Dream Scenario: Who would you choose to start your NBA Franchise?

The NBA decided to start over and have a draft. Every player is put into the draft pool.

Your the GM of the New York Knicks. David Stern does one of those stupid lotteries with those extra large envelopes that look like a UFO. He puts his hand in the extra large box with the extra large envelopes, and bam, the Knicks are given the first pick. All hell breaks loose. The city of New York goes into one big frenzy.

But who the hell do you start your franchise with? Here's the possibilities...

Players who are sitting right outside the Top 5: Tim Duncan, Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire, Carmelo Anthony, Kevin Durant.

5) Dwight Howard: He's far and away the best young big man in the NBA today. He quickly became one of the best rebounders and is an absolute beast. He ignites a crowd with his thunderous dunks. He's also really young (23). Unfortunately, Howard is not going to be the guy you rely on with 2 minutes left in a game. Howard needs to be the compliment to a great guard. But I could not see myself taking him.

4) Dirk Nowitzki: One of the best mid-range shooters in the business. He does everything and them some. Anytime a big man can hit a 3, it causes huge matchup problems. But, Nowitzki has never won anything before. His defense is extremely questionable and he tends to dissapear when you need someone to pick your team up. If Nowitzki leads your team, don't expect to win a championship.

3) Chris Paul: Excellent passer who can make other guys better. He's also the best scoring PG not named Steve Nash. He's fast, agile and can lift a team up when they are down. I personally think when it is all said and done, we will remember him as a Top 5 PG of all time. Yes, of all time. I am that confident in him. But another iffy defensive player. To top it off, Paul has yet to be down 2-0 in a series or given you that "Wow, did he just have that game" moment.

2) Kobe Bryant: He will take the last shot. He will thrive in the final minutes of games. He will do everything he can to pull your team down from 20. You know he's going to be the guy. My problems with him? There's still this weird cloud hanging over him. Maybe it's his arrogance, maybe it is that whole situation he had in Colorado a few years ago. I want my fans to love my star player, not feel like they have to love him. He's also going to be 30, which is old next to my No. 1.

1) Lebron James: The King does everything. You can surround him with 4 versions of Lucious Harris and he will still lead you to the playoffs. He sells tickets, jerseys, foam fingers, and anything else with his face on it. He does the scoring, the rebounding, the passing, and sometimes all in one single play. He's built like a football player yet flies like a jet. He is the best player in the NBA, and is everything you want in your franchise player. This is the guy I want.

"Starting for the Knicks...Shooting Guard...Number 23, Lebronnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn Jamessssssssssssssssss!"

Cliff Notes: Wednesday April 30, 2008

While 90% of you were finding bugs on the new Grand Theft Auto game and 9% of you were watching American Idol, very little went on in the world of sports.

-I guess Shaq did a lot for the Suns, who got bounced from the playoffs. Let's face it, the Spurs never get talked about and they always stroll along. Maybe the Suns will finally realize that defense will get you somewhere. A little ironic that to get Shaq though, they traded their best defensive player (Shawn Marion).

-Chris Paul is sick. A triple double? What? Are you serious? And he led his team to the next round, taking out the Mavericks. Let's take the modern day PGs for a second(1990-now). In their prime, how would you rank them? Here's how I put them:

1) Steve Nash: He's Chris Paul except a better scorer and as clutch as you can be. Never won a championship though, but I would argue that his team's were vastly overrated)

2) Chris Paul: Funny thing is that he isn't even near his peak! But he's insane to watch, and his speed and scoring ability is unreal.

3) John Stockton: He was a better scorer than even I give him credit for. But I don't know, something about him just couldn't have me put him over Paul.

4) Gary Payton: He will shut you down. He had a very stellar all-around game.

5) Jason Kidd: I think he peaked about 4 times. When you thought he was down and out, he'd do something to wow you.

-Now do you believe the Sixers have a chance? That's the sound of the bangwagon crashing.

-Oh yea, and the Rockets decided to make it a series with a win against the Jazz.

-My fellow bloggers will probably be furiously posting about the Rangers loss last night. My only comment is this: I know everyone loves the goalie (Hendrik Lundqvist, doubtful I spelt it correctly), but after allowing 22 goals in 5 games, maybe its time to stop drinking the love juice for him. See you next year Rangers, cause your not coming back.

-Okay, so Yankee land has learned that Posada is out for a little less than what they thought and A-Rod is out a little longer than what they thought. Look, I never thought you should give an upper 30's catcher a four-year deal, but this is what your going to get. This was the first time Posada was on the DL, and this won't be the last. As for A-Rod, he's had the most mirage of a season.You look at his stats and go "Okay, he's been solid." But if you watch the games, you know otherwise. But he's still A-Rod, and he will still ht 40 HRs. Enjoy Morgan Ensberg!

-Damn you John Smoltz! I trade a good outfielder for a closer in my fantasy baseball league, and now you might come back form the disabled list as a closer. Damn you and making me draft you thinking that your a young 40! Sorry, had to rant.

-The "Why the hell is this pitcher still playing baseball yet doing well" award for today goes to Joel Piniero. You have no business with an ERA under 10.

-The "Why the hell is this pitcher still in the majors and getting saves" award goes to Eric Gagne, who somehow has 8 saves. Shave your stupid beard Gagne!

-What to watch for tonight: I'll give you two. Hawks visit the Celtics. If the Hawks win, I might buy a Mookie Blaylock jersey. And second, Dana Eveland and Ervin Santana square off in a "Loser will be dropped by everyone who was stupid enough to pick them up in fantasy baseball" matchup.