SB Nation User Blog: prezofdeath

Hilarious Rocket Fan Banter from 2003

prezofdeath — Fri, 04 Jul 2008 01:29:18 -0000

Hilarious Rocket Fan Banter from 2003

Was googling to see if I could find a video of a sweet Damon Stoudamire to Rasheed Wallace alley oop from back in the day (Damon chucked 'Sheed a lob from well behind half court), and found this link. LOL! It's before we traded 'Sheed---the rumor is out that we want to deal him, and Rocket fans are discussing the merits of taking on 'Sheed.

One guy asks:
"What are the pros and cons of taking 'Sheed?"

Another replies:
"Interestingly, he's a pro and a con."

Haha I just thought it was funny. Link's above if you wanna' read it.

Gameday Thread Contest Winner Announced!

prezofdeath — Thu, 19 Jun 2008 16:54:07 -0000

Well the series is over and according to David Stern, "Red is out there somewhere lighting up a cigar." I highly doubt that, but whatever. It was a great series, and I thoroughly enjoyed watching K*be lose and lose baaaad.

If you were able to make it to any of the gameday threads, hopefully you got the chance to participate in one of the contests; it was a ton of fun to pose the questions and read some of the amusing responses. Here are the questions and results from Game 6.

Question 1: Predict the free-throw spread. (9 points for nailing it, -1 point for every free throw you're off. Minimum of 4 points awarded if you get the team right.)

Answer: Boston +4 (32-28).

Question 2: Who's "Big 3" will play more combined total minutes? (5 points)

Answer: L*kers' by about nine minutes

Question 3: Which single player plays the most minutes? (8 points)(and no, that doesn't mean unmarried. I know what you were thinking).

Answer: K*be

Question 4: How many lead changes will there be? (8 points for nailing it, -2 for every lead change you're off)

Answer: Seven

Question 5: Are the Celtics bringing home the O'Brien trophy or not? Predict the final score spread. (10 points for nailing it, -1 for every point you're off. Minimum of 4 points awarded if you get the team right).

Answer: Celtics by...umm....well I can't count that high, but it was a lot.

Here are your scores from this round:

Outlaw is Rejector: 26
BlueBooYay: 22
bow4meow: 20
Section323: 18
Zaron5551: 16
Garden of ODEN: 6

This puts the final scoreboard at:

Outlaw is Rejector: 52
Section 323: 48
BlueBooYay: 47
Zaron5551: 40
Garden of ODEN: 30
bow4meow: 29
premthegrem: 21
QualityPie: 17
royroty: 16
bforsythe: 14
jksnake99: 11
ptwnblzr: 11
ratbastird: 9
OdenRoyLMA: 8
Sarbonis: 8
monkeybones: 8
nightbluefruit: 6
annthefan: 6
myemic23: 3

Da da da da! Outlaw is Rejector is the big winner! We all congradulate you for your epic win, and are genuinely happy for you, as long as you don't brag like Brian Scalabrine.

For his efforts, he'll get a Starbucks gift card, something that any fan living in the Pacific Northwest can appreciate (except for me--I hate coffee). And thanks to Starbucks' new customize-your-own-giftcard feature, it might even be personalized with his name on it (his name in the picture is a bit smudgy--blame Starbucks).

In the event that he's completely dellusional and shouting, "ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE ," the offer may be subject to negation. See gift card details for complete terms.

Boston vs. Los Angeles Gameday Open Thread (Game 6)

prezofdeath — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 09:10:13 -0000

NBA Finals Game 5: L.A. Lakers vs. Boston Celtics

6:00 PM PST Game-time start on ABC

If you can't watch, you should be able to listen to the game at NBA.com's Audio League Pass Center.

Register all your game-related thoughts, especially if they involved L*ker hating or K*be bashing. Just kidding. If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything at all. And keep it clean. And stay on topic. Always stay on topic. If you really feel the need to go OT, please raise your hand and wait until you're called on.

