alfdogg

George signed with Dallas today.

March is gonna be rough for the Pacers. 10 out of 16 roadies, plus home games against Miami, Chicago, and Cleveland all in a row. And of course, the Hawks, who we failed to win a single game against last season. But if everything goes right, our record should be pretty decent by the All-Star break. Mostly either bubble-or-non playoff teams. They're cutting back on holiday games, too. Lakers @ Heat is the only Christmas game, and none on Thanksgiving.

Here are the remaining free agents. In parenthesees are teams which have shown interest and/or where they're expected to go Atlanta: Donta Smith Boston: Michael Olowokandi Charlotte: Melvin Ely ® Chicago: Randy Livingston, Luke Schenscher Cleveland: Alan Henderson Dallas: Keith Van Horn (Den) Denver: DerMarr Johnson Detroit: Kelvin Cato Golden State: Calbert Cheaney Houston: Rick Brunson, Maciej Lampe Indiana: Eddie Gill LA Clippers: Vin Baker, Walter McCarty, Boniface N'Dong LA Lakers: Devin Green ®, Jim Jackson Memphis: Antonio Burks Miami: Shandon Anderson, Gary Payton (expected to re-sign) Milwaukee: Reece Gaines, Jermaine Jackson, Ervin Johnson, Toni Kukoc (Chi) Minnesota: Anthony Carter New Jersey: Lamond Murray, John Thomas (Min) New York: Qyntel Woods Orlando: Stacey Augmon Philadelphia: Matt Barnes Phoenix: Dijon Thompson Portland: Voshon Lenard Sacramento: Bonzi Wells (Den) San Antonio: Nick Van Exel Seattle: Mike Wilks Toronto: Darrick Martin Utah: Milt Palacio Washington: Awvee Storey Any info I've left out, feel free to add.

I think Crawford's one you've got to hang onto, unless you're dealing him in a package for someone like KG. He's their big shot-taker, and capable of going for 35-40 on any given night, as we saw in Chicago.

