I'm not going to call this the "Top 10 Pure Shooters" list, because that has a connotation that eliminates shooters who are also all-around scorers. So what if Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash are better defined as "all-around players?" They are still two of the top 10 shooters in the NBA.
Shooting isn't about who can knock down open threes -- that's an aspect of it, but there is much more to shooting. Other factors include the ability to hit contested shots, " " to hit high degree of difficulty shots, " " to step up and drill clutch shots, " " to make a wide variety of jumpers and last but not least, " " to shoot a respectably high percentage through it all.
There are a couple of guys on this list who are thought of as "three-point specialists," but for the most part, these are shooters who are far from one-dimensional. This is it, plain and simple, the best shooters in basketball:
#10-Chauncey Billups, PG-Detroit Pistons
The 10-spot was anyone's game. Others in contention were Jason Richardson, Jason Terry, Raja Bell, Stephen Jackson and Carmelo Anthony. I'm going with Chauncey because he strokes them with ease under pressure, and there are very few players I'd rather get the ball to for a big jumper or clutch foul shots. We'll probably see more pressure hits from him during Detroit's playoff run this season.
#9-Dirk Nowitzki, PF-Dallas Mavericks
Dirk's an assassin because very few can get up high enough to contest his release. He's a phenomenal mid-range shooter and as far as range goes, he steps back comfortably behind the three-point arc. He is a bit inconsistent with three-point percentage -- that's why he's not higher than this.
#8-Leandro Barbosa, G-Phoenix Suns
Last year's leader in three-point shooting has come back to earth a little this season, but Barbosa remains one of the premier outside shooters. Without question, he has the most unorthodox release of any player on this list -- it's almost as if he pushes the ball (with both hands) up and out away from his body. But style doesn't matter here...the "Brazilian Blur" gets it done on the perimeter.
#7-Sasha Vujacic, G-Los Angeles Lakers
OK, I'll admit it -- I'm on the Lakers' bandwagon. The "Showtime" boys are playing so well it's easy to give credit to each of their contributers. Vujacic's jumper has been automatic to the point where he's being called "The Machine." TNT's crew -- Marv Albert, Mike "The Czar" Fratello, Reggie and Cheryl Miller -- said that Vujacic gave himself the nickname. If that's the case, Vujacic is a bad ass. Nice work, Sasha.
However, the ABC Crew -- Mike Breen, Mark Jackson and Jeff Van Gundy -- said that the nickname was an innovation by the Lakers' play-by-play man. Either way, Sasha is absolutely killin' it right now. He's certainly not afraid to shoot; I say, keep firing.
#6-Michael Redd, SG-Milwaukee Bucks
Mike's like the left-handed Ray Allen. He's widely known for his prowess beyond the three-point line, but he's a very adequate scorer inside of the arc. I place Redd behind Allen because his frequent injuries tend to affect his perimeter consistency. Like Vujacic, Redd is not at all shy about letting it go from anywhere on the court. Redd's not quite the specialist that Sasha is, but he's more capable of hitting difficult fade-aways and other high degree of difficulty shots.
#5-Daniel Gibson, G-Cleveland Cavs
In the games leading up to his ugly ankle injury, Gibson was cementing himself as the NBA's top three-point specialist this season. His stroke was so smooth and easy that he was making triples look like free throws. During All-Star Weekend, Gibson put on a show in the Rookie/Sophomore game, drilling a record-high 11 threes. He threw together a solid performance in the three-point contest, as well. Most importantly, in regular season action Gibson was providing LeBron with crucial floor space and a deadly outside threat.
#4-Steve Nash, PG-Phoenix Suns
In addition to leading the NBA in assists per game, Nash shoots an extremely high free throw, field goal and three-point percentage. Statistically, there are no glaring weaknesses in his shot. My lonesome complaint would be that he attempts many difficult pull-up jumpers on the move, some of which hurt the Suns in late-game situations. Though other times, he's a marksman in the clutch.
Initially I had Nash 7th on this list. Vujacic and Gibson are hot stocks this year -- I got a little caught up in their immense improvement. Nash has been doing this for awhile, he's more deserving of this position. It doesn't seem like he's going anywhere in the near future, either. Keep "flamethrowing," Steve.
(And yes, that was a shout out to Kevin Harlan who recently dubbed DeShawn Stevenson a "flamethrower." Easy there, Kev.)
#3-Richard Hamilton, SG-Detroit Pistons
No offense Sasha, but "Rip" is the real "Machine." This guy just smokes the net, one mid-range jumper after another. Preseason, regular season, early playoffs, NBA Finals -- it doesn't matter, Hamilton is as consistent as they come.
It must be the mask; I'm actually pretty surprised high school kids aren't trying it out around the country.
Anyway, Hamilton has now extended his beautiful stroke out to the three-point line. Not to say that he was incapable of hitting treys in the past, only that he's better now than ever. Simply put: a quick leaper with an accurate and blinding release.
#2-Ray Allen, SG-Boston Celtics
Speaking of quick releases..."Ray Ray" aka "Jesus Shuttlesworth" puts it in before you can get a hand up. The cliche is that Allen is the best shooter in the NBA -- a popular misconception. He may be the best upright shooter in the league, but he provides his team with less opportunities to score than Kobe. Meaning, he can't shoot with consistency from the multitude of angles that Kobe can. Also, he's not as capable of shooting over the top of a double team.
Nevertheless, Ray Ray is probably one of the best shooters in the history of the NBA. It's just the wrong era to compete for the No. 1 spot...
#1-Kobe Bryant, SG-Los Angeles Lakers
...because this man is around. It seems like no shot is impossible for Kobe. I watch Kobe and many times my natural reaction is, "Ugh, that's a horrible shot" -- and then of course, it goes in. I don't know how many times that has happened to me in the past. I've finally learned my lesson: there is no such thing as a "bad shot" when Kobe Bryant is letting one go. Every shot is a high-percentage shot. When Reggie Miller retired, Kobe also claimed the No. 1 clutch shooter position; he hasn't relinquished it. Not in the slightest bit.
As always, I could go on for days. It's not necessary. It's very clear...there's nothing anyone can do to stop Kobe.
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
A Knockout Blow: Yao Ming Out for Season
Let me begin this post by saying that ESPN NBA analyst Greg Anthony is an idiot. In one, 30 minute show this evening, he made three statements that made me want to jump through the television and slap some sense into him. He said:
#1-That the Rockets will definitely make the playoffs without Yao Ming.
I'm not saying it's impossible; what really pissed me off was his reason why: "The Rockets have players who know how to win, like Shane Battier and Luis Scola."
What have either of those guys won in the NBA??? Luis Scola is a freakin' rookie!!! I'm well aware that Scola has experience winning in international play, but international play is not the NBA. If international play were the NBA, then the USA team wouldn't have lost in the 2004 Olympics.
Battier spent a bunch of seasons losing as a member of the Grizzlies, and the Rockets haven't won a playoff series since he's arrived, either. Has he won a playoff series anywhere? I don't think he has. What the hell is Greg Anthony talking about!? I know Battier had experiencing winning at Duke (I bet you know where I'm going with this), but college basketball is not the NBA!
Hey Greg, I have a question for you -- when did international and college basketball become equivalent to the NBA? What are you talking about with Scola and Battier!!??
As for my take on the Rockets -- I can't see them maintaining a playoff spot. Look at it this way, they are on a 13-game winning streak and yet they are only No. 7 in the West. The Denver Nuggets are on the outside looking in right now and they're only 3.5 games behind Houston. With their Big Three intact -- Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony and Marcus Camby -- I see the Nuggets overtaking the Rockets, probably with relative ease.
Tracy McGrady's shot has flattened out and as a result, he's even streakier now than he was in the past. I can't see him pulling a Kobe from the past two seasons and leading a team of misfits to the playoffs in the NBA's clearly superior conference. Speaking of Kobe and the Lakers...
#2-Anthony said that he's concerned about the Lakers in the playoffs because they lack "big-game experience."
The Lakers have Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher!!!!!!!!!!
Kobe is the premier clutch player in the league and I'd have no problem arguing that Fisher is a top 5-10 clutch shooter. They have six rings between the two of them. Phil Jackson is their head coach...he has nine rings. Well, let's see, that's 15 rings between the three.
Hey Greg, fifteen rings equals "not enough playoff experience?" How many do they need? 30? 40? 1,221?
Give me a break.
Look, if Kobe and Fisher isn't enough, Lamar Odom has participated in the playoffs the past three years. Sasha Vujacic, Luke Walton and Vladimir Radmanovic have all been in the playoffs the past two seasons.
Greg, I can't handle your opinion. I just can't.
#3-Greg Anthony said that Monta Ellis is definitely the Warriors' MVP.
What the hell happened to Baron Davis!!?? I'm not trying to take anything away from Ellis, not by any stretch of the imagination -- he's rapidly becoming one of the elite combo guards in all of basketball.
But...Baron Davis is still the best and MOST VALUABLE player on the Warriors. Ellis probably wouldn't have developed into the scorer he is without Davis' commandeering of Golden State's up-tempo offense. Stephen Jackson wouldn't be averaging near a career-high in points without Baron. Andris Biedrins wouldn't be shooting like 90% from the floor without pretty dimes from Baron. Their success all funnels back to Baron.
I don't care if Greg Anthony had a long career in the NBA. There is no doubt in my mind that I know more about today's NBA than he does. ESPN...I'm waiting.
#1-That the Rockets will definitely make the playoffs without Yao Ming.
I'm not saying it's impossible; what really pissed me off was his reason why: "The Rockets have players who know how to win, like Shane Battier and Luis Scola."
What have either of those guys won in the NBA??? Luis Scola is a freakin' rookie!!! I'm well aware that Scola has experience winning in international play, but international play is not the NBA. If international play were the NBA, then the USA team wouldn't have lost in the 2004 Olympics.
Battier spent a bunch of seasons losing as a member of the Grizzlies, and the Rockets haven't won a playoff series since he's arrived, either. Has he won a playoff series anywhere? I don't think he has. What the hell is Greg Anthony talking about!? I know Battier had experiencing winning at Duke (I bet you know where I'm going with this), but college basketball is not the NBA!
Hey Greg, I have a question for you -- when did international and college basketball become equivalent to the NBA? What are you talking about with Scola and Battier!!??
As for my take on the Rockets -- I can't see them maintaining a playoff spot. Look at it this way, they are on a 13-game winning streak and yet they are only No. 7 in the West. The Denver Nuggets are on the outside looking in right now and they're only 3.5 games behind Houston. With their Big Three intact -- Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony and Marcus Camby -- I see the Nuggets overtaking the Rockets, probably with relative ease.
Tracy McGrady's shot has flattened out and as a result, he's even streakier now than he was in the past. I can't see him pulling a Kobe from the past two seasons and leading a team of misfits to the playoffs in the NBA's clearly superior conference. Speaking of Kobe and the Lakers...
#2-Anthony said that he's concerned about the Lakers in the playoffs because they lack "big-game experience."
The Lakers have Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher!!!!!!!!!!
Kobe is the premier clutch player in the league and I'd have no problem arguing that Fisher is a top 5-10 clutch shooter. They have six rings between the two of them. Phil Jackson is their head coach...he has nine rings. Well, let's see, that's 15 rings between the three.
Hey Greg, fifteen rings equals "not enough playoff experience?" How many do they need? 30? 40? 1,221?
Give me a break.
