Name: Shady
Bio: Hi, I am Shady Botros. I was born in Egypt but I moved to Philadelphia five years ago. I am a die hard Philadelphia Eagles, Phillies, Sixers fan. In college sports I like the Penn State Nittany Lions football. I hope to become a sports writer or analyst. Jayson Stark, Michael WIlbon, Bill Simmons, Sal Paolantonio, Buster Olney, and Ric Bucher are my favorite writers. i despise Duke Basketball, the New York Yankees, the New York Mets, Boston Celtics, and the Dallas Cowboys.
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The NBA’s Top Five Young and Upcoming Teams
July 25th, 2010
The Lakers and Heat find themselves in the NBA’s current elite; they are ready and certainly expected to win now, five years from now either of teams could fall out title contention and are forced to retool through the draft. The teams that will be featured during this slideshow are far from the Lakers and the Heat, however five years from now it could those team that are atop the league’s elite, and the window may have closed on the league’s current powers.
Last year at around the same time I wrote the same article. Last year my five teams were the Blazers, Thunder, Bulls, Warriors, and Timberwolves in that order. If could do it again last year I would probably remove the Wolves and add a team like the Bucks or Kings. I decided not to include the Blazers or Bulls this year because I think they’ve been labeled young teams too long, it looks like both teams are ready to win.
The teams featured on this slideshow, have the core pieces in place, they are still ways way from contending for a number of reasons. The team’s core may still have much potential to be reached, the team is still a significant piece away, or the team may need some veteran leadership to surround their current young nucleus.
For example a few years ago, the Orlando Magic were built around a young core of Dwight Howard and Jameer Nelson, eventually they acquire Rashard Lewis through free agency, Hedo Turkoglu and JJ Redick start to blossom as players, and the Orlando Magic rode that core to the NBA finals where they eventually lost to the LA Lakers. The Magic still have the foundation of the team in Dwight Howard, and with Howard they’ll likely stay in contention as long as Howard is wearing a Magic uniform.
Any of the teams featured on this slideshow could be the next Orlando Magic. The team has its young players in place, once the young talent fully develops, and the team adds pieces through the draft, trades, or free agency, any of the teams on this slideshow could find themselves contending or an NBA title.
5. Los Angeles Clippers
Despite a depressing injury to the man pictured above, LA’s other team is on the rise, and after two great drafts, they find themselves stacked with young talent. In 2009 the Clippers won the lottery and took Blake Griffin, and this year’s draft they picked Al Farouq Aminu at number eight, and they traded a heavily protected first round pick for a potential franchise guard in Eric Bledsoe.
The key to the Clippers is Blake Griffin, even though he suffered what may have been the most unlucky injury of all time, all signs still point that Blake Griffin is the real deal. If they redid the 2009 draft, I would bet Blake Griffin would still go in the top three, despite that freak injury. Griffin has the potential to be a top player in the NBA, and turn the Clippers franchise into a winner.
He may start slow this season because this is an injury that takes time to rehab from, but we’re not looking at another Greg Oden here. Once this guy gets going he’s going to dominate, he has the physical strength to truck his opponents, and he’s developing a perimeter game. I expect Griffin to fully recover from the injury, average around 18 points, 8 rebounds, and contend with the other rookies for the rookie of the year award which he is eligible for.
The Clippers have a huge hole at the small forward position and while Al Farouq Aminu isn’t ready to step in right away, he has great potential. At Wake Forest Aminu was a rebounding machine averaging 11 rebounds, and 15 points. The big question with Aminu is whether he’ll play small forward or power forward. Right now I think he’d be better suited for power forward because he has great rebounding ability, and his perimeter game hasn’t fully developed yet. Aminu however has the body of a small forward, and that’s the position I see him playing once he develops a solid perimeter game. Aminu is just one of the pieces that can for a nice young nucleus around Blake Griffin for the Clippers.
The other player the Clippers got this draft was Eric Bledsoe, the lighting quick guard out of Kentucky. Bledsoe was heavily recruited out of high school as a point guard, but he chose to go to Kentucky and play alongside John Wall so he could learn how to play off the ball. At Kentucky Bledsoe did average more turnovers than assists which is alarming, but he didn’t get much playing time, and he was playing out of position. Bledsoe is extremely athletic, and with 11 year veteran Baron Davis on the decline, Bledsoe could be the starting point guard of the future for the LA Clippers.
The final young piece the Clippers have is the piece that has been in place for the past two years, young shooting guard Eric Gordon. Gordon is currently at the Team USA minicamp where he has a solid chance at making the team. Gordon is one of the best long range shooters in the NBA; he shot 37 percent from behind the arc last season, and averaged 17 points per game. Gordon was one of the few bright spots for the Clippers last season, this season I could see him eclipse the 20 points per game scoring mark, especially if this Clippers team gets going and Blake Griffin comes back healthy.
The Clippers have become notorious for underachieving, call me naïve but I think this could be the year the team makes a playoff run, and starts to build a potential contender, Blake Griffin is the key.
4. Washington Wizards
The Wizards came into last season with a veteran squad led by the likes of Gilbert Arenas, Antawn Jamison, and Caron Butler. After a heavily disappointing season two of the three core guys on the roster, are playing elsewhere, and Gilbert Arenas has been heavily shopped but no one wants to take on his contract. I had to think hard about putting the Wizards on this list because even though they have great young talent, they have Gilbert Arenas and that untradeable contract that will keep holding them back.
The Wizards fortunes changed greatly on May 18th when they struck gold in the lottery and acquired the rights to draft consensus number one pick John Wall. Wall has been called the best guard prospect to come out of college since Allen Iverson came out of Georgetown in 1996. Wall is going to be a franchise changer the minute he steps on the court for the Wizards. Wall had some turnover trouble in college, but that’s because he was trying to do too much at once, he will eventually figure it out.
There is no question this is now John Wall’s team, if the Wizards could have their way, they would trade Gilbert Arenas as for a bag of basketballs but that contract still has 4 years, about 80 million dollars remaining. A Wall Arenas backcourt could be one of the more explosive in the league, but the Wizards are going to have to figure this out because you can’t pay Gilbert this much when John Wall is now the face of the franchise.
The Wizards also have two young big men in Andray Blatche and Javale McGee. Blatche is extremely talented but he’s been an enigma his whole NBA career. Javale McGee on the other hand was one of the top performers in summer league. it looks like McGee has started to show signs of consistency on offense, he’s one of the most athletic seven footers, he can block shots, and it looks like he’s going to be John Wall’s top sidekick on this Wizards roster. McGee was a last minute invitee to the Team USA minicamp where it looks more and more likely he could make the team. McGee will benefit greatly from playing with a point guard like John Wall, he could have breakout year next season.
The Wizards also added veteran Kirk Hinrich who could help mentor John Wall, plus he’s a solid long range shooter, and Yi Jianlian who could be a nice complementary piece. Overall I’m not sure if the Wizards are going to make the playoffs, they certainly have the capability to do so in a watered down eastern conference.
Think of this year’s Wizards as the Bulls during Derrick Rose’s rookie year, they are very similar teams, both are led by star guards, both have young big men the Bulls had Noah, the Wiz have McGee and both are middle of the road teams in the eastern conference.
3. Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies surprised many last season by recovering from a terrible start and adding 16 wins to their win total from the season before. The Grizzlies made major progress last season and some of their young players started to come into their own.
OJ Mayo has established himself as the leader, and go to guy in the clutch for this team. Mayo’s scoring average dropped about a full point from his rookie campaign however Mayo had some huge games for the Grizzlies, most notably a 40 point performance against the Denver Nuggets early in the season, and Mayo was the team’s clutch scorer, and as the season progressed it became his team. Mayo could be headed for stardom, he’ already one of the best shooters in the league, and he can easily create his own offense.
A pleasant surprise this summer was seeing OJ Mayo participate in summer league. By no law was Mayo required to go to summer league as he’s already the best player on the team, but he was trying to improve his point guard skills. That’s sends a message to the to the Mayo’s teammates when the team leader is taking part in summer league. Mayo wasn’t done though as he’s currently at the Team USA minicamp hoping to make the team. Expect to see Mayo play more point guard and do much more ball handling. I wouldn’t be shocked if Mayo were to make his first all star team.
The Grizzlies also managed to resign Rudy Gay, and while they overpaid, this team is not going to continue to make progress without Rudy Gay on the team. Gay and Mayo are one of the better scoring duos in the league, and the Grizzlies need to keep their current core together. Gay may not be a superstar in the NBA, but resigning him was crucial if the Grizzlies plan to continue to get better.
The Grizzlies would not taken the step they took last season had it not been for the play of Marc Gasol. Once thought of as a throwaway in the trade that sent his older brother to LA, Marc has proved he can be an elite center in the NBA. Coming into the season there were many concerns about Gasol’s weight, however he lost significant weight and played at an all star level for most of the season as he averaged 14 points, and 9 rebounds. Marc Gasol should continue to improve and become a top big man in the NBA.
So far he looks like a bust but Hasheem Thabeet is continuing to get better as he got more reps at summer league. Thabeet will likely start the season in the D-league and continue to develop his game.
Unsigned rookie Xavier Henry could be a difference maker for this team. Despite being a rookie Henry has a very polished and mature game. Henry is a terrific outside shooter, and he can put the ball on the floor and get to the line. The Grizzlies better take care of his situation quickly because he’s going to be an immediate contributor.
The Grizzlies are bringing back the same core from last season with the addition of Xavier Henry, overall I see this team making more progress and topping the 40 win mark they reached last season. Don’t be surprised if this team sneaks into the postseason.
2. Sacramento Kings
The Kings only managed to win 25 games last season, but they started off red hot, and looked like they could’ve been contending for a playoff spot early in the season. Eventually they tailed off, but they had many bright spots last season and I do think the team is going to take a big step towards being a serious threat in the west.
The Kings are stacked with young talent; it all starts with the reigning rookie of the year Tyreke Evans. Evans not only won rookie of the year, but he averaged a stat line of 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists as a rookie, a feat only accomplished by Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and Oscar Robertson. Evans did so because most of plays were run for him, and he played with ball in his hands majority of the time, but nonetheless he has the potential to be a superstar in this league.
Evans will have to make some improvements on his game, especially now that DeMarcus Cousins has arrived. First of all Evans needs to be more of a distributor, he wasn’t such a willing passer last season and that resulted in many possessions where Evans tried to make something out of nothing.
Then Evans will have to learn how to play off the ball. Evans played with the ball in his hands for most of the game, he’s not a true point guard and he’s going to learn how to play off the ball if he wants to be shooting guard. Evans will also have to significantly improve his defense, for a guy who has Evan’s frame; Evans was one of the worst defenders at his position. Evans will have to give a better effort on the defensive end.