*Overhead shot of Shea Stadium.* COLE All right, thanks, Lee and Tazz, a beautiful day here in New York, Shea Stadium, I'm Michael Cole here with the Coach, who wore the wrong uniform today! COACH (wearing a Yankee jersey) What are you talking about? COLE This is Shea Stadium, Coach, the Mets play here! The Yankees play across town...at least until the playoffs start! COACH COLE Folks, they've been waiting in anticipation here, they've watched the first two matches on the big scoreboard, and now, it's time, the Canadians ready to take on the Mexicans! Now, a win for the Canadians, and they will take on Jamaica in the semi-finals at AngleSlam! There are two possibilities for the Mexicans! A win combined with a Japan win, the Mexicans will first meet Lithuania...a win combined with a US win, it'll Mexico against the US, which of course is represented by Team Heyross! Bailamos by Enrique Iglesias hits, and the Mexican team makes its way out. COACH This is it! COLE Will this be one of the teams that competes at AngleSlam? COACH I don't know...from what I've seen of the Canadians, I have a hard time not seeing them at AngleSlam! The Mexicans climb into the ring and pose on the buckles, drawing respectful applause from the crowd. Tom Sawyer hits and the Canadians coome to the ring, drawing a mixed reaction from the crowd. COLE And here are the Canadians, Felix Strutter and Ken Pantera! A mixed reception for these guys, obviously a lot of people feeling that it should be Team Heyross with their seed! The Canadians step in and exchange handshakes with the Mexicans, then go to their corner as Michael Buffer steps into the ring. COLE We're ready for action, let's go up to Michael Buffer! BUFFER LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLadies and gentlemen, this match is the finals of the American Bracket, in the 2006 Tag Team World Cup! It is scheduled for one fall, with a one hour time limit. The winner of this match will go on to AngleSlam in Miami, Florida, on the 27th of this month, to compete for the tag team World Cup! *crowd cheers* BUFFER Introducing the first team, representing Mexico! They weigh in at a combined weight of 446 pounds...first, from Tijuana, RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRAFAELLLLLLLLLLLL ORRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRDOOOOONNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!! *crowd cheers as Ordonez raises his hands in the air.* BUFFER His partner, from Mexico City, ANNNNNNNNNNTONIOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSANNNNCHEZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!! *crwod cheers as Sanchez raises his arms.* BUFFER Their opponents represent Canada, and are the #1 seed in the tournament. They weigh in at a combined 485 pounds...first, hailing from Thunder Bay, Ontario..."AFTER HOURS" FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFELIXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX SSSSSSSSSSSSSSSTRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRUTTERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR! *crowd is mixed, as Strutter jumps to the second buckle and raises his arms.* BUFFER His partner, hailing from Saskatoon, Saskatchewan...KENNNNNNNNNNNN PANNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNTERAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA! *Pantera waves out to the crowd, which gives another mixed response.* *DING DING DING* Pantera starts the match off with Rafael. The two circle the ring, then tie up. Pantera backs Rafael into a corner, but Rafael manages to turn him around. Rafael breaks clean. COLE The good thing about these tournaments is the great sportsmanship between the teams! COACH Maybe so, Cole, but at the end of the day, it's the guys who will do anything it takes, even if it means going against the rules, that make the big paychecks. COLE Case in point, the two men main eventing AngleSlam, World champion Alfdogg and Drek Stone! Pantera and Rafael tie up again, and this time Pantera shoves him off. Rafael looks him down for a second, then moves in again. He takes Pantera down with a drop toehold, and grabs him in a waistlock, but Pantera gets to the ropes. COLE Nice basic move there by Rafael Ordonez, drop toehold into a waistlock, but Pantera too close to the ropes! Pantera grabs a side headlock, and takes Rafael over to the mat. Rafael grabs a headscissors, but Patera escapes. Patera backs off and circles the ring again. Another tieup, and Pantera grabs another side headlock. Rafael shoves him off into the ropes, and goes for a flying shoulder tackle, but bounces right off Pantera and falls to the mat! COACH WOW! COLE Rafael with the shoulder tackle, but it's him who hits the canvas! Pantera picks up Rafael, then whips him into the ropes, and lifts him in a PRESS SLAM~! Pantera slams Rafael to the mat, then drops an elbow and covers... 1... 2... Kickout! Pantera picks up Rafael and whips him across the ring, but Rafael ducks out of the way of a charge! Rafael goes to the ropes as Pantera staggers out, and floors him with a spinning wheel kick! Cover... 1... 2... Kickout! Rafael waits on Pantera to get up, then gives him an enziguri to send him back to the mat in a flip! Rafael hops up and delivers a standing moonsault! 1... 2... Kickout! COLE These Mexicans quick as greased lightning! Rafael quickly attempts a hurricanrana, but Patera catches him and delivers a sitout powerbomb! COACH Well, he was just slowed down right there! Pantera tags in Strutter, who whips Rafael into the ropes, and hits a dropkick, sending him backwards over the top rope! Pantera steps back in, and lifts his partner overhead, tossing him down to the ground on top of Rafael! COLE Nice teamwork by the Canadians! Strutter hammers away at Rafael, then tosses him back into the ring. He delivers a foot to the gut, then backs into the ropes and delivers a swinging neckbreaker! Cover... 1... 