In just a moment, we'll get to the questions for today and results from Game 5 of our "Prize-to-be-determined" Contest. In case you weren't around for the last few threads, the rules are simple:

I'll come up with some kind of prize to send the winner at the end of the Finals. Each game, I'll ask a series of questions worth various point values, with the point values for the questions increasing each game, so that those who join the contest late still have a shot. Whoever has the most cumulative points after the Celtics win gets the prize.

And yes, I really am working on a prize! I think I've got it down to two items. I might give the winner a choice between the two. I'm pretty sure if you're from the Northwest you will love either choice.

Here is a quick reminder of the score going into last game:

Outlaw is Rejector: 26
Garden of ODEN: 16
royroty: 16
BlueBooYay: 13
Zaron5551: 12
jksnake99: 11
ptwnblzr: 9
ratbastird: 9
OdenRoyLMA: 8
Sarbonis: 8
monkeybones: 8
nightbluefruit: 6
annthefan: 6
bow4meow: 5
QualityPie: 4
Section 323: 4
myemic23: 3
bforsythe: 2

Now here were last games questions, along with the answers:

GAME 5 QUESTIONS

Question 1: Who will score more points? Kobe Bryant, the Celtics' starting backcourt (Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen), or the Celtics' bench? (7 points)

Celtics' Backcourt (Allen + Rondo): 19 points
Kobe Bryant: 25 points

Celtics' Bench: 28 points for the win!

Question 2: How many players will get DNPs? (7 points)

Three: Big Baby, Brian Scalabrine, and Newble McNoobster.

Question 3: At what time mark will Paul Pierce score his first point? (example: 8:00 to go in the first quarter. Or you could say 4:00 gone by in the first quarter. Either way. 12 points for being within 15 seconds, 10 points for being within 30 seconds, 8 points for being within a minute, 6 for being within 2 minutes, 4 for being within 4 minutes, 2 for being within 6 minutes, and 1 point for being within 48 minutes).

Pierce scores with 6:25 to go in the first (or 5:35 elapsed, whichever way you prefer to think about it).

Question 4: Will one of the coaches get a technical foul? (4 points)

Nope. Fisher got one, which suprised me. I believe Radmonavich did as well. Neither coach got T'd up though.

Question 5: Celtics by 4+, Lakers by 4+, or is the final score decided by 3 points or less ? (6 points)

Lakers by 4+ (unfortunately).

So here are the results from the game. I am pretty sure I got everybody, but the list seems kind of small. If I missed you or made a mistake, fire me an email and I'll ask my secretary to send you a box of chocolates to make up for it.

Game 5 results:

Section323: 26 points
premthegrem: 21 points
QualityPie: 13 points
BlueBooYay: 12 points
bforsythe: 12 points
Zaron5551: 12 points
Garden of ODEN: 8 points
bow4meow: 4 points
ptwnblzr: 2 points

This gives us a current standing of:

Section 323: 30
Outlaw is Rejector: 26
Garden of ODEN: 24
BlueBooYay: 25
Zaron5551: 24
premthegrem: 21
QualityPie: 17
royroty: 16
bforsythe: 14
jksnake99: 11
ptwnblzr: 11
ratbastird: 9
bow4meow: 9
OdenRoyLMA: 8
Sarbonis: 8
monkeybones: 8
nightbluefruit: 6
annthefan: 6
myemic23: 3

As is evident, Section323 demonstrated that you can come back from the grave, and Outlaw is Rejector demonstrated that if you build up a lead, you can afford to take a quick smoke break and still be in the running. Hopefully he doesn't stay away too long; he was dominating earlier, and I luuuv domination.

At any rate, here are tonight's questions:

Question 1: Predict the free-throw spread. (9 points for nailing it, -1 point for every free throw you're off. Minimum of 4 points awarded if you get the team right.)

Question 2: Who's "Big 3" will play more combined total minutes? (5 points)

Question 3: Which single player plays the most minutes? (8 points)(and no, that doesn't mean unmarried. I know what you were thinking).

Question 4: How many lead changes will there be? (8 points for nailing it, -2 for every lead change you're off)

Question 5: Are the Celtics bringing home the O'Brien trophy or not? Predict the final score spread. (10 points for nailing it, -1 for every point you're off. Minimum of 4 points awarded if you get the team right).

