftexpress.com/headshots/jerrydbayless.jpg[/IMG]
[B]Jerryd Bayless-[/B][I]Freshman PG from Arizona. 6-3 199lbs.[/I]

Seattle needs a PG. Luke Ridnour and Earl Watson are obviously not in the teams long term plans. Jerryd isn't the best defender in the world and may have problems on that end of the court at first but he is an excellent shooter with a sweet stroke. He has often been criticized for being too passive but he picks and chooses his spots to attack. Nice playmaking ability and can push the ball in an uptempo pace. Seattle would be wise to pair him with Durant.

[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Memphis%20Grizzlies.gif[/IMG]5.[IMG]http://www.draftexpress.com/headshots/brooklopez.jpeg[/IMG]
[B]Brook Lopez[/B]-[I]Sophmore Center from Stanford. 7-0 260 lbs.[/I]

Memphis has nice young wing players already in Rudy Gay and last years top pick Mike Conely. They lack a solid big man. Trust me, Kwame Brown is not the answer. Brook may be a bit overated at this point but with the lack of quality centers out there right now he would be a smart choice for Memphis. Very good finishing off the pick and roll and has good hands for a big man. Not the strongest center in the world but can hold his own. Very solid footwork and good shot select in the post. Can go to the drop step and hook shot to score.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/New%20York%20Knicks.gif[/IMG]6.[IMG]http://www.draftexpress.com/headshots/danilogallinari.jpg[/IMG]
[B]Danilo Gallinari[/B]-[I]SF from Armani Jeans Milano in Italy. 6-9 209 lbs.[/I]

Considered one of the most talented players in Europe. Only 19 years old and has a great work ethic. Not very polished just yet but you can see the potential dripping off of him. Needs to improve his shooting but I have no doubt that he will. Would be a good fit in Mike D'Antoni's offense in NY. Compared to a young Hedo Turkoglu.

[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Los%20Angeles%20Clippers.gif[/IMG]7.[IMG]http://www.draftexpress.com/headshots/ericgordon.jpg[/IMG]
[B] Eric Gordon[/B]-[I]Freshman SG from Indiana. 6-3 215 lbs.[/I]

Eric is a fireball of energy and is very strong. I think he should have stayed another year in school. At best he may be another Ben Gordon. Severely undersized for an NBA SG and lacks the handles and PG skills to be a PG. Nate Robinson is actually probably a better comparison of what he will be. If the Clippers can mold him into a PG it would really help because Sean Livingston has been hurt every year so far. Otherwise I see him as a little spark plug off the bench to provide instant offense. Any other year #7 would be high for Eric but this draft isn't the strongest one so he gets lucky and stays in the top ten.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Milwaukee%20Bucks.gif[/IMG]8.[IMG]http://www.draftexpress.com/headshots/kevinlove.jpeg[/IMG]
[B]Kevin Love[/B]-Freshman PF from UCLA. 6-9 255 lbs.

Love is big and strong, two things that will help him on the next level. He has a nice touch around the basket and has the ability to take the contact and finish. Needs to improve his stamina and get in better shape, but they will do that in Training camp. Good court vision and can pass out of the post well. Working on his jumpshot and can occasionally hit the three. With Charlie Villanueva on the outs in Milwaukee I look for the Bucks to snatch up Kevin at number eight.

[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Charlotte%20Bobcats.gif[/IMG]9.[IMG]http://www.draftexpress.com/headshots/royhibbert.jpeg[/IMG]
[B]Roy Hibbert[/B]-[I]Senior Center from Georgetown. 7-2 272 lbs.[/I]

Michael Jordan has made a few questionable moves as a GM. I think he goes for another one here and takes Roy Hibbert out of Georgetown. In most mock drafts Roy is going much lower and thats a shame. He is a senior and very NBA ready. Very good on defense and showed that by averaging over 2 blocks a game last year in college. Nice back to the basket moves and is not a stiff. He has a few go to moves and can score if needed. Can score with hookshots from either side. Also has an improving jumpshot. Jordan isn't the type of guy to rebuild and be patient. He wants to win now. Hibbert and Okafor together form a tough front court.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/New%20Jersey%20Nets.gif[/IMG]10.[IMG]http://www.draftexpress.com/headshots/deandrejordan.jpg[/IMG]
[B]DeAndre Jordan[/B]-[I]Freshman Center from Texas A&M. 7-0 260 lbs.[/I]

New Jersey is in complete rebuilding mode from what I can see. They are shopping Richard Jefferson and moved Jason Kidd late in the season. Jordan is a raw talent that is not ready to contribute too much from the start but has alot of potential. Kind of reminds me of Andrew Bynum. Needs to show alot more love for the game and a better work ethic to impress me. Wasn't even a starter in college so that hurts but 19 year old 7 footers don't come around to often.