2... Kickout! Strutter whips Rafael across the ring, but runs into his feet! Rafael then tags in Antonio! COLE Tag, and Antonio Sanchez in for the first time! Antonio whips Strutter into the ropes, and executes a tilt-a-whirl backbreaker! Antonio yells out to the crowd, which cheers in response. Antonio follows up with a Tiger bomb! He plays to the crowd once again. COACH Antonio needs to stay on him here, though! Antonio attempts an Irish whip, but Strutter reverses. Antonio leapfrogs Strutter, but turns around right into a high round house kick! COLE WOW, what a kick, and Antonio flat on his back! Cover... 1... 2... Kickout! Strutter goes to pick him up, but when he does, Antonio springs up and hits an inverted atomic drop! Antonio follows with a MICHINOKU DRIVER~! COACH Oh man, that could be it! 1... 2... Kickout! Antonio picks up Strutter, and delivers a European uppercut, staggering him. He then uses the ropes to hop up and hook his ankles around Strutter's head, but Strutter blocks and flips Antonio over the top to the ground! COLE Hard fall Antonio took right there! Pantera tags, and hops down to grab Antonio and toss him back into the ring. Pantera follows him in, and delivers a trapped-arm belly-to-belly! He then waits on Antonio to get up, and raises his hands in the air, wiggling his fingers. COACH Could be time for the full nelson! Pantera hoooks one arm, but Antonio struggles, not allowing him to grab the other arm, then spins around and manages a back suplex! COLE But a nice counter by Antonio! Both men get to their feet, and Pantera grabs a side headlock. Antonio makes a blind tag to Rafael, who climbs to the top rope as Antonio pushes Pantera into the ropes. Pantera hops over, and is floored with a missile dropkick by Rafael! Cover... 1... 2... Strutter saves! Antonio climbs in and shoves Strutter, and the referee forces him out. COLE Tempers starting to get the better of these guys, perhaps! As Strutter exits the ring, Rafael hits him with a dropkick, sending him down to the ground! Pantera hammers away on Rafael, then whips him into the ropes. He puts his head down, and Rafael floors him with a DDT! Strutter climbs back onto the apron as both men struggle to their corners, and tags are made on both sides! COLE And it's Felix and Antonio! Slugfest is won by Antonio, but Strutter slips behind on a slam attempt, then pushes him into the ropes. Antonio ducks a clothesline attempt, but Strutter takes him down with a drop toe hold, then spins around and hooks an STF in one motion! COLE Submission hold applied! Will Antonio submit? COACH Can you believe how quickly Felix was able to apply that? But Rafael breaks it up! Pantera comes in and goes after Rafael, but gets backdropped to the floor! COLE And it's 2-on-1! Could the Mexicans pull off the upset here? Antonio climbs to the top rope, as Rafael executes a fisherman's buster! Antonio gains his balance...and attempts a SKY-TWISTING SHOOTING STAR PRESS...which misses! COACH OH MY GOD! COLE How many times did his body spin? COACH But more importantly, Felix got out of the way! Pantera rolls back in, and floors Rafael with a clothesline, then picks up Antonio, and drops him with an over-the-shoulder backbreaker! Pantera then picks up Antonio in a powerbomb, and Strutter grabs his head, and pulls down as both men sit out! COLE They call that the Penalty Box, will it be enough? 1... 2... 3!!! COLE Yes it will! The Canadians are going to AngleSlam! *DING DING DING* BUFFER The winners of the match, and CHAMPIONS of the American Bracket...TEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM CAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAANADAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!! The crowd cheers respectfully as the Mexicans offer congratulations to the Canadians, and the teams exchange handshakes once again. COLE As the trophy presentation is being prepared, the Mexicans congratulating the Canadians, their opposition will be the Jamaican team at AngleSlam! Let's go to Josh! JOSH MATTHEWS (in ring) Well, they're the tournament's #1 seed, and they showed why here tonight, the champions of the American bracket, Team Canada! Adorned in the Canadian flag, let's start with Felix Strutter. FELIX I've never had a rush like this, Josh...knowing that we've finally made it to the big time, the OAOAST, AngleSlam, August 27th, I can't wait. And I think we have every chance to win the whole thing. JOSH Your first opposition at AngleSlam will be the Jamaican team, how will you go into that match? FELIX It's going to be a war, no doubt about it. They're a great team, they seem like a couple of nice guys, and it should be a great match. But we don't have to change a thing. KEN That's right, Felix. We'll go into that match just like we came in tonight. The Jamaicans are a great story, but unfortunately, Canada holds the publishing rights. *The Canadians are handed the trophy, and raise it in the air. Pantera holds one finger in the air. JOSH Obviously Canada expecting no less than #1 at AngleSlam, but they've got a tough road to travel. Back to Sofa Central! COLE So one matchup set for AngleSlam, it'll be the winners of the American Bracket, the Canadians in the ring, taking on the team from Jamaica! That means the Lithuanians await the winner of the Asian Bracket, the Japanese team, or the team representing the states, Team Heyross! COACH Well, I'll tell you something, Cole, and I hate to say it, I've picked Team Heyross all the way along...I'm not sure anymore. This Canadian team, in the matches we've seen them, looked like they could have ended any of these matches at any point they want to! And if it ends up the US against Canada...anything can happen. COLE But first, the US has got to get through Japan, and they're waiting to get that started at the Egg Dome! So for Josh Matthews and the Coach, I'm Michael Cole! Let's take you to Tokyo, and the announcers for our last match, Joey Styles and Bobby "the Brain" Heenan!

