NFC West Preview and Predictions

1. San Francisco 49ers - 10-6
Former top overall pick, Quarterback Alex Smith played his way into another shot to the the starter in San Francisco. In his first few seasons, Smith could not live up to the expectations of being a franchise QB. In his first three seasons as a starter, Smith threw 19 TD's and 31 interceptions, that's not the output a team wants from a player they build their franchise around. Midway through the 2007 season, Smith was benched, and he didn't play at all in 2008. Last season, however, Smith got a second chance, and he took advantage of it. In 10 starts in 2009, Smith threw for 18 TD's, 12 interceptions and 2,350 yards. That career best 10 game stretch that Smith put together solidified him as the starting QB in the 2010 season. The 49ers have quietly put together a good offense around Smith. Frank Gore is one of the best RB's in the NFL and TE Vernon Davis has tremendous speed and skill at his position. The only question mark I see with this offense is at the Wide Receiver position. Michael Crabtree has yet to prove himself as a NFL wide out, but he does have the ability. Ted Ginn Jr. came over from Miami in the offseason, and he fits in as a slot receiver that Smith can count on to make sure handed catches. Overall, if Alex Smith can keep it together for an entire season, I like the 49ers offense.
The defense in San Francisco is nothing to sleep on. They have one of the NFL's best group of Linebackers with Patrick Willis, Takeo Spikes, Parys Haralson and Manny Lawson. In 2009, those four guys combined for 19.5 sacks, 7 forced fumbles and 3 interceptions. The Niners also have a lockdown Cornerback in Nate Clements, and another Cornerback who is primed for a huge year in Shawntae Spencer. San Francisco is gonna benefit greatly from the departure Kurt Warner.

2. Arizona Cardinals - 6-10
I think the Cards will quickly get over the break up with Matt Leinart, but with Kurt Warner gone, the starting QB job has been handed over to Derek Anderson. Some of you may remember the one taste of success that Anderson had with the Browns back in 2007 when he threw for 29 TD's and nearly 3,800 yards, the Cardinals hope that Anderson can come up with another season just like that in 2010. There are plenty of guys on the Cardinals offense that can help Anderson achieve success in 2010, WR Larry Fitzgerald is easily a top five wide out in the league, Steve Breaston is a good slot receiver, and the combo of Tim Hightower and Chris " Beanie" Wells in the back field can be very effective. It's up to Anderson to keep the offense on track.
Arizona's defense took a huge blow when LB Karlos Dansby left for Miami, but the Cards defense should still be feared a bit. Defensive Tackles Darnell Dockett and Calais Campbell each had 7 sacks in 2009, and the Linebacking core led by veterans Joey Porter and Clark Haggans has the chance to be very dangerous. Arizona's secondary is also very dangerous, starting with CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, who had 6 interceptions and 3 forced fumbles in 2009. Safeties Kerry Rhodes and Adrian Wilson combined for 8 interceptions last season.

3. Seattle Seahawks - 4-12
First year Coach Pete Carroll has his work cut out for him. Many were surprised that he left his lofty position as Head Coach at USC, but soon realized that Carroll was escaping NCAA sanctions for recruiting violations. Carroll inherits a Seahawks team that is not exactly a well rounded team, especially on offense. Quarterback Matt Hasselbeck is still a serviceable player, when he is healthy, and staying healthy has been his biggest problem over the last few seasons. Seattle will start third year RB Justin Forsett who had a very productive 2009 season despite limited action. Forsett ran the ball only. 114 times but gained 619 yards (5.4 yards per carry) and scored 4 TD's. Carroll surprisingly cut WR T.J. Houshmandzadeh, who was the Seahawks best receiver only a year ago. What was even more shocking was that Carroll cut him in favor of former USC WR and draft bust Mike Williams. Williams was drafted 10th overall in 2005 by the Detroit Lions, but never lived up to the high expectations. Carroll must be trying to get back the USC glory days.
The weakness of the Seahawks defense is their Defensive Line, their front four only combined for 4.5 sacks in 2009. The Linebackers are led by sixth year man Lofa Tatupu, but second year LB Aaron Curry will be the anchor of this defensive unit. Seattle's secondary is mixed with experience, Marcus Trufant and Lawyer Milloy, and inexperience with rookie DB out of Texas, Earl Thomas. Thomas will learn a lot from Trufant and Milloy this season, let's just hope he's listening.

4. St. Louis Rams - 3-13
The Rams are in rebuilding mode, and Sam Bradford is not a bad way to start the process. I can't give many stats on Bradford because college football doesn't come close to the NFL, but the Rams didn't make him the first overall pick in 2010 for no reason. Like any rookie, Bradford will have some major growing pains. I think he has the skill and maturity to handle the rough times with an open mind and work through them properly. Bradford will eventually be a good QB in the NFL, but 2010 will be a true test of will. Running Back Steven Jackson will provide Bradford with someone who can bail him out. Not only is Jackson a fantastic runner, but in my view, he is the best receiving RB in the NFL. Bradford can find a lot of peace in handing or throwing the ball to the ultra talented Steven Jackson. The Rams receivers will not provide Bradford with the same sense of peace, however, their inexperience may be detrimental to the development of the highly touted QB. Their number one WR Laurent Robinson's highest catch total in a season is only 37, I am extremely surprised that the Rams front office didn't make a move for a veteran receiver who could give Sam Bradford some stability.
The Rams defense has a couple of nice pieces with third year DE Chris Long, veteran LB Na'il Diggs, rookie LB James LaurinaitIs and Free Safety OshIomogho Atogwe. The good players this defense possesses will not make up for how many holes opposing offenses will be able to expose.

