NBA Trade Deadline: Pacific Division

Golden State Warriors-

This team is perhaps one of the most difficult to figure out going in to the trade deadline.  Albeit, they are young and have been plagued by injuries, but its beginning to look like this team needs some much needed changes to “Nellie-ball.”  With such a young roster, at the pace that the system is conducted, it is astonishing to see that minutes are so unevenly distributed.  While the team’s best player Monta Ellis, plays the most minutes per game in the league (over 42 a night), its other potential star Anthony Randolph plays just over 22 minutes per game.  Ellis, Corey Maggette and Andris Biedrins all play effective minutes but each make more than they are worth  (each over 9 million), and could be dealt depending on the direction of the team. Right now, this team doesn’t look like its going in any direction, other than standing pat.

Los Angeles Clippers-

After this year’s draft, things were starting to look up for the old Clippers. They secured the #1 pick Blake Griffin and hoped that with some luck, they could make a run at the playoffs. However, luck is never nice to the Clips.  Griffin injured his knee on a dunk in the last preseason game, and was expected to miss 3 months. However, progress was not made and 3 months became surgery effectively ending his rookie season before it ended.  The one valuable piece they do have is Marcus Camby.  He is a strong veteran defender that can play both Center and Power Forward.  A team that should seek him is the Blazers, who have a depleted frontline, would like an expiring contract, and who could use a mentor for Greg Oden and LaMarcus Adridge.  However, if the Clips remain unconvinced of offers, they can wait until his contract expires after this season and free up cap to add a free agent.

Los Angeles Lakers-

This is perhaps the deepest team the NBA has ever seen.  However, there have been concerns about its cohesiveness as a unit.  While this is a remarkable team from a talent perspective, it is scary that they could potentially add another piece to the puzzle.  Adam Morrison’s contract expires at the end of the season, and one time NBA championship hero Sasha Vujacic is up at the end of the following season.  The defending champs could make a run at disappointing guard Jose Calderon or Devin Harris should the Nets decide to shop him.  A rumor about a potential Bosh- Bynum swap is intriguing, but it could be overkill in the addition of skilled bigs they already have. Bynum can provide a certain level of toughness that a frontline of Odom, Bosh, and Pau do not offer.

Phoenix Suns-

The Phoenix Suns are always a playoff team, however, they have never been able to perform to their abilities in the playoffs. The team will go the direction of Amare Stoudemire. If the big man stays they can continue to add pieces to make the team a contender. If he leaves, and is not replaced by another star post player, then Steve Nash and Grant Hill begin to show their age and Jason Richardson’s shot selection gets more questionable.  The Suns don’t have many pieces to move, but if they had one it’d be Leahindro Barbosa. The small quick shooting guard could be a good piece for a budding team to add, the Suns can also move some cash from Ben Wallace’s contract. The Wizards would be intriguing with Mike Miller coming off the books, and Caron Butler potentially available. If the Suns decide to trade Amare, which is looking increasingly likely, I might consider entering a trade to try to bring in Chris Bosh.  If not, the Suns need an athletic power forward.  Also, Channing Frye has been a great addition in the Suns system.

Sacramento Kings-

Tyreke Evans may be the Rookie of the Year Candidate the Kings thought they had when they took him over Ricky Rubio, Brandon Jennings and others.  However, the Kings still have some work needed to add to their roster. Jason Thompson has proven to be durable and an effective young post. The question is can the Kings effectively team Evans with Kevin Martin.  Some including myself, are having doubts about it, leading to a thought that Kev-Mart could be traded.  The Kings might be best of waiting on this trade as they can wait and watch this unfold and make a move this summer.  The Kings have some good veteran trade pieces in defensive stalwarts Ime Udoka and Kenny Thomas, in addition to Shareef Abdur-Rahim’s contract.  With these pieces, the Kings would be wise to acquire draft picks to add to the nucleus or a young talent that needs a change of scenery and playing time. (Nate Robinson, Delonte West, Adam Morrison, Joe Alexander)

NBA Trade Deadline: Northwest Division

With the greatest summer in NBA Free agency half a season away, the trade deadline looms as potentially the most active one in history.  Here’s what to look for:

Denver Nuggets-

The Nuggets are the third best team in the Western Conference and will likely finish the season in roughly that range.  They lack any true needs, but could add another good post defender to go against Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki and Pau Gasol.  They have shown interest in Jeff Foster, but they have no real pieces that they can move. Kenyon Martin and Nene have less than desirable contracts, and the rest of the bunch wouldn’t amount to much in a trade.  If a player is bought out, look for the Nuggets to make a move.  