[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Indiana%20Pacers.gif[/IMG]11.[IMG]http://www.draftexpress.com/headshots/d.j.augustin.jpg[/IMG]
[B]D.J. Augustine[/B]-[I]Sophmore PG from Texas. 5-11 175 lbs.[/I]

The perfect selection for the Pacers. If he falls to them here they will love it. Tinsley's off the court problems have been wearing thin with Indy brass and they have been searching for a replacement pg. D.J. was quite arguably the best PG in the NCAA last season. Has good court vision and pushes the ball very well, making good decisions. Solid shooting ability and can hit the pull up 3 on the break. Very good at making things happen off the dribble. Very good pick for Indy if they can get him.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Sacramento%20Kings.gif[/IMG]12.[IMG]http://www.draftexpress.com/headshots/anthonyrandolph.jpg[/IMG]
[B]Anothony Randolph[/B][I]-Freshman PF from LSU. 6-11 220 lbs.[/I]

Very good athlete with the ability to put it on the floor and attack off the dribble. Doesn't have much of a jumper at all which hurts but that can improve with time. Only 18 years old. Good rebounder and is still growing. Needs alot of work and takes bad shots but that will improve with age and experiance. Good fit in Sacramento.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Portland%20Trail%20Blazers.gif[/IMG]13.[IMG]http://www.draftexpress.com/headshots/russellwestbrook.jpg[/IMG]
[B]Russell Westbrook[/B][I]-Sophmore PG from UCLA. 6-3 187 lbs.[/I]

Nice mid-range jumpshot and perhaps the most improved player in the country last year. Outstanding first step which helps him beat alot of guards off the dribble. Smart player that isn't selfish and will find the open man. Never panicks and doesn't try to do more then he is capable of. Doesn't force things. Should fit nicely in Portland. Jarrett Jack and Steve Blake don't look to be the future for the Blazers so if they select Westbrook he may compete for the starting job right away.

[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Golden%20State%20Warriors.gif[/IMG]14.[IMG]http://www.draftexpress.com/headshots/kostakoufos.jpg[/IMG]
[B] Kosta Koufos[/B]-[I]Freshman Center from Ohio State. 7-1 245 lbs.[/I]

Kosta had a solid freshman year and impressed alot of people. He has a GREAT shot for a big man and is a finesse player. Another player with loads of potential. May turn out to be the best center in the draft after a few seasons. Very mobile for his size and that will help if he ends up playing for Don Nelson. His range extends out to the three point line so that is another plus for him. He may not last till #14.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Phoenix%20Suns.gif[/IMG]15.[IMG]http://www.draftexpress.com/headshots/brandonrush.jpg[/IMG]
[B]Brandon Rush-[/B][I]Junior SF from Kansas. 6-7 211 lbs.[/I]

Big game player coming of off a national championship victory. That will greatly boost his stock. I think the is one of the most underated players coming out this year. Is very strong and shooting the NBA 3 should be no problem for Rush. Good basketball knowlege and and defend very well. Also very good in transition and if he plays with Steve Nash that will come in handy.

[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Philadelphia%2076ers.gif[/IMG]16.[IMG]http://www.draftexpress.com/headshots/joealexander.jpg[/IMG]
[B]Joe Alexander-[/B][I]Junior SF/PF from West Virginia. 6-8 230 lbs.[/I]

Another raw talent here. Only been playing organized basketball for about 5 years now so has alot to learn. Very nice mid range jumper and solid post moves. Allaround game makes him a very attractive prospect. Good passing ability. Outstanding work ethic. Won't have to be pushed to improve and work on his game. Needs to extend his range if he is going to play the SF position in the NBA.

