First Look -- odensque

Quick Draft Summary: Another strange draft for Owen -- he largely went for big men early, with some key all-rounders (Marion/Lewis). It looks like there's not enough production on the bench without some improvements, but a lack of minutes may keep the negatives low, Lil Dogger style.

Frontcourt: Brand (1), Sheed (5), B-Miller (7), Dalembert (8), Big Z (10)

There's a lot of Blocks here (and the Matrix adds more still), and pretty good rebounding. This may be the year when Sheed, B-Mill, and the Big Z decline precipitously, however, and Brand is coming off a serious injuy. Also, no one knows if the Haitian Sensation will fit in with Brand or not.

Backcourt: Calderon (4), Mo Williams (6), Bayless (15)

Some think Calderon will put up Nash-like numbers this year, and he might. Even so, that will likely not be enough to get Odensque in contention for assists or steals most weeks, unless, of course Bayless turns out to be an assist machine (which seems unlikely).

Swingmen: Marion (2), Rashard (3), Rip (9), Battier (11), Raja Bell (14)

Many expect a decline from Marion in Miami, and Rashard didn't produce as well in ORL as he had as a Sonic. Rip is no longer a 20PPG player (maybe no one on this team is, except perhaps Brand). Battier now has Artest ahead of him, but he and Raja still will hit plenty of 3's with low negatives.

X-Factors: Bobby Simmons (16), Jamario Moon (12), Ben Wallace (17), T-Out (13)

Simmons, Moon, and Outlaw all have high multi-cat upside, but have question marks as well. Big Ben is probably just dead weight, but we all have fond memories of crazy 7 block, 5 steal games - maybe there are a few more left.

Strengths: 3s, BLK, TO, REB, FT%

Weaknesses: PTS, FT, FGM, FG%, AST

Best Pick: Outlaw (13) - he's going to force his way onto the court

Worst Pick: Sheed (5) In our league, 'Sheed's negatives (esp. Techs) should push him down a few rounds