Look, if Kobe and Fisher isn't enough, Lamar Odom has participated in the playoffs the past three years. Sasha Vujacic, Luke Walton and Vladimir Radmanovic have all been in the playoffs the past two seasons.
Greg, I can't handle your opinion. I just can't.
#3-Greg Anthony said that Monta Ellis is definitely the Warriors' MVP.
What the hell happened to Baron Davis!!?? I'm not trying to take anything away from Ellis, not by any stretch of the imagination -- he's rapidly becoming one of the elite combo guards in all of basketball.
But...Baron Davis is still the best and MOST VALUABLE player on the Warriors. Ellis probably wouldn't have developed into the scorer he is without Davis' commandeering of Golden State's up-tempo offense. Stephen Jackson wouldn't be averaging near a career-high in points without Baron. Andris Biedrins wouldn't be shooting like 90% from the floor without pretty dimes from Baron. Their success all funnels back to Baron.
I don't care if Greg Anthony had a long career in the NBA. There is no doubt in my mind that I know more about today's NBA than he does. ESPN...I'm waiting.
Friday, February 22, 2008
Thoughts on the "Ben Wallace" Trade
I love how ESPN keeps calling this the "Ben Wallace trade." I know they are focusing on the notoriety aspect of the deal, but in actuality, Big Ben is the worst of the four players who were shipped to Cleveland. Not only is Wallace clearly past his "prime" -- a prime which is debatable in itself -- but he doesn't fit the Cavs' roster, not even in the slightest bit.
Unless Anderson Varejao's injury is considerably more serious than Cleveland has led on, the Cavs have no need for Big Ben. Yea, I know the cliche is that Wallace brings rebounding, defense and toughness, but can we please get past that? He's one of the worst three free-throw shooters in the entire league and contributes virtually nothing offensively. He's a liability on the floor at the end of close games because of his foul shooting and let's not forget that he was a complete and utter bust for the Bulls.
Wallace is an undersized center and multiple injuries have done serious damage to his athleticism. His athleticism and hustle were the only things that allowed him to be a dominant defensive force in his days with Detroit -- all that's left now is the hustle. Even the hustle isn't the same, he's in slow-motion lately.
If Varejao gets back to full strength at some point this season there is no question in my mind that he'll be the better player for Cleveland. Varejao is a much better offensive player than Big Ben -- he has a decent mid-range jumper, creates uniquely off the high-post dribble and has a much softer touch at the foul line and around the rim.
But let's move on to the positive aspects of the deal for the Cavs: Joe Smith, Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West. I list Smith first because I truly believe he's the best player Cleveland received in this deal. Most media outlets listed Smith as the afterthought in the deal, behind Wallace, Wally and Delonte. However, Smith is having one of the best seasons of his long career and (knock on wood) he's remained relatively healthy. Smith is an excellent option in the post, he has a soft turnaround jumper and virtually flawless footwork on the block. He plays with more confidence in his game than Drew Gooden, and for that reason I think LeBron will like Smith as a teammate.
Of course, what Wally brings is outside shooting. He's arrived in the nick of time for Cleveland-- sharpshooter Daniel Gibson suffered a nasty ankle injury a few nights ago, putting him out of commission for 4-6 weeks. Wally will step into Gibson's role as a spot-starter/sixth man who provides spacing for LeBron and some rainmakers from beyond the arc.
Last but not least is Delonte; I really like this aspect of the deal for the Cavs. I've never been in love with Delonte's style of play, he tends to take some bad shots and doesn't pass much for a "point" guard. "Point" is in quotes because his style is more conducive to the shooting guard position. However, Delonte has fresh legs and he's a very capable penetrator. In addition, while I question his shot selection, he's actually an above-average perimeter shooter. Defining West as a point guard may be questionable, but he's still the best point guard on Cleveland's roster. Damon Jones can still knock down shots but he's primarily a spot-up shooter now, and Eric Snow is finished -- plain and simple.
When totally healthy I think their lineup should be:
PG-West, SG-Szczerbiak, SF-LeBron, PF-J.Smith, C-Ilgauskas
However, it'll probably be:
PG-West, SG-Pavlovic, SF-LeBron, PF-Wallace, C-Ilgauskas
I think the success of this trade will depend on head coach Mike Brown's rotation. If he goes with my suggested lineup with Gibson, Varejao and Wallace off the bench in that order, there's no question the Cavs will be the third best team in the East. If he goes with the second lineup -- which ESPN analyst Jon Barry suggested -- Brown is going to have problems finding enough minutes between Szczerbiak and Gibson.
From the Bulls' standpoint, the deal was a little unusual. They have to be ecstatic about getting someone to take Big Ben and I commend them on that. However, Smith has been arguably their most consistent player this season. Kirk Hinrich and Andres Nocioni have had substandard seasons and Ben Gordon and Luol Deng have been injured and out of the lineup frequently. Adding Larry Hughes, Drew Gooden, Shannon Brown and Cedric Simmons creates a huge roster logjam for them.
Let's see if I can shake out the cobwebs and figure this thing out. If totally healthy they'd be looking at a lineup of:
PG-Hinrich, SG-Gordon, SF-Deng, PF-Gooden, C-Tyrus Thomas...with Andres Nocioni interchangeable with Gordon at the 2/6.
Where does Hughes fit into that? What about combo guard Thabo Sefolosha who has stepped up the past month? Chris Duhon? Joakim Noah? Aaron Gray?
I don't know, it's confusing. I guess you could say this deal gives them good depth, but it's also going to create substitution headaches and some very unhappy players. I like their talent but if the playing time situation goes haywire then I don't think they'll squeak into that No. 8 playoff spot.
Unless Anderson Varejao's injury is considerably more serious than Cleveland has led on, the Cavs have no need for Big Ben. Yea, I know the cliche is that Wallace brings rebounding, defense and toughness, but can we please get past that? He's one of the worst three free-throw shooters in the entire league and contributes virtually nothing offensively. He's a liability on the floor at the end of close games because of his foul shooting and let's not forget that he was a complete and utter bust for the Bulls.
Wallace is an undersized center and multiple injuries have done serious damage to his athleticism. His athleticism and hustle were the only things that allowed him to be a dominant defensive force in his days with Detroit -- all that's left now is the hustle. Even the hustle isn't the same, he's in slow-motion lately.
If Varejao gets back to full strength at some point this season there is no question in my mind that he'll be the better player for Cleveland. Varejao is a much better offensive player than Big Ben -- he has a decent mid-range jumper, creates uniquely off the high-post dribble and has a much softer touch at the foul line and around the rim.
But let's move on to the positive aspects of the deal for the Cavs: Joe Smith, Wally Szczerbiak and Delonte West. I list Smith first because I truly believe he's the best player Cleveland received in this deal. Most media outlets listed Smith as the afterthought in the deal, behind Wallace, Wally and Delonte. However, Smith is having one of the best seasons of his long career and (knock on wood) he's remained relatively healthy. Smith is an excellent option in the post, he has a soft turnaround jumper and virtually flawless footwork on the block. He plays with more confidence in his game than Drew Gooden, and for that reason I think LeBron will like Smith as a teammate.
Of course, what Wally brings is outside shooting. He's arrived in the nick of time for Cleveland-- sharpshooter Daniel Gibson suffered a nasty ankle injury a few nights ago, putting him out of commission for 4-6 weeks. Wally will step into Gibson's role as a spot-starter/sixth man who provides spacing for LeBron and some rainmakers from beyond the arc.
Last but not least is Delonte; I really like this aspect of the deal for the Cavs. I've never been in love with Delonte's style of play, he tends to take some bad shots and doesn't pass much for a "point" guard. "Point" is in quotes because his style is more conducive to the shooting guard position. However, Delonte has fresh legs and he's a very capable penetrator. In addition, while I question his shot selection, he's actually an above-average perimeter shooter. Defining West as a point guard may be questionable, but he's still the best point guard on Cleveland's roster. Damon Jones can still knock down shots but he's primarily a spot-up shooter now, and Eric Snow is finished -- plain and simple.
When totally healthy I think their lineup should be:
PG-West, SG-Szczerbiak, SF-LeBron, PF-J.Smith, C-Ilgauskas
However, it'll probably be:
PG-West, SG-Pavlovic, SF-LeBron, PF-Wallace, C-Ilgauskas
I think the success of this trade will depend on head coach Mike Brown's rotation. If he goes with my suggested lineup with Gibson, Varejao and Wallace off the bench in that order, there's no question the Cavs will be the third best team in the East. If he goes with the second lineup -- which ESPN analyst Jon Barry suggested -- Brown is going to have problems finding enough minutes between Szczerbiak and Gibson.
From the Bulls' standpoint, the deal was a little unusual. They have to be ecstatic about getting someone to take Big Ben and I commend them on that. However, Smith has been arguably their most consistent player this season. Kirk Hinrich and Andres Nocioni have had substandard seasons and Ben Gordon and Luol Deng have been injured and out of the lineup frequently. Adding Larry Hughes, Drew Gooden, Shannon Brown and Cedric Simmons creates a huge roster logjam for them.
Let's see if I can shake out the cobwebs and figure this thing out. If totally healthy they'd be looking at a lineup of:
PG-Hinrich, SG-Gordon, SF-Deng, PF-Gooden, C-Tyrus Thomas...with Andres Nocioni interchangeable with Gordon at the 2/6.
Where does Hughes fit into that? What about combo guard Thabo Sefolosha who has stepped up the past month? Chris Duhon? Joakim Noah? Aaron Gray?
I don't know, it's confusing. I guess you could say this deal gives them good depth, but it's also going to create substitution headaches and some very unhappy players. I like their talent but if the playing time situation goes haywire then I don't think they'll squeak into that No. 8 playoff spot.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
The NBA's 10 Most Underrated Players
"Underrated" is a very loose term. Players can be underrated by their peers, their coaches, fans, analysts and others. Since they're not getting their due elsewhere, I'll give these 10 players the attention they deserve in my list below. Let's start from No. 10 and count it down to No. 1...
#10-J.R. Smith, SG-Denver Nuggets
This one falls under the category of "underrated by head coach." George Karl hates this guy. Yes, Smith has been known to be a bit of a troublemaker, but he's relatively quiet when it comes to the media. I'm sure Karl has a vendetta against him because he comes late to practice every once in awhile, or he's lazy as hell during practice, but one thing's for sure -- Smith is an immensely talented player.
Smith is an extremely streaky scorer who can get as hot as anyone from behind the three-point arc. He recently had six threes in a game and then followed it up with an eight three performance -- both nights he came off the bench. Smith has been relegated to the bench as a member of Karl's doghouse since around the midway point last season. Karl's being stubborn. Smith is a perfect fit for the Nuggets' up-tempo offense and he'd probably be averaging around 15 points per game if he started alongside Allen Iverson.
There's no question that Smith's defense is suspect at best, but the Nuggets are already one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA. Their best defense is likely more offense...Smith can certainly give them that.
#9-Jose Calderon, PG-Toronto Raptors
Calderon would probably have made the top five if he didn't receive so much press after the All-Star selections. A few analysts pegged Calderon as one of the biggest snubs for a spot on the Eastern Conference All-Star squad. Prior to that point, this supremely gifted offensive point guard was gettin' no love -- that's why he maintains a position in my top 10.
Calderon leads the NBA in assist-to-turnover ratio and he's the second-best player (after Chris Bosh) on one of the East's top teams. Calderon is lightning-quick with the rock in his hands and he penetrates with consistency. He's a very underrated outside shooter, as well. He can step outside the three-point line comfortably and has an excellent mid-range game.