Alright 15 and a half hour break and we'll all witness history. Wait...I'm witnessing history right now; everyone is always witnessing history. Anyway, good luck with the predictions, and let's get ready to Rondo some fools.

Boston vs. Los Angeles Gameday Open Thread (Game 5)

prezofdeath — Sun, 15 Jun 2008 08:04:23 -0000

NBA Finals Game 5: L.A. Lakers vs. Boston Celtics

6:00 PM PST Game-time start on ABC

If you can't watch, you should be able to listen to the game at NBA.com's Audio League Pass Center.

Register your pre-game anticipation to see Kobe a Kryin', Phil a Phryin', and their shot at starting a new Dynasty a Dyin'. Post your in-game thoughts, ramblings, and rants, and be sure to keep a TiH-approved bottle of rum handy to celebrate alongside the Celtics. Just don't let your wife know if you get any on the carpet.

In just a moment, we'll get to the questions for today and results from Round 2 and 3 of our "Prize-to-be-determined" Contest. In case you weren't around for the last few threads, the rules are simple:

Here is a quick reminder of the scoring thus far:

Game 1

Outlaw is Rejector: 4

jksnake99, BlueBooYay, and Ptwnblzr: 1

Game 2:
OdenRoyLMA, BlueBooYay , Sarbonis, Garden of ODEN, royroty, and Outlaw is Rejector: 8

ptwnblzr, Zaron5551, QualityPie, annthefan, and Section323: 4

bforsythe and ratbastird: 2

Last game's questions (game 3...I missed game 4, and am just getting to game 3's results):

1. Which is greater: Rondo's assist total, Garnett's rebound total, Pau Gasol's flop total, or Derek Fisher's point total? (5 points)

Answer: Kevin G had twelve boards, besting Fisher's six points and Rondo's four assists.

2. Will Powe score over 10 points? (3 points)

No. Powe was a no show no go, and scored only one point.

3. Who drains the first three of the second half? (6 points)

Eddie House with 6:44 to go in the third period. Interestingly, for the first four minutes of the second half not one 3 ball was even attempted.

4. Predict the winner for the game and the point spread. (7 points for exactly nailing it, and one fewer point for each point you're off).

Fakers won it, 87-81, for a spread of 6 points.

Here is the point breakdown for that game (game 3):

Outlaw is Rejector: 14
jksnake99: 10
Garden of ODEN: 8
Zaron5551: 8
royroty: 8
monkeybones: 8
nightbluefruit: 6
bow4meow: 5
BlueBooYay 3 + 1 creativity bonus = 4
ptwnblzr: 4
myemic23: 3
annthefan: 0 + 1 mercy point + 1 point for being annthefan = 2

This gives us a running total of the following:

Congrats to everyone who has participated so far. Good luck with tonight's questions, which will be introduced...well..uh...now.

GAME 5 QUESTIONS

Question 1: Who will score more points? Kobe Bryant, the Celtics' starting backcourt (Rajon Rondo and Ray Allen), or the Celtics' bench? (7 points)

Question 2: How many players will get DNPs? (7 points)

Question 3: At what time mark will Paul Pierce score his first point? (example: 8:00 to go in the first quarter. Or you could say 4:00 gone by in the first quarter. Either way. 12 points for being within 15 seconds, 10 points for being within 30 seconds, 8 points for being within a minute, 6 for being within 2 minutes, 4 for being within 4 minutes, 2 for being within 6 minutes, and 1 point for being within 48 minutes).

Question 4: Will one of the coaches get a technical foul? (4 points)

Question 5: Celtics by 4+, Lakers by 4+, or is the final score decided by 3 points or less ? (6 points)

Good luck! Here's hoping this is the Celtics tomorrow:

Boston vs. Los Angeles Gameday Open Thread (Game 3)

prezofdeath — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:16:34 -0000

NBA Finals Game 3: L.A. Lakers vs. Boston Celtics

6:00 PM PST Game-time start on ABC

If you can't watch, you should be able to listen to the game at NBA.com's Audio League Pass Center.