[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Toronto%20Raptors.gif[/IMG]17.[IMG]http://www.draftexpress.com/headshots/chasebudinger.jpg[/IMG]
[B]Chase Budinger[/B]-[I]Sophmore SF/SG from Arizona. 6-7 190 lbs.[/I]

One of my personal favorites in this years draft. Chase will most likely be a shooting guard in the NBA. Very good shot and deep range. Can handle the ball and finish well in transition. Major struggles on the defense end of the court will keep him from going any higher. Should be an outstanding 6th man/role player on the next level. Has alot of tools that just need a little bit of refinement. Adam Morrison clone.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Washington%20Wizards.gif[/IMG]18.[IMG]http://www.draftexpress.com/headshots/darrellarthur.jpg[/IMG]
[B]Darrell Arthur[/B]-[I]Sophmore PF from Kansas. 6-9 215 lbs.[/I]

Another prospect who will be helped greatly by coming off of a national championship win. Very young at only 20 and has alot of talent. Inconsistency drives coaches crazy. Shows flashes of brilliance but then has stretches of medeocrity. Not the smartest player. He does have a very good turnaround jumper and the ability to score in the post. Good athlete with good quickness for the PF position.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Cleveland%20Cavaliers.gif[/IMG]19.[IMG]http://www.draftexpress.com/headshots/marreesespeights.jpg[/IMG]
[B]Marreese Speights[/B]-[I]PF from Florida. 6-10 245 lbs.[/I]

Cleveland needs a PF desparately. Ben Wallace is not very good. Period. Marreese has the ability to score. He can knock down the 15 foot jumpshot with ease and is very agile. Facing the basket is his strong suit but he can score in the post as well. Solid passer and is somewhat underated. Could end up being a big steal if he lives up to his potential.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Denver%20Nuggets.gif[/IMG]20.[IMG]http://www.draftexpress.com/headshots/javalemcgee.jpg[/IMG]
[B]JaVale McGee[/B]-[I]Sophmore Center from Nevada. 7-0 237 lbs.
[/I]
Marcus Camby is not getting any younger and Denver is going to need a replacement. Nene has had a plethora of medical problems so the Center position in Denver is not set in stone. JaVale is a very good athlete who can run the floor very well. With Iverson and Melo there then running the floor is a must. He reminds me of Tyson Chandler.

[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/New%20Jersey%20Nets.gif[/IMG]21.[IMG]http://www.draftexpress.com/headshots/chrisdouglas-roberts.jpg[/IMG]
[B]Chris Douglas Roberts[/B]-[I]Junior SG from Memphis. 6-7 200 lbs.[/I]

Arguably the best player on Memphis last season. Very mature game and great strength. Tough player who can create his own shot. Finishes well with good scoring instincs and has alot of confidence in his abilities. Had back to back 25 point games in the Tourny helping to get Memphis into the title game last season. NBA ready game at this point. With Richard Jefferson on the block and Vince always in limbo CDR would be a solid pick this late in the draft for New Jersey.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Orlando%20Magic.gif[/IMG]22.[IMG]http://www.draftexpress.com/headshots/mariochalmers.jpeg[/IMG]
[B]Mario Chalmers[/B]-[I]Junior PG from Kansas[/I]. [I]6-1 190 lbs.
[/I]
Mario gets himself into the first round with his heroics in the National Championship. He really isn't a pure pg but will have to learn because there is no way he can play SG in the NBA. Great stroke from outside. I actually played with him a few times in Alaska when he was in highschool. Good at breaking down people off the dribble and hitting the pullup jumper. Orlando may be about to give up on Jameer Nelson so Chalmers may be the safe pick at #22.

[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Utah%20Jazz.gif[/IMG]23.[IMG]http://www.draftexpress.com/headshots/devonhardin.jpeg[/IMG]
[B]DeVon Hardin[/B]-[I]Senior Center from Californial. 6-11 250 lbs[/I]

Tough rugged center. Perfect player for Jerry Sloan. Mehmet Okur is not a physical center. DeVon can come in and change the pace up and give the defense a different look. He is very explosive and is a team player. A project player but could get some minutes in the Utah rotation.


[IMG]http://www.postgamepub.com/images/icons/nba/Seattle%20SuperSonics.gif[/IMG]24.[IMG]http://www.draftexpress.com/headshots/robinlopez.jpg[/IMG]
[B]Robin Lopez[/B]-[I]Sophmore Center from Stanford. 7-0 255 lbs.[/I]

With Robert Swift's injury status unclear, Seattle may opt to take Robin Lopez with the second first round pick that they own. Robin is not as good as his brother Brook but is still a solid prospect. Big soft hands and is fairly physical. He can block shots and rebounds well. More of a defensive minded center but this low in the first round your not going to get the next Patrick Ewing.

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[B] Ty Lawson[/B]-[I]Sophmore PG from North Carolina. 5-11 175 lbs.[/I]

If Ty falls this far in the draft Houston would be smart to select him. Rafer Alston is ok but I don't see them really going places with him at the helm. Ty comes from a big time program that played against big time competition. He is a true PG with very good court vision. Plays hard D and puts alot of pressure on the ball. Nice ball handling skills and is lightning quick.