Like J.R. Smith, Calderon is a defensive liability. He gambles and gets some steals, but he has a weak frame and stronger point guards manhandle him. Regardless, he has established himself as one of the league's top 12-15 point guards, which is highly impressive considering the fact that he's come off the bench for the vast majority of his career. T.J. Ford has returned from injury and is back in the mix for Toronto, so it will be interesting to monitor Calderon's production from now until the end of the regular season.
#8-Jamal Crawford, G-New York Knicks
Because the Knicks have been God awful for the past two years, I can't have Crawford any higher than this. The reason being, as well as he has played, he's clearly not doing enough to help the Knicks win in the weak Eastern Conference. Don't get me wrong here, I'm not blaming Crawford for the Knicks' struggles -- not at all -- I'm just saying that as talented as he is, he probably should be leading New York to a No. 7 or 8 playoff spot.
But enough about the bad. Plain and simple, Crawford is one of the most unstoppable offensive players in the NBA. Like Kobe Bryant, Iverson, Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James and Gilbert Arenas -- he's a scorer. Crawford has a plethora of weapons in his arsenal and he flat out knows how to score. He features a vicious crossover dribble, a soft foul-line floater, an indefensible pull-up jumper and a snap-quick first step. No one can totally clamp Crawford, he stops himself more than anyone else does. How? By forcing up unnecessary shots. Unnecessary because they are heavily contested or unnecessary because the Knicks don't need the shot at that particular point in time.
The sad thing is that Crawford's precision passing goes to waste. Occasionally he tosses out a pretty dime, but it's all too rare. Especially with Stephon Marbury out for the remainder of the season, Crawford should be using the threat of his scoring to free up easy opportunities for his teammates -- namely David Lee and Eddy Curry in the post.
#7-Rajon Rondo, PG-Boston Celtics
This was a tricky one. Rondo gets a lot of contradictory press. Of course he gets a pat on the back for being the point guard on the team with the best record in the league, but the true credit always goes to the Big Three. There are some nights when he puts up big numbers and the Celtics' announcers talk about him like he is Magic Johnson, but in the grand scheme, most analysts seem to be questioning if Rondo is going to be able to run Boston's offense well in pressure-packed playoff situations.
I think he can. He's not alone out there anyway -- Ray Allen and Paul Pierce can both handle the ball in times of need. This season, Allen in particular has shown himself to be a much better ballhandler than people generally believe him to be. But back to Rondo. In just his second season, Rondo has established himself as one of the top five rebounding point guards in all of basketball. An argument could probably be made that he's in the top three, after Jason Kidd and Chris Paul. Rondo is also one of the quickest players in the league (that list coming in a few weeks) and taking into account his position, he's unusually crafty around the rim. Rondo likes to show the ball, pivot and fake with one hand ala Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon.
Like Calderon, Rondo is an exceptional penetrator. He's not a consistent perimeter shooter, but he's shown improvement over last season. Rondo plays above average on-ball defense and I
don't think his adequacy as a No. 4 option should be in question. When the playoffs roll around, the Celtics' concern shouldn't be their point guard, it should be their Erick Dampier Jr. in the middle...Kendrick Perkins.
#6-LaMarcus Aldridge, PF/C-Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers have had surprising success this season, including a 13-game winning streak as a member of the Western Conference -- a seemingly impossible task for the NBA's youngest team. Aldridge is supremely underrated because swingman Brandon Roy gets virtually all of the credit for the turnaround of the Blazers' franchise. While Roy is the better player at this point in their careers (both are sophomores), Aldridge is the Blazers' primary post option and overall, he's the second-best player on a very competitive team.
Despite being in just his second season, Aldridge is already one of the most skilled interior players in basketball. He can pivot both right and left and knocks down fadeaways to either side with regularity. Aldridge is lean and has great length, which allows him to get whatever shots he wants from the mid-range in. He's a good spot-up shooter off a dish and he's slowly improving his rebounding and shotblocking.
Depending on the match-ups, the Blazers will ride Aldridge offensively just as often as they will Roy. The two have the potential to be one of the premier 1-2 punches for a long time. As far as Aldridge goes, the sky's the limit offensively.
#5-Stephen Jackson, G/F-Golden State Warriors
Here's a guy with a poor disciplinary reputation who has been nothing short of an angel this season for head coach Don Nelson. The reason why? Prior to the season, Nelson controversially dubbed Jackson his team captain. Jackson has taken pride in his position and is having arguably the best season of his up-and-down, off the walls career.
Jackson is underrated because everyone is always preoccupied with his technical fouls or off the court antics -- as a result, his incredible offensive skills often go unnoticed. Like Jamal Crawford (listed above), Jackson is a natural scorer. He's one of the best streak three-point shooters in the league, sometimes he'll knock down four, five, six in a row without blinking. He can drive both left and right and contorts his body well to open up opportunities in the lane. Jackson is a crafty and -- believe it or not -- very savvy offensive player. He picks up the momentum of his home crowd well and knows when to continue firing away, or slow it down for a halfcourt set.
Above all, Jackson is an excellent clutch player. He has no conscience; he is never afraid to take and make big shots. Jackson knocked down one big triple after another in the opening round series against the heavily-favored Mavericks last year, and already has an NBA Championship ring from his days with the Spurs. The Spurs beat the Nets 4-2 in the Finals that year, a year in which I followed the Nets very closely -- I remember quite clearly that Jackson had a number of crucial buckets in that series as well.
He's a little crazy at times, but when the lights are shining brightly, Stephen Jackson delivers noteworthy performances.
#4-Andre Miller, PG-Philadelphia 76ers
When I think of Andre Miller I think of one word, "steady." This guy is a rock. Always poised, always getting his teammates the ball in a position to score and never getting much attention. Miller is a true point guard and despite playing for a few different teams, his numbers are consistently good. I don't think there's any question that over the course of the past 5-6 seasons, Miller has been one of the top 5-10 players at his position.
Something to note about Miller is since he's switched places with Allen Iverson, the Nuggets have had similar results. Denver is currently battling for one of the back-end Western Conference playoff spots. When Miller left Denver they had a playoff spot secured and may have been playing with better continuity than they are right now. Now I'm not suggesting that Miller is a better player than Iverson -- that would be plain wrong -- what I am suggesting is that Miller can be equally valuable to the success of his team given the right circumstances.
I'll further the point. About a year later, let's look at that deal from Philadelphia's perspective. When Iverson left the Sixers, what he left behind was arguably the worst team in the NBA. They were piling up losses (sort of like the Heat this year) and the entire franchise was in disarray. After acquiring Miller, the Sixers were over .500 for the second half of the season.
No, Miller isn't the messiah and he's not going to lead the Sixers to an NBA title anytime soon, but he does have them in contention for a playoff spot and he's enhancing the play of teammates Andre Iguodala and Samuel Dalembert. Iverson's me-first style of play stunted Igoudala's development; Miller has allowed the new "AI" to blossom into a fine all-around player. The bottom line...Andre Miller is solid, he improves his teammates and he finds a way to win.
#3-Chris Kaman, C-Los Angeles Clippers
It's awfully hard for any members of Los Angeles' "other" team to get attention, particularly when the Lakers are playing this well. The fact that the Clippers appear to have returned to their loser ways of the past doesn't help Kaman much, either. It's too bad, because talent wise Kaman is a "dream" center -- a franchise middleman to build a team around.
Kaman is averaging a high-end double-double this season and has been the lone reason for most of the wins the Clips have squeaked out. Corey Maggette is a fine tag-team partner for Kaman, but the rest of the Clippers are aging toward retirement or are so young they haven't developed a court identity yet.
Kaman is everything a scout could ask for in an offensive center -- he can knock down jump-hooks with both hands, finish strong around the rim, step back for a soft mid-range jumper and open up looks for his teammates. He's a scary-lookin' guy -- he often lets his hair grown too long and he looks like a crazed escapee from Rehabbing Rock Star Prison -- but it's OK, it adds to the intimidation factor down low (maybe...probably not). He's also a tremendous rebounder and shotblocker; I'd say the only knock on Kaman's game is he has a tendency to forget about his teammates when he gets on a roll. Although on the Clippers, I guess it's easy to think you're playing by yourself.
#2-Mo Williams, PG-Milwaukee Bucks
Here's a fantastic statistical point guard (a should-be favorite of fantasy coaches) who we rarely hear anything about. Williams is averaging around 17 points, 7 assists and 4 rebounds per game this year, after averaging 17, 7 and 5 last year. He racks up the threes and steals, as well.
"Mo Will" has a smooth game, he never appears to be in a rush and he features a picturesque shooting stroke. He's undoubtedly Milwaukee's second-best player after prolific scorer Michael Redd, and he's the point guard the Cavs should have signed this offseason. With his ability to create for teammates and drill open shots, Williams would have been a perfect fit alongside LeBron James. Now Mo Will is wasted on a team that can't get any consistency out of its frontcourt -- specifically Andrew Bogut, Charlie Villanueva, Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons. On a nightly basis, it's a "your guess is as good as mine" type of team.
The only knock on Williams is a past sprinkled with various injuries. However, he has stayed healthy for the vast majority of this season and remains one of the premier 7-8 statistical point guards. I qualify it as "statistical" point guards because Williams' play doesn't translate into Bucks' victories, but he's not to blame. Elsewhere, he'd likely be getting the credit he deserves. For now, I'll be the one giving him credit.
#1-Baron Davis, PG-Golden State Warriors
There's no doubt that Davis is the most well-known player on this list. So how is he underrated, you ask? Well, when analysts talk about veteran point guards they go on-and-on about Steve Nash and Jason Kidd. When the focus is on young point guards, Chris Paul and Deron Williams get all of the attention. Come playoff time, Chauncey Billups and Tony Parker are the two getting all the love.
So where does my boy Baron fit in?
Apparently nowhere. "The Baron" or "B Diddy" as I like to call him, failed to make the All-Star team this season. This fact is both saddening and preposterous. Of course this is oversimplifying, but there are (at least) 24 players selected for the All-Star game who tentatively represent the NBA's elite 24 players.
Baron Davis is not one of the top 24 players in the league? He's not one of the elite 12 players in the Western Conference?
His exclusion boggles my mind. That said, I'll tell you what he is: Baron Davis is the third-best point guard in the NBA, arguably one of the best 10 players in the entire league and one of the top five clutch players of all. B Diddy can do it all -- penetrate, slash, drive, dish, dunk, shoot, swipe, block and quite simply, dominate. Best of all, he's a cold-blooded assassin under pressure.
The point is, I could go on all day about B Diddy...but no one else does. Give "The Baron" some love!
#10-J.R. Smith, SG-Denver Nuggets
This one falls under the category of "underrated by head coach." George Karl hates this guy. Yes, Smith has been known to be a bit of a troublemaker, but he's relatively quiet when it comes to the media. I'm sure Karl has a vendetta against him because he comes late to practice every once in awhile, or he's lazy as hell during practice, but one thing's for sure -- Smith is an immensely talented player.
Smith is an extremely streaky scorer who can get as hot as anyone from behind the three-point arc. He recently had six threes in a game and then followed it up with an eight three performance -- both nights he came off the bench. Smith has been relegated to the bench as a member of Karl's doghouse since around the midway point last season. Karl's being stubborn. Smith is a perfect fit for the Nuggets' up-tempo offense and he'd probably be averaging around 15 points per game if he started alongside Allen Iverson.
