Marko Jaric

Jaric came over from Minnesota in a draft day deal, and is coming off a season in which he posted career-highs for total minutes and total points scored despite losing time to the Timberwolves' youngsters. He faces the same problem in Memphis with O.J. Mayo and Rudy Gay clogging the two and three slots. He could start the season in the lineup and then eventually get pushed to the bench by Mayo. Considering how much money he'll be making, his name is likely to turn up in a lot of trade rumors.

Although it's a long list, Jaric may be near the top of the poor moves Minnesota general manager Kevin McHale has made the past three seasons. McHale traded Sam Cassell for Jaric before the 2005 season and signed a six-year, $40 million contract. He was a bust at point guard and last season was moved to small forward, where he showed some life as a defensive specialist. With Minnesota in a rebuilding mode, he faces the prospect of few minutes this season and has asked to be traded. He'll be one of the top contracts McHale tries to unload this season.

Given the starting point guard last season after coming over in a trade for Sam Cassell, the Minnesota offense failed to jell with Jaric at the helm and he was moved to a reserve role after the trade for Marcus Banks. The T-Wolves were always high on his defense as a guard given his height (6-7) but soured on his ability to distribute the ball. With Mike James and Randy Foye able to play point guard, Jaric will be used as a reserve and defensive specialist this season. He's even been used at small forward in training camp. Expect his numbers to decline even from last season as a result.

Jaric will likely win the starting point guard role for the T-Wolves. He's improved each year of his NBA career but hasn't been able to stay healthy. With a new team he may finally break out and become an NBA star. He's a nice sleeper as a result.

Jaric is the starter for the Clippers at press time, but the team is putting their hopes behind first-round pick Shaun Livingston. Jaric can rack up big steal numbers, and averaged 4.8 apg last season, but don't count on Jaric continuing to contribute once Livingston gets his feet wet.

Inherits the starting PG job from the departed Andre Miller. A legitamate playmaker with scoring ability. Plays with refined skill but has natural ability. Has three scoring options to distribute the ball too. Worth having on your bench and possibly starting at some point.