AFC East Preview and Predictions

1. NY Jets - 12-4

Second year QB Mark Sanchez showed flashes of both brilliance, and stupidity last year in his first NFL season, finishing it off with 12 TD's and 20 interceptions and nearly 2,500 passing yards. The experience as a full time NFL starter in his rookie season will prove to be invaluble. I have a feeling that "Sanchize" will cut down on the interceptions and have more confidence in himself going into the 2010 season. With the departure of RB Thomas Jones, second year man Shonn Greene out of Iowa will get the nod as the Jets starting RB. Greene saw limited time last season behind Jones, but when he got the ball, he did good things with it. In 14 games, Greene rushed the ball 108 times for 540 yards (5.0 yards per carry), and scored 2 touchdowns. The Jets brass is expecting big things out of Greene, as am I. Sanchez needs one of his recievers to step up and take the role of the go-to-guy, and that could be newly acquired Santonio Holmes. Holmes was acquired in the offseason from Pittsburgh after the Steelers heard of his four game suspension for violating the leagues' substance abuse policy. When Holmes is eligible to play, look for Sanchez to take comfort in having him on the field.

The Jets defense is extremely talented. Yesterday, the Green and White finally came to a contract agreement with All-Pro DB Darrell Revis after a long hold out. The defensive line is led by Shaun Ellis and Kris Jenkins, who cause a lot of trouble for opposing offensive lineman. Linebacker Bart Scott is a do everything guy, and brings the intensity and toughness he learned from Ray Lewis in Baltimore. The real strength on this defensive unit are the defensive backs, Revis, Antonio Cromartie, Jim Leonhard, Brodney Pool and rookie out of Boise State, Kyle Wilson are all lockdown defenders at their position. The Jets defense will be one of the top three defenses in the league, and will be the sole reason for at least three wins in 2010.

2. New England Patriots - 11-5

When healthy, Tom Brady is a top three QB in the NFL, and guess what, he's healthy. Brady has nearly the same exact offense from 2007 when he threw for almost 5,000 yards and connected on 50 touchdowns. I am expecting another Bradyesque season in 2010. I like the combo of Fred Taylor and Laurence Maroney in the back field. Taylor is a wiley veteran who still has a ton of ability, while Maroney has shown flashes of greatness in the past, but seems a bit disinterested at times. I think the Patriots front office brought in Taylor to teach Maroney what it takes to be a good player and teammate. From the moment Moss arrived on scene in New England, he and Brady were an unstoppable force. In 2007, Brady and Moss connected on 23 TD's (an NFL record) and we can expect these two to connect on 13 or more TD's this season. Wes Welker is one of the best slot/possession receivers in the league. In 2007, Welker had 112 receptions, tied with T.J. Houshmandzadeh for most in the NFL. The Patriots offense is very potent, and should emerge as one of the best in 2010.

The big question mark for the New England is their defense. They have a few bright spots with Vince Wilfork up front, Jerod Mayo leading the Linebackers, and Brandon Meriweather breaking through as a young, dynamic DB. As of now, rookie DB Devin McCourty out of Rutgers is listed as the starting right Cornerback, if he is high on Belichick's list, then he must be good. Much like the 2009 season, the Patriots secondary is very questionable and will be tested eary and often.

3. Miami Dolphins - 7-9

The Dolphins have made huge strides over the last couple of seasons. They now have a Quarterback who I like to describe as cool, calm and collected in Chad Henne. Henne didn't have a huge season in 2009, his first as an NFL starter, but he played better than most expected. Now, with one of the best receivers in the NFL on his side in Brandon Marshall, I expect Henne to nearly double his TD total from 2009. Speaking of Marshall, he gives the Dolphins the big time receiver that every NFL team covets. Miami also has a nice one-two punch in the back field with Ronnie Brown and Ricky Williams. Both of these guys, at one time, were successful full-time backs, but injuries and personal issues have resulted in a steady decline in ability. Look for the Dolphins offense to have a solid 2010 season, also look for LeBron James to be roaming the sidelines wearing Dallas Cowboy gear.
The Dolphins defense, like a lot of others in the league, has some bright spots, but more holes. They start two rookies at key positions, Jared Odrick at Defensive End and Koa Misi at Linebacker. Miami does have a couple of supremely talented veterans to show Misi the ropes at the position, Channing Crowder and Karlos Dansby. The Dolphins secondary has two very good players in second year Cornerback Vontae Davis and veteran Strong Safety Yeremiah Bell who spend a lot of their time making up for other peoples missed assignments. Miami may nit be a playoff team this year, but watch out for them a couple years down the road.

4. Buffalo Bills - 3-13
The Bills, like the Browns and the Raiders, are a complete mess. They attempted the T.O. experiment in 2009 to no avail, now they are left with only one wideout who has proven he can produce, Lee Evans. Quarterback Trent Edwards was ready for a breakout 2009 season, but injuries last year prevented him from getting comfortable with new Head Coach Chan Gailey and getting in rhythm with WR Terrell Owens. The Bills used the 9th overall pick in the 2010 draft on an explosive RB out of Clemson, C.J. Spiller. In drafting Spiller, however, it creates a logjam at the Running Back position, with Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson also vying for carries. Look for the Bills to try and trade one of their three backs for another threat in the passing game.
Buffalo's defense is in shambles. They have a bunch of mismatched parts thrown onto the field together. I'm hoping they give rookie Linebacker Aaron Maybin out of Penn State a lot of run this season. Bills Defensive Coordinator George Edwards has his work cut out for him this season.

AFC North Preview and Predictions

1. Baltimore Ravens - 11-5
In the past, the Ravens have been feared for only their defense, now, their offense has joined the party. Third year QB Joe Flacco has blossomed at the position, and is primed for a huge season. Dynamic second year RB Ray Rice reminds me a lot of Maurice Jones-Drew down in Jacksonville, and will now be the featured back in a very potent offense, look for Rice to have a huge season. The acquisition of Anquan Boldin in the offseason gives Flacco another threat alongside veteran WR Derrick Mason. Also, look for WR Donte Stallworth to spread the field with a lot of targets deep down field.
The Ravens defense is still one of the most feared in the league, thanks to veteran LB's Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs. Although CB Dominique Foxworth is out with an injury, the Ravens core of DB's can still be considered one of the best in the league. Guys like All-Pro Safety Ed Reed, CB Fabian Washington, CB Chris Carr, and Strong Safety Dawan Landry make it very tough on opposing teams ariel attacks.