Register your pre-game anticipation to see Al CaPOWEn can Kobe, your in-game thoughts concerning how sickly sick (in a bad way) Phil Jack is, your "the refs are HORRIBLE" accusations, and your post-game mockery of Mark Jackson comparing Powe to Dr. J.

In just a moment, we'll get to the questions from Round 3 our "Prize-to-be-determined" Contest. In case you weren't around for the last two threads, the rules are simple:

With that I sincerely apologize for not having the scores all up and ready. I was going to do that this afternoon before posting this, but I had some unexpected stuff come up (essay for school AND we're getting audited at work, so I gotta' get some paperwork together for that), so I will have the scores for last game AND this game included in the game four thread---really----I will.

Last game's questions:

1. Who goes off for more points, K*be Bryant or Paul Pierce? (2 points)

Kobe went off for 30, slightly beating our Pierce's 28.

2. Which player (any player from either team) will get the first slam dunk of the game? (5 points)

Lamar Odom had a dunk about 52 seconds into the game.

3. Will the last shot taken be a three pointer, two point jump shot, layup, dunk, or free throw? (4 points)

The last shot taken was a desperation three pointer by the Fakers at the buzzer.

4. I've been working on this question allllll weekend: Who you got? L*kers or Celtics? (2 points)

Celtics beat the Lakers like one of their red-headed Irish stepchildren

Alright, here are the questions for tonight's game. You must have them in by the beginning of the game to receive full credit. If you answer after the whistle, you might get some credit, but try to get them in early if you want 100% cred.

1. Which is greater: Rondo's assist total, Garnett's rebound total, Pau Gasol's flop total, or Derek Fisher's point total? (5 points) (kidding about the flop total, unless you can quantitatively prove it with video highlights of his flops)

2. Will Powe score over 10 points? (3 points)

3. Who drains the first three of the second half? (6 points)

4. Predict the winner for the game and the point spread. (7 points for exactly nailing it, and one fewer point for each point you're off).

Good luck! Hopefully I'll get off work in time to make the game. Let's go Powe!

Boston vs. Los Angeles Gameday Open Thread (Game 2)

prezofdeath — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 06:05:02 -0000

NBA Finals Game 2: L.A. Lakers @ Boston Celtics

6:00 PM PST Game-time start on ABC

If you can't watch, you should be able to listen to the game at NBA.com's Audio League Pass Center.

Register your pre-game anticipation to see Brian Scalabrine, your in-game thoughts concerning how overrated Kobe is, your Bill Plaschke-inspired "Paul Pierce is a faker" accusations, and your post-game ridicule of Phil Jackson, just because you can.

In just a moment, we'll get to the results from Round One of our "Prize-to-be-determined" Contest, as well as the questions for tonight's game. In case you weren't around for the last thread, the rules are simple:

Game 1 Questions and Answers:

Before the end of the game, correctly identify which player will score the last point of the game: Ray Allen (Free throw with 0:16 to go)

Before the end of the game, identify whom will commit the last foul of the game.: Sasha Vujacic (Foul on Ray Allen with 0:16 to go)

Before the end of the game, correctly identify which player will commit the last turnover: Paul Pierce (Bad pass stolen by Odom with 2:00 to go)

Thank you for all who participated. Good guesses, but only Outlaw is Rejector scored:

Outlaw is Rejector:

Last Point = Kobe
Last Foul = Pierce
Last Turnover = Pierce (3 points awarded!)

I also awarded a bonus point to everyone who participated, so the scoreboard looks like this:

Outlaw is Rejector: 4

jksnake99, BlueBooYay, and Ptwnblzr: 1

Here are the questions for tonight's game. You must have them in by the beginning of the game to receive credit.