There's no question that Smith's defense is suspect at best, but the Nuggets are already one of the worst defensive teams in the NBA. Their best defense is likely more offense...Smith can certainly give them that.
#9-Jose Calderon, PG-Toronto Raptors
Calderon would probably have made the top five if he didn't receive so much press after the All-Star selections. A few analysts pegged Calderon as one of the biggest snubs for a spot on the Eastern Conference All-Star squad. Prior to that point, this supremely gifted offensive point guard was gettin' no love -- that's why he maintains a position in my top 10.
Calderon leads the NBA in assist-to-turnover ratio and he's the second-best player (after Chris Bosh) on one of the East's top teams. Calderon is lightning-quick with the rock in his hands and he penetrates with consistency. He's a very underrated outside shooter, as well. He can step outside the three-point line comfortably and has an excellent mid-range game.
Like J.R. Smith, Calderon is a defensive liability. He gambles and gets some steals, but he has a weak frame and stronger point guards manhandle him. Regardless, he has established himself as one of the league's top 12-15 point guards, which is highly impressive considering the fact that he's come off the bench for the vast majority of his career. T.J. Ford has returned from injury and is back in the mix for Toronto, so it will be interesting to monitor Calderon's production from now until the end of the regular season.
#8-Jamal Crawford, G-New York Knicks
Because the Knicks have been God awful for the past two years, I can't have Crawford any higher than this. The reason being, as well as he has played, he's clearly not doing enough to help the Knicks win in the weak Eastern Conference. Don't get me wrong here, I'm not blaming Crawford for the Knicks' struggles -- not at all -- I'm just saying that as talented as he is, he probably should be leading New York to a No. 7 or 8 playoff spot.
But enough about the bad. Plain and simple, Crawford is one of the most unstoppable offensive players in the NBA. Like Kobe Bryant, Iverson, Carmelo Anthony, LeBron James and Gilbert Arenas -- he's a scorer. Crawford has a plethora of weapons in his arsenal and he flat out knows how to score. He features a vicious crossover dribble, a soft foul-line floater, an indefensible pull-up jumper and a snap-quick first step. No one can totally clamp Crawford, he stops himself more than anyone else does. How? By forcing up unnecessary shots. Unnecessary because they are heavily contested or unnecessary because the Knicks don't need the shot at that particular point in time.
The sad thing is that Crawford's precision passing goes to waste. Occasionally he tosses out a pretty dime, but it's all too rare. Especially with Stephon Marbury out for the remainder of the season, Crawford should be using the threat of his scoring to free up easy opportunities for his teammates -- namely David Lee and Eddy Curry in the post.
#7-Rajon Rondo, PG-Boston Celtics
This was a tricky one. Rondo gets a lot of contradictory press. Of course he gets a pat on the back for being the point guard on the team with the best record in the league, but the true credit always goes to the Big Three. There are some nights when he puts up big numbers and the Celtics' announcers talk about him like he is Magic Johnson, but in the grand scheme, most analysts seem to be questioning if Rondo is going to be able to run Boston's offense well in pressure-packed playoff situations.
I think he can. He's not alone out there anyway -- Ray Allen and Paul Pierce can both handle the ball in times of need. This season, Allen in particular has shown himself to be a much better ballhandler than people generally believe him to be. But back to Rondo. In just his second season, Rondo has established himself as one of the top five rebounding point guards in all of basketball. An argument could probably be made that he's in the top three, after Jason Kidd and Chris Paul. Rondo is also one of the quickest players in the league (that list coming in a few weeks) and taking into account his position, he's unusually crafty around the rim. Rondo likes to show the ball, pivot and fake with one hand ala Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon.
Like Calderon, Rondo is an exceptional penetrator. He's not a consistent perimeter shooter, but he's shown improvement over last season. Rondo plays above average on-ball defense and I
don't think his adequacy as a No. 4 option should be in question. When the playoffs roll around, the Celtics' concern shouldn't be their point guard, it should be their Erick Dampier Jr. in the middle...Kendrick Perkins.
#6-LaMarcus Aldridge, PF/C-Portland Trail Blazers
The Blazers have had surprising success this season, including a 13-game winning streak as a member of the Western Conference -- a seemingly impossible task for the NBA's youngest team. Aldridge is supremely underrated because swingman Brandon Roy gets virtually all of the credit for the turnaround of the Blazers' franchise. While Roy is the better player at this point in their careers (both are sophomores), Aldridge is the Blazers' primary post option and overall, he's the second-best player on a very competitive team.
Despite being in just his second season, Aldridge is already one of the most skilled interior players in basketball. He can pivot both right and left and knocks down fadeaways to either side with regularity. Aldridge is lean and has great length, which allows him to get whatever shots he wants from the mid-range in. He's a good spot-up shooter off a dish and he's slowly improving his rebounding and shotblocking.
Depending on the match-ups, the Blazers will ride Aldridge offensively just as often as they will Roy. The two have the potential to be one of the premier 1-2 punches for a long time. As far as Aldridge goes, the sky's the limit offensively.
#5-Stephen Jackson, G/F-Golden State Warriors
Here's a guy with a poor disciplinary reputation who has been nothing short of an angel this season for head coach Don Nelson. The reason why? Prior to the season, Nelson controversially dubbed Jackson his team captain. Jackson has taken pride in his position and is having arguably the best season of his up-and-down, off the walls career.
Jackson is underrated because everyone is always preoccupied with his technical fouls or off the court antics -- as a result, his incredible offensive skills often go unnoticed. Like Jamal Crawford (listed above), Jackson is a natural scorer. He's one of the best streak three-point shooters in the league, sometimes he'll knock down four, five, six in a row without blinking. He can drive both left and right and contorts his body well to open up opportunities in the lane. Jackson is a crafty and -- believe it or not -- very savvy offensive player. He picks up the momentum of his home crowd well and knows when to continue firing away, or slow it down for a halfcourt set.
Above all, Jackson is an excellent clutch player. He has no conscience; he is never afraid to take and make big shots. Jackson knocked down one big triple after another in the opening round series against the heavily-favored Mavericks last year, and already has an NBA Championship ring from his days with the Spurs. The Spurs beat the Nets 4-2 in the Finals that year, a year in which I followed the Nets very closely -- I remember quite clearly that Jackson had a number of crucial buckets in that series as well.
He's a little crazy at times, but when the lights are shining brightly, Stephen Jackson delivers noteworthy performances.
#4-Andre Miller, PG-Philadelphia 76ers
When I think of Andre Miller I think of one word, "steady." This guy is a rock. Always poised, always getting his teammates the ball in a position to score and never getting much attention. Miller is a true point guard and despite playing for a few different teams, his numbers are consistently good. I don't think there's any question that over the course of the past 5-6 seasons, Miller has been one of the top 5-10 players at his position.
Something to note about Miller is since he's switched places with Allen Iverson, the Nuggets have had similar results. Denver is currently battling for one of the back-end Western Conference playoff spots. When Miller left Denver they had a playoff spot secured and may have been playing with better continuity than they are right now. Now I'm not suggesting that Miller is a better player than Iverson -- that would be plain wrong -- what I am suggesting is that Miller can be equally valuable to the success of his team given the right circumstances.
I'll further the point. About a year later, let's look at that deal from Philadelphia's perspective. When Iverson left the Sixers, what he left behind was arguably the worst team in the NBA. They were piling up losses (sort of like the Heat this year) and the entire franchise was in disarray. After acquiring Miller, the Sixers were over .500 for the second half of the season.
No, Miller isn't the messiah and he's not going to lead the Sixers to an NBA title anytime soon, but he does have them in contention for a playoff spot and he's enhancing the play of teammates Andre Iguodala and Samuel Dalembert. Iverson's me-first style of play stunted Igoudala's development; Miller has allowed the new "AI" to blossom into a fine all-around player. The bottom line...Andre Miller is solid, he improves his teammates and he finds a way to win.
#3-Chris Kaman, C-Los Angeles Clippers
It's awfully hard for any members of Los Angeles' "other" team to get attention, particularly when the Lakers are playing this well. The fact that the Clippers appear to have returned to their loser ways of the past doesn't help Kaman much, either. It's too bad, because talent wise Kaman is a "dream" center -- a franchise middleman to build a team around.
Kaman is averaging a high-end double-double this season and has been the lone reason for most of the wins the Clips have squeaked out. Corey Maggette is a fine tag-team partner for Kaman, but the rest of the Clippers are aging toward retirement or are so young they haven't developed a court identity yet.
Kaman is everything a scout could ask for in an offensive center -- he can knock down jump-hooks with both hands, finish strong around the rim, step back for a soft mid-range jumper and open up looks for his teammates. He's a scary-lookin' guy -- he often lets his hair grown too long and he looks like a crazed escapee from Rehabbing Rock Star Prison -- but it's OK, it adds to the intimidation factor down low (maybe...probably not). He's also a tremendous rebounder and shotblocker; I'd say the only knock on Kaman's game is he has a tendency to forget about his teammates when he gets on a roll. Although on the Clippers, I guess it's easy to think you're playing by yourself.
#2-Mo Williams, PG-Milwaukee Bucks
Here's a fantastic statistical point guard (a should-be favorite of fantasy coaches) who we rarely hear anything about. Williams is averaging around 17 points, 7 assists and 4 rebounds per game this year, after averaging 17, 7 and 5 last year. He racks up the threes and steals, as well.
"Mo Will" has a smooth game, he never appears to be in a rush and he features a picturesque shooting stroke. He's undoubtedly Milwaukee's second-best player after prolific scorer Michael Redd, and he's the point guard the Cavs should have signed this offseason. With his ability to create for teammates and drill open shots, Williams would have been a perfect fit alongside LeBron James. Now Mo Will is wasted on a team that can't get any consistency out of its frontcourt -- specifically Andrew Bogut, Charlie Villanueva, Yi Jianlian and Bobby Simmons. On a nightly basis, it's a "your guess is as good as mine" type of team.
The only knock on Williams is a past sprinkled with various injuries. However, he has stayed healthy for the vast majority of this season and remains one of the premier 7-8 statistical point guards. I qualify it as "statistical" point guards because Williams' play doesn't translate into Bucks' victories, but he's not to blame. Elsewhere, he'd likely be getting the credit he deserves. For now, I'll be the one giving him credit.
#1-Baron Davis, PG-Golden State Warriors
There's no doubt that Davis is the most well-known player on this list. So how is he underrated, you ask? Well, when analysts talk about veteran point guards they go on-and-on about Steve Nash and Jason Kidd. When the focus is on young point guards, Chris Paul and Deron Williams get all of the attention. Come playoff time, Chauncey Billups and Tony Parker are the two getting all the love.
So where does my boy Baron fit in?
Apparently nowhere. "The Baron" or "B Diddy" as I like to call him, failed to make the All-Star team this season. This fact is both saddening and preposterous. Of course this is oversimplifying, but there are (at least) 24 players selected for the All-Star game who tentatively represent the NBA's elite 24 players.
Baron Davis is not one of the top 24 players in the league? He's not one of the elite 12 players in the Western Conference?
His exclusion boggles my mind. That said, I'll tell you what he is: Baron Davis is the third-best point guard in the NBA, arguably one of the best 10 players in the entire league and one of the top five clutch players of all. B Diddy can do it all -- penetrate, slash, drive, dish, dunk, shoot, swipe, block and quite simply, dominate. Best of all, he's a cold-blooded assassin under pressure.
The point is, I could go on all day about B Diddy...but no one else does. Give "The Baron" some love!