2. Cincinnati Bengals - 9-7
I'm banking on Ochocinco and T.O. NOT turning this team into a reality show, but I can't guarantee it. If "Team Obliterator" (compliments of ESPN First Take analyst Skip Bayless) can keep quiet for an entire season, the Bengals have a chance to be very dangerous. Not only do they have a couple of top notch receivers, they have a good QB in Carson Palmer and a resurgent RB in Cedric Benson at their disposal. Benson had a breakout season in 2009, setting career highs in carries (301), rushing yards (1,251), and TD's (6), now with more attention being paid to Ochocinco and T.O., look for Benson to build on those numbers.
Cincinnati has put together a very nice defensive unit. When looked at one by one, it is very tough to find a glaring weakness. The real strength is their Linebacking core of Rey Maluga, Keith Rivers and Dhani Jones. Look for Right Defensive End Antwan Odom to have a massive season in 2010; in 2009, Odom was on a record setting sack pace with 8 through the first six games, unfortunately, his season was derailed by a ruptured achilles.

3. Pittsburgh Steelers - 8-8
With two-time Super Bowl winning QB Ben Roethlisberger suspended for the first four games of the season, the Steelers will find themselves in a deep hole by the time he comes back in week 6 against the Browns. It has not been decided who will start the season at QB in the Steel City, but it's between former Oregon star Dennis Dixon and veteran Charlie Batch. As of today, on the official website of the Pittsburgh Steelers, there is no QB listed on their depth chart. One positive to start the season is the emergence of third year RB Rashard Mendenhall as a full-time back. Mendenhall was one of many RB's to have a breakout 2009 season, setting career highs in carries (242), rushing yards (1,108) and TD's (7). With Roethlisberger sidelined for the first four games, Mendenhall should see a ton of carries.
The Steelers field one of the best and most intimidating defense in the league along with the Ravens. Nose Tackle Casey Hampton Is a force on the Defensive Line, and it allows the Linebacking core of LaMarr Woodley, James Harrison, Lawrence Timmons and James Farrior to blitz and attack at will. Strong Safety Troy Polamalu is coming of a disappointing, injury plagued 2009 season, so look for him to make up for lost time.

4. Cleveland Browns - 2-14
The Browns are a mess. I think the front office of the Browns are still mourning the loss of LeBron James, and forgot that they have an NFL team to run. They traded QB Brady Quinn to the Broncons, and chose QB Jake Delhomme, a guy who is far past his prime, to lead this "offense". Not only did they sign a QB who has thrown 30 interceptions in the last two seasons, they gave him no one to throw to. The one bright spot could be RB Jerome Harisson who should see a ton of carries this season.
The Browns don't even have a defensive depth chart to refer to. That must mean that they don't plan on playing defense this year, not a surprise to me.

AFC South Preview and Predictions

1. Indianapolis Colts - 13-3
You can always count on the Colts to have one of the best offenses in the league, and they may have the best in 2010. Peyton Manning is getting better with age, and he has a full stable of thoroughbred receives to throw to: Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Pierre Garcon, Austin Collie and Anthony Gonzalez will all get a ton of targets this season. If there is any question mark in the Colts offense, it lies upon the shoulders of RB Joseph Addai. Addai made a splash in his first two years as a Colt, rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons. In his third and fourth seasons, however, Addai has failed to break 1,000 yards, mostly due to a reduction in the amount of carries he was given.
The Colts defense is good, but it's never at full strength. Defensive Back Bob Sanders is usually the one who is injured, but if it's not him, it's Dwight Freeny or Robert Mathis. The Colts defense comes in at full strength to start the 2010 season, and if they can remain injury free, look for them to be one of the best defenses in the NFL.

2. Tennessee Titans - 12-4
The Vince Young resurgence will be tested for a full season in 2010, luckily, he has the best running back in the league to help him. Chris Johnson had a monster 2009 campaign, which led to a contract dispute at the beginning of training camp. The Titans brass worked out a new deal with Johnson, and he is set to try and build upon the greatness he achieved last season. The wide receivers are a big problem for the Titans, Nate Washington, Justin Gage, and Kenny Britt have never been go to receivers, and one of them is gonna have to step and take that role.
I like the Titans defense a lot, Middle Linebacker Stephen Tulloch is primed for another huge season, and veteran Linebacker Will Witherspoon was signed in the offseason to bring some stability and leadership on defense. The biggest strength for the Titans defense is their Defensjve Backs, Cortland Finnegan, Michael Griffin and Chris Hope combined for 9 interceptions last season, and Jason McCourty will play his first full season as a starting Cornerback.
The key to the Titans success will be Vince Young. Can he keep it together for an entire season and lead the Titans deep into the playoffs? It should be fun to watch

3. Houston Texans - 8-8
There is no question about how good the Texans offense is, Matt Schaub is now an elite NFL Quarterback, Andre Johnson is arguably the best Wide Recievers in the league. After a lackluster 2009 season from Steve Slaton, Houston has turned over the starting RB job to second year man out of The University of Tennessee, Arian Foster. Foster is a big, bruising back who has underrated speed and agility, Foster is also a good receiver out of the back field. Matt Schaub needs a secondary option to throw to, and that will be deep threat WR Kevin Walter. Walter was injured for most of last season, and didn't get to make much of an impact, but look for him to get a lot of deep targets this season.
The Texans have some good pieces on defense, but it's not one that will outright win you games. Mario Williams, Brian Cushing, DeMeco Ryans, and Kareem Jackson are all elite NFL defenders at their positions, but there are too many holes to consider Houston's defensive squad an elite one.