Minnesota Timberwolves-

The Timberwolves have the 2^nd worst record, next to the lowly Nets.  The Wolves have a lot of expiring contracts, however I don’t think that they will be able to convince many free agents to join in on the rebuilding.  The Wolves might be wise to move some expiring contracts for some additional talented pieces, the Pistons and Knicks have some contracts that need to be traded, and might be willing to trade capable players to do so.

Oklahomo City Zombie Sonics-

The Zombie Sonics are the resurgent team of 09-10. With a core of young stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, and fellow young complements in Jeff Green and James Harden, the Thunder can look to make a playoff push.  The Thunder should look to add a defensive enforcer or athlete that can play with his back to the basket in the frontcourt to complement face up bigs Green and Nenad Kristic.  I doubt that any would be available but it might be worth asking about some talents that are said to be available at the right price. (Amare Stoudemire, David Lee, Al Jefferson, Brendan Haywood)

Portland Trailblazers-

The Blazers were the trendy pick heading into the season.  They had a resurgent 08-09 campaign clinching the 4^th seed in the West, without the services of the heralded Greg Oden. However, injuries have sidelined Small Forwards Travis Outlaw, Rudy Fernandez, and Nicolas Batum for extended periods of time and have knocked out starting Center Oden and his backup Joel Pryzbilla for the remainder of the regular season. The depleted Blazers have been starting old timer Juwan Howard and been backing him up with power forwards Jeff Pendegraph and Dante Cunningham.  While all have played very well, I have strong doubts about their ability to maintain their play and health over the course of the season.  Free agent signing Andre Miller hasn’t meshed with the team, which could make him movable. While Outlaw and the other PG Steve Blake have expiring contracts which can be moved, along with the expiring contract owed to Darius Miles.  The Blazers have expressed a desire to not add any long term payroll, but might be willing to if the right piece became available (Caron Buter, Tayshaun Prince).  The Blazers are left with options of Marcus Camby, Jeff Foster and Brendan Haywood.  Haywood would make the most sense short term, while the others make more sense in the long run.

Utah Jazz-

The Jazz are a team that could be very different with a trade in place.  As it stands now, the Jazz are the 8^th seed in the Western Conference.  Although they would put up a good show, they do not have the firepower to take on the best teams in the conference.  This would mean that they could add another part to make them a viable threat in the playoffs.  However, they have Carlos Boozer on their team who would be an attractive trade value for another contending team. They are now faced with an interesting dilemma of getting return for a player that will leave after the season or keep him and trade for a similar player to make a playoff push.  I think a trade for the Zombie Sonics Etan Thomas and Nick Collison, would put the team in good position for free agency in 2011, when Andre Kirilenko’s contract expires.  Bill Simmons suggests trading Kirilenko, Kyle Korver, cash, and New York’s 1^st rounder for Kevin Martin and Kenny Thomas. I think this might be a little too farfetched for the Jazz. These next years of formative building around Deron Williams will be interesting. Stay tuned to the Franchise Sports Blog for continued coverage of the NBA Trade Deadline with updates to be released shortly!

NFL Mock Draft Rd 1 (Version 2.0)

Suh Reigns Supreme Again! 

1) Stl- Ndamukong Suh , DT, Nebraska 

They need a Franchise QB, but with none available, they take another premiere DT prospect.  Suh will hopefully bring the interior pressure that the Rams’ d-line lacks.

2) Det- Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma         

Jim Schwartz adds a pass rushing DT to 4-3 to hopefully improve the Lion’s atrocious run and pass defense

3) TB- Eric Berry, S, Tennessee

Kiffin Pupil goes to Tampa to guide cover 2.  While Sabby Piscatelli has been serviceable, it is nearly impossible to pass up on an elite playmaking talent like Berry

4) Was- Sam Bradford, QB, Oklahoma        

Jason Campbell isn’t a convincing starter to impatient Redskins fans and Shanahan gets a franchise QB to begin his tenure in DC

5) KC- Ronlando McClain, ILB, Alabama

Derek Johnson is a free agent, and while Demorrio Williams may have one spot locked down, Corey Mays is sure upgradable. McClain a prototypical 3-4 linebacker and would be a perfect candidate to help solidify the interior of the Chiefs linebacking core.             