"I'm glad one of your players was involved in a car accident; you people shouldn't say those mean things about our fans!"

I'm sure Stockton being white played into it in the case of Scoop Jackson.

*overhead shot of Soccer City.* LEE MARSHALL Thanks Tony, this crowd is unbelievable, approximately 80,000 people packed in for this great action, Tazz! TAZZ No doubt about it, Lee, this is gonna be a real rocket buster, both of these teams primarily win their matches with brawling tactics, the Egyptians with a *little* more in the way of technical wrestling skills, should be fun to watch! LEE And of course, the Egyptains have the home continent advantage, at least, but the Lithuanians were chosen the #1 seed, and both teams feel like they have something to prove here today! Let's go to our ring announcer! Walk Like An Egyptian hits and the Egyptian team walks out to a big pop. ANNOUNCER (in Portugese) The following is the African Regional Final, of the Tag Team World Cup tournament! It is scheduled for one fall, with a one hour time limit! Introducing the first team, representing Egypt, from Cairo, at a combined 514 pounds...the team of HAPU and KHUFU ANUBIS!!!!! TAZZ We got a brother team competing here in this match, that's cool! LEE Hapu and Khufu are brothers, Hapu is the older brother, and I'm told that the name Anubis means "God of the Dead." The Lithuanians make their way out, with no music. ANNOUNCER Their opponents, representing Lithuania, from Kaunas, at a combined 519 pounds...the team of TOMAS VINCENTAS, and his partner, STEPONAS JUOZAPAS!!!!! TAZZ In Soviet Russia, Egyptains walk like you! LEE These guys are from Lithuania, Tazz. TAZZ What's the difference? The referee explains the rules, and the teams exchange handshakes before going back to their corners. Tomas and Hapu start the match. *DING DING DING* Tomas and Hapu tie up, and Hapu backs him into a corner, then breaks cleanly on the referee's count. Tomas comes out and ties up once again. This time, Tomas gets a knee into the stomach, then fires off a couple right hands before setting up a piledriver! TAZZ Could be a piledriver comin' here! However, Hapu blocks, then backdrops Tomas! Hapu follows with a clothesline! Tomas rolls over to his corner, staring down Hapu briefly, then confers with his partner before tagging him in. Hapu makes a tag, as well. LEE Early tags on both sides, and Steponas in there now with Khufu! Tie up, and Khufu sends a knee to the gut. Right is blocked, and the two trade fists, with Steponas eventually getting the better of the exchange. Khufu reverses an Irish whip, and takes Steponas over with a monkey flip! Khufu then hammers away at Steponas as he gets up, but Steponas comes up with an inverted atomic drop, then holds him in the same position and takes him overhead with a suplex! TAZZ Nice combination of moves there, first the inverted atomic drop, then the overhead, almost like a modified T-bone suplex by Steponas! Steponas follows up with a headbutt...but it has no effect! LEE Wow, Khufu just absorbing that headbutt right there! Khufu delivers a foot to the gut, followed with right hands, then whips Steponas in and delivers a clothesline! Khufu follows with a jumping fist drop, and covers... 1... 2... Kickout! Khufu backs Steponas into the corner and tags in Hapu. Hapu grabs a side headlock, but Steponas backs him into the ropes, gets position, and delivers a knee! LEE That one looked like it may have been a little low! Steponas delivers a vertical suplex to Hapu, then tags Tomas, who goes to the top rope. TAZZ The Lithuanians goin' for it all early! Tomas attempts a splash, but nobody home! LEE But Hapu out of the way! Hapu gets up, and delivers a bodyslam to Steponas, who's illegal in the ring! Khufu then steps in, and presses Tomas overhead! Steponas gets up, and has his partner tossed right into him! The Lithuanians roll out of the ring. LEE And these guys had better regroup on the floor! The Lithuanians quickly roll back in, however, and get into a slugfest! They pair off in opposite corners, before the Egyptians whip the Lithuanians into each other! Steponas rolls out to the apron, as Hapu grabs Tomas in a headlock. As the referee forces Khufu out, Tomas shoves Hapu off...right into a knee from the outside by Steponas! TAZZ Wow, what a knee right there! Hapu really hurting after that move! Steponas tags in, and delivers a big kneedrop! Cover... 1... 2... Kickout! Steponas snapmares Hapu over, then drives another knee to the back, keeping it there and pulling back on the head. Hapu quickly forces his way up, but Steponas quickly turns around and drops him with a neckbreaker! Cover... 1... 2... Kickout! Steponas goes to the ropes, and attempts a senton splash, but Hapu rolls out of the way, and into his corner to tag Khufu! LEE Tag made, and Khufu back in! Khufu chops away at Steponas, then whips him into the ropes and takes himdown with a high knee! Khufu follows with a floatover suplex... 1... 2... Kickout! Khufu delivers a bodyslam, then goes to the top rope. He waits for Steponas to get up, then delivers a front dropkick! Cover... 1... 2... But Tomas makes the save! TAZZ It's going fast and furious here, and as I predicted, it's been a real hard-hittin' match so far! The referee puts Tomas out, and Khufu wrings Steponas's arm, then tags Hapu back in. Khufu holds Steponas as Hapu lays in a savate kick! Hapu follows with a double underhook suplex, then covers... 1... 2... Kickout! Hapu whips Steponas into the ropes, but Steponas ducks a clothesline, then ducks a second one, then connects with a big flying headbutt! TAZZ BIG move from Steponas right there! Steponas whips Hapu into the ropes, and catches him with a sidewalk slam! Cover... 1... 2... Khufu reaches in and breaks up the fall! Steponas tags in Tomas, then slingshots him over the top rope on top of Hapu! 1... 2... Shoulder up! LEE And the Lithuanian side has really got some nice continuity going now! TAZZ No doubt, if they keep this up, they're well on their way to AngleSlam! Tomas pick up Hapu in a back suplex, then spins him around for a Blue Thunder bomb! 1... 2... NO! Shoulder up! Tomas whips Hapu into a corner, then charges, but Hapu gets his feet up! Tomas staggers back, but doesn't go down. Hapu hops to the second rope, and waits for Tomas, who charges in. Hapu jumps over him, rolling on the mat into his corner, where he tags Khufu! LEE And a tag made! Khufu kicks and chops away at Tomas, then whips him into the ropes and presses him up in the air, letting him drop to the mat! Tomas gets to his feet, and Khufu scoops him up with a gutwrench, and delivers a TOMBSTONE~! TAZZ Tombstone piledriver by Khufu, that could be it! 1... 2... NO!!! Steponas breaks it up! Hapu asks for the tag, and gets it, then goes to the top rope. Khufu comes over and tosses him off onto Tomas! LEE ROCKET LAUNCHER! Is that enough? Khufu intercepts Steponas as the referee counts... 1... 2... NO!!! Tomas gets the shoulder up! Hapu sets up an Irish whip, and Steponas blind tags himself in, creeping into the ring as Tomas reverses the Irish whip. Hapu hops over Tomas...and runs right into a MASSIVE clothesline which sends him for a backflip! LEE THERE IT IS! That big sickle of Steponas! Steponas nonchelantly drops to his knees as Hapu turns over, and lays across him... 1... 2... 3!!! TAZZ There it is! The Lithuanians are going to AngleSlam! *DING DING DING* ANNOUNCER (in Portugese) The winners of the match, and the CHAMPIONS of the African Bracket...TEAM LITHUANIA!!!!! The Lithuanians congratulate each other as the ring attendants set up for the trophy presentation. Steponas then shakes hands with Khufu as Tomas helps up Hapu. LEE And great sportsmanship being shown here, as the teams congratulate each other in the ring. We're about ready for the presentation, as the Lithuanians have the flag, let's go up to Todd Grisham! TODD (in ring) We're ready for the trophy presentation to the winners of the Africa regional, the team from Lithuania! Tomas, can you give us your thoughts? TOMAS (through interpreter) I'm very excited to go to AngleSlam and the OAOAST, to be one of the top 4 tag teams in the world. Egypt is a great team, great preparation for the finals, it is a great match, and we expect no less at AngleSlam. TODD Steponas, the Sickle was the difference tonight, how will you fare with it at AngleSlam? STEPONAS (through interpreter) The Egypt team, they fought hard, but once I hit the sickle, that was it. If I can hit it at AngleSlam, it will be no different. *The Lithuanians are handed the trophy, and raise it up, as the South Africans applaud respectfully. TODD Well, they said it all, the Lithuanians, the winners of the African Regional! Back to Lee! LEE And at AngleSlam, the Lithuanians' opposition will be one of four teams: If Mexico defeats Canada, which is up next, they will meet the Mexicans in the semifinals. If Canada wins, then the Lithuanians will meet the winner of the US/Japan match in the Asian Bracket, and should Canada and Japan *both* lose, then the Jamaicans, who won in our first match, will meet the Jamaicans. We're outta here, for Todd Grisham and Tazz, Lee Marshall, sending you out to Shea, and Sofa Central, MC and the Coach!