4. Jacksonville Jaguars - 5-11
Maurice Jones-Drew is easily considered as one of the top three RB's in the NFL, and rightfully so. In 2009, MJD rushed for nearly 1,400 yards and reached pay dirt 15 times. Look for MJD to build on those stats in 2010. Quarterback David Garrard is one of the most accurate passers in the league, but he is not one that can beat you with his arm. The receiving core is lead by 2009 breakout Mike Sims-Walker. Last season, MSW lead the Jags in receptions (63), receiving yards (869), and receiving TD's (7) on limited time. Jacksonville doesn't have much to offer for Garrard at the WR position past Mike Sims-Walker, so look for them to try and address that with some sort of trade this season.
The Jags defense is definitely not going to help win games. It's sort of a rag tag bunch of guys, but they made some progress by signing Defensive End Aaron Kampman away from Green Bay and Linebacker Kirk Morrisson away from Oakland.

AFC West Preview and Predictions

Five Tool Sports would like to take this opportunity to gladly welcome the start of the 2010 NFL season. Many sports fans have been struggling mightily with boring, pointless baseball in between the end of the NBA Finals and the much anticipated start of the new NFL season. FTS is going to give you a fresh, straight forward look into each division, starting with the AFC West:

Predicted Standings:

1. San Diego Chargers - 10-6
The Chargers come into 2010 sporting a new look, LT is 3,000 miles away in New York with the Jets and Vincent Jackson, who led the Bolts last season in receiving yards and receiving TD's, is in the middle of a contract holdout with no solution in sight. The Chargers will be able to play through the aforementioned situations, relying heavily on the arm of Phillip Rivers. Rivers finished last season throwing for over 4,000 yards, and connecting on 28 TD's while throwing only 9 interceptions. Look for Rivers to connect a lot with TE Antonio Gates, Gates is one of the most sure-handed receivers in the NFL. LT's replacement is rookie RB Ryan Matthews out of Fresno State. There are huge expectations for this guy, and if he can live up to them, look for the Chargers to make some noise in the playoffs.

2. Denver Broncos - 7-9
The Broncos benefit from having the Raiders and Chiefs in their division, but it still wont help them reach the playoffs this year. The departue of All-World receiver Brandon Marshall to Miami leaves a huge void for WR's Brandon Lloyd and Eddie Royal to fill. I like Kyle Orton, but not as a franchise Quarterback. Orton can definitely throw the football, but I think he needs a top tier receiver in order to be fully effective. If Orton struggles, Head Coach Josh McDaniels has a big decision on his hands, play Brady Quinn or the much scrutinized Tim Tebow. I hope, for the sake of the Broncos and all of Denver, Kyle Orton has a successful 2010 campaign. It seems that the Broncos always have a 1,000 yard rusher no matter who is in the back field, and this year it should be Knowshon Moreno's turn. Last season, Moreno carried the ball 247 times for 947 yards and 7 TD's. I'd like to see Moreno carry the ball almost 300 times this year to help open up the passing game. Denver's defense is always solid, but they took a huge hit when LInebacker Elvis Dumervil went down with a torn pectoral muscle. Sources say that there is a possibility Dumervil could miss the entire season.

3. Kansas City Cheifs - 4-12
After a disappointing 2009 season, QB Matt Cassel is coming into this season with something to prove. In his first year as a starting QB, Cassel was less than spectacular, throwing for less than 3,000 yards, while connecting for 16 TD's and throwing 16 interceptions. I'll give Cassel a break, however, because the offense was developing under first year head coach Todd Haley. The Chiefs made a lot of good moves with their coaching staff, bringing on Charlie Weiss to run the offense, and naming former NFL head coach Romeo Crennel as their defensive coordinator. I also like the Chiefs back field, Jamaal Charles was one of the top rushers in the second half last season, and the acquisition of Thomas Jones brings a hard-nosed running style that is perfect for goal line situations. Wide Receiver Dwayne Bowe has the skill to be one of the best in the game, the problem is getting him to stay healthy. The Chiefs defense is very suspect, but look for rookie DB Eric Berry to have an immediate impact, also, all-purpose rookie Dexter McCluster can make some noise on the offensive side of the ball.

4. Oakland Raiders - 3-13
Al Davis has some big expectations for his team, but I'm going to have to disagree. The Raiders definitely upgraded at the QB position with Jason Campbell, but anyone would be an upgrade from Jamarcus Russell. Campbell, like Kyle Orton, is a nice player, but not someone who is going to lead a team like the Raiders to the playoffs. Oakland's receiving core will lead the league in longest names with Johnnie Lee Higgins and Darrius Heyward-Bey, but that's about the only crown they will hold. The silver and black will feature two guys in the back field with Michael Bush and Darren McFadden. I'm not a fan of the "running back by committee" approach, there should be a feature back, and a goal line back, but neither Bush or McFadden can handle the feature back duties. The Raiders defense will be responsible for any wins that this team may get this season. With Richard Seymour, Tommy Kelly, Rolando McClain and Nnamdi Asomugha lurking on defense, some good things are bound to happen.

New FTS Logo

Sorry for the long delay everyone, but it has been a little hectic the last couple of weeks for me. I did happen to stumble upon someone very talented in taking my vision for an FTS logo and making it a reality: Mr. Kenny Tran. So, with great excitement, here is the new logo for Five Tool Sports, which will be fully implemented when I get the new website up and running.

Sometimes, the Second Round Does Count

It's not too often that an impact player is chosen outside the first round in the NBA. When it does happen, however, it is a rare occurrence that is always interesting to look back on.

Since the NBA shrunk down it's draft to two rounds in 1989, there have been 26 second round picks worthy of being called good one's. The criteria for a good second round draft pick is different than its first round counterparts. A good second round pick is a guy who is serviceable over a long period of time, or a guy who shows the ability to be an impact player by doing "the little things" to help his team win. Although huge statistics in the scoring and rebounding categories would be nice, only a few of the guys on this list have put up numbers like that.