 

6) Sea- Russell Okung, OT, Oklahoma St

The Seahawk’s Offensive Line woes and inability to generate a run game prompt the selection of the most polished college left tackle.  This is also a perfect opportunity for Okung to learn from one of the best in the game in an aging Walter Jones

7) Cle- Derrick Morgan, DE, Geogia Tech

Cleveland is lacking talent on both sides of the ball.  Morgan would improve the pass rush and possibly add a spark to a lifeless defense with his relentless motor

8) Oak- Carlos Dunlap, DE, Florida

Dunlap is an athletic freak with upside and character concerns, sounds like an Al Davis dream

9)Buf- Jimmy Clausen, QB *, Notre Dame   

GM Buddy Nix has already said that he won’t force his new coach to start a QB just because he is on the roster.  Consider Clausen the next experiment in Buffalo

10) Jax- Sergio Kindle, DE/OLB, Texas

One thing the Jags lack for sure is a pass rush, one thing that Kindle excels at is pass-rushing

11) Den (Chi)- Brian Price, DT/DE, UCLA

Price can play DE hopefully infusing youth in Denver’s aging 3-4 defense

12) Mia- Dez Bryant, WR, Oklahoma State

Ted Ginn is a great return specialist, but not a receiving threat. Insert Dez Bryant alongside Chad Henne’s cannon and big things could happen in Miami

13) SF (Car)- Anthony Davis, OT, Rutgers

While Joe Staley is a franchise LT, the line could be improved on the team that ranks 30^th in yards a game, and 28^th in points per game. Adam Snyder is upgradable and Anthony Davis has the potential skill set to be an all-pro OT

14) Sea (Den) - Joe Haden, CB, Florda

Seattle has also been unable to stop anyone’s passing, ranking 30^th allowing over 245 yds a game. Joe Haden is the premiere CB prospect and would bump incumbent 5’9” starter Josh Wilson into slot coverage where he belongs

15) NYG- Brandon Spikes, ILB, Florida

Many have compared Spikes to Antonio Pierce for his run stopping abilities and aggressiveness.  Combine this with the fact that Antonio Pierce is aging quickly, and Spikes becomes the next Giant

16) TEN- Navorro Bowman, OLB, Penn State         

Bowman coming out of the new Linebacker U, has a great skill set for the 4-3 defense of the Titans and would be a solid pick to help alleviate the declining play of Keith Bullock

17) SF- Taylor Mays, S, USC

Michael Lewis has degraded into a solely run stopping safety who is prone to concussions.  A bad recepie for the viability of a SS, May’s fills this void while brining an even greater physical presence alongside rising stud Dashon Goldson.

18) Pit- Terrence Cody, NT, Alabama

NT Casey Hampton is a free agent and at 32 years old is not a prime candidate for a long term extension.  Mount Cody would be a great replacement if Hampton is released or franchised

19) Atl- Patrick Robinson, CB

It was evident this past season that the Falcon’s biggest issues reside within their secondary.  Robinson would be the first step towards repairing this issue

20) Hou- Earl Thomas, S, Texas

While Bernard Pollard established himself as a Texans starter for next season, John Busing did not.  This makes playmaker Earl Thomas a perfect candidate filling both need and brining in a local product to strengthen the secondary

21) Ari- Bruce Campbell, OT, Maryland

Mike Gandy is injury prone and aging, forcing either Levi Brown to move to LT or bring in a replacement.  While raw, Campbell has all the talent to be a star at the next level.  If Brown is able to translate to the left the cardinals could have bookend tackles to protect their post Warner QB

22) Cin- C.J. Spiller, RB, Clemson

While Cedric Benson has established himself as their franchise RB, their offense lacks explosion and Benson may not be able to continuously take the pounding he did this last season.  Spiller would make this offense more dangerous and alleviate pressure from both Benson and Palmer

23) NE- Jermaine Gresham, TE, Oklahoma

Ben Watson will most likely not be returning, and Brady needs another target aside from Welker as a safety valve when Brady is under pressure