Saturday, February 16, 2008
Thoughts on the Mike Bibby Trade
At first, when I saw Mike Bibby was headed to the Hawks for Anthony Johnson, Tyronn Lue, Shelden Williams and Lorenzen Wright I was like, "What the f---?" But I let it settle for a little and learned some more details, and as I suspected the four bums have expiring contracts.
From an economic standpoint, the deal is justified for the Kings -- they're obviously trying to free up cap space to make a run at a power forward from this year's free agent class. That said, I still think it's an awful trade for Sacramento.
The Kings have been playing extremely well since Bibby's return from injury, due in large part to their excellent depth in the backcourt. They had Bibby starting at the point with upstart Beno Udrih backing him up; Kevin Martin back at the shooting guard position after his stint on the DL, with two of the NBA's most improved players backing him up: John Salmons and Francisco Garcia, and Ron Artest providing some perimeter help at the 2/3 as well.
Given a full season with this roster -- with Mikki Moore and Brad Miller rounding out the starting lineup -- I think the Kings would be a legitimate contender for the 7 or 8 spot out west. However, I know Sacramento's management recognizes their weak frontcourt, relative to the rest of the conference. So while they may agree with me -- they might have been able to squeak into the playoffs next year relying on their little guys -- they are also assuming that they have a low long-term ceiling.
So when they let the four players from this deal go off on their merry way at season's end, who will they spend that extra money on? Well first of all, Artest is a free agent. If I were them, I'd bring him back -- he's one of the top 5-10 defensive players in the league and the Kings are a below-average defensive team. But Salmons is waiting in the wings, and he's proven he's worthy of a starting spot, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. I think they end up letting go of Artest.
So a lineup of: PG-Udrih, SG-Martin, SF-Salmons, PF-???, C-Miller...
The Kings will probably be pursuing someone in the group of Shawn Marion, Antawn Jamison, Jermaine O'Neal and Elton Brand. I wouldn't touch O'Neal because he's injured for an extended period of time way too often. I'm not a big Brand fan; I think he's a bit of a hog (not as bad as Zach Randolph), he travels a lot for a big man and of course he's a serious injury concern as well.
That leaves Marion and Jamison. Signing Marion would force him out of position at power forward (he's a natural small forward in the West) and Jamison would uphold the Kings' no defense tradition. The point? None of these guys are going to turn the Kings into a championship contender. They should have held on to Bibby and tried to play like the Suns or Warriors; with their personnel they would have been more than capable.
In the end it's just a pointless deal. Kings won't be anywhere near the NBA Finals for years to come.
From an economic standpoint, the deal is justified for the Kings -- they're obviously trying to free up cap space to make a run at a power forward from this year's free agent class. That said, I still think it's an awful trade for Sacramento.
The Kings have been playing extremely well since Bibby's return from injury, due in large part to their excellent depth in the backcourt. They had Bibby starting at the point with upstart Beno Udrih backing him up; Kevin Martin back at the shooting guard position after his stint on the DL, with two of the NBA's most improved players backing him up: John Salmons and Francisco Garcia, and Ron Artest providing some perimeter help at the 2/3 as well.
Given a full season with this roster -- with Mikki Moore and Brad Miller rounding out the starting lineup -- I think the Kings would be a legitimate contender for the 7 or 8 spot out west. However, I know Sacramento's management recognizes their weak frontcourt, relative to the rest of the conference. So while they may agree with me -- they might have been able to squeak into the playoffs next year relying on their little guys -- they are also assuming that they have a low long-term ceiling.
So when they let the four players from this deal go off on their merry way at season's end, who will they spend that extra money on? Well first of all, Artest is a free agent. If I were them, I'd bring him back -- he's one of the top 5-10 defensive players in the league and the Kings are a below-average defensive team. But Salmons is waiting in the wings, and he's proven he's worthy of a starting spot, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. I think they end up letting go of Artest.
So a lineup of: PG-Udrih, SG-Martin, SF-Salmons, PF-???, C-Miller...
The Kings will probably be pursuing someone in the group of Shawn Marion, Antawn Jamison, Jermaine O'Neal and Elton Brand. I wouldn't touch O'Neal because he's injured for an extended period of time way too often. I'm not a big Brand fan; I think he's a bit of a hog (not as bad as Zach Randolph), he travels a lot for a big man and of course he's a serious injury concern as well.
That leaves Marion and Jamison. Signing Marion would force him out of position at power forward (he's a natural small forward in the West) and Jamison would uphold the Kings' no defense tradition. The point? None of these guys are going to turn the Kings into a championship contender. They should have held on to Bibby and tried to play like the Suns or Warriors; with their personnel they would have been more than capable.
In the end it's just a pointless deal. Kings won't be anywhere near the NBA Finals for years to come.
Friday, February 15, 2008
NBA Rumor: Zach Randolph to Nuggets for Kleiza, Smith
Just caught this rumor on Rotoworld.com. As a Knicks fan, it's too good to be true. I'm not gonna get my hopes up, really.
If you don't feel like clicking on the link, it says that the Knicks would trade Zach Randolph and an unnamed player to the Nuggets for Linas Kleiza, J.R. Smith, Eduardo Najera and Steven Hunter. It just can't be real, life can't be that good.
Randolph is a cancer. No team could win with him as a first or second option. Granted if he went to Denver he'd be their No. 3 option, but it still wouldn't work out. Randolph wants to shoot every time he touches the basketball. On a night-to-night basis, he is absolutely painful to watch. I've never seen a guy who catches the ball in the post, gets tripled teamed and never once looks at his wide open shooters in the corner and top of the key. Doesn't even look! He just turns around and shoots or tries to force his way through and get fouled.
Get him outta New York! I'm not gonna lie, when the Knicks picked Randolph up for Steve Francis and Channing Frye, I thought Isiah was the man. Francis is finished, Frye is soft as hell and Randolph dominated on my fantasy team last year. It appeared to be a very promising deal. But then I saw Randolph play; yea, he gets his stats, but he has to have the lowest basketball IQ in the NBA and he's probably the worst defender in the history of organized sports.
There is no way that Denver could seriously be interested in him. The Nuggets are already one of the league's worst defensive teams and they get plenty of offense out of Carmelo, Iverson, K-Mart, Kleiza and Smith. Randolph would be a horrible, horrible fit for them. He's a terrible fit anywhere, really.
On the flip side, I would love to have Kleiza, Smith, Najera and Hunter on the Knicks. It's actually a perfect mix when you consider New York's needs. Heading into next season, the only returning Knicks should be Jamal Crawford, Stephon Marbury, David Lee, Nate Robinson, Malik Rose and maybe Renaldo Balkman. Of course for contract reasons those won't be the exact leftovers, but we're talking about my ideal world here. So we'd be left with a starting lineup of Marbury, Crawford, Kleiza, Lee and Eddy Curry, with a legitimate sixth man in J.R. Smith, two big men who can defend (Hunter, Rose), two small forwards who can defend (Najera, Balkman) and a good No. 3 guard in the East (Robinson).
That's still not a real contender, but it's better than what we have. I'm so sick of Quentin Richardson, Fred Jones and Jared Jeffries, and Smith, Kleiza and Najera are better respective versions of them. I would love to deal Curry and Jeffries together and get very little in return, just to save money. I'm not particularly fond of the centers in the upcoming free agent class so I say we sit on most of the money and bring Kurt Thomas back for one or two years and have him split with Hunter. Then when a legit center becomes available we have the money and some better pieces to deal, depending on the mode (free agency or a trade).
Who knows what to think at this point. I'll just keep my fingers crossed and hope that Randolph gets to pack his bags.
If you don't feel like clicking on the link, it says that the Knicks would trade Zach Randolph and an unnamed player to the Nuggets for Linas Kleiza, J.R. Smith, Eduardo Najera and Steven Hunter. It just can't be real, life can't be that good.
Randolph is a cancer. No team could win with him as a first or second option. Granted if he went to Denver he'd be their No. 3 option, but it still wouldn't work out. Randolph wants to shoot every time he touches the basketball. On a night-to-night basis, he is absolutely painful to watch. I've never seen a guy who catches the ball in the post, gets tripled teamed and never once looks at his wide open shooters in the corner and top of the key. Doesn't even look! He just turns around and shoots or tries to force his way through and get fouled.
Get him outta New York! I'm not gonna lie, when the Knicks picked Randolph up for Steve Francis and Channing Frye, I thought Isiah was the man. Francis is finished, Frye is soft as hell and Randolph dominated on my fantasy team last year. It appeared to be a very promising deal. But then I saw Randolph play; yea, he gets his stats, but he has to have the lowest basketball IQ in the NBA and he's probably the worst defender in the history of organized sports.
There is no way that Denver could seriously be interested in him. The Nuggets are already one of the league's worst defensive teams and they get plenty of offense out of Carmelo, Iverson, K-Mart, Kleiza and Smith. Randolph would be a horrible, horrible fit for them. He's a terrible fit anywhere, really.
On the flip side, I would love to have Kleiza, Smith, Najera and Hunter on the Knicks. It's actually a perfect mix when you consider New York's needs. Heading into next season, the only returning Knicks should be Jamal Crawford, Stephon Marbury, David Lee, Nate Robinson, Malik Rose and maybe Renaldo Balkman. Of course for contract reasons those won't be the exact leftovers, but we're talking about my ideal world here. So we'd be left with a starting lineup of Marbury, Crawford, Kleiza, Lee and Eddy Curry, with a legitimate sixth man in J.R. Smith, two big men who can defend (Hunter, Rose), two small forwards who can defend (Najera, Balkman) and a good No. 3 guard in the East (Robinson).
That's still not a real contender, but it's better than what we have. I'm so sick of Quentin Richardson, Fred Jones and Jared Jeffries, and Smith, Kleiza and Najera are better respective versions of them. I would love to deal Curry and Jeffries together and get very little in return, just to save money. I'm not particularly fond of the centers in the upcoming free agent class so I say we sit on most of the money and bring Kurt Thomas back for one or two years and have him split with Hunter. Then when a legit center becomes available we have the money and some better pieces to deal, depending on the mode (free agency or a trade).
Who knows what to think at this point. I'll just keep my fingers crossed and hope that Randolph gets to pack his bags.
Give Devean George a Break
I know most people want to see Jason Kidd in Dallas so the Western Conference can add to its intrigue. As a result, Devean George -- the man who is ultimately responsible for the delay or potential demise of the Kidd deal -- is taking serious heat from Mavs fans and media outlets across the country.
Let's put things in perspective. Yes, George is one of the worst three players in the proposed trade (along with Mo Ager and Malik Allen) but the animosity toward him in the media for "holding up" the big trade is unfair. When I say media, I'm referring mostly to what I've seen on Sportscenter and NBA Shootaround, but there have been implications of disdain elsewhere, too.
In sports we have a tendency to look at players as objects, toys, pawns or whatever you want to call them that lacks the human element. Devean George is a real person with a life, he's not a figurine or a computer animation. I have no clue about his family situation but who knows, he probably doesn't want to relocate his family and life, or live in limbo in regards to New Jersey's plans for him.
Now if George didn't have the no-trade clause (or perhaps no-trade option is the better phrase), I wouldn't be sticking up for him -- but he does have it. He was smart enough to sign a contract that places power in his hands and takes influence away from Dallas' executives. I think it's totally understandable that he doesn't want to go from one of the premier teams in the Western Conference to a borderline playoff contender in the East. Besides, we all know the Nets only want him for his expiring contract, George is certainly not in their long-term plans.