The Kings also brought in DeMarcus Cousins, the biggest risk reward player in this draft. I had Cousins labeled as the 2nd most talented prospect in the country behind John Wall. During summer league Cousins showed why he can be a potential superstar, and why so many teams were afraid to gamble on him with a top four pick. I think Cousins will be productive in his rookie season, and he’ll be the best rookie big man.
Cousins isn’t alone in the frontcourt, he also has two young power forwards who can both play. The first is Carl Landry whom the Kings acquired in a three way trade that sent Kevin martin to Houston and Tracy McGrady to New York. Last season Landry looked like he’d be the 6th man of the year however he was traded to the Kings and he started most of his games in Sacramento.
The other young big man would be Jason Thompson. Thompson is versatile as he can play both power forward and center. Thompson is a solid rebounder and shot blocker, and he’ll be a solid rotation player for this Kings team.
The Kings also have their young shooter in Omri Casspi, Casspi shot 37 percent from behind the arc, and averaged 10 points per game. The young Israeli was a huge piece for the team, and his role will increase as he gets better.
The Kings are following the Thunder’s model of building a team through the draft. I’m not saying they’re going to be a 47 win team next season, but they could certainly contend for a playoff spot with the addition of Cousins, and if Tyreke Evans continues to play at a high level.
1. Oklahoma City Thunder
It comes as no shock that the Thunder are the best young team in the NBA. The Thunder shocked the world last season as most people said they were a year away from playoff contention, however they made the playoffs as an 8th seed and were a Pau Gasol layup away from taking the champs to seven games.
Led by Kevin Durant and Co. the Thunder may be the most complete team in the western conference outside the Lakers. The Thunder has Kevin Durant who is going to be the odds on favorite to win the MVP and scoring titles. Durant may be the best young player in the game today, he’s freakishly athletic, he has a Reggie Miller like outside stroke, he gets to the free throw line, and he’s become a better rebounder and paint player.
Durant is the unquestioned leader of the team however he’s surrounded by a nice solid nucleus. Russell Westbrook is already among the top point guards; and Jeff green is a solid role player who is a good defender. Durant, Westbrook, and Green are all at the Team USA minicamp hoping to make the team.
James Harden came off the bench for the Thunder in his rookie season, but he’s going to have a much bigger role this season and potentially start at shooting guard. Harden has a very polished game, he’s a terrific outside shooter, and he can score.
One of the reasons the Thunder couldn’t push the Lakers further is that they didn’t have big men who could limit the Lakers bigs. The Thunder addressed that need by adding center Cole Aldrich who has the ability to be a starting center in this league. Aldrich is 6’11”, he has a nice touch around the basket, he’s a terrific rebounder and shot blocker, and he can play some defense.
The Thunder also have Serge Ibaka the young big man from the Congo. Ibaka has great athleticism, in his limited time he has shown flashes of being a great shot blocker, and a solid pick and pop threat. Moving forward Ibaka is going to be a big piece for this Thunder team.
Despite the team being young, I fully expect the Thunder to challenge the Lakers for the west. After the current Lakers dynasty is over, we could potentially have a Miami Heat Oklahoma City Thunder rivalry due to both frequently meeting in the NBA finals. Bottom line is the Thunder are young, but they may be ready to win now.
New York Knicks Willing to Trade Anybody Except Amar’e Stoudemire
July 24th, 2010
The New York Knicks have had a busy offseason as they acquired Amar’e Stoudemire for about 100 million, and they used David Lee in a sign and trade, now they could be in the market for the best name available on the market, Chris Paul.
Chris Paul recently joined LeBron James’s marketing company LRMR and could be looking leave New Orleans just like James bolted Cleveland for Miami. It is reported that Paul would like to play alongside another superstar, and follow LeBron James’s model of teaming up with other great players.
Now rarely does a player of Paul’s caliber end up on the market, especially with two more years remaining on his current deal. The Knicks are on Paul’s wish list, and some believe they may be his preferred destination. The Knicks still do posses enough cap room for a player with a max salary, since they missed out on LeBron James.
An NBA executive familiar with the Knicks president of basketball operations Donnie Walsh believes that Walsh will be willing to move any of the current players on the roster except for the newly acquired Amar’e Stoudemire. The executive said “Amar’e won’t be traded, but everyone else will be available.” The dream scenario for the Knicks after LeBron turned them down is Carmelo Anthony, and either Tony Parker or Chris Paul to pair with Amar’e Stoudemire.
New Orleans haven’t started to talk with teams about trading Paul, and they will meet with Paul next week in a last ditch effort to prove to Paul that they are committed to winning. Paul has an exit strategy to force a trade, but New Orleans haven’t formally come out and said that they plan to trade Paul in the near future.
If the Hornets were to give in to Paul’s demands, they would hope to get equal value in return. The Knicks wouldn’t be able to give equal value in return, and take on a few bad contracts. In reality nobody will give back equal value when you’re talking about one of the five best players in the league, and the best point guard in the league.
The Knicks however could put together a solid package that would net the Hornets some young talent in return, not necessarily the best package, but more importantly the Knicks unlike any other team could swallow the bad contracts the Hornets would require the Knicks to take back in a trade. The Knicks could take on the bad contracts due to their cap space, and their revenue from Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks could give up a player like Danilo Gallinari. The 21 year old Gallinari was the 6th pick of the 2008 NBA draft, he’s the Knicks top young asset, and he has some serious potential. Last season was Gallinari’s first full season in the league, he only played in 27 games during his rookie season, but the young Italian showed why he may be the best three point shooter in the league last season as he shot 38 percent from behind the arc and averaged 15 points, and 5 rebounds. Gallinari could be a better version of the current Hornets small forward Peja Stojakovic.
The Hornets would likely demand Gallinari in a trade, the Knicks have never been willing to shop Gallinari, in fact after last season it came out that Gallinari and Wilson Chandler were the only tow untouchables on the roster, but the Knicks wouldn’t refuse trading Gallinari for Chris Paul.
The Knicks also have two more solid young pieces in small forward Wilson Chandler, and newly acquired Anthony Randolph. Chandler averaged 15 points a game last season; he’s a great defender, and he posses great versatility and athleticism.
Randolph has limitless potential and could be a potential star in this league. . Randolph was the center piece of the package the Knicks got in return for the David Lee sign and trade. Randolph averaged 11 points, six rebounds, and a block and a half. Those numbers may not be that impressive, but Randolph did it in only 22 minutes. Last season Randolph started to show some signs of consistency, but Warriors head coach Don Nelson benched Randolph for reasons that were never clear.
The Knicks would like to keep those young pieces, but in a Chris Paul trade they’ll likely have to send two of the three young players I mentioned. Gallinari will probably be one them and the second player will all depend on who the Hornets prefer. The Hornets don’t have many big men so my guess is they’d go for the more versatile Randolph who can play both forward positions and center.
Paul also has the Orlando Magic, Portland Trail Blazers and the Dallas Mavericks on his wish list. None of those teams have the financial flexibility to take on the bad contracts the Hornets have. In a Paul trade the Hornets would have to rid themselves of contracts like the one of Emeka Okafor who still has four years 52 million remaining on his deal, or Peja Stojakovic who has one year 15 million remaining on his deal, or James Posey who still has two years, 13 million remaining on his deal.
Any team looking to land Paul would have to give up their young assets, and take on at least two of these bad contracts. The Knicks certainly have the financial flexibility and the young talent to pull off this trade.
Donnie Walsh making every player except for Amar’e Stoudemire available is definitely a smart move, telling fans the Knicks are ready to put the full court press on acquiring Chris Paul, no matter who they have to give up.
Paul would fit perfectly with the Knicks; he would complement Amar’e Stoudemire perfectly. Paul and Stoudemire could be the best point guard big man combo in the league and they could run the deadliest pick and roll in the NBA. Knicks coach Mike D’Antoni loves to play up tempo and Paul is a point guard who loves to push the ball, and has the skills to play up tempo.
My guess is if the Hornets are going to start fielding offers, the New York Knicks do make the most sense in terms of giving the Hornets back some young talent, and taking on some heavy salary. Paul could become one of the NBA’s icons in New York, and could eventually attract Carmelo Anthony to the big apple and form a trio that would rival the one in Miami for years to come.
This has been a crazy offseason in the NBA, and there may be more changes to come.
Predicting Team USA’s 2010 12-Man Roster: The Bigs
July 23rd, 2010
Author’s Note: This is the third and final part of a three part series about my predictions for team USA’s final 12 man roster for the 2010 Fiba World Championships. This piece will feature my predictions for the big men of the team.
Heading into the Fiba world championships, team USA is shorthanded when it comes to big men. The team’s top big man Amar’e Stoudemire, who was thought to be a focal point of the team, won’t play for team USA this season due to contract insurance issues. Due to Stoudemire being a no show, the team brought in Javale McGee as a last minute replacement.
The redeem team didn’t put much emphasis on big men as they only had one true center on the roster in Dwight Howard, a rotation big in Chris Bosh, and Carlos Boozer who made a minimal impact on the team. With the squad I have assembled so far, I think the big men who will be featured will have a bigger role on the team.
Brook Lopez
Despite playing on a 12 win New Jersey Nets team, Brook Lopez might just be the best center in the NBA not named Dwight Howard. The 22 year old big man is an elite post player, he has a solid mid range game, he’s fundamentally sound, and he’s an exceptional defender. Look for Lopez to have a role on this team similar to Dwight Howard’s role on the redeem team.
Lopez is the best big man on the 22 man squad; and he may be the only center who makes the team. Lopez might be the most important player on the roster, because the team might be thin on the depth chart when it comes to big men.
This team is built on guards but it’s going to be crucial Lopez plays well, considering other countries may not even have another big to guard him because he’s so big. With the team missing Amar’e Stoudemire due to contract insurance difficulties, and Brook’s twin brother Robin due to rehabbing from a back injury, the team will rely heavily on Lopez as the premier big man on the roster.
Kevin Love
At 6’10” Kevin Love is one of the best rebounders we have in the game today. Love could be the starting power forward for this team because he is so skilled. Love is one of the best passing big men, he has great shooting range for a big man, and in the international game they use a short three point line which will allow Love to stretch defenses due to his range.
Love will also surprise defenses with his low post skills; he has a solid jump hook, and is an extremely effective passer out of the post. Love is the team’s best rebounder, whether he starts or not, this guy will crash the boards and collect rebounds no matter who he’s going up against.
Many wonder why the Timberwolves traded a 20-10 guy in Al Jefferson, Kevin Love is the reason. Love and Jefferson didn’t really complement each other, and the T-Wolves think Love is more talented, and will eventually be a multiple time all star in the future.
Kevin Love should start at power forward for team USA; you know what you’re going to get with Love. He’s going to be a threat on both ends of the floor, and I wouldn’t be shocked at all if he was the team’s leading rebounder. Due to the absence of Amar’e Stoudemire, Love is going to be able to score even if plays aren’t run for him due to his hustle, and rebounding. Expect Love to be one of the best performers on the team.
Javale McGee
It may be due to injuries but Javale McGee may now be the best option for a team with an even thinner frontcourt now. Robin Lopez, Amar’e Stoudemire, and David Lee will all miss the Fiba World championships.
The young big man has come a long way since entering the league, when McGee entered the league he was no more than a seven footer who got garbage time. McGee, drafted 18th overall by the Washington Wizards as a project center, is starting to show signs of consistency, especially on offense.
McGee was among the top performers during summer league, he was more assertive and aggressive on offense, and he showed a post game. McGee is among the league’s most athletic big men, and he has some skill, as he posses a solid midrange jumper which will make him a pick and pop threat. McGee is still learning how to be an effective defender, but he can block shots, and he’ll be much bigger than most of the players he’ll be guarding.
Even when his name was called up last minute I didn’t think Javale McGee would find a spot on this team, however injuries and luck have brought a long way. The backcourt is thin and now coach K and Mike D’Antoni will have to get extra creative, but they have a seven footer in McGee who can do some damage.
Lack of Depth in Front Court Due To Injuries
Originally I had planned that Amar’e Stoudemire would be the team’s top big man, but contract insurance issues have kept him out. Stoudemire’s contract is not fully insured, and players without an insured contract can’t play for their national team without permission from their team. It looked like Stoudemire would put on the red white and blue, but on Monday the Knicks asked Stoudemire to pull out, and he understood, after all the Knicks are paying him 100 million.
Robin Lopez was invited to the camp but pulled out because he is still rehabbing his back, and the heartbreaker might be David Lee who hurt his wrist while practicing for the team. The coaching staff will have to get very creative with a thin frontcourt but it could work.
I’m almost certain Brook Lopez will start at center for the team, and Javale McGee will be a rotation big who will take some pressure off Lopez. Either Lamar Odom who is extremely versatile or Kevin Love who is a rebounding machine will start at power forward for the team.
We will see different combinations involving the big men, if the team is looking to play small, we might see Lamar Odom play center, and Kevin Love play power forward, or if the team is looking to play big, we could see both the seven footers on the court at the same time. Bottom line is the coaching staff will have the find a way to make it work, despite the injuries.
The complete roster
Despite the injuries, USA still have a solid roster, one good enough to win it all in Istanbul where the Fiba world championships will start. The team is a guard oriented team, and is pretty deep at the guard positions.
The frontcourt is thin, but it could work due to the size and versatility in the frontcourt. Kevin Durant will be called upon to be a leader, as he is the team’s best player, he could potentially be the new face of USA basketball.
Under Coach K, this team could win its first Fiba title since 1994; however it won’t be easy at all. Here’s the complete roster.
Guards- Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, Chauncey Billups, Stephen Curry, Rajon Rondo
Wings- Gerald Wallace, Danny Granger, Andre Iguodala, Lamar Odom
Bigs- Brook Lopez, Kevin Love, Javale McGee
Predicting Team USA’s 2010 12 Man Roster: The Wings
July 21st, 2010
Author’s Note: This is the second part of a three part series about my predictions for team USA’s final 12 man roster for the 2010 Fiba World Championships. This piece will feature my predictions for the wing players of the team.
My first installment featured the guard portion of my predictions for team USA’s 12 man roster for the 201 Fiba world championships. The wing players will be featured in this slideshow.
Since all the 2008 redeem teamers opted to skip the Fiba world championships, wing players such as Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and Carmelo Anthony won’t be representing team USA this year. A new wave of stars enters the international ranks as players such as Danny Granger, Gerald Wallace, and Andre Iguodala.
Head coach Mike Kryzewski and Jerry Colangelo both have a tough task ahead of them as they have to cut down the 22 man roster to 12 men, not an easy task. For all it’s worth, here’s my opinion on which wing players should make the team.
Gerald Wallace
Gerald Wallace is one of the most underrated players in the NBA and last season he showed why. Wallace averaged 18 points, and 10 rebounds leading the Charlotte Bobcats to their first ever playoff berth. Wallace also got the nod for his first all star selection.
Wallace will fit perfectly with this roster. He’s extremely athletic, he’s very versatile as he can handle like a guard, and post up and rebound like a forward. He can play both forward positions, and he’s certainly one of the best defenders in the roster.
Wallace is a terrific shot blocker, and could be the team’s primary wing defender. Wallace could start at small forward for the team, because of his defense, and athleticism, his ability to get to the free throw line, and the fact that he’s an unselfish player willing to defer to others such as Kevin Durant and Derrick Rose. Overall I think Wallace’s defense alone makes him a lock for the team.
Danny Granger
Danny Granger has been among the NBA’s elite scorers over the past few seasons. Last season Granger averaged 24 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists. Granger can get his shot off over any defender due to being a bigger small forward at 6’9”.
Granger is the best scoring player featured on this slideshow, but I would prefer to have Wallace in the starting lineup because Wallace is an elite defender, while Granger’s defense nothing more than average.
If Granger were to start he could be among the team’s leading scorers, however I like him more coming off the bench. Granger could provide instant offense, and if a player like Kevin Durant goes out, the team won’t miss a beat with Granger coming in.
The bottom line is Granger should make the team because he can be valuable as a shooter, and he can play both forward positions, overall Granger would be strong addition regardless of whether he starts or comes off the bench.
Andre Iguodala
Many who have read some of my previous writing know that I have been saying the Philadelphia 76ers should trade Andre Iguodala, however that not because Iguodala is a bad player, it’s just that the Sixers pay him to be a franchise player, when he’s a very solid piece when he’s a secondary option, which is why Iguodala is a perfect fit on team USA.
Andre Iguodala is a player who doesn’t get as much attention as he deserves because he’s not in a situation where he can flourish. He’s had a number of different coaches in his career, including a new one this season, however Iguodala can be a great piece for this USA team.
Iguodala is similar to Gerald Wallace, he’s not much of a shooter, but he’s freakishly athletic, and he’s a great defender. While Wallace may be the better overall defender, Iguodala is the better one on one defender. Iguodala is also in the Scottie Pippen mold as he can fill up the stat sheet, (Iguodala averaged 17 points, 6 assists, and 6 rebounds in his sixth season, Pippen averaged 18 points, 6 assists, and 7 rebounds in his sixth season.)
Iguodala could start for this team depending on the matchup, if the opposing team has wing player who can score, the team may start Iguodala and assign him to guard him one on one. Iguodala would be perfect in that role, and he would be the third or fourth option on offense.
Iguodala would be a great role player on this team; he would be comfortable in that role for team USA, this is the role he should be playing in the NBA.
Lamar Odom
It came down to Odom and Rudy Gay for the final wing spot, Rudy Gay may be the better individual talent, and the better scorer, but Odom is the better fit on this USA team. Odom, a back to back NBA champion with the Los Angeles Lakers, is a player willing to take a bench role.
Part of what made the Lakers so dangerous is that they had Odom coming off the bench. Odom can play both forward positions and some center. Odom is big enough that he can operate in the paint, and stretch the defenses with his three point range. Odom is also a great rebounder and a solid shot blocker, and he can guard versatile big men. The knock on Odom however is that he’s inconsistent, some games you wonder why this guy isn’t a perennial all star, and then some games you wonder why he even has a role on the Lakers.
Odom has been in the USA program since 2004 and is one of the few veterans on the 22 man roster. Odom was a part of the disappointing 2004 Olympic team that went to Athens, but was eager to participate in the USA basketball program again.
Odom’s versatility is going to be crucial for the team considering Amar’e Stoudemire won’t participate in the program due to contract insurance issues. The team could use Odom coming off the bench, plug him right into either of the forward positions, let him run the point for small stretches, or use Odom as a center, allow him to operate in the paint, rebound, and post up.
Odom currently isn’t in his best shape as he supposedly hasn’t touched a basketball since he won the title with the Lakers. That may be a big concern, but if he can get back into shape, he should make the team. The team needs a player of Odom’s versatility, and Odom will do a solid job coming off the bench. Odom will have a role with team USA very similar to his role on the championship Los Angeles Lakers.
The Roster so far
So far I have filled up 9 out of the 12 roster spots. The next part of this series will feature the big men, only three will make it, but here’s what we have so far.
PG- Derrick Rose, Chauncey Billups, Stephen Curry, Rajon Rondo
SG- Kevin Durant
SF- Gerald Wallace, Danny Granger, Andre Iguodala, Lamar Odom
It’s important to note that Durant, Billups, Curry, and Lamar Odom will likely be playing multiple positions.
Predicting Team USA’s 2010 12 Man Roster: The Guards
July 21st, 2010
Author’s Note: This is the first part of a three part series about my predictions for team USA’s final 12 man roster for the 2010 Fiba World Championships. This piece will feature my predictions for the guards of the team.
This summer’s free agent class not only turned the NBA world upside down, but it also affected the state of team USA basketball. Guards such as Kobe Bryant and Dwyane Wade will not be participating in USA basketball this year, in fact no one from the 2008 redeem team is returning to the 2010 squad. That opens the door for a new wave of talent, many guards will get the chance to represent USA basketball for the first time ever.
The new guards include names such as Kevin Durant, Derrick Rose, Stephen Curry, and Tyreke Evans. Head coach Mike Kryzewski and Jerry Colangelo will have a tough task finding the best squad as all 22 players have a legitimate chance at making the final cut which will include the 12 best players in Kryzewksi’s eyes.
Another thing to no note is while there are no 2008 redeem teamers on the roster, Jason Kidd a 2008 redeem teamer, won’t play but serve a role as a special adviser. Kidd was an instrumental leader to the 2008 team and was indispensible to the team despite his limited role on the court
It will be interesting to see the selections Mike Kryzewski and Jerry Colangelo make in order to get to the final 12 man roster, but for now, here’s my attempt at finding the guard portion of the final 12 man roster.
Derrick Rose
Derrick Rose may be a bit young, but he can certainly run a team. He has playoff experience, and I think he’s ready to break out this year. Rose has been working on a three point jump shot, and that could really put him over the top.
In the international game, much more contact is allowed which makes a guy like Rose essential, because he doesn’t shy away from contact, and is one of the best at getting to the free throw line. Overall I think Rose is the best guard of the bunch and should be the starting point guard.
Rose showed that he’s a big game player as he averaged 27 points, and 7 assists in the playoffs. He’s going to have to be more of a scorer and less of a distributor because of the talent around him, but Rose is ready for this role and he’s ready to represent his country.
Kevin Durant
Kevin Durant primarily plays the small forward position, but team USA is planning to use Kevin Durant at shooting guard. Durant is the best player on the roster flat out. He can do it all. Durant will certainly carry a heavy leadership role for this team just as he did for his Oklahoma City Thunder team.
Durant has been in the USA basketball program for five straight years now, and he is the now the top player in the program. Durant has stated he’s also going to bring more of a defensive effort than an offensive effort to the team, and he’s going to look to be lock down defender.
Despite being only 21, Durant is going to be the guy for this team, and as long as he stays healthy, he’s going to the new face of the USA basketball for years to come.
Chauncey Billups
Chauncey Billups is the type of player this team needs. He’s a big game player, he isn’t afraid to take big shots, and most importantly he’s a winner and a leader. Billups was a champion with the 2004 Detroit Pistons and was the leader of the Pistons teams that made it to 6 straight conference finals.
Billups could serve a similar role to this team as Jason Kidd served to the 2008 team. Billups has the most playoff experience of any guard playing a 139 playoff games for his career. Billups is also one of two shooters in this year’s guard crop, Stephen Curry being the other shooter.
There’s a chance Billups could be the starting point guard and Rose would come off the bench, because of his experience, but I see Billups doing better coming off the bench as he can provide instant offense, and some three point shooting.
Stephen Curry
Stephen Curry in my opinion should’ve won rookie of the year as he had a terrific rookie season for the Golden State Warriors averaging 17 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds. Curry is the one of two shooters on the 22 man roster, and he can certainly shoot the ball as he shot 43 percent from behind the arc.
Curry would come off the bench for the team and provide the ability to run a team as a distributor and take over the game as a scorer. Curry is as good of a shooter as any player on this roster; he should be a near lock to crack the team.
Rajon Rondo
This is the last guard spot and it came down to Rajon Rondo and Russell Westbrook. Rajon Rondo won’t have a huge role on this team as he did for the Boston Celtics, but he will be used as a defensive stopper on small quick guards. The reason I gave the spot to Rondo is that Rondo can run a team better than Westbrook, he’s quicker, he’s a better finisher, and he’s a big game player.
Rondo averaged 16 points, 9 assists, and 5 rebounds during the playoffs. He was the best player on a Celtics team that featured veterans, but Rondo was the Celtics go to guy in crunch time. his free throw issues may hold him back, but I can see Rondo willing to take a bench role on this team, and provide instant scoring and solid defense off the bench.
The Cuts
Tyreke Evans
Evans is a terrific player, he can get to the line, and he can score. Evans even averaged 20 points, five rebounds, and five assists as a rookie, a feat only accomplished by Michael Jordan, Oscar Robertson, and LeBron James.
But the reason I can’t put Evans on the team is that I don’t see Evans being successful without the ball in his hands. Evans isn’t a true point guard; neither can he play off the ball. This team already has it’s penetrators in Rose, and Rondo, and both Rose and Rondo can play off the ball better than Tyreke Evans.
Russel Westbrook
Westbrook like Evans is a penetrator and not a shooter. It came down to Westbrook and Rondo and I chose Rondo instead. Westbrook would fit well next to Kevin Durant, but Westbrook and Rondo are both very similar and I would want to have a balance of penetrators and shooters on the team, I have two shooters in Billups and Curry, the penetrators in Rose and Rondo, and a do it all player in Durant.
Eric Gordon
Gordon is a rising young talent but he’s a lesser version of Stephen Curry, Curry is a better shooter, and Curry can put the ball on the floor better than Gordon.
OJ Mayo
Mayo could make the team as a backup two guard and Mayo was working in summer league on improving his point guard skills, but he’s not a true point guard, and not enough of a distributor to make the team.
Four Teams That Will Challenge The Heat For The Eastern Conference Title
July 17th, 2010
The Miami Heat shocked the world by acquiring the three prized free agents of this highly anticipated free agent class. By acquiring LeBron James and Chris Bosh, and resigning Dwyane Wade, the Heat become the immediate favorites to win the title.
While the Heat have a very good chance at winning the NBA title, it’s not going to be easy as they have teams in the west such as the Lakers, and Thunder. They can only worry about the teams in the west if they make it out of the east, and the teams that will be featured on this slideshow will make the Heat getting to the finals an extremely tough task.
5. New York Knicks
While the Knicks lost out in the LeBron James sweepstakes, they did improve the roster by acquiring star forward Amar’e Stoudemire. If healthy, Stoudemire will certainly flourish under Knicks head coach Mike D’Antoni. D’Antoni turned Stoudemire from a 13 point scorer to a 20 point scorer. Stoudemire gives the Knicks a star who on any given night can lead a team.
Many would disagree but I prefer Stoudemire to Chris Bosh, Stoudemire is stronger, and more physical in the paint. I believe Stoudemire could match up well against Bosh.
The Knicks also have a young guard in Toney Douglas. Douglas is a great defender, with solid three point shooting range. The Knicks may have the best shooter in the league in Danilo Gallinari, the young Italian shot 38 percent from three in his first full season in the NBA. Gallinari will give the Heat trouble on the wings if the Heat decide to double Stoudemire in the paint.
The Knicks signed point guard Raymond Felton who is superior to Mario Chalmers. Felton showed the ability of running a team, averaging 13 points, 6 assists for his career.
Another thing to note is that the crowd at Madison Square Garden could certainly intimidate LeBron James just like the Celtics crowd did to James during the 2nd round of the playoffs. LeBron James will also get the Reggie Miller treatment when he visits New York. Talent wise the Knicks are certainly outmatched by the Heat, but they will challenge the Heat.
4. Boston Celtics
The Celtics were a game away from upsetting the Los Angeles Lakers in the NBA finals last season; however this season their road to the finals gets much tougher due the fact that the Celtics didn’t make any big changes and other teams in the eastern conference did.
The Celtics did manage to keep their core intact, by resigning Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. Despite the age of the big three, if Kevin Garnett can keep getting healthier, Paul Pierce keeps playing at a high level, Ray Allen can continue to knock down big shots, and Rajon Rondo continues to improve on his game, the Celtics are as big a threat to the Heat as anyone.
The Celtics have their core, but they do lack depth. Their bench is depleted due to the reported retirement of Rasheed Wallace, and guard Tony Allen resigning with the Memphis Grizzlies. They did draft guard Avery Bradley who some project as a Russell Westbrook type. Bradley is currently injured but he will be healthy for the start of the season. Bradley can bring some scoring punch off the bench, and despite being a rookie, Bradley is a lockdown defender.
The Celtics are also the team that knows LeBron James best, they shut him down for the most part during the second round of the playoffs, and James had one of his worst career games during game five of the second round against the Celtics. Much of that is to now Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau’s credit, but Doc Rivers knows how to expose James’s weaknesses.
If the Celtics can have their core healthy and playing at a high level, and they can keep playing defense at a high level, the Celtics could potentially upset the Heat in a seven game series just like they did to the Cavs last season.
2. Orlando Magic
The Orlando Magic ended their season on a disappointing note as they were knocked out by the Celtics in six games. The Magic come into this season with virtually the same roster, with the minor addition of Quentin Richardson. The Magic also matched an offer made by the Bulls to guard JJ Redick.
Despite staying pat the Magic do have a squad that can take on the Miami Heat’s. Stan Van Gundy recently admitted the Heat were the early favorite to win the east, however he took some shots at the Heat saying Chris Bosh followed Dwyane Wade like a lapdog, and ripping LeBron James for his hour long special. I can sense a potential rivalry developing between the two teams of the sunshine state.
I expect that Dwight Howard will finally improve on his offensive game. Last season he averaged 18 points per game, which is a disappointment considering he averaged 20 plus points in the previous two seasons. I expect Howard could potentially set a new career high in his scoring average. His defense will likely remain excellent, and I fully expect him to ear defensive player of the year for a 3rd straight season.
The only problem with the Magic remains Vince Carter; I believe Carter is the weak link. During the playoffs Carter shot 40 percent from the field, and 23 percent from behind the arc. The Magic can contend with the Heat on Howard’s dominance alone, the Heat don’t have a force that can match Howard’s physicality, but Vince Carter isn’t getting it done for this Magic team.
The Magic could beat the Heat in a seven game series if Dwight Howard develops a true post game, the Heat don’t have anyone who can guard Howard. If Howard develops a true post game, the Magic can use Howard as a passer out of the post, and that would allow the Magic to do what they do best, shoot the three ball. A Heat Magic rivalry could develop, and it could be one of the best we have in the NBA.
1. Chicago Bulls
The Bulls were knocked out by LeBron’s Cavs in five games, however this season they’ll be a much tougher team for LeBron James and the Heat. The Bulls made a significant addition by adding forward Carlos Boozer. Boozer was signed to a five year, 80 million dollar contract.
A deal that made sense on both sides; Boozer is a great fit for a team that desperately needed frontcourt scoring. The Bulls got Boozer at a cheap price considering he didn’t get a 6th year, and he got 19 million less than Amar’e Stoudemire.
Boozer is exactly what the Bulls need to contend with the Heat, not only does he give the Bulls a low post scorer, something they’ve been lacking for years, but he gives Derrick Rose a pick and roll finisher. Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer ran the pick and roll last season under Jerry Sloan as well as any tandem in the league. Rose is on par with Deron Williams, so I expect that the Bulls will run the pick and roll the same way the Jazz ran it, and it will be just as productive.
I also expect Derrick Rose to take another step at becoming a top player in the NBA. During the LeBron sweepstakes many thought the Bulls would land LeBron James, and it would be a perfect fit. However adding LeBron James would limit Derrick Rose because James and Rose have a similar skill set and James would be the primary ball handler.
I do believe Rose will make enough improvements to his game in order to become the type of player that can lead a team to a title. Rose has been working hard this summer on developing an outside shot, which would really concern me if I were guarding him because he’s one of the best at going off the dribble, and taking it to the rim. If Rose were to develop a consistent outside shot, I think Rose would have a great chance at an MVP award, considering that LeBron James and Dwyane Wade will have to make certain sacrifices to their games that will prevent them from putting up the numbers required for an MVP award.
The Bulls also have some solid role players in Luol Deng, and Joakim Noah, the ultimate role player. Noah does the little things you need to win, he has great energy that rubs off on the other players, he’s a great defensive player, he does the dirty work down low, he’s the kind of player the Heat don’t have.
The Bulls also hired former Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau, many don’t know Thibodeau but he’s the coach who best knows how to stop LeBron James, he engineered the Celtics defensive scheme that allowed them to counter LeBron James.
The Bulls didn’t land the king, but they do have the best shot of any team in the eastern conference at dethroning the king.
Four Names That Could Be Traded This Offseason
July 13th, 2010With all the top free agents signed and sealed, there are still teams many teams looking to fill gaps in their roster. Having James, Wade, and Bosh all sign with the Heat left teams like the New York Knicks, the New Jersey Nets, and Los Angeles Clippers still having significant cap room.
Those teams still feel that their rosters have great room for improvement, those teams still have the financial flexibility to add another player. Some star players have lately been hearing their names in trade rumors, here are five players who could be wearing different uniforms next season.
Al Jefferson
Of all the players on this slideshow, Al Jefferson has the best chance of being traded, for many reasons.
First of all, Jefferson just doesn’t fit with the Timberwolves. He can’t be paired with Kevin Love in the front court because neither is a 7 footer, and defensively it causes issues as Jefferson is a horrible defender.
Jefferson and Love are the same size, and while Jefferson is a superior low post scorer, Love is a younger and cheaper option, who could eventually turn out to be the better player. Love averaged 14 points, 11 rebounds in his second season in contrast to Jefferson’s second season where he averaged 8 points, 5 rebounds. Jefferson however a much rawer prospect was at the time as he came out of high school and Love spent a season at UCLA.
Most people around the Timberwolves organization feel that Love fits better in the Wolves’ future plans which is why Jefferson has been shopped hard.
The Timberwolves run the triangle offense, and Jefferson isn’t exactly tailor made for the triangle offense. Jefferson spends most of his time in the low post area, he isn’t extremely versatile, neither does he have the passing skills a big man in the triangle should posses. Jefferson also isn’t an efficient scorer.
The Wolves could get something in return for Jefferson, he’s one of the few big men who command a double team down low in the post, and he’s still relatively young at 25. The Dallas Mavericks have shown recent interest in Jefferson and could be willing to give up some assets for Jefferson.
Chris Paul
Chris Paul becomes a free agent in 2012, and it seems likely he’s going to leave the Hornets. The Hornets haven’t built a contender around Paul, and Paul will have to make a decision whether he wants to stay with the Hornets, or blot for greener pastures.
Paul may have to take the latter option, as the Hornets don’t have any financial flexibility moving forward, neither do they posses any significant trade assets, which is why they could look into moving Paul now.
Paul attended Carmelo Anthony’s wedding over the weekend where he made a speech that referenced the forming of a triumvirate in New York that would include Chris Paul, Carmelo Anthony, and the piece already in place Amar’e Stoudemire.
The Hornets wouldn’t give away Paul; the price would certainly be high as Paul is considered to be the best point guard in the league. the Hornets would likely ask for the team trading for Paul to give up a young piece, and take on one of the Hornets long term contracts in Peja Stojakovic or Emeka Okafor.
Monta Ellis
Monta Ellis’ name has brought up in trade rumors many times because he’s getting p[aid like the franchise player, but the team’s franchise player also happens to play the same position as Ellis.
Offensively a backcourt of Ellis and Curry is one of the best in the league, Ellis averaged 25 points, and Curry averaged 17. Both players are creative with the ball, both can shoot the ball, and both can take it to the rim. Defensively however it’s tough to win games when both backcourt players don’t top 6’3, even in a system where defense is an afterthought.
Ellis and Curry are both great players, but they simply can’t coexist. Curry is both younger and more talented, and shows potential to be a top starting point guard in the league. Ellis is a great scorer, and he’s extremely quick, however he doesn’t possess the basketball IQ or court vision that makes Curry such a special player.
I don’t expect the price for Ellis to be significantly high as the Warriors would be happy to unload his contract. Potential suitors would be s team looking for backcourt scoring, the Knicks, Cavs, and Chicago Bulls would all fit the bill.
Deron Williams
The Utah Jazz offseason hasn’t been going well as the team’s low post scorer Carlos Boozer has left for the Bulls. Kyle Korver the team’s three point specialist also departed for the Bulls. The Jazz’s young two guard Wesley Matthews recently signed a deal with the Portland Trail Blazers and the Jazz are now on the clock to match the Blazers offer sheet.
All the change has prompted Deron Williams to admit that he’s frustrated with the team. Williams was also concerned about the team’s lack of frontcourt depth as Mehmet Okur could be out at the start of the season.
The Jazz like the Hornets don’t have any financial flexibility and no attractive assets moving forward, which is why they could look into moving Williams now. Williams is a free agent in 2012, and he could force a trade now as the team is going to be significantly worse next season with the departures of potentially three players.
The asking price for Williams is also going to be a steep one because he’s among the top point guards in the NBA. The Jazz will likely ask for young talent, and future first round picks. The Jazz might not trade Williams now, but as the season progresses, it will be interesting to see how Williams responds to playing with a weaker squad, and he could eventually force a trade.
LeBron to The Heat, David Lee To The Warriors, Now What For The Knicks?
July 9th, 2010Both of the Knicks targets in the free agency draft, LeBron James and David Lee are now off market. While LeBron had his one hour special on ESPN, David Lee accepted a sign and trade to the Warriors. The transaction would give the Knicks Anthony Randolph, Kelena Azbuike, and Ronny Turiaf.
The deal was dependent upon the decision of LeBron James, and the terms of Lee’s contract had already been agreed to. Had LeBron chosen New York, the Knicks would’ve renounced David Lee and Lee would’ve become an unrestricted free agents.
Knicks fans are heartbroken as they’ve been hearing for the 2010 plan for two years. The Knicks fans were led to believe two years ago when Donnie Walsh took over that after the summer of 2010, a championship roster would be in place.
Knicks front office was a bit more realistic, as head Coach Mike D’Antoni was on a flight to Las Vegas to get ready for the summer league, and Donnie Walsh stated he would not watch the decision, but would be informed by the phone.
The Knicks however netted themselves some nice pieces out of this David Lee trade.
Anthony Randolph is the center piece of the deal; the young forward was the 14th pick of the 2008 draft. Randolph possesses freakish athleticism, and has been coveted by Knicks president of basketball operations Donnie Walsh. Walsh feels Randolph and Stoudemire would provide great length in the front court.
Randolph and Stoudemire could form the most athletic front court in the league. Randolph was extremely productive in the limited minutes he got under Warriors head coach Don Nelson. Randolph averaged 11 points, 6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks.
Randolph was injured last year and played only 33 games last season; however he turns 21 in about a week, and is thought to have one of the largest upsides in the league.
As for the other pieces, Turiaf is a veteran, who is big enough to play center for the Knicks. Azubuike is a young wing player who can defend, a wing defender is something the Knicks will need moving forward. Azubuike had a great year in 2008-2009 where he set career highs in most stats, as he averaged 14 points and five rebounds.
The Knicks now can move on, but they do need a point guard to run the offense. Luke Ridnour is on the market. Ridnour is a terrific ball handler who can operate the pick and roll which is essential when you acquire a player like Amar’e Stoudemire. A pricier option would be Raymond Felton, but Felton wants a team to commit long term money to him.
My guess is the Knicks will try to acquire Ridnour, as they still have hope that they can eventually trade for a star point guard like Chris Paul or Tony Parker down the road.
The Knicks have also looked at guard Mike Miller who seems like a good fit. Miller is a terrific fit in D’Antoni’s system as he is a knock down shooter, and a great passer especially for a two-guard. The knock on Miller has been his health as he’s struggled to stay healthy, plus he’s already 30-years-old.
The ultimate dream for Knicks fans now shifts from LeBron James, to another member of the 2003 draft class, Carmelo Anthony. Many people around the league believe Anthony wants to sign with New York. The feeling around the league however is that Anthony will sign the extension under this current CBA, and then force a trade to a contender as the Nuggets roster is not set up to be a contender in the western conference.
The Knicks have some young talent moving forward, Danilo Gallinari showed growth as a young player last season, he’s a lights out shooter, he’s going to get better, and his stats compare well to Dirk Nowitzki at the same stages of their careers.
Wilson Chandler played well last season, he’s a great slasher, he’s very versatile as he could play many different positions, and his stats have improved every year he’s been in the league. Chandler and Gallinari are going to be the key homegrown Knicks moving forward.
Moving forward the Knicks didn’t get the king, but they didn’t strike out in free agency. The Knicks had a fairly successful free agency period as they acquired a superstar in Amar’e Stoudemire, a potential superstar in Anthony Randolph who could be the next Chris Bosh, and two rotation players in Azubuike, and Turiaf, plus the Knicks appear to be in the market for a point guard.
Another advantage the Knicks have moving forward is some cap space. The Knicks have Eddy Curry’s contract coming off the books next season, and they’ll be in the market for another star to anchor a potential championship roster with Amar’e Stoudemire.
The bottom line is the days of the Knicks being the laughing stock of the NBA are over. The Knicks have almost fully recovered from the dreadful Isaiah Thomas era.
Donnie Walsh has done an excellent job in digging the Knicks out of deep hole, and while they are still far away from building a championship contender, the Knicks have taken steps that allow us to believe they are committed to winning and will eventually build a title team.
By Choosing Miami, LeBron James May Permanently Damage Brand and Legacy
July 9th, 2010As we have now heard the most anticipated decision in sports history, many including Chris Broussard of ESPN had previously reported that LeBron James would sign with the Miami Heat.
The thought that LeBron would sign with the Heat and go on a one hour production titled “The Decision” indicated that James was building to leave the moment he stepped off the court in Cleveland.
Cleveland is no stranger to heartbreak, but this will sting. This will sting just as bad as the Browns leaving for Baltimore. James is a hometown kid; he was destined to lead his hometown Cavs to a prosperous NBA championship.
The decision to sign with the Heat upsets many.
The Knicks will hate LeBron because he had the audacity to come into the heart of Knicks country and announce he’s signing with Miami.
The Bulls will hate him because from a roster standpoint they believe they give LeBron the best chance to win.
The rest of the country will hate LeBron because he left his hometown for greener pastures, and gave up on the Cavs.
By going to Miami, LeBron will become the robin to Wade’s Batman.
He will become the A-Rod to Wade’s Jeter, and he will become the Pippen send fiddle man to Wade’s Jordan.
James will never win over the Heat fans, and the titles will never be his.
LeBron James is a guy who acquired the name King James as a high schooler, was called the chosen one, and has constantly said that he wants to be considered the greatest player of all time.
Choosing Miami will greatly hurt LeBron’s legacy.
By choosing Miami, LeBron is saying he’s not good enough to win a title by himself.
He’s saying he will never be considered among the Jordans, the Kobes, the Magics, and the Birds, even if he wins multiple titles with Heat squad.
LeBron has a lot to lose by picking Miami. If he wins a title, many critics including me will say that LeBron couldn’t win a title by himself.
The NBA has built a star system in which great players are spread across the league and lead their respective teams to titles as the undisputed best player.
LeBron wants to be a global icon, and a top player of all time; going to Miami will not help him achieve either.
Miami is not a global city, and while winning is the best way to enhance your brand and legacy, doing it with a team that contains two of the top three players in the NBA doesn’t make it very impressive.
Somewhere Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant are both relieved; relieved that LeBron James will never be considered on par with the all time greats.
Any destination, New York, Chicago, and Cleveland would have allowed LeBron to fulfill his ambitions; however Miami is the wrong decision.
Bottom line is that LeBron James took the easy way out. After this whole process, I come away losing much respect for LeBron.
LeBron will have to win at least three titles with this South Beach super team in order for the squad to live up to its super expectations.
Amare Stoudemire and Knicks Agree to 5 Year Deal, Is LeBron James Next?
July 6th, 2010While Amare Stoudemire agreed on a contract worth 5 years nearly 100 million with the New York Knicks, many of the other top free agents still remain unsigned, weighing their options for what might be the biggest decision of their careers.
LeBron James, the biggest name in this free agent class is the Knicks top priority, and the Stoudemire signing may be the final domino to sway the king to make the big apple his next destination.
Stoudemire now becomes the first of the top tier free agents to switch teams, and with the signing the Knicks hope that they now have the pieces in place in order to convince LeBron James that they can win now.
With the Knicks core of Stoudemire, James, Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, and possibly another free agent if the Knicks can get creative, the Knicks can contend in the east. That is not a far cry at all considering that we may be seeing a shift of powers in the east, Boston’s future is seriously in doubt even if the roster remains intact, and Orlando lacks a true go to scorer.
Stoudemire who turns 28 in November was looking for a team that still believed he can be a top big man in the NBA. The Phoenix Suns offered Stoudemire 5 years 96 million but only guaranteed 71 million dollars of the contract due to Stoudemire’s past injuries. The Suns moved on adding Hakeem Warrick, and resigning Channing Frye. The Knicks may have overpaid for Stoudemire’s services; however that doesn’t mean that Stoudemire is a bad fit in New York.
In fact, Stoudemire is a great fit in New York. Stoudemire will be playing for former Suns head coach Mike D’Antoni. Stoudemire saw himself go from a 13 point scorer during his rookie season, to a 20 point scorer when D’Antoni arrived.
Stoudemire and D’Antoni have met, and supposedly hashed out any problems from their Phoenix years. D’Antoni made it clear to Stoudemire that he wants Stoudemire on the roster, and still believed he could a dominant player.
Stoudemire brings the Knicks a legitimate star that’s among the best big men when it comes to production as he averaged 23 points, 9 rebounds. David Lee put up similar numbers last season, but Lee is nowhere near the athlete Stoudemire is, nor does he carry the same star power. Stoudemire brings star power the Knicks haven’t seen since the Patrick Ewing days.
Stoudemire is only one piece of the puzzle, however the Knicks now have the leverage, and can now sell LeBron James on playing alongside Stoudemire, unlike the Bulls, Heat, and Nets who can only sell LeBron on the possibility of playing alongside another star, notice I said the word possibility.
Pairing LeBron James with Stoudemire can provide the Knicks with a tandem just as good as the Lakers’ of Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol. The Knicks won’t be on par with the Lakers because they need to fill the rest of their roster, but they have the core in place to contend for a NBA title.
Remember during the trade deadline when LeBron James and the Cavs showed great interest in Stoudemire, and even proposed to send their young forward JJ Hickson in the deal. The Cavs made it clear Stoudemire was their first priority but they just couldn’t get a deal done and settled for the lesser Antawn Jamison.
LeBron James and Amare Stoudemire could perfectly complement each other. Stoudemire occupies the paint, and can step out for an 18 foot jumper, while James can assume the role of play maker, and get Stoudemire the ball in comfortable spots. James and Stoudemire could run what could be the best pick and roll in basketball.
A complaint about Stoudemire is that he complemented Steve Nash, and much of his points came off Nash’s play making ability. While that may be true, LeBron James is just as much of the playmaker that Steve Nash is. Zydrunas Illgauskas, and Mo Williams, two average players who would’ve never been all stars had they not played with LeBron James. Stoudemire and James would run D’Antoni’s offense the same way Nash and Stoudemire ran the offense in Phoenix.
The Knicks don’t necessarily have to spend all their cap space this summer, they will have Eddy Curry’s contract coming off the books in 2011, and while the 2011 free agent class doesn’t include the big names of this free agent class, Amare Stoudemire said Tony Parker, and Carmelo Anthony were ready to come play with him in New York.
While that may be down the road, the Knicks are going to have the financial flexibility to add another top tier player next summer, something only the Knicks can sell LeBron James.
All that being said, signing Stoudemire to a long term deal is also a risk. Stoudemire had microscopic surgery a few years back, and there is a remote possibility he may need another surgery down the road. Stoudemire is also at the peak of his game right now, he turns 28 in November, and an athletic big man like Stoudemire might start to see his abilities decline once he reaches his 30s.
Other possibilities the Knicks could explore would resigning David Lee, giving the Knicks a trio of Lee Gallinari and Stoudemire, 3 versatile big man who would allow Mike D’Antoni to get creative.
The Knicks could also look into adding Gilbert Arenas through a trade but Arenas seems to be a last resort for any team, and his contract is too much to swallow. The Knicks are also looking at other free agents like Mike Miller.
If the Knicks can’t convince LeBron James or any of the other big names on the market, this 2 year plan but in by Donnie Walsh may be considered one of the biggest failures in NBA history, considering the fans have tolerated a whole decade of terrible basketball.
Bottom line is that the Knicks made the first big move of the summer, and will rely on Stoudemire to recruit players to New York and eventually for a title contender and full fill Donnie Walsh’s 2 year plan. Stoudemire declared that the Knicks are back, and with the help of another free agent that may be the case, however we’ll have to wait and see.
NBA Free Agency: Either LeBron James Or Dwyane Wade Likely To Sign With Knicks
July 6th, 2010With the Knicks recent signing of Amar’e Stoudemire, they just made this free agency period more interesting. The Knicks now have a recruiting tool in Amar’e Stoudemire, and are very alive in the LeBron James sweepstakes.
The Knicks however could also end up with the other big name in this class, Dwayne Wade. It is complicated but there is a very likely possibility the Knicks end up with either LeBron James or Dwayne Wade, especially with their roster upgrade adding Amar’e Stoudemire.
With the Stoudemire signing the Knicks now can form a title contender around another superstar if they were to add either LeBron James or Dwayne Wade.
The Knicks unlike the Bulls, Heat and Nets can now sell LeBron James of the fact that he’s playing alongside a star. In fact Stoudemire is a 5 time all star in the midst of his prime, who perfectly complements James’ game, and will be by far the best player James has ever played alongside.
The other teams hoping to acquire James can only sell James on the possibility of playing alongside another star, only the possibility of playing alongside another star. Signing Amar’e Stoudemire makes the Knicks the only team that can sell both LeBron James and Dwayne Wade that they’ll have a legitimate 2nd star.
The question is how the Knicks end up with either of the 2 big stars, some dominos will certainly have to fall for it in order to happen, but here are the scenarios the Knicks end up with one of the two superstars.
Scenario 1: LeBron James, Chris Bosh sign with the Chicago Bulls or New Jersey Nets, Knicks then acquire Dwayne Wade.
If LeBron James and Chris Bosh were to pair somewhere other than Miami where they would form the super team with Dwayne Wade, it’s almost certain Wade sings with the Knicks.
With the 2 stars Wade wants to play with off the board, Wade will have to decide whether he wants to face them with a supporting cast of Carlos Boozer, Michael Beasley, and Mario Chalmers, or with a supporting cast of Amar’e Stoudemire, Danilo Gallinari, and Wilson Chandler.
Wade would assume the role of playmaker in D’Antoni’s offense and run the offense with the Stoudemire the same way the offense was ran in Phoenix with Steve Nash. Wade and Stoudemire would be 2 dynamic scorers who would run the best pick and roll in basketball.
Wade and Stoudemire almost teamed up at the deadline when the Heat tried to get a deal done with the Suns, and even offered Michael Beasley. However the Heat didn’t get a deal done and were empty handed at the trade deadline.
Honestly it’s a very easy choice, Wade would join the Knicks and if all were to go as expected, James and Wade would clash in the eastern conference finals, both hoping to challenge the Lakers for the title.
Scenario 2: Wade and Bosh sign with Heat, Knicks sign LeBron James
This could be the more likely scenario due to the face that Wade would rather stay in Miami. The Heat would form 2 thirds of the south beach super team, and LeBron James would have 3 decisions to make. He could stay in Cleveland and team with Mo Williams and Antawn Jamison. He could join the Bulls and play with Derrick Rose and Joakim Noah, and potentially Carlos Boozer or David Lee.. He could join the Knicks and play alongside Stoudemire, Gallinari, and Wilson Chandler.
It would be a close call, but James would have the chance to play alongside a top big man in Stoudemire, and a shooter in Danilo Gallinari, those are the two players James needs to play with, a mobile big man who can score in the paint and run the pick and roll, and a shooter. Stoudemire and Gallinari certainly fit James’ needs.
The Bulls on the other hand don’t have a shooter, and Derrick Rose can only play to a fraction of his abilities because he and LeBron James’ styles are too similar.
LeBron James and the Knicks would likely face the Heat in the eastern conference finals due to Boston’s old roster, and the Orlando Magic lacking a true go to scorer.
The bottom line is that two of the big free agents left might want to play together, leaving one of them alone if he resigns with his old team. The Knicks however already have a core in place that is missing its biggest piece in order to contend for a title, a superstar.
When It Comes to The Fit For LeBron James, New York Trumps Chicago
June 30th, 2010As we are approaching 2010 free agency, we are finally ready for the madness. The biggest fish in this free agent frenzy certainly is LeBron James, and recently we’ve been hearing many potential destinations for LeBron James, most notably Chicago and Miami. However I will prove that the best situation for LeBron James is the New York Knicks.
LeBron James is the biggest free agent in NBA history, and whichever team is landing him, could presumably be the favorites to win the NBA finals next season. LeBron however is not only looking to win next season, but he’s looking to establish an all time great legacy that will rival the legacies of Michael Jordan, Magic Johnson, and Kobe Bryant.
Believe it or not, going to Chicago will prevent LeBron James from doing so. Chicago has some major question marks. Bulls owner Jerry Reinsdorf has never payed the luxury tax, and will have to if he plans to build a winning core that will last.
Let’s say the Bulls sign LeBron James and Chris Bosh to max contracts, soon Derrick Rose will become a free agent and demand the max, and Joakim Noah. Remember Reinsdorf is the owner who broke up the Bulls dynasty due to not wanting to commit to Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen through the twilight of their careers. Reinsdorf will eventually face a similar situation when Rose and Noah are eligible for new contracts.
Knicks owner James Dolan has shown consistently that he’s willing to commit money, and pay the luxury tax. Dolan even shelled out major money towards some bad teams in contrast to Reinsdorf who wasn’t willing to keep a dynasty together.
The Knicks unlike the Bulls have a plan that goes past 2010 free agency. While both the Knicks and Bulls can sell LeBron on the prospect of playing alongside a superstar, preferably Chris Bosh, but the Knicks can sell LeBron on the future past 2010.
After this season Eddie Curry’s contract comes off the books, the Knicks will have the cap space to make a run at a Carmelo Anthony. The Knicks could also use Eddie Curry’s contract in a trade for a player like Chris Paul, or Carmelo Anthony if Anthony decides to leave Denver, or a floor general like Tony Parker. It could take time but the Knicks can sell LeBron on the fact that they can build a long term winner. The prospect that is the summer of 2011 is something no other team can make to LeBron James.
The Bulls currently have a solid nucleus in Derrick Rose, Joakim Noah, and Luol Deng, that nucleus however doesn’t fit with LeBron.
Derrick Rose has never played off the ball, and like LeBron Rose is most dominant when he has the ball in his hands, looking to wither score or make plays. I don’t know if Rose can play off the ball and be a knock down shooter. Rose will have to reduce his role, and Rose is still learning how to be a lead guard in the NBA.
The Bulls also have no shooters, they traded away their best shooter Kirk Hinrich in order to free up cap space for LeBron. The Knicks have Danilo Gallinari, one of the best shooters in the NBA. Gallinari shot 38 percent from behind the arc, he was 2nd in the NBA in 3 pointers made, plus he’s only 21 years old. LeBron James likes to penetrate and Gallinari is a perfect knock down shooter to play with LeBron.
With the Knicks, LeBron could assume the role of playmaker in Mike D’Antoni’s offense and run an offense similar to Pat Riley’s Showtime with the Lakers. LeBron James, Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler, and a big man like Chris Bosh would provide one of the most explosive offenses in the league, one good enough to come out of what looks like a watered down eastern conference.
Then you add the fact that the Knicks will have the cap space to acquire marquee names in 2011, or trade for another superstar, the Knicks would then have a core that can last long term, and the ultimate goal for LeBron is to build a long term contender that will help him establish an all time legacy.
The Chicago Bulls recently hired former Celtics assistant Tom Thibodeau, while Thibodeau was the orchestrator of the Celtics stingy defense, he has no familiarity with LeBron James in contrast to Mike D’Antoni who spent much time with LeBron because D’Antoni was on the USA basketball coaching staff.
Thibodeau is an unproven head coach who has never coached an NBA game. Yes, LeBron preaches defense and Thibodeau is a defensive minded coach, but LeBron James knows nothing about Tom Thibodeau. LeBron has a solid relationship with Mike D’Antoni, and would fit well in his system.
Reality is the Knicks have much more to offer than the Bulls when it comes to the bigger picture. The Knicks have the chance to get better in 2011, plus they have many players coming off the books in 2012. The Bulls can promise immediate success, but with the Bulls the pieces don’t fit, and it won’t allow LeBron James to build an all time legacy.
Lebron James fits perfectly in a city like New York, a big time player like LeBron would embrace the city of New York. LeBron is friends with Yankees pitcher CC Sabathia who told LeBron about the prospect of playing in New York.
If LeBron wins in New York, he will own the city and enhance his status as a global icon. In contrast to Chicago where no one will replace Michael Jordan, and Miami where the fans lack the passion of the fans at the world’s most famous arena.
This decision could be the biggest in NBA history. LeBron James will consider all his options; however New York is the best long term option.
The Knicks have been waiting over 2 years for this moment, and after a decade of bad basketball the fans expect to see a winner next season. The Knicks brass will go out to visit LeBron James in Akron, and LeBron expects to make a decision around July 5th. LeBron James is looking to go to a place where he can win multiple titles, and enhance his status as a global icon, New York is the best fit.
Paul Pierce to Opt Out Of Contract, Could This Be The End of The Big 3?
June 30th, 2010
Yes, you can add another top name to the illustrious list of 2010 free agents. According to Paul Pierce’s agent Jeff Schwartz, Pierce will opt out and become a free agent. By opting out Pierce is leaving a guaranteed 21.5 million on the table, but is eligible to sign a 4 year deal worth 96 million. Pierce can also field 4 year offers from other teams worth 93 million.
Rarely have we heard Pierce’s name mentioned when it came to the free agent frenzy, but the same case can be made for Dirk Nowitzki who opted out of his contract today. Nowitzki and Pierce were drafted back to back in the 1998 NBA draft, since then both have become the faces of their franchises.
League sources remain confident that both Pierce and Nowitzki will stay with their teams even if it means overpaying for guys that could are approaching the twilight of their careers. Pierce will start the free agent period by negotiating with the Celtics, but will explore his options and field offers from other teams.
It is also important to note that Pierce shares the same agent as Lamar Odom. Last offseason Odom was in a similar situation, Odom demanded a certain amount of money from the Lakers, got enticing offers from teams such as the Heat, but ultimately resigned with the Lakers.
It would be no surprise if Pierce were to go back to the Celtics. If Doc Rivers is back, and the Celtics resign Ray Allen, they have the same squad coming back for another season. Now is that squad capable of winning a title, depending on what happens in free agency, I would say probably not. However Pierce has played his entire career with the Celtics, he’s one of the greatest Celtics of all time, and in the end of the day the Celtics can pay him the most money.
However, if Pierce were to leave, Ray Allen would likely do the same, and it would be the end of the big 3. The Celtics would enter the phase that is rebuilding mode. While they would have Rondo who is their franchise cornerstone, Kevin Garnett is past his prime, and the Celtics lack the cap space to sign a big free agent down the road. That being said, there would be little reason for Doc Rivers to come back, Doc could take a year off, come back and be the most sought after coach on the market. The Celtics would then have to rebuild through the draft which can be a long process that requires great pertinence.
If Pierce were to leave Boston, he could draw major interest from a team that needs a shooter, a got guy, or help at the wing positions. Here are a few places where Pierce would be a good fit.
Chicago Bulls
Whether or not the Bulls acquire LeBron, they need outside shooting from the wing positions. Pierce could fit in with free agents such as LeBron and Bosh. Pierce would play on the perimeter, and get open looks off of LeBron’s play making skills and Bosh’s touches in the post. A core four of LeBron, Rose, Bosh, and Pierce is likely good enough to be the favorites coming out of the eastern conference.
Miami Heat
Why not? Pierce had a terrific series against the Heat in the forst round of the playoffs. A series that included a game 3 in which Pierce made a buzzer beater to win the game, and also had 32 points.
All signs indicate that Dwayne Wade will resign with the Heat. Wade and Pierce would play off each other very well; Pierce could get open looks off Wade’s penetration. Pierce is also one of the best at getting to the line, a duo of Pierce and Wade, plus a low post scorer like an Amare Stoudemire or a Carlos Boozer, the Heat have a significantly improved squad capable of making a deep playoff run.
New York Knicks
Pierce is a dynamic 2 guard who can penetrate and knock down shots, sounds like a perfect fit for Mike D’Antoni’s system. It looks like the Knicks are ready to offer Joe Johnson the max, Johnson and Pierce are similar players but could make it work in D’Antoni’s wide open run and gun system.
The Knicks are also in the mix for Amare Stoudemire, a Pierce, Stoudemire, Johnson trio has some necessary pieces, a clutch go to scorer, a low post scorer, and great shooting on the wings.
It seems unlikely that Pierce will leave Boston because he’s been the face of the franchise for sol long, Pierce however is keeping his all his options open.
New York Knicks To Offer Joe Johnson a Max Contract
June 28th, 2010
With the draft behind us, it’s almost time for free agency, and this free agent class is the biggest in sports history. A big player in this free agent class will be the New York Knicks; the Knicks have taken many steps to get to where they are. The Knicks have been preparing for 2010 free agency for about 2 years now since Donnie Walsh was hired.
For the Knicks it’s either 2010 free agency or bust. The Knicks have shed so much salary that they risked their long term future in doing so. The Knicks needed to trade bad contracts like Jared Jeffries, and while they did so they traded valuable draft picks.
The Knicks have been preaching to their fans that change is coming; they brought in Donnie Walsh and Mike D’Antoni and promised marquee free agents, LeBron James perhaps. The time for change is now and the Knicks are going to be aggressive.
As the clock strikes past midnight, the Knicks brass will be in Los Angeles meeting with marquee free agent Joe Johnson, and according to Chris Broussard of ESPN, the Knicks will offer Joe Johnson a max contract.
While the Knicks aren’t giving up on the possibility of signing LeBron James, they do have a plan B. Joe Johnson is certainly not LeBron, but if you can pair him with another all star, perhaps a big man like Amare Stoudemire, the Knicks could contend in the east. It’s important to note the Knicks will also meet with Stoudemire while in Los Angeles.
The Hawks would like to resign Johnson but that sounds unlikely, instead they’ll likely hope to work a sign and trade with the Knicks. In a sign and trade the Knicks could send Wilson Chandler and the Knicks would offer Johnson a deal worth 6 years 125 million.
Is Joe Johnson worth that kind of contract, probably not, considering he can’t lead a team past the 2nd round of the playoffs, and he’s currently 28 years old, but if the Knicks can’t sway LeBron or Bosh, they’ll have to spend the money on someone, considering the fans at the world’s most famous arena have tolerated a decade of bad basketball.
Ernie Grunfeld GM of the Washington Wizards said that trying to accumulate cap space is a scary thing, however accumulating cap space and having no one to spend it on is an even scarier thing. The Knicks could face that possibility, and who knows where they would go from there considering the Knicks won’t have a chance at a lottery pick until 2013. Going back to the Tracy McGrady deal, the Knicks gave up their first round pick for 2012, and the right to swap picks in 2011.
It appears that New York is Johnson’s top choice; Johnson will talk to LeBron James about paring up in New York. The Knicks believe a tandem of James and Johnson would be enough to get them over the top.
If the Knicks however miss out on LeBron James, a Joe Johnson Amare Stoudemire duo isn’t as bad as it seems. Joe Johnson and Amare Stoudemire were teammates at one point in their careers, and both thrived under Knicks head coach Mike D’Antoni when they played for the Suns. Amare Stoudemire upped his scoring average 7 points in his first season with Mike D’Antoni, and Joe Johnson averaged double digits for the first time in his career under Mike D’Antoni.
While the King remains the top prize, the Knicks have made it clear they are going to explore all options.
Looking Ahead: The Top 5 Prospects For The 2011 Draft
June 27th, 2010
As the draft is now behind us, it may be a bit too early but I will preview the top 5 prospects for the 2011 NBA draft. This year’s draft was loaded with freshman, but no international players. Next year will be quite different; first of all there will be much more international players in this draft. The 2011 draft is stacked with college freshman and international prospects. It’s important to note that I have no returning college players in my top 5.
5. Enes Kanter
Enes Kanter is a Turkish big man who doesn’t shy away from contact. He may be a bit undersized but he plays bigger than he is. Kanter is very versatile and can shoot it from beyond the arc. Kanter is also a very skilled big man; he’s a gifted handler and passer for his size.
During the Nike hoops summit Kanter exploded for 34 points, 13 rebounds, breaking Dirk Nowitzki’s scoring record at the hoops summit. During the game Kanter showed his strength in the paint, and his terrific low post game. Unlike many European big men will go to school in America and play under John Calipari at Kentucky.
If Kanter puts together a consistent season at Kentucky, he’ll be a top 10 pick in next year’s draft.
4. Josh Selby
Josh Selby is an extremely athletic guard who plays very aggressively. He already possess a NBA body, he’s a solid shooter, and a willing defender. He reminds me of Jrue Holiday, both are great athletes who are willing defenders, and both came out as combo guards.
Selby isn’t proven as a point guard yet, but is the favorite to start at point for the Jayhawks. He looks to be a likely one and done candidate because of raw abilities, and ready body. If he proves his point guard skills at Kansas, he’s going to be a surefire pick in the early lottery.
3. Perry Jones
Perry Jones is a very versatile forward, standing at 6-11 220 he may need to slightly bulk up. Jones has great length and athleticism, to go with his terrific leaping ability. He can rebound and block shots. Jones had a disappointing senior season in high school but has the upside to be the best player long term. He has the rare skill of a big man who can play on the perimeter.
Jones has the best upside in this draft; however he needs to show that he can be a go to guy in the post. If he puts it all together at Baylor, Jones will contend for the first overall pick.
2. Kyrie Irving
Kyrie Irving is the best point guard in this draft; he’s a pure point guard who looks to pass. The Duke bound point guard has drawn comparisons to former Duke point guard Jay Williams. Irving is great at putting the ball on the floor and getting to the rim. Irving has the potential to be a lock down defender,
At Duke Irving is going to be a stud, if he lives up to expectations expect him to be the first point guard taken in the draft.
1. Harrison Barnes
As of now Harrison Barnes is without doubt the top overall prospect. Barnes, who will be playing for Roy Williams at UNC, is extremely long and athletic. He’s a do it all type of player, who score from anywhere on the court. Barnes has a very smooth game, great decision making skills, a high basketball IQ, and sound fundamentals. Barnes has been compared to Kobe Bryant due to his athleticism and skills, and so far has lived up to the hype. Barnes scored 29 in the Nike hoops summit, and led the team from behind.
At UNC he will look to lead the team back to glory and with a strong recruiting class coming with him, he should lead the team back to the top of the college basketball ranks. He will get some competition, but as of now there is no doubt Harrison Barnes is the favorite to be picked number one in the 2011 NBA draft.
Evaluating This Year’s Crop: The Good, The Bad, and The Mysteries
June 23rd, 2010
The draft is only a few days away and it’s as unpredictable as the last draft. Before today we thought the top 3 were set, Wall, Turner, Favors in that order. Now, however we are hearing otherwise, maybe Wesley Johnson could sneak into the top 3. One thing I do know is that after John Wall it’s a crapshoot, especially picks 3, 4, and 5.
Every team is under pressure to get it right, the Wizards and Sixers are franchises losing loyal fans and in need of a franchise changer after seasons of misery. The Nets are coming off a 12 win season, a team that at one point looked like it would rival the 1972-73 Sixers as the worst team of all time.
The Timberwolves and Kings were both teams that were blocked off by the Lakers in the western conference but now find themselves in the western conference cellar, looking to reverse the past few seasons. The Warriors have the talent but are still pieces away from building a contender. The Detroit Pistons are looking to return to their tough gritty teams that contended in the eastern conference.
The bottom line is that every team in the top 7 was a very bad team last season, and these picks are part of a rebuilding process. All of these teams can’t afford to blow these picks. I’m going to give my predictions on who will succeed, who won’t, and who it’s just too early to tell.
The good-
John Wall
John Wall simply has it all, the natural athleticism, the speed, and the intangibles. He’s might be the best guard prospect since Allen Iverson. Wall is going to come in and help the Wizards recover from two miserable seasons. Wall is going to play the point immediately, and Arenas will play off guard. This is no longer Gilbert Arenas’ team, he isn’t a franchise player for many reasons. John Wall is now the face of the Wizards franchise. Wall is the next big thing.
Evan Turner
I don’t know if Evan Turner is a sure fire superstar, but I do know Turner will be a great player who plays a long career. His upside is Brandon Roy due to his ability play 3 positions exceptionally well. Turner has good enough floor vision to play point forward, but he’s more of a 2 guard. Turner averaged 9 rebounds at Ohio State, and 6 assists, certainly the most versatile player in the draft.
Turner like Wall is a player who is good enough to succeed no matter the situation. Turner could’ve been a lottery pick last season, but decided to go back to school and significantly improved his draft stock. It would be a shock if Turner turns out to be a bust.
Wesley Johnson
Wesley Johnson has a very smooth game. Johnson was never thought of as a lottery pick at Iowa State, however he transferred to Syracuse and finds himself a lock to go in the top 4. Johnson is very versatile; he is a great passer, an aggressive scorer, and a knock down shooter. Johnson can be a player who gets 20-5-5, he reminds me of Joe Johnson.
DeMarcus Cousins
Most of you will be surprised to find DeMarcus Cousins on the good, and not under the mysteries, or bad section of this article. Cousins, however has all the tools to be a superstar player in the NBA.
The most efficient player in college basketball, Cousins overpowered his opponents last season. Cousins has wowed many teams in workouts, and impresses many with a jump shot he didn’t use at Kentucky.
Cousins has been compared to many ranging from Moses Malone to Eddie Curry, he can be either. The only thing keeping Cousins from reaching his full potential is Cousins himself. Cousins scares some teams away with his attitude, many teams don’t want to take the risk. I firmly believe that if Cousins didn’t have the attitude problems, many would be split on who should be the first overall pick. There are only a handful of centers that can get 20-10, and Cousins has the chance to be a very special player.
Patrick Patterson
Patrick Patterson did it all at Kentucky, he was a winner, a leader; he stayed 3 years at Kentucky, and even sacrificed his stats for the team in his last season. Patterson may be a bit undersized and he won’t be a star, but you know what you’re going to get. Patterson is going to bring it every night, be a leader, rebound, and score when needed. Patterson is projected to go in the late lottery, which is bargain.
The bad-
Daniel Orton-
Some scouts feel Orton can be a Kendrick Perkins type of player. He has all the tools, but I can’t risk a lottery pick on a player who averaged 3 points and 3 rebounds. Orton is a solid shot blocker, he’s relatively strong, and he’s a good rebounder. Orton however isn’t a great athlete, and is undersized. Using a lottery pick on a guy who played 13 minutes per game at Kentucky is a huge mistake.
Another thing to note is that Orton broke his knee in high school and though it showed no effects last season, I certainly don’t think Orton is ready for the NBA, he will likely play limited time in his rookie year, but I just don’t see the reasoning in picking Orton considering he likely won’t be ready until another 3 years.
Hassan Whiteside
Hassan Whiteside is another one of those raw big men, he has a great upside. Whiteside was thought of as a lottery pick earlier this season due to his stats, however he scared many teams off during his interview process.
Whiteside also thought he was bigger than the team at Marshall and played selfishly. Certainly red flags for any teams looking for a center. I see Whiteside at best as a Tyrus Thomas type, he can wow you at times with his athleticism, but in the end personality issues keep him inconsistent.
Luke Babbitt
Luke Babbitt came into the season as an unknown; Babbitt however has climbing up GMs boards during the draft process. Babbitt is a tough player to judge because he played at a small school, got his stats, but on a team that didn’t make any noise.
Babbitt doesn’t have the ideal size to play the 4, however the big problem with Babbitt is that he won’t be able to guard anyone in the pros. He is too small to guard 4s, and he doesn’t have the quickness to guard 3s. some see Babbitt as the next Chris Mullin, however Babbitt will struggle to stay on the court due to his defense, and could potentially have a career similar to Adam Morrison’s.
Gordon Heyward
Gordon Heyward is the darling of college basketball; he took a relatively unknown program in Butler and came a heave away from beating powerhouse Duke. Heyward however will struggle in the NBA. Heyward has the reputation as a knock down shooter, however Heyward shot under 30 percent from 3 in the tournament.
Heyward is a versatile player; however he needs to add significant size. Heyward needs to bulk up if he wants to stay on the court. Heyward isn’t extremely athletic, and will struggle defending more athletic wings in the NBA.
The mysteries-
Avery Bradley
When I first looked at Avery Bradley I saw a player who was passive on offense, I didn’t feel Bradley had a shot at the lottery despite being the top recruit according to some scouts. However the more and more I see Bradley, I see a player with raw offensive skills, and great defensive skills. Defensively Avery Bradley is the best perimeter defender in this draft.
Bradley reminds of the Russell Westbrook Jrue Holiday type, both of those players are rising young stars in the league, but before the draft many doubted that both had the ability to play point guard in the league. Bradley can make a living off his defense, but he remains a mystery because he can be a great player if he polishes his offensive skills.
Al Farouq Aminu
AL Farouq Aminu came to Wake Forest with very high expectations and established himself as the best player in the team. Aminu didn’t dominate, he certainly has the tools to be a great player, but he’s still very raw. Aminu is still finding a post game, and a perimeter game. We don’t know what position he’ll play in the pros, is he a 3 or 4.
Aminu is one of the best athletes in this draft, and has a freakish wingspan, and a great rebounder. He improved his midrange game and ball handling skills but Aminu still remains inconsistent, and struggles to get his own shot off. Aminu has all the tools to be a great player, but he needs time to develop.
Ed Davis
Ed Davis could’ve left school after his freshman year and likely be a top 3 pick. Davis however returned to school and was expected to dominate. Davis’ season ended in disappointment as he injured his wrist and missed the last 6 weeks of the season.
During his sophomore season Davis left scouts wanting more, they wanted to see him dominate. Instead scouts are saying the same things they did about Davis last season. He needs to add strength, and develop an offensive game more than 12 feet away from the basket.
Davis however shows all the raw abilities to be a successful big ma n in the NBA. He has a terrific motor, he is a great rebounder, and shot blocker. Offensively Davis is still ways away from being NBA ready, but he has the tools.
Eric Bledsoe
Eric Bledsoe played in the shadow of John Wall last season and didn’t show his ability to run a team. Some feel that had Bledsoe gone to a program where he was featured he would’ve been a surefire lottery pick.
Bledsoe is very athletic; he has point guard skills, a terrific motor, and a tough defender for his size. Bledsoe however averaged more turnovers than assists which is a major red flag. Bledsoe is a natural point guard, so he could come in and start at point immediately but I don’t know if he can succeed playing point guard at the NBA level due to the fact that he didn’t get many reps at Kentucky.