The list starts in 1989 and moves up to the present day:

1989:
Sherman Douglas - Drafted - second round, 1st pick (28th overall) by the Miami Heat
Seasons: 16
PPG: 11.0
APG: 5.9
SPG: 1
Douglas was a more than serviceable starting point guard for 16 seasons in the NBA. His numbers aren't spectacular, but he did play in 765 games in his career, logging over 21,000 minutes. His best season came in the 1990-1991 season when he averaged 18 ppg and 8.5 apg, shortly after that he was traded to the Boston Celtics for Brian Shaw. Douglas went on to guide the Celtics to multiple playoff births, and earned the nickname "The General" for his superior leadership abilities.

Cliff Robinson - Drafted - second round, 9th pick (36th overall) by the Portland Trail Blazers
Seasons: 20
PPG: 14.2
RPG: 4.6
APG: 2.2
Any guy who averages 14 ppg for twenty seasons in the NBA is a good pick no matter where they were chosen, but getting a player like that in the second round, it's a great pick. Robinson was a guy who showed up every night ready to play, and he always knew when to make a key play. He played in 1380 games, playing over 42,000 minutes. His best season came in the 1993-1994 season when he averaged 20 ppg and 6.7 rpg. In his 20 NBA seasons, his teams were in the playoffs 17 times.

1990:

Toni Kukoc - Drafted - second round, 2nd pick (29th overall) by the Chicago Bulls
Seasons: 17
PPG: 11.6
RPG: 4.2
APG: 3.7
Kukoc was a guy who helped pave the way for European basketball players to make their way to the NBA. Kukoc was deceptively effective on the basketball court, he did a little of everything. He had a soft shooting touch out to 19 feet, he could handle the ball and pass like a point guard, and he was big enough to grab a good amount of rebounds each game. At the end of his career, Kukoc ended up with three NBA titles under his belt, all of which he made key contributions to. His best season was in the 1998-1999 season when he averaged 18.8 ppg, 7 rpg and 5.3 apg. A lot of people forget how big of an impact Toni Kukoc had in those three Bulls championship run, but the numbers don't lie.

1992:

P.J. Brown - Drafted - second round, 2nd pick (29th overall) by the New Jersey Nets
Seasons: 15
PPG: 9.8
RPG: 7.7
BPG: 1.0
Brown wasn't a guy who was going to put up huge offensive numbers, but everyone who played against or with him knew he was going to give 110% every night. Brown was a guy known for his great defense and intense focus, he only missed 45 games throughout his career. Like I said before, a good draft pick is not just someone who puts up great stats, and P.J. Brown is the perfect example.

1993:

Bryon Russell - Drafted - second round, 18th pick (45th overall) by the Utah Jazz
Seasons:12
PPG: 7.9
RPG: 3.5
SPG: 1.0
Russell will be forever known as the guy that couldn't stop Jordan from hitting the game winning step back jumper in game six of the 1998 NBA Finals; but if you watch closely, Jordan pushed off. Anyway, Russell wasn't a guy who was going to beat you with his numbers, but he would beat you with his hustle and his heart. His 12 seasons in the NBA could only be described as "gritty". Russell's best season was in 1999-2000 when he averaged 14.1 ppg, 5.2 rpg, 2 apg and 2 steals per game.

Nick Van Exel - Drafted - second round, 10th pick (37th overall) by the LA Lakers
Seasons: 14
PPG: 14.4
APG: 6.6
SPG: 1.0
Van Exel had an interesting start to his college career. He wasn't heavily recruited coming out of high school, so his first two collegiate seasons were in Junior College. After those two dominating seasons, he caught the eye of Bob Huggins, the head coach at the Universtity of Cincinnati. Van Exel went on to have two productive seasons for the Bearcats, and it earned him a shot to play for the Lakers. There was no question in anyone's mind that Van Exel could play the game at he highest level, the only question mark was his character. He was quick and crafty with the basketball, and he had a very quick release on his shot, with distance far beyond the three point line. Van Exel's best season was in 1994-1995 when he averaged 16.9 ppg, 8.3 apg and 1.2 steals per game.

1995:

Eric Snow - Drafted - second round, 14th pick (43rd overall) by the Milwaukee Bucks
Seasons: 13
PPG: 6.8
APG: 5.0
SPG: 1.2
In his first few seasons in the NBA, Snow didn't have many chances to contribute, mostly due to the fact that he was backing up Gary Payton in Seattle. Snow remained optimistic, however, and was rewarded for his patience. In 1998, Snow was traded to the 76ers and finally got his chance to contribute as a starting point guard. Snow had his best seasons in Philadelphia, helping the team reach the playoffs five of the seven seasons he was there, including a memorable run to the NBA Finals in 2000-2001. Snow's best statistical season came in the 2002-2003 season when he averaged 12.9 ppg, 6.6 apg, and 1.6 steals per game.

1996:

Malik Rose - Drafted - second round, 15th pick (44th overall) by the Charlotte Hornets
Seasons: 14
PPG: 6.2
RPG: 4.1
Malik Rose was another gritty player who gave 110% every night he stepped on the court. He didn't ever put up spectacular numbers, but he did all the dirty work to help his teams win. Rose was a key contributor to two Spurs championship teams in 1999 and 2003. His best season was in 2002-2003 when he averaged 10.4 ppg and 6.4 rebounds per game.

1997:

Stephen Jackson - Drafted - second round, 14th pick (42nd overall) by the Phoenix Suns
Seasons: 10 (still active)
PPG: 16.1
RPG: 4.0
APG 3.2
Jackson was drafted directly out of high school into the NBA, that, combined with character issues, made it hard for him to get a legit chance with an NBA squad. Once Jackson got a chance, there was no denying his talent. San Antonio gave Jackson his first big shot to contribute, and he didn't disappoint, in only 26 minutes per game, Jackson poured in an efficient 11.2 points per game. Still, Jackson's character issues have caused for him to bounce around the league, playing for six different teams in his 10 seasons in the league. Jackson's best season came in the 2008-2009 season when he averaged 20.7 ppg, 5.1 rpg, and 6.5 assists per game.