So besides Ewing, is there anyone not on this list right now that you guys think should be?

The Bucks have agreed to trade Jamaal Magloire to Portland for Steve Blake, Brian Skinner, and Ha-Seung Jin. I like this deal for the Bucks, they get their starting PG and Skinner is a solid backup at the 4 or 5. As for the Blazers, they obviously have high hopes for Jarrett Jack, I guess. Also, the Clippers are expected to sign Aaron Williams to a 2-year deal.

I think Wade and LeBron could easily break into their lists by then, but I think LeBron has to go farther in the playoffs, too, and the same goes for Tracy McGrady. Dirk has several good years ahead of him, too, I think. Yao Ming is a longshot. Play-wise, he's well on his way, but again, post-season success has to factor in somewhat. Kobe's the only one I really can see moving up on a list, and it's totally dependent on how he leads his team. The only thing that kept me from putting him above Gervin and Drexler, was the fact that those two both led teams deep into the playoffs. As far as Worthy goes, the only problem I had with him was that I have doubts he would have done as well as he did without Magic. I could see maybe putting him over King, I suppose.

I'd be up for that. I assume the same rules would apply as far as tiebreakers and spreads?

OK, here are my top 10 players at each position, all-time. Most of the guys from pre-80's are mostly stat-based, because I didn't see them play, for obvious reasons. I took finals appearances and rings into consideration, as well as MVP's, but it wasn't a necessity to make the lists, as you'll see. For the 50's and most of the 60's, I also took into consideration how they would hold up against today's players. Wilt surely wouldn't average 40+ points a game, but he'd be right up there at the top of the list of dominant players. Same with Oscar. On the other hand, George Mikan would probably get knocked around by most PF's today, let alone centers. But back then, there was no one close to his size. Centers 1. Wilt Chamberlain 2. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 3. Bill Russell 4. Hakeem Olajuwon 5. Shaquille O'Neal 6. Moses Malone 7. Willis Reed 8. David Robinson 9. Elvin Hayes 10. Wes Unseld Hayes never won an MVP, other than that, every player on this list has at least 1 ring and 1 MVP. The top 3 may vary depending on how I'm feeling. And for Knicks fans, I promise I kept an open mind about Patrick Ewing when making this list. Ewing, Dave Cowens, and Bob McAdoo were probably my next 3, not necessarily in that order. Power Forwards 1. Tim Duncan 2. Charles Barkley 3. Karl Malone 4. Bob Pettit 5. Kevin McHale 6. Kevin Garnett 7. George McGinnis 8. Billy Cunningham 9. Jerry Lucas 10. Dennis Rodman This was one case where success was the deciding factor. I gave Barkley the edge on offense, and Duncan the edge on defense. However, Barkley contended for a title for one year, while Duncan had a ring in his second season (though, admittedly, he wasn't stepping into your average lottery team). He's got three now, and I don't think he's won his last one, either. You can see I took the ABA into consideration on these lists, as well, which explains McGinnis's placement, with three ABA titles and a co-MVP (which he should have won outright). Cunningham averaged 21/10/4 over 11 seasons and was ABA MVP in '73. And the Bulls don't win their last three titles without Rodman, I'd bet money on that. Small Forward 1. Larry Bird 2. Elgin Baylor 3. Julius Erving 4. Scottie Pippen 5. Dominique Wilkins 6. John Havlicek 7. Adrian Dantley 8. Alex English 9. Bernard King 10. James Worthy We've argued Pippen to death in the past, so I'll just let Eddie Johnson make my argument for me this time. A lot of people may only remember Dominique as a "Human Highlight Film", but I also remember the Hawks having the best record in the East when they traded him for...Danny Manning. The Hawks imploded in the playoffs, and then lost Manning without compensation as well, and haven't really been the same since. I remember the 'Nique-led Celtics making the eventual-conference-champion-Magic sweat in the first round in '95. That team was complete shit when you got past Dominique. I remember Dominique on the Spurs, with Robinson out for the year with a broken foot (I think), probably keeping them from ranking with the '73 Sixers. Just some of the forgotten reasons why he cracks the top 5. Shooting Guard 1. Michael Jordan 2. Oscar Robertson 3. Jerry West 4. Rick Barry 5. Allen Iverson 6. Clyde Drexler 7. George Gervin 8. Kobe Bryant 9. Pete Maravich 10. Reggie Miller 3-7 are heavily success-based...all were/are terrific scorers. West and Barry led their teams to rings. Iverson doesn't have a ring, but he's a former MVP and is the only guy that comes to mind to really, truly carry a team to the Finals, even if he had about a snowball's chance in hell once he got there. Drexler never won the big one on his own, but you could certainly argue that the '95 Rockets don't raise the trophy without him. Kobe's been argued to death, as well, so I'll just say that him and Shaq needed *each other*, not just the former, and leave it at that for now. Point Guard 1. Magic Johnson 2. John Stockton 3. Isiah Thomas 4. Jason Kidd 5. Bob Cousy 6. Gary Payton 7. Walt Frazier 8. Nate Archibald 9. Kevin Johnson 10. Tim Hardaway Obviously I blocked out Payton's non-Seattle tenure in the league when making this list. Mark Jackson is probably #11, I really wanted to include him on this list. Feedback appreciated.