24) Phi- Jason Pierre- Paul, DE, South Florida          

Philly’s high pressure defense can always use more pass rushers, and Pierre-Paul is an elite talent when it comes to getting to the QB

25) Bal- Arrelouis Benn, WR, Illinois

Reports are Derrick Mason is 60/40 that he will retire after the year leaving a vacant #1 WR spot.  Benn fills that need with a dynamic skill set and room to improve in a run first offense

26) GB- Brian Bulaga, OT, Iowa      

This last season showed the importance of protecting Aaron Rogers, and how miserably the Packers failed to do so.  Bulaga is a dominant tackle who is consistent and not flashy, the definition of a Packer lineman            

27) Dal- Trent Wiliams OT, Oklahoma

Dallas’ game against the Vikings showed the important of Hotel Flozell as Jared Allen dominated the Dallas backups.  Trent Williams would help replace Flozell as he speeds towards retirement

28) SD-Jon Dwyer, RB, Georgia Tech

As insane as it sounds, LaDanian Tomlinson is done as a Charger.  Combine that with the fact that Sproles is not able to take the pounding of a franchise back, and you find the Chargers with a need for a franchise back and fortunately for them Dwyer falls in their laps

29) NYJ- Jared Odrick, DT/DE, Penn State

Rex Ryan loves his defense, and there is no place better for them to upgrade than their aging front line.  Marques Douglas, while serviceable, is not exactly a long term option at DE and Odrick can be that solution

30) Min- Perrish Cox, CB, Oklahoma St

While Cedric Griffin may be a solid solution at CB, Antoine Winfield’s play has declined (weather from injury or age we don’t know) and the Viking’s secondary is currently their weakest point in their game

31) NO- Sean Weatherspoon, OLB, Missouri 

Scott Shanle and Scott Fujita are nice….but Weatherspoon can be a playmaker complimenting and elevating the play level of all-pro Jonathan Vilma

32) Ind- Everson Griffin, DE, USC

Freeney and Mathis are pro-bowlers, but they are also both closing fast in on the age of 30 and neither is fully able to avoid the annual injury bug.  Griffin would give the colts a great spell end for either side, while also having a replacement if Mathis or Freeny’s play decides to decline sharply

Stay Tuned to the FSB for the 2nd Round Mock Draft Version 2.0 to be Posted Soon!

The NFL's Future Powerhouses (pt 2)

The San Francisco 49ers

Another team which will be more than competitive in the near future is the San Francisco 49ers. While surprising to few that I added the 9ers to this article, I will not only explain why the 49ers are on the path to success, but also why they will stay there. Their record last season (8-8) was no mistake, their schedule was difficult, they played well, and they found an identity towards the end of the season. Two seasons ago the struggling 49ers were the laughing stock of the NFC West (believe it or not the Rams were respectable!). They lacked offense (more specifically a QB), defense, and their coach (now Denver Bronco’s defensive coordinator Mike Nolan) seemed more interested in battling to wear suits on the sidelines of games than fixing the whimpering 9ers. This all began to change when Nolan was relieved of his duties and defensive assistant Mike Singletary was elevated to the head coaching position.

Singletary’s reign began on a sour note as San Fran was thrashed by the Leonard Weaver led Seahawks (34-14) during his debut, however his passionate actions of sending, then “bust” Vernon Davis to the showers early, as well as exposing his posterior to the team during half time (in order to show them “what was being kicked”) seemed to rejuvenate the once proud franchise. The 9ers began playing with a passion and newfound fire on defense under Mike’s no nonsense style finishing the season 5-4 under Singletary after a 2-5 start. This success carried over to toe 09-10 season as the 9ers started out hot (3-1) only to struggle with offensive identity and injuries to key players (Joe Staley, Nate Clements, and Frank Gore, etc.) and finish an improved but mediocre 8-8. This places Singletary’s record at a successful 13-12 in SF (successful compared to his predecessors) allowing me to consider his coaching future bright (for both wins and classic audio/video clips). While coaching can’t be counted on as what has the 49ers on this list, it is an integral piece.