1998:

Rashard Lewis - Drafted - second round, 3rd pick (32nd overall) by the Seattle Supersonics.
Seasons: 12 (still active)
PPG: 16.7
RPG: 5.7
3P%: .392
A lot of teams overlooked Lewis in the 1998 draft because he was a kid coming out of high school, and they thought his game was a little one dimensional. In his first couple of seasons, Lewis didn't get off the bench too often; but he had a breakout season in his third campaign. In that third season, Lewis became a full-time starter and did so in all 78 games he suited up for. Given those huge minutes, Lewis but up nice stats, 14.8 ppg, 6.9 rpg and a very strong 43% from behind the arc. Lewis' production only got better from there, he became a consistent 22 point threat while grabbing six rebounds and shooting 40% from three-point-land. In 2007, Lewis was traded to Orlando and picked up where he left off in Seattle. Lewis led the league in three point field goals made (220) and attempted (554) in 2008-2009. He helped lead the Magic to an NBA Finals appearance in that same season. Lewis' best season came in 2006-2007 when he averaged 22.7 ppg, 6.6 rpg and 2.4 assists per game.

Cuttino Mobley - Drafted - second round, 12th pick (41st overall) by the Houston Rockets
Seasons: 11
PPG: 16.0
RPG: 3.9
SPG: 1.2
There was no doubt in anybody's mind that Mobley could score coming out of college, but the question was his dedication to the defensive end and the dedication to playing team basketball. Mobley didn't waste any time in showing that he could score on the NBA level, averaging 9.9 ppg in a very limited rookie season. In his second season, Mobley was the Rockets very deadly sixth man, putting up 15.9 ppg while playing only 30 minutes per game. After a very productive stint with Houston, the Rockets used him in a trade to land the much coveted Tracy McGrady. Mobley finished his career with stops in Orlando, Sacramento, LA Clippers and the NY Knicks. His best season came in 2001-2002 when he averaged 21.7 ppg, 4.1 rpg and 1.5 steals per game.

1999:

Manu Ginobili - Drafted - second round, 28th pick (57th overall) by the San Antonio Spurs
Seasons: 8 (still active)
PPG: 15.0
RPG: 4.0
APG: 3.8
SPG: 1.5
The Spurs always seem to have great late first round or second round picks, and Ginobili was one of their best. They drafted him in 1999, but he didn't play his first NBA season until 2002-2003. The extra time overseas gave Ginobili the chance to develop his game to better fit in the NBA. Ginobili is your prototypical South American player, he plays tough defense, can score in multiple ways (sometimes very unorthodox), and he always leaves it all on the court. Manu was a key player on three Spurs championship teams, and he won the Sixth Man of the Year Award in 2007-2008. His best season came in 2007-2008 when he averaged 19.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 4.5 apg and 1.5 steals per game.

2000:

Michael Redd - Drafted - second round, 14th pick (43rd overall) by the Milwaukee Bucks
Seasons: 10 (still active)
PPG: 20.3
RPG: 4.1
3P%: 38.4
In college, Redd's best season was his Freshman year, and every year thereafter his stats went down in every category. I think that, combined with a clear lack of athleticism, led to Redd's second round selection; but what a pick it was. In his first two NBA seasons, it was tough for Redd to crack the rotation, so the summer before his third season, he needed to find an identity. Redd became a dead-eye three-point shooter and a crafty all around scorer, four out of the ten seasons he has played, Redd has been in the top 10 in scoring. Unfortunately, Redd is stuck in Milwaukee where he can't win, and he doesn't get the credit he deserves. Redd's best season came in 2006-2007 when he averaged 26.7 ppg and shot 38.2% from behind the arc; surprisingly, Redd didn't make the All-Star team that season.

2001:

Gilbert Arenas - Drafted - second round, 2nd pick (30th overall) by the Golden State Warriors
Seasons: 8 (still active)
PPG: 22.7
RPG: 4.2
APG 5.6
SPG: 1.7
Arenas has a "me against the world" type attitude, and I think that was the main reason he slipped out of the first round of the 2001 NBA Draft. He wore the number 0 at the University of Arizona because all of his doubters said he would play 0 minutes at UofA. That trend continued in the NBA, and he has famously donned the cold and empty zero on the back of each of his two NBA jerseys. Even with all the problems that come with Gilly, he does bring a nice game to the table. When healthy, he is one of the top five scorers in the NBA, and you can't deny his passing skills, either. Arenas has made three All-Star teams, won a Sixth Man of the Year Award, and has been named an All-NBA performer three times. Arenas' career has been marred lately by injuries and the gun incident that kept him out for more than half the season last year. His best season came in 2005-2006 when he averaged 29.3 ppg, 3.5 rpg and 6.1 assists per game.

Mehmet Okur - Drafted - second round, 9th pick (37th overall) by the Detroit Pistons
Seasons: 8 (still active)
PPG: 13.9
RPG: 7.2
3P%: .378
After being drafted by the Pistons, they stashed him away overseas to develop a better back to the basket game, the type of big that can fit in the Motor City. Okur was more comfortable, however, playing his natural European style face-up game, so when the Pistons brought him over, he didn't fit in their system. When Okur's contract with Detroit expired, the Pistons let him walk, and he did so right to Utah. The Jazz catered to Okur's strengths and were rewarded by doing so, he has been a starter, and key offensive option for Utah the last six years. His ability to spread the floor with great three-point shooting allows Deron Williams to run the pick and roll much more efficiently. Okur's best season came in 2008-2009 when he averaged 17 ppg, 7.7 rpg, and shot 44% from behind the arc.