I don't mean to sound like a homer, but where did Reggie Miller rank on this list?

Where do you live that you're just now discovering CoCo Wheats, bigolsmitty. We've always had it where I live.

Anyone here know anything about Maceo Baston? The Pacers signed him today from the Euroleague, but I remember the name and know he's been in the league before.

Brock Ausstin will be in action.

WWE fails at grammar

CWM must have designed that one

Brings to your TV... The 2006 Tag Team World Cup *Overhead camera shot of Wembley Arena is shown.* TONY SCHIAVONE They are packed to capacity here in Wembley Arena, London, England, ready for the European Regional final! The winner will compete in the bright lights at AngleSlam, August 27! *Camera cuts inside to Tony and Jesse.* TONY Hi, I'm Tony Schiavone here with Jesse "The Body" Ventura, we'll be calling the action here in London, and Jesse, the home heroes from here in England may have been eliminated, but this place is still jumping! JESSE That's right, Tony Schiavone, the hated French team put away the top-seeded Brits nine days ago over in Manchester, and most of this crowd is hoping that the Jamaicans, the Cinderella story of the World Cup, can avenge that for them! They've had a nice run...but I think the clock will strike midnight for them tonight, Tony Schiavone, that's my prediction! TONY It all remains to be seen, and as you mentioned, a lot of support for the Jamaicans here tonight! *Camera cuts to fans holding a Jamaican flag in the crowd, and various fans with the flag painted on their faces.* TONY Right now, let's go up to our ring announcer! Master Blaster (Jammin') hits, and the crowd goes NUTS as the Jamaicans come through the curtains. ANNOUNCER The following is the European Regional Final, of the Tag Team Woorld Cup tournament! It is scheduled for one fall, with a one hour time limit! Introducing the first team, representing Jamaica, from Montego Bay, weighing in at a combined weight of 479 pounds...the team of DENZEL SPENCER, and his partner, REGGIE LAMONT!!!!! TONY What an eruption for the Jamaicans! JESSE No doubt who the crowd favorites are in this match! The Jamaicans step into the ring and jump onto opposite buckles, raising their hands. They then hop off as the La Resistance theme hits and the cheers promptly turn to boos as the French team emerges with their flags. ANNOUNCER Their opponents...representing France, from Paris, at a combined weight of 508 pounds...the team of DOMINIQUE GASTON, and his partner, LEOPOLD MARTIN!!!!! The French step into the ring, and continue to wave their flags, then set them outside the ring, and jump the Jamaicans from behind! *DING DING DING* JESSE Here we go! One of these teams will be in Miami on the 27th for AngleSlam! Dominique knocks Denzel out of the ring, then joins Leopold in a double team on Reggie. The French set up Reggie, and deliver a double suplex! TONY And the French team gaining an early advantage with the sneak attack, much to the chagrin of this crowd! The French follow up by whipping Reggie into the ropes, and meeting him with a double clothesline! Leopold then sets Reggie up for a piledriver, but Reggie backdrops out of it! Reggie then exchanges blows with Dominique, getting the better of things, but Leopold quickly recovers and sends a knee into the back of Reggie. The French then set up Reggie for a double DDT! TONY And the French setting up their version of the double DDT, they call it the CREPE CRUSHER~!!! However, Denzel is climbing to the top rope, and before the French can execute the move, he SKIES off the top and floors them both with a flying bodypress! TONY But Denzel with the save! Denzel hammers away on Leopold, while Reggie delivers a side slam to Dominique! Dominique staggers up, and is clotheslined from the ring by Reggie, while Denzel dropkicks Leopold over the top on the other side! TONY And the French sent to the floor, and they had better regroup! The French talk it over on the floor, and then get back to the ring, and Leopold steps in with Reggie. The crowd gets on Leopold's case with various derogatory chants, frustrating him. Leopold hops out onto the floor and puts his hands on his hips, then yells at the official, telling him to shut up the crowd. JESSE Fans really getting under the skin of the French right now! Leopold slowly climbs back in, and circles the ring. TONY So, it's Leopold Martin and Reggie Lamont, one-on-one! They tie up, and Leopold backs Reggie into the corner. Leopold drives in a couple knees, then attempts an Irish whip. Reggie reverses, however, and Leopold is sent in, and backdropped on his way out! A gutwrench suplex follows that up, then a cover... 1... 