The 49ers history of poor play can be traced back many years to the departures of WR Terrell Owens, RB Garrison Hearst, and QB Jeff Garcia (essentially removing the integral pieces of what was an already scotch taped together franchise). This decline took the Niners from their annual 9-7 record towards a bevy of top 10 draft picks. The Niners drafted many players chalk full of talent and potential, and it is that potential which is now beginning to be realized and turning this franchise around. Defensively San Francisco is built for upside and long term success. They are lead by all-world MLB and Ole Miss Alumni Pattrick Willis who in 3 short seasons has become the NFL’s standard for linebackers. He is flanked by athletic freak Manny Lawson (Mario William’s bookend at NC State, 6’5” 275lbs and runs a 4.45), and the surprisingly effective Parys Haralson (15.5 sacks in 4 seasons) and is complimented by former Bengals and Bills stalwart Takeo Spikes. Also, don’t’ sleep on Ahmad Brooks at OLB either, this former Virginia Cavalier was heralded as a first round pick until a slew of injuries derailed his senior season and he fell in the draft; he flashed his potential this past season spelling Haralson and Lawson racking up 21 tackles, 6 sacks, and a whopping 5 forced fumbles.

This imposing linebacking core is made even better by the MASSIVE (yet athletic) defensive line trio of DE Justin Smith (285 lbs), Nose Tackle Aubrayo Franklin (317 lbs), and DE Isaac Sopoaga (330 lbs). All three are under the age of 30 and all three are improving with every game, especially Franklin, who is being considered by many scouts around the league as a potentially top tier NT in the NFL (now of only potential 1st round bust Kentwan Balmer (DE) could get on track this team’s line would be absolutely loaded with young talent!). The Niners are also chalk full of secondary talent as Shawntee Spencer continues to impress alongside (over paid but) talented Nate Clements while Longhorn Tarrell Brown continues to develop (40 tkl 2 INT, actually sent Clements to the bench this last season because of his strong play during practice and in nickel packages). Lastly, the 49ers also have a potentially top notch playmaker at free safety in Dashon Goldson. At 26 Goldson finally passed the oft burned Mark Roman for the top spot on the depth chart and all he did was register 94 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 4 interceptions (I realize most were in 1 game but what a showing of talent that was!). All of these pieces work together to form a solid defensive squad that stops the run, pressures the QB, and (through solid drafting and development) will soon be able to shut down the pass as well.

While the 49ers have shown some serious upside on the defensive side of the ball, they have equally impressive prospects on offense as well. Their offensive line is strong across the board and has shown flashes of dominance in the run game. While Frank Gore has already shown that he is a top level RB in the NFL, he is helped out by players like Joe Staley at LT, who is already establishing himself as a top tier blindside protector at only 26 years old. Staley is further supported by the 49ers depth in veterans Adam Snyder (G), David Baas (G), and 2nd year USC Alum Chilo Rachal (G) who has shown serious promise (and inconsistency) during his starts at RG. This, along with the presence of grey-beards Eric Heitmann, and Barry Sims (who filled in admirably for an injured Staley this past season) allows the Niners to keep their path even when injuries to the OL strike.

While the 9ers have upside in many facets of their team, the 49ers are built for serious success at their skill positions. Their Firstly, 2nd year wide out Josh Morgan and rookie sensation Michael Crabtree have the 49ers set at the WR position for years to come. On top of that, young reserves Brandon Jones and Jason Hill are no slouches either. Furthermore, former mega bust Vernon Davis (TE), emerged this year in a big way under Singletary’s tutelage. While Vernon has always been a physical marvel (6’3.5 255 lbs, 4.38 in the 40 yd dash/42” vertical leap) his attitude and work ethic had made him little more than a circus freak. However, Singletary’s hard-nosed approach to teaching, and a rejuvenated interest for football (along with the responsibility of being named captain of the team) led to Vernon’s emergence as one of the top TE’s in the NFL this past season (78 rec, 965 yds, league leading 13tds for TEs). 

While all of these pieces make for a very talented offense, it was the resurfacing and rediscovery of former number 1 overall draft choice Alex Smith (QB) which has carried this team from future potential to NFC West favorites in the upcoming seasons. Smith’s unique combination of arm strength and mobility allowed the 49ers to jump start their 2009 season after their Shaun Hill lead offense stalled mid way through the season. Written off as a lost cause, Smith restarted his career throwing for an incredible 2350yds and 18tds with during only 10 starts. The potential of this team is incredible, and as long as their young talent continues to buy in to Mike Singletary’s hard-nosed program there is no telling the ceiling of their future.