I respect the way he has handled himself as well. Dallas' home crowd booed the shit out of him a few nights ago and they chanted "stop being selfish" every time George touched the rock. What'd George say after the game? Shrugged and said quietly, "I'm the bad guy...I know."
That's a true professional. If it were me I probably would have lashed out through the media and attacked the fans. From the fan perspective, I know they want Jason Kidd and it's quite likely that he'd make the Mavericks a better team, but don't attack George for not wanting to change his life and head over to an average team in a top-heavy conference.
Why can I take this stance? Because as a Nets supporter, I want the trade to go through. We can't ask for much more than two immediate contributors in Devin Harris and DeSagana Diop, a young shooter (Ager), two draft picks and some cash. But I don't hate George because he's held the trade up; if it happens it happens...if not, well, I understand where he's coming from.
Let's put things in perspective. Yes, George is one of the worst three players in the proposed trade (along with Mo Ager and Malik Allen) but the animosity toward him in the media for "holding up" the big trade is unfair. When I say media, I'm referring mostly to what I've seen on Sportscenter and NBA Shootaround, but there have been implications of disdain elsewhere, too.
In sports we have a tendency to look at players as objects, toys, pawns or whatever you want to call them that lacks the human element. Devean George is a real person with a life, he's not a figurine or a computer animation. I have no clue about his family situation but who knows, he probably doesn't want to relocate his family and life, or live in limbo in regards to New Jersey's plans for him.
Now if George didn't have the no-trade clause (or perhaps no-trade option is the better phrase), I wouldn't be sticking up for him -- but he does have it. He was smart enough to sign a contract that places power in his hands and takes influence away from Dallas' executives. I think it's totally understandable that he doesn't want to go from one of the premier teams in the Western Conference to a borderline playoff contender in the East. Besides, we all know the Nets only want him for his expiring contract, George is certainly not in their long-term plans.
I respect the way he has handled himself as well. Dallas' home crowd booed the shit out of him a few nights ago and they chanted "stop being selfish" every time George touched the rock. What'd George say after the game? Shrugged and said quietly, "I'm the bad guy...I know."
That's a true professional. If it were me I probably would have lashed out through the media and attacked the fans. From the fan perspective, I know they want Jason Kidd and it's quite likely that he'd make the Mavericks a better team, but don't attack George for not wanting to change his life and head over to an average team in a top-heavy conference.
Why can I take this stance? Because as a Nets supporter, I want the trade to go through. We can't ask for much more than two immediate contributors in Devin Harris and DeSagana Diop, a young shooter (Ager), two draft picks and some cash. But I don't hate George because he's held the trade up; if it happens it happens...if not, well, I understand where he's coming from.
The NBA's Top 10 Players
I was sitting at lunch with a friend of mine today and amidst conversation about the NBA, I asked him to list his top 10 players. In no particular order, he said: Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Kevin Garnett, Carmelo Anthony, Allen Iverson, Chris Bosh, Brandon Roy, Andrew Bynum, Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki.
Obviously the Lakers are his favorite team (Bynum) and obviously he's an idiot. It's a really bizarre list. The point here is, he really struggled as he sifted through the teams and players in his mind. As he blurted out this peculiar group of 10, I realized that after the top five, this list isn't easy to form. Not at all, really.
But of course, I have to give it a go now. This is not my MVP rankings, it's simply the best 10 players in the NBA. Here's my list:
#1-Kobe Bryant, SG-Los Angeles Lakers
The gap has closed this year -- I've been more impressed with LeBron than ever -- but Kobe is still the best player in the NBA. He's far superior to LeBron on the defensive end, he's clearly a better outside shooter, has the three rings and a slightly better basketball IQ. Not to say that LeBron lacks court awareness (he's actually quite savvy for his age), but Kobe knows exactly when to turn it on on both ends of the floor. LeBron doesn't know when to kick it in gear defensively.
Of course there is all the crap about Kobe getting his teammates more involved this season blah, blah, blah. Yes, he's more unselfish than he has been in recent years, but the major difference is that his teammates are actually knocking down shots and finishing plays down low. Kobe spoon fed his teammates plenty of times during the last two seasons, only to have Kwame Brown miss dunks and Maurice Evans miss wide open threes in the corner. Not this year. The Lakers are a legitimate title contender and Kobe will probably get that ever-elusive first MVP award.
#2-LeBron James, G/F-Cleveland Cavs
I've already talked about him a bit already, but I guess King James is worthy of some more discussion. Why has he grown on me this year? Because his teammates absolutely suck. The Cavs were struggling mightily early on and yet LeBron has single-handedly turned things around for a team whose second best player is probably Daniel "Booby" Gibson.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas is a reliable center but is far from spectacular at this stage in his career. Larry Hughes is a disgrace. He appears to be extremely athletic and talented, but he gets worse and worse every season. His jumper has flattened out and his decision-making is horrifying. I could go on and on about how bad LeBron's supporting cast is (Drew Gooden has also grossly underperformed) but the point is it's amazing that he finds a way to win with these bums. I know the East is a joke -- especially after the top three -- but the Cavs are far ahead of more talented teams, like the Nets and Knicks, in the standings. It's all LeBron. If the Cavs finish in the top three in the East he's probably more deserving of the MVP than Kobe.
#3-Steve Nash, PG-Phoenix Suns
This one was really tough. I've shuffled Nash back-and-forth with Garnett in my mind many times. I think the key here is that Nash has two of the last three league MVP awards and he's not slowing down this season -- the Suns are first in the mighty Western Conference.
Nash truly "makes" players, meaning he improves their game to a level that no one else could take them to (except maybe Jason Kidd). He turned Shawn Marion into the player he is today and despite a strong first outing with the Heat, I don't know if "The Matrix" will be a consistent offensive force without Nash. Now don't get me wrong here, Amare Stoudemire is an absolute beast -- but many of his dunks, lay-ups and free throw attempts are a direct result of gorgeous dimes from Nash. Nash has taken the careers of Raja Bell and Boris Diaw to another level as well.
The one knock on Nash is of course, his defense. He's frail and clearly devotes more effort and energy to his offense. It's not all bad -- that extra offensive energy makes the Suns the prolific scoring team that they are -- but the lack of size and defensive skill can certainly hurt Phoenix in late-game situations against point guards who like to post up. In a one-on-one playoff situation I could see Nash having serious problems with strong PGs like Baron Davis and Deron Williams.
Regardless, Nash is still the third best player in the league because he elevates the play of his teammates better than anyone else, and can also create many easy looks for himself.
#4-Kevin Garnett, PF-Boston Celtics
Talk about turning a franchise around. Yes, KG has been out for about seven games with an abdominal strain, but we've seen him do it all in the games leading up to the injury. Like Kobe, Garnett is a true two-way player. I wouldn't say Kobe is a lock as a top five defensive player, but Garnett definitely is. He communicates incredibly well with his teammates and knows his rotations as well or better than any other big man in the NBA. Garnett gets steals, blocks, disrupts passing lanes and turns away slashers who try to get to his bucket.
Offensively, my complaint with Garnett is that he's too unselfish. That seems to be working just fine with Boston, but it hurt his team in the long run with Minnesota. KG has an unusually soft touch for a power forward and his footwork is virtually impeccable. He's an excellent passer -- particularly out of a double-team -- who finds his shooters (Pierce, Allen, House, Posey) open behind the three-point line.
Why is he behind Nash? Because he had too many poor seasons in a row with the Timberwolves. That was his franchise and he never took his teammates or the franchise as a whole to a consistently competitive level.
#5-Tim Duncan, PF-San Antonio Spurs
I think this is really the last no-brainer in the top five. The order is obviously subjective, but I think there is a clear divide from No. 6 on.
Duncan is the best player on what has been the most consistent and best team over the course of the past six seasons. There's no question that he's deteriorating physically, but I don't see any loss of skill. Duncan is the most intelligent big man in the league and second-most experienced under pressure (after Shaq). He may be the league's premier team defender and he's Old Reliable on both ends of the court. Like Garnett, he's a terrific passer out of the box and has a plethora of post moves.
Don't forget about the three rings. So why is he behind Garnett, who has zero rings? Because KG has the fresher legs and clearly has plenty of all-star seasons to come, while Duncan's longevity is now in question. KG is slicker in the post and quicker defensively. His turnaround jumper is pure and almost automatic, whereas Duncan's consistent use of the glass causes odd bounces and awkward, line-drive misses. Not that "the bank" hasn't served Duncan well, it's that Garnett's paint game is higher percentage at this stage in their careers.
Also, the Spurs appear to be sliding toward the middle of the playoff pack this season. But then again, I said that last year too. The Celtics and Spurs have to be considered two of the top five championship contenders, so whoever wins out this season (Duncan or KG) will earn the four spot heading into the offseason. Right now, Garnett is the fresher and slightly better player.
#6-Dirk Nowitzki, PF-Dallas Mavericks
This is where it starts to get tough. The reigning MVP is one of the most unique players in NBA history, but he's not a clear-cut No. 6. I'm giving him the nod because Dallas is maintaining itself in the West's top three and Dirk is their best player. Along with Yao Ming, Amare Stoudemire and LeBron, Dirk has some of the most distinct and incredible talent in the league. Around 7-feet tall, Dirk can score off the dribble with pull-up jumpers and extends all the way out to the three-point line with ease. There really is no other player like him.
The problem with Dirk: he's not a reliable go-to-guy in high pressure situations. I think he's capable of making big shots, but he questions himself when the spotlight is undoubtedly upon his head. He's partly responsible for Dallas' collapse against Golden State last season, but I don't think Dallas is as good as they led everyone to believe during the regular season. I also believe that Golden State became a totally different and significantly improved team after trading Mike Dunleavy and Troy Murphy for Stephen Jackson and Al Harrington. By season's end, the Warriors were not a true No. 8 seed -- they were much better than that.
That said, the Mavs still haven't won the big one. Obviously they collapsed against the Heat in the finals two seasons ago, and then again last year. But let's see where they end up this season. Dirk is still their man, but if they crap out early in the playoffs again, he may very well drop on this list.
#7-Chris Paul, PG-New Orleans Hornets
No question the toughest spot on the list. I thought about this one for awhile, considered many different guys. What sold me? I just don't think Paul's teammates are that good. I think it's pretty damn astonishing that they are right up there with the top contenders in the West, and Paul deserves all the credit in the world. David West is better than solid in the paint and he's a very nice No. 2 option, but I'm underwhelmed by the rest of the cast.
Paul has this team on his back. He seems to have an unusually astute understanding of when to involve his teammates, and when to shoulder the scoring load. Tyson Chandler, Peja Stojakovic and Morris Peterson round out Paul's starting teammates; none of them can be relied upon for consistent offense. Stojakovic and Peterson are shooters so of course they get hot at times, but Peja is constantly injured and Mo Pete's collective statistics are extremely disappointing. What Paul is doing is similar to what Nash has been doing in Phoenix for the past four seasons, except Amare is better than anyone on Paul's team.
I know Paul's young and has plenty to prove (he's never won a playoff series) but I can't punish him for being relatively new to the league. What he has accomplished thus far is truly amazing; we'll see how it goes for New Orleans in the second half. As of right now, Paul has the edge at the No. 7 spot in the NBA.