2002:

Carlos Boozer - Drafted - second round, 6th pick (35th overall) by the Cleveland Cavaliers
Seasons: 8 (still active)
PPG: 17.2
RPG: 10.2
FG%: .541
Boozer slipped because scouts thought he was a "tweener" at the NBA level. A tweener is a guy who is in between two positions, for example, at 6'8" Boozer was in between a small forward and a power forward, and NBA scouts really like guys who have defined positions. What the scouts didn't realize was Boozer didn't need a defined position, he is one of the hardest working guys in the league, and has a nice outside shot. Boozer has been in the top ten in rebounding four times, and has been in the top ten in field goal percentage six times. Boozer, a two time All-Star, is another second round selection that found his niche in Utah. His best season was in 2006-2007 when he averaged 20.9 ppg, 11.7 rpg and shot 56% from the field.

2005:

Monta Ellis - Drafted - second round, 10th pick (40th overall) by the Golden State Warriors
Seasons: 5 (still active)
PPG: 18.1
APG: 3.9
Ellis was one of the last players to be drafted straight out of high school into the NBA. It's tough for anyone to make that jump, but it's especially hard for a small guard to do it. Ellis isn't your prototypical point guard, but there is no doubt he can score the basketball. The Warriors made the perfect pick here, the skills Ellis brings to the table fit with Golden State's style of play like a glove.

2006:

Paul Millsap - Drafted - second round, 17th pick (47th overall) by the Utah Jazz
Seasons: 4 (still active)
PPG: 9.9
RPG: 6.5
FG%: .527
Millsap hasn't had the chance to showcase the skills that he possesses due to the fact that he has been backing up Boozer in Utah his whole career. Millsap has shown flashes of greatness throughout his four NBA seasons, and Utah has taken notice. They matched a huge offer last offseason that Portland presented to Millsap, and they let Boozer bolt to Chi- Town this offseason because they think so highly of him. This season will be Millsap's first as a full-time starter, and we will see if he truly belongs on this list.

Top 11 Ugliest Jersey's in NBA History

Keeping with the theme of my last post, I am going to talk about fashion in the NBA. This time, however, I am going to the other end of the spectrum; the absolute worst NBA Jersey's to ever grace the hardwood. A lot of teams have tried multiple times to get their jersey right, and most of them are still trying. Research on this topic wasn't as hard as it was for me to pick the best NBA jersey's, I actually couldn't decide on just ten, so here are the eleven ugliest jersey's in NBA history:

11. Cleveland Cavaliers - Mid 1990's

Look at Shawn Kemp's face, and tell me he is happy to be wearing that uniform. He's not. The quote underneath the picture is perfect, that jersey is horrendous.

10. Seattle Supersonics - Alternate Red Jersey (98-2001)

You know a jersey is bad when you can't find a picture of a player actually wearing it. Whoever thought that these colors go together nicely should have been fired. Must have been Howard Schultz, he makes employee's at Starbucks wear ridiculous bright green aprons to work.

9. Utah Jazz - Green and Yellow Jersey

I'm not sure who thought it was a good idea to have both green and yellow put on this jersey, but its horrible. The Jazz wore this fantastically bad uniform in the 80's and they certainly didn't stray too far away from the fashion during that time.

8. Atlanta Hawks - "Flying Hawk" Jersey

There is way too much going on with this one. The lettering and numbers are huge, while the Hawk is nothing short of cheesy. The fact that it's on Dikembe Mutombo doesn't help either.

7. Houston Rockets - Mid 90's

Like the Hawks jersey, this one has WAY too much going on. Dark blue, white pinstripes, red outline and that ridiculous logo are all elements of a fashion faux pas. Their home whites are a little bit better, but still, the logo was horrific.

6. 76ers - Early 90's

I feel bad for Barkley, he is the first repeat offender to appear on this list. It's not the colors that make this jersey so bad, its the odd, multi-colored stars that are inside the weird, royal blue upswing on the front of it.

5. Vancouver Grizzlies - Expansion Jersey

Bryant "Big Country" Reeves looks absolutely ridiculous in this jersey. It's bad enough to be an expansion team, but when you are putting the future of your franchise in the hands of Big Country and putting him in that uniform, you are just asking to fail.

4. Detroit Pistons - Teal Jersey

Three mistakes on this one: 1. Teal should never be used to represent a sports team, it is not an intimidating or flattering color, 2. The flaming horse head is ridiculous, I understand that it has to do with the whole engine theme, but the Pistons took this too literal, 3. The end of the two letter 'S' being turned into exhaust pipes is over the top.

3. New Jersey Nets - Tie Dye Jersey

I had a hard time determining the order of the top three ugliest jerseys. The Nets tie dye jersey comes in at number three only because it was an alternate jersey. If they had actually worn it on a regular basis, it might have been number one. Honestly, tie dye?

2. Milwaukee Bucks - '96-'97 Alternate Jersey

How could anyone have taken the Bucks seriously when they wore this thing? I would have been doubled-over in laughter for the entire game. I want you to look at that jersey and analyze it for a minute....Okay, we have a green base color with thick dark green pinstripes, white and purple lettering, and a HUGE deer in the middle. This was meant as a joke, there is no way someone would actually think this is cool.

1. Toronto Raptors - Expansion Jersey

Yes, the Raptors actually wore this on a nightly basis. Everything is wrong with this jersey, an expansion team should keep it simple and use strong colors to draw away from the fact that they are terrible as a team. The Raptors made themselves the laughing stock of the NBA in two different ways with this jersey. The purple base, alternating black and white pinstripes, and what I like to call the Barney-on-steroids dinosaur make this the worst jersey in the history of the NBA.

Top 10 NBA Jerseys of All-Time

NBA Commissioner David Stern made the decision in 2005 to enforce a strict dress code rule on players. The reasoning behind this decision was that the NBA was no longer being represented as a business. Players would show up to games in baggy, hip-hop inspired clothing and Stern thought that it was hurting the perception of the NBA.

At first, players were hesitant to accept somebody telling them how to dress, but all of you out in Corporate America know that first impressions are everything. This is why you never see a CEO of a Fortune 500 company wearing pants three sizes too big and a T-shirt to match, because nobody would take him or her serious. In order to be perceived as credible, you must present yourself in a manner that suggests you are ready to take care of business, and that is exactly what Stern wanted.

