The NBA’s starting five, in terms of performance per dollars…

PG – Tony “Oui Oui” Parker
SG – Dwyane Wade
SF – Bobby Simmons
PF – Udonis Haslem
C – Amare Stoudamire

Also, high on the list were Tayshaun Prince, Josh Howard, Kirk Hinrich, and Luke Ridnour. The key, basically, is to still be playing on your rookie contract.

This is a nice topic of conversation, but it doesn’t really mean much. Zach Randolph made the list for best bargains, but I wouldn’t want him around my team unless he was serving them nachos.

Appearing on the worst bargains listed are are Jason Kidd and Reggie Miller… also revealing some flaws in the system. Reggie makes a lot of money, but his veteran presence is worth a lot. Kidd’s numbers are down because he’s been hurt, but without him, there’s nothing at all left in the state of New Jersey that’s worth saving.

There were, however, some guys who have very much earned their spots on the worst bargains list, such as Latrell Sprewell and Sam Cassell, who are apparently being paid to make a team worse.

The game’s MVP, Josh McRoberts… going to Duke. Guy who had 13 points, 9 assists, and 2 clutch free throws… going to Duke. Fuck.

I’ve really never had any substantial amount of hate for Duke, but it seems to build a little bit each year at this time. In a few months, maybe it’ll wane, but right now… I’ve spent the last month hearing Billy Packer and Dick Vitale do everything short of propose to Mike Krzyzewski on the air.

Anyway, McRoberts and Paulus… enjoy your days now. Soon, everyone will hate you.

An excerpt from “The Jump,” Ian O’Connor’s book about Sebastian Telfair’s move from high school directly to the NBA.

Quality reading, if you’ve got a few minutes. Interesting how David Stern, so opposed to high schoolers jumping directly to the NBA, wanted to make sure that Sebastian in the house on draft night. Perhaps a bit hypocritical, but David Stern certainly knows where his bread is buttered. That sounded sexual. Sorry.