Tonight's questions:

1. Who goes off for more points, K*be Bryant or Paul Pierce? (2 points)

2. Which player (any player from either team) will get the first slam dunk of the game? (5 points)

3. Will the last shot taken be a three pointer, two point jump shot, layup, dunk, or free throw? (4 points)

4. I've been working on this question allllll weekend: Who you got? L*kers or Celtics? (2 points)

One last tidbit:

It wasn't a problem in the last thread, since I didn't even open the post until 20 minutes after the game started, but for this thread, if you recommend it (which I'm all for), let's try unrecommending after the game is over. They're fun for the duration of the game, but afterwards let's dethrone it (heck, I've always wanted to dethrone a rec'd post!). This will ensure brilliant Blazersedge community content has room to rise to the top, and isn't hindered by three gameday threads hogging the top. So rec it now (if you wish), just be sure to unrec it after the game.

Boston vs. Los Angeles Gameday Open Thread (Game 1)

prezofdeath — Fri, 06 Jun 2008 01:24:32 -0000

NBA Finals Game 1: L.A. Lakers @ Boston Celtics

6:00 PM PST Game-time start on ABC

Register your pre-game anticipation (errr...never mind. This post wasn't up for the pregame) of seeing K*be go to work (oh wait, you didn't want to see that did you), your in-game astonishment that he's scoring so effortlessly, your post-game condemnations of the Celtics for allowing K*be to go off for a ton of points, your deep desire to see the Blazers in this position of being in the NBA Finals, and all your other game-related thoughts right here.

Don't forget to make your predictions for the Contest!

Update: There really will be a contest!

I was joking about the Contest, but there really ought to be a Contest of some sort, so here's the game:

Before the end of the game, correctly identify which player will score the last point of the game. (3 points)

Before the end of the game, identify whom will commit the last foul of the game. (3 points)

Before the end of the game, correctly identify which player will commit the last turnover. (3 points)

I'll come up with some kind of prize to send the winner at the end of the Finals. Whoever has the most cumulative points will win a prize. I'll weight this contest (the first game) lower than the other ones, as there wasn't much time to participate, and as such I'm guessing not everyone was ready. The games will successively increase in point value, so that will give players who join in Game 2 or 3 a chance to catch up.

Update: Thanks JkSnake99 for providing a link to LISTEN TO THE GAME via nba.com if you can't watch it.

Update: Game over! Boston wins 98-88. We had some great discussion, and I'm hoping to do another thread for Sunday's game. I've just finished tallying up the scores from the "Prize-to-be-determined" Contest, and I will be sure to post them with the next gameday thread. There'll be a few new questions posted as well, so once the thread is open, be sure to get your predictions in.

Also, I suggest that if you recommend these game-day threads that you unrecommend them after the game!

It wasn't a problem with this thread, since I didn't even open the post until 20 minutes after the game started, but in the future, if you recommend a gameday thread (which I'm all for), let's try unrecommending after the game is over. No one really reads these things after the game, so unrec them and ensure the brilliant Blazer community content has room to rise to the top.

Is K*be Bryant a true leader?

prezofdeath — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 17:02:19 -0000

Alright, I generally don't get too worked up about talk radio shows, but this morning I was just laughing out loud at Collin Cowherd. He was preaching that Kobe is a true leader. I'll try to reiterate what the Herd said about Kobe:

Kobe's just a great leader. He's the best in the game, and this summer he knew his team wasn't going anywhere unless the management stepped up and made a deal. He backed Mitch Kupchak into a corner this summer by revealing to certain members of the media that he either wanted to be traded or have some help brought in. And look at the result. Now they're in the Finals. That's just a true leader right there. Stop drinking the Hatorade. The guy's a leader. He did the heavy lifting, and now look at them.

I seriously laughed. I've always been taught that leaders lead by example, lead by example, lead by serving.

Just at the beginning of the year, the media (likely including Herd) was crucifying Kobe for crying about his situation. Kobe wanted to trade Bynum for Kidd for crying out loud!

Kobe isn't the hero this season. Bynum came in and stepped up his game to a whole new level. Fisher brought a calming influence to the roster. Odom finally found his place.

Maybe I've just had to much Hatorade, but I found this so outrageous that I actually called in (I never do that) and got on the air and talked to Herd about it. He simply refuted my claims with "That's what great leaders do."