#8-Dwyane Wade, G-Miami Heat
I really wanted to drop D-Wade out of the top 10, but I couldn't look past the shiny championship ring on his finger. I have not been impressed with his play this season at all. Yes, I know he's playing with a relatively serious injury but there are no excuses for the Heat being 9-40 in the Minor League (the East). Are they bad? Without a doubt. Should they be 9-40? No way in hell. I place a majority of the blame on Wade.
Wade is trying the Kobe strategy of the past two seasons, which can also be referred to as the Allen Iverson strategy with the Sixers -- but he's failing miserably. Wade's in the top five in scoring and he's still getting to the line, but his FG% has dipped dramatically. Kobe and Iverson were able to get their teams into the playoffs by jacking up an obscenely high number of shots (as Gilbert Arenas did last season), but there is no way the Heat are getting there.
Up to this point in the season (prior to the trade) I'm sure it's been frustrating having Shaq in and out of the lineup. Too bad. Mark Blount is a very decent back-up center, in fact he was solid as a starter for the Timberwolves the last two years. Wade should be running the pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop with Blount to get him easy looks that he is capable of converting. Wade should also be running the break with Jason Williams, Dorell Wright and Ricky Davis. They looked like a much better offensive team running the break this weekend against the Lakers (in Marion's first game). But it's too late now, Wade and Riley let this team spiral out of control.
Wade still has the ring that Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter, Michael Redd and Ray Allen don't have. That's why he's the No. 2 shooting guard in the league and No. 8 overall.
#9-Yao Ming, C-Houston Rockets
I'm sure this selection will be somewhat controversial for those of you who actually care about my opinion. Let's get one thing straight, Yao Ming should be the most dominant player in the NBA. Is he? No; he's too passive. What he is is arguably the most skilled big man in professional basketball history. At around 7-foot-6, somehow, Yao has the shooting touch of a 2-guard and the footwork of a ballet dancer who's a bit too tall. His free throw percentage is mind-boggling (consistently over 80 percent) -- consider the serious foul-line struggles of Shaq, Dwight Howard, Ben Wallace, Andris Biedrins, Tyson Chandler, etc. Yao inexplicably knocks them down with ease at the stripe.
The possible complaints: Yao hasn't won anything, he's soft and/or he turns over the ball too much.
The first one is undeniable, but the Rockets have won seven in a row and appear to finally be settling into a comfort level with Rick Adelman. Besides, there are plenty of guys who haven't won a title on this list: LeBron, Nash, Garnett, Dirk and Chris Paul.
The second one...well, he's soft in his own way. Yao is mentally soft; he's no longer physically soft like he was a few years back. He's mentally soft in the sense that he refuses to overshoot, even when the situation calls for it. Yao will hit two face-up jumpers in a row and then distribute to his teammates the next three to five plays, even when he's not being doubled. He has the ability to average 30 points per night, and do it with relative ease -- he just refuses to take full command. Quite simply, lacks the "killer instinct."
The third complaint...yea, he has a turnover problem considering his position. However, it's easily solvable -- stop passing so much. Shoot the ball, Yao!
#10-Amare Stoudemire, PF/C-Phoenix Suns
I'll be honest with you, the battle for the No. 10 spot was a furious one. It could have gone any way; any of the four (see honorable mention below) would have been a justified choice, but I'm going with Amare. As I mentioned earlier, Amare is one of the most unique players in the NBA -- he's a big man who runs the floor like a quick little guard and finishes like a high-flying swingman. He's one of the most freakish athletes I've ever seen.
From a talent and ability standpoint, I could see a legitimate argument for Amare as the third-most talented player in the NBA (after Kobe and LeBron). He's an excellent rebounder; a tenacious, intimidating defender; has a beautiful stroke at the foul line and very soft touch in the mid-range, and he's the league's top frontcourt player on the fastbreak. He's actually a decent passer as well.
The reason why he isn't ranked higher is because we've never seen Amare in a leading role. I also mentioned earlier that Nash feeds him many of his easy baskets; it's almost as if Nash gets the credit for Amare's finishes. That leads people to question Amare's individual game. I am not one of those people, but I am forced to question how he would do as a No. 1 option elsewhere. There is no way I can know (with certainty) how he'd perform. So while he may very well be more talented than Garnett, Duncan and Dirk, Amare lacks the weight of the "franchise player" label that those three carry on their backs. Amare is the only secondary player on this list.
Honorable Mention:
#11-Allen Iverson, G-Denver Nuggets
#12-Carmelo Anthony, SF-Denver Nuggets
#13-Baron Davis, PG-Golden State Warriors
#14-Dwight Howard, PF/C-Orlando Magic
#15-Carlos Boozer, PF-Utah Jazz
** Please feel free to post your comments and/or questions below. I welcome all feedback. **
Obviously the Lakers are his favorite team (Bynum) and obviously he's an idiot. It's a really bizarre list. The point here is, he really struggled as he sifted through the teams and players in his mind. As he blurted out this peculiar group of 10, I realized that after the top five, this list isn't easy to form. Not at all, really.
But of course, I have to give it a go now. This is not my MVP rankings, it's simply the best 10 players in the NBA. Here's my list:
#1-Kobe Bryant, SG-Los Angeles Lakers
The gap has closed this year -- I've been more impressed with LeBron than ever -- but Kobe is still the best player in the NBA. He's far superior to LeBron on the defensive end, he's clearly a better outside shooter, has the three rings and a slightly better basketball IQ. Not to say that LeBron lacks court awareness (he's actually quite savvy for his age), but Kobe knows exactly when to turn it on on both ends of the floor. LeBron doesn't know when to kick it in gear defensively.
Of course there is all the crap about Kobe getting his teammates more involved this season blah, blah, blah. Yes, he's more unselfish than he has been in recent years, but the major difference is that his teammates are actually knocking down shots and finishing plays down low. Kobe spoon fed his teammates plenty of times during the last two seasons, only to have Kwame Brown miss dunks and Maurice Evans miss wide open threes in the corner. Not this year. The Lakers are a legitimate title contender and Kobe will probably get that ever-elusive first MVP award.
#2-LeBron James, G/F-Cleveland Cavs
I've already talked about him a bit already, but I guess King James is worthy of some more discussion. Why has he grown on me this year? Because his teammates absolutely suck. The Cavs were struggling mightily early on and yet LeBron has single-handedly turned things around for a team whose second best player is probably Daniel "Booby" Gibson.
Zydrunas Ilgauskas is a reliable center but is far from spectacular at this stage in his career. Larry Hughes is a disgrace. He appears to be extremely athletic and talented, but he gets worse and worse every season. His jumper has flattened out and his decision-making is horrifying. I could go on and on about how bad LeBron's supporting cast is (Drew Gooden has also grossly underperformed) but the point is it's amazing that he finds a way to win with these bums. I know the East is a joke -- especially after the top three -- but the Cavs are far ahead of more talented teams, like the Nets and Knicks, in the standings. It's all LeBron. If the Cavs finish in the top three in the East he's probably more deserving of the MVP than Kobe.
#3-Steve Nash, PG-Phoenix Suns
This one was really tough. I've shuffled Nash back-and-forth with Garnett in my mind many times. I think the key here is that Nash has two of the last three league MVP awards and he's not slowing down this season -- the Suns are first in the mighty Western Conference.
Nash truly "makes" players, meaning he improves their game to a level that no one else could take them to (except maybe Jason Kidd). He turned Shawn Marion into the player he is today and despite a strong first outing with the Heat, I don't know if "The Matrix" will be a consistent offensive force without Nash. Now don't get me wrong here, Amare Stoudemire is an absolute beast -- but many of his dunks, lay-ups and free throw attempts are a direct result of gorgeous dimes from Nash. Nash has taken the careers of Raja Bell and Boris Diaw to another level as well.
The one knock on Nash is of course, his defense. He's frail and clearly devotes more effort and energy to his offense. It's not all bad -- that extra offensive energy makes the Suns the prolific scoring team that they are -- but the lack of size and defensive skill can certainly hurt Phoenix in late-game situations against point guards who like to post up. In a one-on-one playoff situation I could see Nash having serious problems with strong PGs like Baron Davis and Deron Williams.
Regardless, Nash is still the third best player in the league because he elevates the play of his teammates better than anyone else, and can also create many easy looks for himself.
#4-Kevin Garnett, PF-Boston Celtics
Talk about turning a franchise around. Yes, KG has been out for about seven games with an abdominal strain, but we've seen him do it all in the games leading up to the injury. Like Kobe, Garnett is a true two-way player. I wouldn't say Kobe is a lock as a top five defensive player, but Garnett definitely is. He communicates incredibly well with his teammates and knows his rotations as well or better than any other big man in the NBA. Garnett gets steals, blocks, disrupts passing lanes and turns away slashers who try to get to his bucket.
Offensively, my complaint with Garnett is that he's too unselfish. That seems to be working just fine with Boston, but it hurt his team in the long run with Minnesota. KG has an unusually soft touch for a power forward and his footwork is virtually impeccable. He's an excellent passer -- particularly out of a double-team -- who finds his shooters (Pierce, Allen, House, Posey) open behind the three-point line.
Why is he behind Nash? Because he had too many poor seasons in a row with the Timberwolves. That was his franchise and he never took his teammates or the franchise as a whole to a consistently competitive level.
#5-Tim Duncan, PF-San Antonio Spurs
I think this is really the last no-brainer in the top five. The order is obviously subjective, but I think there is a clear divide from No. 6 on.
Duncan is the best player on what has been the most consistent and best team over the course of the past six seasons. There's no question that he's deteriorating physically, but I don't see any loss of skill. Duncan is the most intelligent big man in the league and second-most experienced under pressure (after Shaq). He may be the league's premier team defender and he's Old Reliable on both ends of the court. Like Garnett, he's a terrific passer out of the box and has a plethora of post moves.
Don't forget about the three rings. So why is he behind Garnett, who has zero rings? Because KG has the fresher legs and clearly has plenty of all-star seasons to come, while Duncan's longevity is now in question. KG is slicker in the post and quicker defensively. His turnaround jumper is pure and almost automatic, whereas Duncan's consistent use of the glass causes odd bounces and awkward, line-drive misses. Not that "the bank" hasn't served Duncan well, it's that Garnett's paint game is higher percentage at this stage in their careers.
Also, the Spurs appear to be sliding toward the middle of the playoff pack this season. But then again, I said that last year too. The Celtics and Spurs have to be considered two of the top five championship contenders, so whoever wins out this season (Duncan or KG) will earn the four spot heading into the offseason. Right now, Garnett is the fresher and slightly better player.
#6-Dirk Nowitzki, PF-Dallas Mavericks
This is where it starts to get tough. The reigning MVP is one of the most unique players in NBA history, but he's not a clear-cut No. 6. I'm giving him the nod because Dallas is maintaining itself in the West's top three and Dirk is their best player. Along with Yao Ming, Amare Stoudemire and LeBron, Dirk has some of the most distinct and incredible talent in the league. Around 7-feet tall, Dirk can score off the dribble with pull-up jumpers and extends all the way out to the three-point line with ease. There really is no other player like him.
The problem with Dirk: he's not a reliable go-to-guy in high pressure situations. I think he's capable of making big shots, but he questions himself when the spotlight is undoubtedly upon his head. He's partly responsible for Dallas' collapse against Golden State last season, but I don't think Dallas is as good as they led everyone to believe during the regular season. I also believe that Golden State became a totally different and significantly improved team after trading Mike Dunleavy and Troy Murphy for Stephen Jackson and Al Harrington. By season's end, the Warriors were not a true No. 8 seed -- they were much better than that.