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[B]Courtney Lee[/B]-[I]Senior SG from Western Kentucky. 6-5 200 lbs.[/I]

The Spurs could use some youth on thier bench. Michael Finley may not be back next season and Lee could step in and provide some scoring and energy off the bench. He is in very good shape and can shoot the ball well. Very athletic defender who plays the passing lanes. Any infusion of youth will do the Spurs good at this point.



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[B]Bill Walker[/B]-[I]Freshman SG from Kansas State. 6-6 225 lbs.[/I]

Due to injuries early on Walker is widely thought of to be a second round pick. I think he has TONS of talent and if he does good in workouts can move up to the first round. He is a very strong and solid SG. Smart player who takes good shots and can physically dominate other SGs. His shot is ever improving and when he is at 100% health he will be a huge steal for whoever takes a chance on him.


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[B]D.J. White[/B]-[I]Senior PF from Indiana. 6-9 230 lbs.[/I]

Memphis isn't very good. D.J. could see some minutes there if they draft him. Solid post scoring skills and shoots a great fg%. Finishes well and is a very good rebounder. Not afraid to throw his weight around and bang down low.

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[B]Jason Thompson-[/B][I]Senior Center from Rider. 6-11 250 lbs.[/I]

Starting to be slim pickings this late in the first round. Jason did average 20-12 last season but for a very small school. Has good potential but I don't see him playing many minutes in Detroit right off the bat. Very physical and sometimes needs to tone it down a bit. May be foul prone in the NBA.


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[B]J.J. Hickson[/B]-[I]Freshman PF from N.C. State. 6-9 242 lbs.[/I]

Will be hard for J.J. to make Boston's roster. One of the best players left as far as the first round selections go but still, when your being drafting this far down nothing is garunteed. Has a solid NBA frame and is very aggresive. He looks to dunk almost everything. Wants to be a big time scorer. Only 19 years old so he will have a nice future for whoever does draft him.

Darius Ali

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Well its been a long time since these two historic franchises have met in the NBA finals. 21 years to be exact. Those were the days when Magic Johnson was running showtime and Larry Bird, healthy back and all, was draining 3's in the Boston backcourt. Twenty one long years since the Celtics have reached the NBA finals. In that time the Lakers have won thier fair share of titles with names like Shaquille O'neal and Kobe Bryant while Boston fans have been for the most part treated to two decades of mediocrity.

Thats all changed now. Danny Ainge set the whole process in motion when he pulled of a few blockbuster trades on draft day to bring in Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. Allen, KG, and Paul Pierce have rejuvinated Boston Celtic Basketball and breathed new life into the epic Los Angeles-Boston rivalry. The "Big Three" stormed through the season finishing with a league best 66-16 record. After a long hard battle through the playoffs which included two very tough 7 game series against the young Atlanta Hawks and the Lebron James led Cavaliers, the Celtics are playing in the NBA Finals and looking to add to their NBA record 16 Championships.

The Lakers on the other hand are somewhat of a surprise team to reach basketball's ultimate stage. With Kobe Bryant's subtile trade demands looming over them before the season started it looked bleak in L.A.

That seems like years ago at this point. The Lakers decided to hang on to Kobe, bring in a familier face in Derrick Fisher and make a big trade of their own in bringing in allstar PF Pau Gasol. Gasol wasted no time in making his presence felt and the Lakers finished as the number one seed in the tough Western Conference with a final record of 57-25.

These two teams have met a total of 10 times in the championship game with Boston pulling out eight wins to the Lakers two. The Lakers will attempt to close the gap starting this thursday when the finals get underway.

Lets break down some of the key matchups in this series.

[B]CENTERS[/B]
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[B]Kendrick Perkins vs Pau Gasol[/B]

While I like Perkins alot and I think he will get better with age and experiance the upper hand has to go to L.A. with this one. Gasol is a former allstar and is just too agile and quick for Perkins to handle. He has an aray of moves on the block and his long arms make it very hard to block his shot. He also has the range to step out and hit the 12-15 foot jumper. Something that Perkins does not. Kendrick is alot stronger the Pau however and if he can use his body to bump, bang, and wear down Gasol it will be a big plus for the Celtics. Lakers get the edge in this one.