Gore/Smith Photo Credit- Kyle Terada, US Presswire
Willis/Staley Photo Credit- By Paul Sakuma, AP
 

The NFL’s Future Powerhouses (pt 1)

“We will be Super Bowl Contenders…soon” it’s what every GM says after a season which can be considered rebuilding, disappointing, or for teams like the Browns and the Lions, expected. The truth is, while all teams who aren’t battling for a title say this, not all teams are truly on the path towards long-term success. Many teams in the NFL are plugging holes in their sinking ships with free agents, hoping to catch lightning in a bottle each season as they slowly sink towards mediocrity. Teams like this will eventually realize that their championship window has closed only to begin their inevitable rebuilding process. Other teams have stockpiled and developed young talent and are on the verge of entering their time; but have not matured to a level fully evident to the naked eye. Teams matching the second description will be discussed within this series of posts. Each update will examine an NFL franchise quietly on the rise, such as the Arizona Cardinals or Huston Texans were back a couple years back.

The Jacksonville Jaguars 

In 2007, the Jaguars were an expectedly playoff bound 11-5 team with a dynamic rushing attack based around the cagey veteran Fred Taylor, and an explosive 2nd year back in Maurice Jones-Drew. Furthermore, they benefited from the emergence of a and the surprisingly effective David Garrard. After losing to the undefeated Patriots in the AFC championship, the Jags were an expected lock for playoff success the upcoming season. Unfortunately this was false hope for the Jags as the 2008 season exposed their age and injury issues in critical areas, such as their defensive/offensive lines, as well as a talent deficiency within their wide receiver corps as they stumbled towards a 5-11 season. Such a season forced the Jaguars’ front office into action. Drastic measures were taken, such as cutting the troubled but promising 1st pick Matt Jones (WR) and franchise icon Fred Taylor (RB, pictured above) while also rebuilding through prospects found in the draft.

The cutting of Fred Taylor thrust Maurice Jones-Drew or “Pocked Hercules”, as NFL Network’s Rich Eisen likes to say, into a franchise back role. With this came more touches for MJD, taking the Jags rushing attack from consistent to simply explosive. This was a main step in the advancement of Del Rio’s team, as it made them dangerous. To further the development of the Jag’s running game, the Jags drafted a pair of bookend offensive tackles in UVA’s Eugene Monroe (LT) and Eben Britton (mauling run blocking RT with an attitude)early in the 09 draft, and thrusting them into immediate action where they showed bright flashes of potential mixed with inconsistency. From there the Jag’s drafted Rutgers’s massive DT Terrance Knighton (6’3” 320+) and plugged him in next to and even John Henderson (DT); while mixed results followed, Knighton’s play has garnered him praise and a potentially bright future. Lastly, the Jags drafted little known Derrick Cox (CB, pictured to the right) out of William & Mary and immediately inserted him into an opening day starting spot opposite all pro CB Rashean Mathis, where he flourished recording 72 tackles, 4 Ints, and even a fumble recovery (while Mathis spent significant time on the DL hampering the Jag’s pass defense). These picks have helped the Jags improve in multiple important areas; however they are but a few of the youthful talent base which the fiery Del Rio commands.

The Jaguars also have managed to acquire multiple young and talented skill position players under the radar such as 7th rd steal Mike Sims-Walker (25 years old, 63rec/869yds/7td in 2009), tiny Arizona alumni Mike Thomas (22 years old, 48rec/452yds/1td in 2009), and high upside 6th rd TE Zach Miller (25 years old, 8rec/69yds/2tds in wk 17). Furthermore, the emergence of MLB Justin Durant (24 years old, 98 tckl, 1 sack/ff/int in 2009), the presence of young yet amazingly versatile MLB/OLB Daryl Smith (27 years old, averaging 78 tackles/season through his career, and 14.5 sacks in 6 seasons), and the inevitable resurgence of playmaking FS Reggie Nelson (26 years old, 7 int/20 passes defended in 3 seasons) make their defense built for long run success. If the Jaguars keep drafting well, and their prospects reach the potential they have shown, the Jags could be very dangerous very quickly. 


*Fred Taylor photograph credit- Rick Stewart/Getty Images

*Derrick Cox photograph credit- Andy Lyons/Getty Images