So, bearing in mind most of us are biased, what do you think about Kobe? Is he a leader? We bash "bandwagon" fans all the time------is Kobe a "bandwagon" leader?

Poll

Is K*be Bryant a true leader?

Nice tribute to the Blazers' season. Most of us have seen the highlights, but I thought it was we...

prezofdeath — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 00:03:15 -0000

Nice tribute to the Blazers' season. Most of us have seen the highlights, but I thought it was well put together and had an epic music score.

Ranking the league's brightest stars: Top 25 SGs

prezofdeath — Fri, 30 May 2008 01:32:04 -0000

Here comes the weekend, and with it comes the latest edition of Ranking the League's Brightest Stars. And now, for your viewing pleasure, the top 25 SGs. I was very tempted to throw in SFs with the SGs, but I felt it would be a little silly to be comparing the likes of Brandon Roy, clearly a 6'6 guard, with someone like Kevin Durant, a 6'10 forward. I did my best to differentiate between guard and forward, and if I couldn't tell, I sometimes resorted to checking the team's roster on their website. Feel free to disagree with some of my choices.

Remember, my inputs I use for ranking include a player's age, statistical output, contract status, and my general "feel" of the guy. Again, though it's not my favorite statistical analysis tool, I use the Efficiency Per Game to give a quick snapshot of what each player brings to the table statistically. It's not the best, but it's serviceable (kind of like our point guard situation).

For those unfamiliar with the system, here it is in a nutshell:

EFF = ((Points + Rebounds + Assists + Steals + Blocks) - ((Field Goals Att. - Field Goals Made) + (Free Throws Att. - Free Throws Made) + Turnovers))

Again, the order of ranking uses these aforementioned factors to determine which players offer the best shot at getting to a title in a reasonable time period. Also taken into consideration is a player's jersey number, now included in his snapshot profile. This is perhaps the most crucial element of the analysis, as it is a TiH-approved method for judging teams' and their respective players' skills.

So without further ado, here they are:

1. K*be Bryant, L*kers

Number: 24
Age: 29
EPG: 26.8
Contract: three years, $69.1 M ($23.0 M per)
His salary is outlandish, but hey, he's the MVP. Kobe is the league’s best one-on-one player, contains the most straight up skills, and has an insanely competitive spirit. This year, he's even added some leadership to his game. It'll be interesting to see how he and his team fare against whatever offering the East puts forth. Anyone else besides Tom dreading a Lakers-Celtics matchup?

2. Brandon Roy, Blazers

Number: 7

Age: 23
EPG: 19.4
Contract: three years, $12.2 M ($4.1 M per)

For the entire time I typed this post, I had Wade at the number two and Roy at number three, until right at the end. I figured Roy at two is homerish, but after much thought and consideration, I think Roy is the clear number two choice. Roy's got character, class, leadership skills, a nicer contract than Wade, and a fairly comparable game. Roy didn't have much to work with two seasons ago year, and this year had a youthful team that, according to history, should have stunk. Nevertheless, unlike Wade's team, who underperformed, Roy's team outperformed. Brandon helped guide them to 41-41record in a tough Western Conference, as opposed to Wade's team failing so miserably that Pat Riley ran away. Call me a homer, but I'd take Roy over Wade.

3. Dwyane Wade, Heat

Number: 3
Age: 26
EPG: 21.8
Contract: three years, $47.3 M ($15.8 M per)
Wade is extremely difficult to guard and almost single handedly beat the Mavericks in the ’06 Finals. Unfortunately, it appeared he went into coast mode that summer, and he seemed to spend more time at Disneyland, photo shoots, and filming ads than actually working on his game. He has been bothered by a series of nagging injuries as of late, which makes one wonder if his future is as bright as it once was, especially after he couldn't get his team out of last place in the league.