2... Kickout! Leopold quickly rolls to his corner, and tags in Dominique. TONY First tag, and it's Dominique Gaston stepping into the ring! Reggie waves his arms at the crowd, and they quickly shower Dominique with similar chants. Dominique covers his ears, then steps through the ropes and pulls back his fist angrily. Reggie quickly approaches him, but Dominique bends down and covers his head. Reggie steps to the second rope over him, and the referee lays a count on him. Reggie steps down and backs off. JESSE See, I think this could be a problem for the Jamaicans. We know the French will do anything to go on to AngleSlam, but the Jamaicans are really just being too careful about the rules! I think it's going to take a little bending of the rules to get a win in this match! Dominique emerges from the corner, and goes in for a tieup. Reggie grabs a side headlock, and is backed into the ropes, where Dominique makes a blind tag to Leopold. Dominique pushes off, and Reggie bounces off the ropes, then hops over. Dominique gets back up and goes into the opposite ropes as Reggie is leapfrogged by Leopold. Reggie stops behind Leopold, then shoves him into a charging Dominique, sending both to the mat! Reggie then tags in Denzel. TONY And the first tag on the Jamaican side, Denzel Spencer in the ring now! Denzel grabs Dominique and delivers a snap suplex! Dominique slides out as Denzel scoops up Leopold in a fireman's carry, and delivers an airplane spin! Denzel does five rotations, then drops him on his back on the mat! Denzel gains his footing, then dropkicks Leopold from behind, sending him over the top to the floor! TONY The Jamaicans looking GREAT here in the early going! The French regroup once again, and Dominique climbs in. Denzel goes for a tieup, but Dominique sends a boot to the gut. He then backs Denzel into the corner and lays in forearms, then brings him out and whips him into the ropes. Denzel ducks a clothesline, and hits Dominique on the rebound with a flying cross chop! Leopold comes in and is caught with a belly-to-belly gutwrench suplex! Reggie then tags back in, and whips Leopold to the ropes, then backs into the opposite side and connects with a high knee! He then picks up Dominique up on his shoulder, as if to deliver a spinebuster, then points to Denzel. TONY And the Jamaicans setting up the SINSEMILLA~!!! JESSE ...the WHAT? TONY A double-team move they're famous for... Denzel backs into the ropes, then leaps HIGH into the air and hits an axe kick on Dominique, who is on Reggie's shoulder! TONY And great leaping ability put on display by Denzel! JESSE Continuity ALL on the side of the Jamaicans right now, Tony Schiavone! Reggie covers... 1... 2... Kickout! Reggie picks up Dominique and grabs a side headlock. Dominique backs him into the ropes, then pushes him off. Reggie bounces off one side, then hops over Dominique...and goes over the top to the floor backwards, the result of Leopold pulling down the rope! TONY Illegal move from the outside by Leopold Martin... JESSE Well, that goes back to what I mentioned earlier, Tony! The Jamaicans are too worried about the rules and pleasing these people! It worked for them early on, but now it's desparation time on the part of the French, and the Jamaicans are in trouble! Leopold stomps away at Reggie on the floor, as the referee restrains Denzel, then tosses him back in to Dominique, who delivers a back suplex! Cover... 1... 2... Kickout! Dominique tags in Leopold, then whips Reggie hard into the corner, and as he bounces out, Leopold goes to the ropes and catches him from behind with a bulldog! Cover... 1... 2... Shoulder up! JESSE Quick covers by the French! Smart on their part! TONY But the Jamaicans will not quit! Leopold cheap shots Denzel, drawing him into the ring. JESSE And now it's the Jamaicans letting their emotions get the better of them, and it leads to a double team by the French! Leopold holds Reggie back, as Dominique lays in a savate kick! Leopold then covers... 1... 2... Shoulder up! Leopold whips Reggie into the ropes, and sinks in a sleeper as he comes back! Reggie fades, but the crowd doesn't! TONY And listen to the crowd here in the UK! "REG-GIE! REG-GIE! REG-GIE! REG-GIE!" The referee checks the arm... ONE!!! TWO!!! THR...NO!!! Reggie holds through! He works his way back to his feet, then drives in an elbow! A second! A third! Reggie backs into the ropes, but Leopold catches him with a knee to the gut! JESSE Reggie should have made a tag there! TONY No question, and it could prove to be the difference...a cover! 1... 2... NO! Shoulder up! TONY But no! Reggie showing tremendous resiliency! Leopold reapplies the sleeper, aas the chants start up again! "REG-GIE! REG-GIE! REG-GIE! REG-GIE!" The referee checks once again... ONE!!! TWO!!! THR...NO! He holds through again, and gets up again! An elbow! A second! This time, however, Leopold goes to the eyes, and delivers a Russian legsweep! JESSE Hey, he can't do that move! He's from France! Leopold then goes to the second rope, and hops off...right into Reggie's boot! TONY And now, maybe Reggie can tag! Reggie inches over to his corner, as Leopold makes it over to tag Dominique, who runs right over and jumps on Reggie, who was inches from his corner. Dominique hooks Reggie's right arm behind his back, then puts his head under his left shoulder, and flips him over! Cover... 1... 2... NO! Shoulder up! Dominique sets up a suplex, but Reggie blocks! Then blocks a second time! Reggie then lifts Dominique up, and brings him back down FACE-FIRST with a sitout front suplex! TONY That's his move! The BLUE MOUNTAIN BOMB~!!!111 JESSE But does he have enough to cover? Reggie sluggishly rolls over for the cover... 1... 