That said, the Mavs still haven't won the big one. Obviously they collapsed against the Heat in the finals two seasons ago, and then again last year. But let's see where they end up this season. Dirk is still their man, but if they crap out early in the playoffs again, he may very well drop on this list.
#7-Chris Paul, PG-New Orleans Hornets
No question the toughest spot on the list. I thought about this one for awhile, considered many different guys. What sold me? I just don't think Paul's teammates are that good. I think it's pretty damn astonishing that they are right up there with the top contenders in the West, and Paul deserves all the credit in the world. David West is better than solid in the paint and he's a very nice No. 2 option, but I'm underwhelmed by the rest of the cast.
Paul has this team on his back. He seems to have an unusually astute understanding of when to involve his teammates, and when to shoulder the scoring load. Tyson Chandler, Peja Stojakovic and Morris Peterson round out Paul's starting teammates; none of them can be relied upon for consistent offense. Stojakovic and Peterson are shooters so of course they get hot at times, but Peja is constantly injured and Mo Pete's collective statistics are extremely disappointing. What Paul is doing is similar to what Nash has been doing in Phoenix for the past four seasons, except Amare is better than anyone on Paul's team.
I know Paul's young and has plenty to prove (he's never won a playoff series) but I can't punish him for being relatively new to the league. What he has accomplished thus far is truly amazing; we'll see how it goes for New Orleans in the second half. As of right now, Paul has the edge at the No. 7 spot in the NBA.
#8-Dwyane Wade, G-Miami Heat
I really wanted to drop D-Wade out of the top 10, but I couldn't look past the shiny championship ring on his finger. I have not been impressed with his play this season at all. Yes, I know he's playing with a relatively serious injury but there are no excuses for the Heat being 9-40 in the Minor League (the East). Are they bad? Without a doubt. Should they be 9-40? No way in hell. I place a majority of the blame on Wade.
Wade is trying the Kobe strategy of the past two seasons, which can also be referred to as the Allen Iverson strategy with the Sixers -- but he's failing miserably. Wade's in the top five in scoring and he's still getting to the line, but his FG% has dipped dramatically. Kobe and Iverson were able to get their teams into the playoffs by jacking up an obscenely high number of shots (as Gilbert Arenas did last season), but there is no way the Heat are getting there.
Up to this point in the season (prior to the trade) I'm sure it's been frustrating having Shaq in and out of the lineup. Too bad. Mark Blount is a very decent back-up center, in fact he was solid as a starter for the Timberwolves the last two years. Wade should be running the pick-and-roll and pick-and-pop with Blount to get him easy looks that he is capable of converting. Wade should also be running the break with Jason Williams, Dorell Wright and Ricky Davis. They looked like a much better offensive team running the break this weekend against the Lakers (in Marion's first game). But it's too late now, Wade and Riley let this team spiral out of control.
Wade still has the ring that Tracy McGrady, Vince Carter, Michael Redd and Ray Allen don't have. That's why he's the No. 2 shooting guard in the league and No. 8 overall.
#9-Yao Ming, C-Houston Rockets
I'm sure this selection will be somewhat controversial for those of you who actually care about my opinion. Let's get one thing straight, Yao Ming should be the most dominant player in the NBA. Is he? No; he's too passive. What he is is arguably the most skilled big man in professional basketball history. At around 7-foot-6, somehow, Yao has the shooting touch of a 2-guard and the footwork of a ballet dancer who's a bit too tall. His free throw percentage is mind-boggling (consistently over 80 percent) -- consider the serious foul-line struggles of Shaq, Dwight Howard, Ben Wallace, Andris Biedrins, Tyson Chandler, etc. Yao inexplicably knocks them down with ease at the stripe.
The possible complaints: Yao hasn't won anything, he's soft and/or he turns over the ball too much.
The first one is undeniable, but the Rockets have won seven in a row and appear to finally be settling into a comfort level with Rick Adelman. Besides, there are plenty of guys who haven't won a title on this list: LeBron, Nash, Garnett, Dirk and Chris Paul.
The second one...well, he's soft in his own way. Yao is mentally soft; he's no longer physically soft like he was a few years back. He's mentally soft in the sense that he refuses to overshoot, even when the situation calls for it. Yao will hit two face-up jumpers in a row and then distribute to his teammates the next three to five plays, even when he's not being doubled. He has the ability to average 30 points per night, and do it with relative ease -- he just refuses to take full command. Quite simply, lacks the "killer instinct."
The third complaint...yea, he has a turnover problem considering his position. However, it's easily solvable -- stop passing so much. Shoot the ball, Yao!
#10-Amare Stoudemire, PF/C-Phoenix Suns
I'll be honest with you, the battle for the No. 10 spot was a furious one. It could have gone any way; any of the four (see honorable mention below) would have been a justified choice, but I'm going with Amare. As I mentioned earlier, Amare is one of the most unique players in the NBA -- he's a big man who runs the floor like a quick little guard and finishes like a high-flying swingman. He's one of the most freakish athletes I've ever seen.
From a talent and ability standpoint, I could see a legitimate argument for Amare as the third-most talented player in the NBA (after Kobe and LeBron). He's an excellent rebounder; a tenacious, intimidating defender; has a beautiful stroke at the foul line and very soft touch in the mid-range, and he's the league's top frontcourt player on the fastbreak. He's actually a decent passer as well.
The reason why he isn't ranked higher is because we've never seen Amare in a leading role. I also mentioned earlier that Nash feeds him many of his easy baskets; it's almost as if Nash gets the credit for Amare's finishes. That leads people to question Amare's individual game. I am not one of those people, but I am forced to question how he would do as a No. 1 option elsewhere. There is no way I can know (with certainty) how he'd perform. So while he may very well be more talented than Garnett, Duncan and Dirk, Amare lacks the weight of the "franchise player" label that those three carry on their backs. Amare is the only secondary player on this list.
Honorable Mention:
#11-Allen Iverson, G-Denver Nuggets
#12-Carmelo Anthony, SF-Denver Nuggets
#13-Baron Davis, PG-Golden State Warriors
#14-Dwight Howard, PF/C-Orlando Magic
#15-Carlos Boozer, PF-Utah Jazz
** Please feel free to post your comments and/or questions below. I welcome all feedback. **
Luke Walton is Awful.
I'm watching the Suns spank the Lakers right now and I couldn't help but write about how overrated Luke Walton is.
Walton was injured for awhile and announcers and Lakers' personnel kept saying that they were "eagerly awaiting" his return to the starting lineup. Why? I'm pretty sure the Lakers stormed to the top of the Western Conference in Walton's absence. Coincidence? Maybe. But there's no doubt that Trevor Ariza -- Walton's temporary replacement -- is a far superior player.
Kobe and Phil Jackson are always raving about Walton. As a matter of fact, prior to tonight's game, they both said that Walton has to play a primary role in Andrew Bynum's absence. I can't understand the obsession...
(Whoops. Vujacic just cut it to 10 with more than 10 minutes remaining in the fourth. So much for the blowout.)
Let's review. Walton loves to post up against other small forwards, but his post game is average at best. He doesn't elevate on his turnaround or face-up jumper and his mid-range shots are often tipped or blocked.
He's far from an exceptional athlete and he's a highly overrated perimeter shooter. He had an impressive stretch from the three-point line during the first half of the 06-07 season, and that's it.
He's a decent defender and a flashy passer, but has a strong propensity for the turnover -- especially considering his position.
Ariza is quicker, more athletic, longer, a better defender, slasher and finisher. The funny part is that he's a smarter player than Walton. Funny because Walton is sometimes referred to as a "heady" player. In actuality, he forces the action way too often. When Ariza was in the starting lineup he stayed within himself and took quality shots. He's also a better shooter than people think.
In other news, Kwame Brown is almost as bad as Walton. With Bynum out almost two months, the Lakers desperately need Chris Mihm to return. Mihm is notably agile for his size and provides good length and finishing ability. Brown's a pretty decent defender, but he can't put the ball in the hoop.
If the Lakers can get healthy in Bynum's absence (Mihm, Radmanovic both out tonight) they should be able to stay in the top four in the West. The lineup should be Fisher, Kobe, Ariza, Odom and Mihm, but Phil is stubborn. He really believes in Walton and Kwame -- the "Zenmaster" boggles my mind sometimes.
There's really no need for Walton at all. Radmanovic serves more of a purpose as a backup small forward because he can get unconscious from three. If he's having one of his "space cadet" nights, the Lakers can move Kobe to the 3 if Ariza's off the court. I have no problem with Fisher, Vujacic/Farmar, Kobe, Odom, Mihm/Turiaf. Turiaf's an undersized big man, but he's clearly a hardworker and better offensive player than Kwame.
I'm a closet Lakers fan. My favorite teams are really the Knicks and Nets, but some players (like Walton) just frustrate the hell outta me. Zach Randolph and Jason Collins round out the "players I can't stand" list.
More the next time I'm agitated.
Walton was injured for awhile and announcers and Lakers' personnel kept saying that they were "eagerly awaiting" his return to the starting lineup. Why? I'm pretty sure the Lakers stormed to the top of the Western Conference in Walton's absence. Coincidence? Maybe. But there's no doubt that Trevor Ariza -- Walton's temporary replacement -- is a far superior player.
Kobe and Phil Jackson are always raving about Walton. As a matter of fact, prior to tonight's game, they both said that Walton has to play a primary role in Andrew Bynum's absence. I can't understand the obsession...
(Whoops. Vujacic just cut it to 10 with more than 10 minutes remaining in the fourth. So much for the blowout.)
Let's review. Walton loves to post up against other small forwards, but his post game is average at best. He doesn't elevate on his turnaround or face-up jumper and his mid-range shots are often tipped or blocked.
He's far from an exceptional athlete and he's a highly overrated perimeter shooter. He had an impressive stretch from the three-point line during the first half of the 06-07 season, and that's it.
He's a decent defender and a flashy passer, but has a strong propensity for the turnover -- especially considering his position.
Ariza is quicker, more athletic, longer, a better defender, slasher and finisher. The funny part is that he's a smarter player than Walton. Funny because Walton is sometimes referred to as a "heady" player. In actuality, he forces the action way too often. When Ariza was in the starting lineup he stayed within himself and took quality shots. He's also a better shooter than people think.
In other news, Kwame Brown is almost as bad as Walton. With Bynum out almost two months, the Lakers desperately need Chris Mihm to return. Mihm is notably agile for his size and provides good length and finishing ability. Brown's a pretty decent defender, but he can't put the ball in the hoop.
If the Lakers can get healthy in Bynum's absence (Mihm, Radmanovic both out tonight) they should be able to stay in the top four in the West. The lineup should be Fisher, Kobe, Ariza, Odom and Mihm, but Phil is stubborn. He really believes in Walton and Kwame -- the "Zenmaster" boggles my mind sometimes.
There's really no need for Walton at all. Radmanovic serves more of a purpose as a backup small forward because he can get unconscious from three. If he's having one of his "space cadet" nights, the Lakers can move Kobe to the 3 if Ariza's off the court. I have no problem with Fisher, Vujacic/Farmar, Kobe, Odom, Mihm/Turiaf. Turiaf's an undersized big man, but he's clearly a hardworker and better offensive player than Kwame.
I'm a closet Lakers fan. My favorite teams are really the Knicks and Nets, but some players (like Walton) just frustrate the hell outta me. Zach Randolph and Jason Collins round out the "players I can't stand" list.
More the next time I'm agitated.
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