1.   Among other things, Iverson said he did not think of himself as a franchise player, stressing repeatedly that he was just one of the guys.

2.   And the Pirates want to keep Kendall as a franchise player, which might eventually mean moving him from the position that made him an All-Star.

3.   And while Hicks would need to sign off on trading a franchise player like Belfour, Armstrong said no player is untouchable.

4.   And will Coleman finally accept his responsibility as the franchise player to be a leader both on and off the floor?

5.   And, most importantly, the undeniable fact that ownership believes that its coach and his system is the franchise player here.

6.   Anyone hoping for a franchise player like Raymond Bourque this weekend is just not being realistic.

7.   Any other team signing a franchise player would forfeit two first-round picks if the original team does not match the offer.

8.   Are there definite franchise players that stand out or is this another crap shoot?

9.   As owner of the Milwaukee Brewers, he always wanted to keep franchise players Robin Yount and Paul Molitor.

10.   As the top-rated youngster among those eligible for the draft, Thornton is widely believed to be a future franchise player.