4. Manu Ginobili, Spurs

Number: 20
Age: 30
EPG: 19.9
Contract: two years, $20.6 M ($10.3 M per)
Despite the Spurs exit from the playoffs, they look like a team to reckon with. If you don't think so, go voice your opinion at EngineerScotty's Spurs Poll (he's got about 99 poll options to choose from). Manu's game is fairly solid all-around, and he ain't bad in the clutch to say the least. If he can stay healthy, and stop the flop, perhaps I'll be rooting for him and the Spurs next year. Perhaps.

5. Kevin Martin, Kings

Number: 23
Age: 25
EPG: 19.8
Contract: five years, $55.5 M ($11.1 M per)
It looks like the Kings got a pretty good deal when they locked Martin up. He’s a terrific shooter and he should be able to anchor the Kings offensively for the remainder of his contract.

6. Richard Hamilton, Pistons

Number: 32
Age: 30
EPG: 16.4
Contract: two years, $22.0 M ($11.0 M per)

Rip just keeps chugging along. The guy has always been a terrific midrange shooter, but over the last three years he’s improved his accuracy from long range (44% in 2007-08), which has made his offensive game even more dangerous. Healso moves well without the ball, which becomes quickly apparent in this TNT Insider video. He’s a tireless defender and has a great work ethic, so his game shouldn’t decline as fast as most post-30 players. Moreover, he’s affordable.

7. Andre Iguodala, Sixers

Number: 9
Age: 24
EPG: 20.1
Contract: restricted free agent
Iguodala has flourished since Iverson departed, and has the numbers to prove he's a valid number-one option. As far as his contract goes, it’s going to be interesting to see how much the Sixers end up paying him. I have a feeling it will be more than what Martin makes, which is why he’s below him on this list.

8. Tracy McGrady, Rockets

Number: 1
Age: 28
EPG: 18.8
Contract: two years, $44.3 M ($22.2 M per)
I think it’s clear that you can’t build around T-Mac (and his huge salary) and expect to win in the playoffs. Still, he's one of the most dangerous shooting guards in the game, even though he has a creaky back. Maybe their huge win streak was evidence that they have the potential to dominate the league; on the other hand, maybe them getting smoked in the first round is evidence they can't. Yah, Yao was injured, but nevertheless, I just don't see T-Mac and Yao ever getting it done. Tracy lacks the passion and ruthlessness to be a top-five SG in this league.

9. Jason Richardson, Bobcats

Number: 23

Age: 27
EPG: 19.0
Contract: three years, $39.9 M ($13.3 M per)
His contract is little on the pricey side, but J-Rich returned to form this season to anchor the Bobcats offensively.

10. Joe Johnson, Hawks

Number: 2
Age: 26
EPG: 19.6
Contract: two years, $29.2 M ($14.6 M per)
Johnson is a young kid with upside who helped the Hawks make some noise against the Celtics. Still, his 14.6 mil contract isn't too appealing to most.

11. Stephen Jackson, Warriors

Number: 1
Age: 30
EPG: 17.0
Contract: two years, $14.8 M ($7.4 M)
Jackson’s reputation has him seriously underrated. His contract is a bargain for what he brings to the table. The Warriors would struggle to be a .500 team without him. He would be higher, but he's past the 30-year mark, and things are only downhill from here.

12. Mike Miller, Grizzlies

Number: 33
Age: 28
EPG: 18.1
Contract: two years, $18.8 M ($9.4 M per)
Miller’s contract is fairly affordable considering his production. He’s one of the best pure shooters in the league and has a pretty solid all-around game. If he were a little more athletic and a little younger, maybe the Blazers would have been interested in the Outlaw trade proposal. But, he's not, so I'll side with the Big Easy and AnntheFan is saying that Outlaw should never be traded.

13. Michael Redd, Bucks

Number: 22
Age: 28
EPG: 18.4
Contract: three years, $51.1 M ($17.0 M per)
After seven straight seasons of improving his game, Redd took a step back last season. Improving his shot selection and learning to make his teammates better around him are Redd's next steps.

14. Ray Allen, Celtics

Number: 20
Age: 32
EPG: 15.9
Contract: two years, $36.2 M ($18.1 M per)
Allen is an NBA great whose star is fading fast. He's 32, got a huge contract, and hasn't done squat for the Celtics thus far into the playoffs.