Luckily for the Commish, not only did the players conform to this dress code rule (some more willing than others), but the hip-hop scene which is so strongly connected with the NBA has also changed. Now, instead of the biggest celebrities wearing their bed sheets around town; you see them delving into the world of fashion, and embracing it. The biggest NBA stars are following suit as well: Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony, and Kevin Durant have all made fashion statements (some good and some bad). Whether they are good fashion statements, or bad ones, anything is better than the things we would see before the dress code rule was instituted.

In honor of the NBA dress code, I am going to provide you with my top 10 NBA Jerseys of all time:

10. Phoenix Suns - Early to late 90's

This jersey, seen here on Kevin Johnson, provided everything I look for in a great uniform. It has fantastic colors, a great logo, and a sleek design. The road blacks are somewhat intimidating to opposing teams as well

9. Sacramento Kings - Powder Blues

The Kings wore this jersey in the 80's, seen here on Reggie Theus, and it adopted a sort of baseball style lettering with the cursive writing and underlining. Also, this was the first NBA jersey to have the players last name underneath their number on the back.

8. Washington Bullets - 1980's

In the 80's, the Bullets slightly changed their jersey from the one they donned in the 70's. Seen here on Moses Malone, a thin blue pinstripe was added between the thick red lines to give a little added style. Also notice the lower case letter "b", the Bullets were the only NBA team to not have a capital letter at the beginning of the teams name on their uniforms.

7. Indiana Pacers - 1980's

The Pacers wore this jersey all throughout the 1980's. The bold lettering and nice colors really made this jersey eye-catching.

6. Atlanta Hawks - 1980's

I think Atlanta should go back to this one for good. Great colors, nice lines and overall great style, if it weren't for the greatness attached to the Lakers and Celtics franchises, this would be in the top 5.

5. Boston Celtics

This jersey is just plain classy. Simple colors and lettering make this one of the best jerseys ever in the NBA. It doesn't hurt that the Celtics have won all 17 of their NBA Championships in the same exact uniform.

4. LA Lakers

Like the Celtics, the Lakers classic purple and gold have been the class of the NBA since they adopted those colors in the late 60's. So many great players and NBA Hall-of-Famers have worn the Lakers purple and gold jerseys, and when you ask anyone what color uniforms the Lakers wear, they will not hesitate in their answer.

3. Orlando Magic - Expansion Jersey's

The Magic had it tough as an expansion team in '89, but they did a fantastic job on the design of their uniform. One of the first teams in the NBA to use vertical pinstripes, the Magic combined great colors along with a striking logo to create one of the top three NBA jerseys of all time.

2. Golden State Warriors - "The City"

Some say "The City" was Golden State's attempt to make a joke on New York. Whether it was or not, I was torn between this great jersey and the one that I chose for the top spot. The lettering is simple and the use of the symbolic Golden Gate Bridge on the front, and the Cable Car on the back makes this a design masterpiece.

1. Denver Nuggets - 1980's to early 90's

The Denver Nuggets sported this amazing uniform from the 1980's through the early 90's, and I'm not sure why they decided to change it. The usage of the Denver skyline inside a shadow of the Rocky Mountains is genius, and the rainbow stripes that wrap the jersey are another great design feature. This is a much deserving recipient of FTS Top 10 NBA Jerseys.

Stay tuned for the 10 worst jerseys in NBA history.

CP3 Update

In my last post, I shed light on which teams were atop Chris Paul's trade wish list. Since that day, a couple of teams have been added to the list: the Mavs and the Blazers. So let's take a look at the potential deals that could land Chris Paul.

Mavs:

Deal #1:
Caron Butler, Roddy Beaubios and DeShawn Stevenson in exchange for Chris Paul
I believe that Chris Paul is invaluble to any team that he may end up on, and the impact that he has on a basketball game is worth giving up these three players. Paul would fit well in the system that the Mavs already have in place, and he would be reunited with his old screen-roll buddy Tyson Chandler. The Hornets would do this trade because they are getting a versatile scorer and defender in Butler, and a young point guard with huge upside in Beaubios. Stevenson is merely a throw-in to match salaries.

Deal #2:
Jason Kidd, Caron Butler, Roddy Beaubios and DeShawn Stevenson in exchange for Chris Paul and Emeka Okafor
Rumor has it that any team considering trading for Paul must take back Emeka Okafor's huge contract, so in this trade I made that happen. New Orleans get the two guys they want, Butler and Beaubios while getting rid of Okafor's ridiculous contract. I think that Mark Cuban has too much respect for Kidd to ship him into the Bermuda Triangle, so some type of agreement may be in place to have the Hornets immediately start looking to trade Kidd to a contender in exchange for young talent or expiring contracts. If the Mavs do pull the trigger on this deal, look for them to start shopping Chandler or Haywood to make room for Okafor.

Blazers:

Deal #1:
Andre Miller, Jerryd Bayless and Greg Oden in exchange for Chris Paul and Julian Wright
I like this deal a lot for both teams. New Orleans gets an experienced point guard in Miller and a young combo guard in Bayless. Oden is the key in this deal, a former number one overall pick by the Blazers, Oden has been plagued by injuries his entire career and in my opinion, it's wearing thin in the Pacific Northwest. If Oden can stay healthy, many NBA exec's believe he has the ability to be one of the best defensive centers in the league. Not only does Portland get Paul, they also get a versatile young forward in Julian Wright, and we all know how much Portland loves versatile forwards.

Deal #2:
Andre Miller, Jerryd Bayless, Rudy Fernandez and Joel Pryzbilla in exchange for Chris Paul
If Portland is unwilling to part with Oden, they could still hammer out a deal by throwing in Pryzbilla's 7 million dollar expiring contract. New Orleans would have cap flexibility for the next two years (Andre Miller's deal expires in 2012) and they get two young talents in Bayless and Fernandez.

Stay tuned for more Chris Paul updates as he adds or subtracts teams from his list.