[B]POWER FORWARDS[/B]
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[B]Kevin Garnett vs. Lamar Odom[/B]

Kevin Garnett is just an absolute terror. He is one of the most intense players in the league and is a perennial Allstar. The man is hungry for a ring too. Age is becoming a factor for him and he knows it. Lamar Odom cannot gaurd KG one on one. Period. Garnett's footwork is just too good and he also has tremendous range for his size. The only fault that KG has is that at times he my be too unselfish and not assert himself enough on offense. Odom is perfectly comfortable playing the 3rd option role. There is little to no pressure on him to score and he gets alot of his buckets in transition and from offensive rebounds. He is a very good back to the basket player and may be able to get a few pts in the post against KG but not many. All in all this is a good matchup but Kevin Garnett is just the better player overall. Edge to Boston.

[B]SMALL FORWARDS[/B]
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Vladimir Radmonivic vs Paul Pierce

Vladimir is a spot up shooter. A typical European big man with great range on his shot but really has not post game for his 6-10 size. Paul Pierce is a 10 year vet and is one of the best one on one players in the league. He can put up points in bunches and should be able to take Radmonovic off the dribble at will. I don't see Vlad being much of a factor in this series as he is too slow to gaurd Pierce and if his jumper isn't falling then he is an offensive liability. Paul is just as hungry as KG for a ring and has been through all the ups and downs over the years of being a Celtic. Look for him to attack early and often. I see Phil Jackson playing Luke Walton more minutes in this series because he should fair better on defense here. Edge to Boston by a landslide.

[B]SHOOTING GUARDS[/B]
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[B]Ray Allen vs Kobe Bryant[/B]

In my opinion Ray Allen is the key to the series for Boston. No defense in the world is going to stop Kobe Bryant from scoring so lets just throw that out the window from the start. What Ray has to do is to be able to counter Kobe's scoring outbursts with big scoring numbers himself. He is among the alltime leaders is three pointers made and is considered one of the best if not the best pure shooter in the game today. He is coming off of two subpar series vs Cleveland, and Detroit but showed some signs of life in the last two games of the East Finals. If Ray can put up 18-20 a game and shoot a good fg% then that will greatly help the Celtics. Kobe is going to get his regardless and is on a mission to prove that he is the best player of all time. The comparisons to Jordan are endless and winning a championship without Shaq is something Kobe badly wants to accomplish. Edge to the Lakers.

[B]POINT GUARDS[/B]
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[B]Rajon Rondo vs. Derek Fisher[/B]

This is another huge matchup for this series. Derek Fisher has been through wars and has seen it all. He has great leadership skills and can hit the big shot. He plays tough defense and doesn't make many mistakes. Rondo on the other hand is a second year PG in his first year as a fulltime starter. He has played very good basketball and showed alot of improvement over the course of the season. His weakness is his shooting but in my opinion I think thats a bit overhyped. I've seen Rondo knock down jumpers at crucial points of the game. He has more talent the Fisher and more athleticism. Not to mention he has younger legs. His job will be to run the offense and setup the big 3. If he can put up 8-10 points a game Doc Rivers will be happy. This matchup falls into a tie.


[B]BENCHES[/B]

The Lakers have Sasha Vujacic, Jordan Farmar and Ronny Turiaf, and Luke Walton that will all see heavy minutes. Phil Jackson loves to use his bench and is a master at giving them the confidence they need to get the Job done. They are younger and more energetic then Boston's bench. Luke Walton has exceptional passing skills and Jordan Farmar as well as Vujacic are constant threats from downtown.


Boston's key subs are P.J. Brown, Sam Cassell, James Posey and Eddie House. Cassell was brought in because he has two rings already and they can use his shooting and leadership in crucial situations, especially if Rondo shows any signs of big game Jitters. P.J. Brown has had a great postseason so far in limited minutes. He plays hard and does the dirty work. James Posey is the Celtic's best weapon off the bench. He can stroke the 3 and plays great defense. Look for him to be matched up with Kobe alot. In my opinion the both benchs are very solid but Im giving L.A. the slight edge here.


All in all its looks to be a very exciting series. I expect this one to go 7 games. Phil Jackson is going for a record breaking 10th NBA title as a coach. Ironically he is tied right now for the most in NBA history with Red Auerbach who Coached the Celtic to 9 world championships. The Celebrities will be out in full force for these games, especially when they play in L.A. Jack Nicholson wouldn't miss these games for the world, and quite honestly niether would I! I will be glued to the T.V. for each and every play of this series. Regardless of who wins, this will be another great chapter in the legendary rivalry of these to storied franchises.

Darius Ali