NFL Pre-Season Rankings Becoming an Irritant

Every year before the NFL season starts, the player ranking lists make their way to the public consciousness.

Glenn Gilliam, Host, What's The 411Sports, is not happy about the latest NFL player rankings. He's concerned that Russell Wilson, despite winning the Super Bowl last year, is being ranked too low.

He also feels Geno Smith, a rookie quarterback with the New York Jets, received no love even though he helped the New York Jets attain an 8-8 record with no real offensive help.

Chris Graham believes that Geno Smith has more room to grow this year with Michael Vick behind him. 

Give the young guns aka new jacks, the praise they so rightfully deserve.

On the other hand, What's The 411Sports reporter Gregory Alcala is a bit more cautious; he feels that we should wait to see what else the new jacks accomplish.

However, when asked would he start a new team with the new jacks or the old heads; Gregory said he would go with the newer players.

Who would be on your team, new players or the older guys?

VIDEO: Join in the conversation

In general, the What's The 411Sports team feels the Washington Wizards is a good move for Paul Pierce, but it hurts Glenn Gilliam's heart to see him go.

Chris Graham was absolutely ecstatic about Pierce's move to the Wizards.

Chris sees the Washington Wizards, a team with so many players under 30 years of age, in dire need of leadership. He believes Paul Pierce is a great fit to help mentor the younger players.

Chris acknowledges that Paul Pierce has played with the Boston Celtics and Brooklyn Nets and most of all, he has championship rings.

"This was a great move for Paul," Glenn Gilliam said. "As sorry as I am to see him go, I wish he could have stayed. He gave us all excitement to go to the Barclays Center and see him play for the Brooklyn Nets. It's an unfortunate situation, but he had to make the right move for his career. This was perfect. The Wizards are a playoff caliber team; he could take them to another level."

Glenn Gilliam wondered why Paul Pierce didn't follow Doc Rivers to the Los Angeles Clippers.

Gregory Alcala thinks Pierce would not have received the attention that he is looking for with the Clippers and there is better chemistry with the Wizards.

Could it be that Doc Rivers doesn't feel real stability with the Clippers given the Donald Sterling fiasco?

VIDEO: Join the Conversation about Paul Pierce Going to the Wizards.

Now that LeBron James is settled in Cleveland, it is reported that Pat Riley, Miami Heat, Team President, is checking out Lance Stephenson, another 2014 NBA free agent, to fill out the Miami Heat roster.

In general, the What's The 411Sports team feels Stephenson would be a good fit in Miami.

However, Glenn Gilliam would prefer that Stephenson come to New York because he is a passionate guy that plays with abandon.

VIDEO: Join the conversation about Pat Riley and Lance Stephenson

Which team do you think would be a good fit for Lance Stephenson?

In this video, Glenn Gilliam reports that the NBA hired Pamela El to be its Executive Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer.

Ms. El is responsible for the NBA's global marketing operation, directing brand development, overall marketing, and advertising for the NBA, WNBA, and NBA Development League.

Prior to the NBA, Pam served as Senior Vice President, Brand Marketing, for Nationwide Insurance where she was responsible for driving financial services marketing strategies and break through executions. She has over 30 years of related marketing and communications experience including 15 years with world class advertising agencies.

Prior to Nationwide, Pam led the State Farm marketing organization for over a decade where she was responsible for marketing and sales strategy, brand management, and all media and sponsorships.

Pam holds a degree in Mass Communications from Virginia Commonwealth University. She was named by Advertising Age as one of the Top Most Influential Marketers in 2012 and Top 50 Marketing Executives in 2010. Pam and her husband, Bill, are currently relocating from Columbus, Ohio to New York City.

Pamela El reports to Mark Tatum, Deputy Commissioner, National Basketball Association.

VIDEO: Pamela El the NBA's New Chief Marketing Officer