15. Vince Carter, Nets

Number: 15

Age: 31
EPG: 21.6
Contract: three years, $48.8 M ($16.3 M per)Carter is getting on in years and since he relies on his athleticism, age may hurt him more than most. His contract is long and expensive for a guy his age, and he really hasn't had a history of winning anything besides the Slam Dunk Contest in 2000. I guess his career has some meaning, if only for his epic slam back in the Olympics over some 7'2" French dude.

16. Ronnie Brewer, Jazz

Number: 9
Age: 23
EPG: 13.3
Contract: three years, $8.3 M ($2.8 M per)
If he can ever fix that busted jump shot, watch out. Brewer has all the other tools to be an excellent player, and he's got an extremely reasonable contract.

17. Randy Foye, Timberwolves

Number: 4
Age: 24
EPG: 11.8
Contract: three years, $11.2 M ($3.7 M per)
Foye bounced back from a knee injury to have a pretty solid season for the new look Timberwolves. He has a solid all-around game and nice upside. Unfortunately for Kevin McHale, Foye and Roy. You my friend, were Pritch-Slapped.

18. Ben Gordon, Bulls

Number: 7
Age: 25
EPG: 14.8
Contract: restricted free agent
Gordon’s contract situation makes him tough to rank. He’s a phenomenal scorer, but is only average in other parts of the game. He turned down an extension that would have paid him $10 million a season, so if he signs a deal like that, he’ll be pricey for what he brings to the table.

19. Jamal Crawford, Knicks

Number: 11
Age: 28
EPG: 16.1
Contract: one year, $8.6 M
Crawford needs to improve his shot selection, but there’s no doubt that the guy can score. He’s actually a nice fit as an off guard in Mike D’Antoni’s up-tempo attack, so the 2008-09 season will go a long way to determine the direction his career is headed.

20. Mickael Pietrus, Warriors

Number: 2
Age: 26
EPG: 8.7
Contract: free agent
Pietrus is an athletic, versatile wing who fell out of Don Nelson’s favor and was limited by a strained hamstring. His stock is low enough that he’ll likely be a good bargain for whichever team manages to sign him.

21. Anthony Parker, Raptors

Number: 18
Age: 32
EPG: 13.5
Contract: one year, $4.6 M
The only problem with Parker’s all around game is his age. He’s a terrific shooter and is happy to do all the little things.

22. John Salmons, Kings

Number: 15
Age: 28
EPG: 12.9
Contract: three years, $16.4 M ($5.5 M per)
Salmons is a versatile guy who can play three positions. He’s in his prime and his contract is very affordable.

23. Rashad McCants, Timberwolves

Number: 1
Age: 23
EPG: 11.3
Contract: two years, $6.2 M ($3.1 M per)
Injuries limited his sophomore season, but McCants came back and averaged almost 15 points a game for the Timberwolves. He doesn’t do much else, but the guy can certainly shoot it. And for such a mediocre player, he sure does have a cool website.

24. DeShawn Stevenson, Wizards

Number: 2
Age: 27
EPG: 10.7
Contract: three years, $11.6 M ($3.9 M per)
Known more for silly feuds with LeBron than his own game, Stevenson is a nice defender and a decent three-point shooter. This season wasn't his best campaign, but at 27 he's still got a window to improve. Man was this guy fun to play with on NBA Live 2003.

25. Raja Bell, Suns

Number: 19
Age: 31
EPG: 12.0
Contract: two years, $10.3 M ($5.2 M per)
Bell is getting on in years, but he can still defend and shoot the three. I could have put in a couple other guys. This guy was on the bubble, but since some of my friends affectionately call me Raja Bell (based on one of them calling me "Raja" after seeing me wear my orange Tatum Bell Denver Broncos jersey), numéro 19 gets the nod.

Feel free to shout if you disagree.

Once again, thanks to John Paulsen, wherever you are.

And to conclude, MY vote for our SG of the future: