8/30/2004 08:37:33 AM|||Shep|||Moving right along...

21. Michael Finley, Mavericks: Increase. The Shark Fin represents something of an enigma to me. I've never really seen him play. When I've been able to see the Mavericks, he hasn't demonstrated to me any distinct style. There's certainly a plethora of players who I've not had the opportunity to view, but none of them were 21st in scoring last year. The fact that I've seen him more in NBA Street that on the court doesn't affect my prediction for him, though.

22. Richard Jefferson, Nets: Increase. Bringing in Ron Mercer to take over for K-Kitt (aka Knight Rider, aka Villanova Supernova) and K-Mark (aka Blue Light Special) is like getting K-Reev (aka Canoe) to fill in for NFL Players.

23. Mike Bibby, Kings: Decrease. Bibby is someone Team USA could have used. A pure point guard who can hit outside shots like Marbury could have been doing the entire time. But unless Stojakovic pulls an Abdur-Rahim, Bibby's ppg will be below what he had last year (see also: Chris Webber).

24. Ron Artest, Pacers: Level. The addition of S-Jack (below) might lower Artest's output, but Jackson's ability to slash (the word They always use in reference to Jackson) will also help open up shots for teammates (like Artest).

25. Stephen Jackson, Pacers: Decrease. Speaking of Slashing Jackson (another new nickname, thank you very much): Now that he's with the Pacers, his mutant power to score 18 ppg will be neutralized by the fact that the Pacers have 2 other scoring options before him.

26. Rashard Lewis, Sonics: Level. The Booth-for-Fortson deal is not likely to impact Lewis. The Sonics are mainly unchanged beyond that.

27. Pau Gasol, Grizzlies: Increase. P-Gas is still climbing his upside mountain. I'll let you know when he reaches the peak. Until then, especially if he's an FC is your league, he's as good as gold (even without a medal to prove it).

28. Richard Hamilton, Pistons: The Pistons haven't reinvented the wheel, installed a new engine, or done anything really, outside of changing the oil. The departure of M-Oke, while unfortunate for the team, also means that his rising star won't be casting it's glow over any of the others in Auburn Hills. If anything, Okur leaving is a boone to Hamilton's fantasy value.

29. Yao Ming, Rockets: Increase. Put T-Mac on any other team (excluding teams with Shaq, and teams that used to have Shaq) and the number 1 option becomes the number 2 option. The Ming Dynasty is only gaining more experience and with it, momentum.

30. Eddie Jones, Heat: Decrease. Put Diesel into the Heat Engine and it's not going to be good for the unleaded fuel. (Keep an eye for a trade here... there have been rumours).
|||109387305306166392|||Top Scorers Cont'd... (21 - 30)