2... NO! Leopold makes the save! Leopold then takes a shot at Denzel, who comes into the ring. As the referee restrains him, the French duo hooks Reggie in a double top wristlock. Reggie flips backwards and armdrags them both over and to the mat! Reggie crawls over to his corner once again, and Dominique attempts to grab a foot. Leopold makes his way over, distracting the referee, as Reggie MAKES THE TAG! The crowd goe crazy! TONY TAG MADE! JESSE The referee was distracted, though! The referee turns around and forces Denzel out of the ring, drawing HUGE boos. Dominique recovers, and delivers a backbreaker to Reggie. Leopold goes to the top rope, and Dominique stands in the corner in front of him. TONY Here comes the BISTRO BOMB~!!!111 JESSE ... TONY I swear to God I'm not making this up. Leopold steps up onto the shoulders of Dominique, then comes off with a legdrop! ... ...but Reggie rolls out of the way! TONY Nobody home! Reggie gets to his feet slowly, and floors Dominique with a bicycle kick! He then falls to one knee, then quickly bounces up and MAKES THE TAG! TONY There's a tag, and the referee saw that one! The crowd goes nuts as Dominique begs off, to no avail, as Denzel lays in rights and lefts, then sends a foot to the gut, and backs into the ropes, delivering an axe kick! Reggie climbs into the ring, and Denzel yells something out to the crowd. TONY I've got another one for you, Jess. JESSE Oh yeah? TONY It's time for the PAPPY-SHOW~!!! Denzel whips Dopminique into the corner, then whips Reggie across, and Reggie delivers an avalanche! Denzel follows with a handspring elbow! Dominique staggers out, right into a bicycle kick from Reggie! TONY And the crowd really into this one! Denzel picks up Dominique, and delivers a NORTHERN LIGHTS BOMB~! TONY That's it! The CARRIBEAN COMPACTOR~!!!111 1... 2... NO!!! Leopold saves! Reggie hammers away on Leopold, then charges, but gets backdropped to the floor! Leopold then delivers a LOW BLOW~ to Denzel, before reviving Dominique. JESSE Who's legal? TONY I believe the legal men are Gaston and Spencer. Dominique pulls a pair of knucks from his tights, as the crowd begins to boo. TONY This is how they beat the Brits, now the referee has to stop this! Dominique cocks back as Leopold holds Denzel, but the referee hooks his arm! Dominique argues briefly, then takes the knucks off and hands them to the referee. As the referee takes them to the timekeeper, Dominique then grabs his flag! TONY Come on! Denzel escapes, and Leopold takes the flagpole shot, falling to the outside! Denzel springs to the second rope, and catches Dominique with a hurricanrana! Reggie comes into the ring, and picks Dominique up in a fireman's carry as Denzel goes to the top! Reggie takes a couple steps forward, then spins Dominique's head backward into a flapjack, as Denzel comes off the top rope with a legdrop! TONY THE JAMAICAN BOBSLED~!!!111 That's it!!! 1... 2... 3!!! The crowd EXPLODES! *DING DING DING* JESSE THEY DID IT! A major upset here at Wembley Stadium! TONY The Jamaicans have won the European Bracket, and they are on their way to AngleSlam! ANNOUNCER The winners of the match, and the CHAMPIONS of the European Bracket...TEAM JAMAICA!!!!! As Master Blaster plays, the Jamaicans go out into the crowd and celebrate with their fans. TONY And these people are loving it! The fans give Denzel their flag, and he takes it into the ring, as Reggie comes up with another flag. Tony Schiavone steps into the ring, and stands in between the two at the trophy table. TONY (in ring) Well folks, eight great teams comprised the European Bracket in the World Cup. But when the dust settled, it's the team from Jamaica, the seventh seed, going to AngleSlam! *Denzel and Reggie grab the trophy and raise it in the air.* TONY (in ring) Denzel, let's start with you, how does it feel? DENZEL *Jamaican accent* It's a great feeling, Mr. Schiavone...(catches breath) the French, they fought hard, they did good...but we believed in ourself, we didn't let no one break our confidence, and we're going to AngleSlam! *crowd cheers* REGGIE *Jamaican accent, slightly thicker* Dat's right, and we still believe! And with the support from these people, there was no way we could lose! *crowd cheers* REGGIE JAMDUNG! DENZEL JAMDUNG! Tony makes his way back to the table as the Jamaicans continue to celebrate. TONY (at table) That means "Jamaica", in case you're wondering, Jess. JESSE Yeah, thanks. TONY Now let's explain the sceanrios for the Jamaicans at AngleSlam...if the Canadians are victorious against Mexico, it'll be Canada taking on Jamaica in the semifinals, and the winners of the Asian and African brackets would meet. Should Canada lose, the next highest seed would be Japan, and after that, the Lithuanian team. If all the 1 seeds lose, then it will be Team Heyross as the highest 2 seed, to take on the Jamaicans. So there's what lies ahead for the Jamaicans, the European bracket champions! Congratulations once again, we're out of here, for Jesse "The Body" Ventura, I'm Tony Schiavone! Let's send it out to Soccer City in South Africa, to "Stagger" Lee Marshall and Tazz!

Have at it.

I've had the black cherry one, it wasn't bad. Haven't seen the other one, or maybe I just didn't look close enough at all the bottles.

I'll take a team if there's an opening. Indy's my first choice, of course, but I won't be picky.

If anyone's got a guy they'd like me to whip up a World title match with tomorrow, let me know.

You know, we've all speculated on how far the Bulls will go with Wallace...where do the Pistons rank in the East now? I'd say they're obviously still a playoff team, the 4th seed would probably be considered a success. I'm going to say they'll end up with the 5th or 6th seed.