December 31, 2010 at 9:03 pm · written by BiG CHiNA
Coming off a huge victory at USC, UW came into UCLA’s house with a record of just 3-44, ouch! They won for the first time in 4 years, losing last year on a buzzer beater by a former walk-on. But the Huskies were able to continue the momentum from Wednesday’s game at USC. They’ve answered all the questions that have stuck with this team so far this season. Grinding out wins on the road is going to help this team tremendously. This Husky team needs to play with swagger and confidence to reach their full potential. It’s too bad that the USC game wasn’t televised. Reading recaps about that game made it sound like the Huskies just refused to back down to a bigger and more physical team. But one of the good things about missing that game was the atrocious officiating, which we were subjected to in the UW-UCLA game. As much as I hate the officiating in the NBA, the NCAA officials are 10 times worse. The charge/block call is the most horrendously called violation in the game. Calls that are clear charges are called blocks and vice versa. UCLA outshot the Huskies at the line 36 to 15, 19 to 3 in the first half. How is that not favoritism towards the home team? Good job NCAA. To be fair, the awkwardness of Reeves Nelson’s game was responsible for some of the horrendous calls. Both team’s big men were in foul trouble the whole game. Isaiah Thomas was guilty of some acting on calls on those high screens. But Thomas did what he had to do to lead his team to victory after having a terrible game at USC. Read the rest of this entry »
Not just anybody can throw a 40/40 party. Chris Brown’s private 18th birthday party…. At the 40/40 Club. Three years ago to the day, LeBron threw a birthday extravaganza at the 40/40 in Vegas! L.A. Reid’s son Aaron appeared on MTV’s “My Super Sweet 16” as he hosted his 16th birthday bash at the 40/40. There’s no question this club is exclusive!
The NBA has an exclusive 40/40 club of its own… and the headliner is none other than Dwyane Wade. Now there’s no question that in today’s NBA, anyone is liable to drop 40pts in a game:
• On January 2, 2001, Tony Delk dropped 53 on the Kings.
• In Game 6 the first round of the 2006 Playoffs, Anthony Johnson dropped 40 on the Nets.
But only four active players can say they’ve lit a team up for 40 two nights in a row! Shaq (who will never do it again), T-Mac (who is now simply known as Tracy McGrady), Kobe (who is still capable of dropping 40 but would be doing a disservice to his Lakers) and D-Wade (who just did it for the 3rd time in his career).
Since other prolific scorers (K. Durant, C. Anthony, A. Stoudemire to name a few) haven’t accomplished this feat, D-Wade is the league’s only liable source for such an achievement (D-Wade, I hope Durant’s not reading this). Let’s look at the dynamics of Wade’s last two games:
• 57.7% FG, 88.5% FT, 42.5ppg, 8.0rpg, 1.5apg, 2.0spg in 38 mpg.
• 4th Quarter versus the Knicks- 15pts
• 4th Quarter against the Rockets- 17pts
There’s no denying this boy is bad! I (as did a lot of you) questioned Wade’s ability to co-exist with LeBron at the start of the season (Oct/Nov: 44.3% FG, 25% 3FG (Brendan Haywood’s FT percentage by the way), 72.4% FT, 21.6ppg, 6.1rpg (sick as a SG), 4.2apg, 1.4spg, 1.1bpg (sick as a SG) and 3.3tpg with a 10-8 record). In the month of December, Wade & Company have been ALL WORLD (Dec: 54.3% FG, 39.5% 3FG, 74.4% FT, 26.1ppg, 6.5rpg (still sick as a SG) , 3.9apg, 1.6spg, 0.9bpg (still sick as a SG) and 2.8tpg with a 15-1 record.
“Who you gon’ find doper than him with no pen just draw off inspiration?” –Jay Z in Encore (2003)
If you missed Part 1 of the NBA’s New Year’s Resolutions click here. With Part 2 we turn to the Eastern Conference:
1. Boston Celtics
Resolution:Commitment to rebound the ball. Banner number 18 could have been raised this past summer had the Celtics not gotten out rebounded in games 6 and 7 by a combined total of 105-79. That loss caused the C’s to go out and sign Shaquille O’Neal and Jermaine O’Neal this summer. Unfortunately, Boston still ranks 26th in rebounds per game. With the top ranked defense in the league and no serious health issues, Boston could be one change away from utter dominance.
2. Miami Heat
Resolution:To be the best, you have to beat the best. Miami has to continue to prove it is championship material. After last night’s win against the Knicks the Heat improved their record against +.500 teams to 10-7. They started the season 2-7 against +.500 teams. The only two loss against -.500 teams are the 95-97 loss to Memphis (when Rudy Gay hit a clutch buzzer beater) and the debacle against Indiana (77-93 loss). Here are the records for the other title contenders: Boston’s (10-4), San Antonio’s (13-3), Dallas (15-3), LA (9-7), and Orlando (9-8). If Miami keeps this present pace they will certainly make a strong case to be considered one of the top 3 teams predicted to win it all.
3. Chicago Bulls
Resolution: Find a scoring G to play al0ng side Derrick Rose. The Bulls currently sit at 15th in offense; they are top 10 in assists, rebounds, and defense. The only missing piece is a shooting guard that can create his own shot and give this mediocre offense a shot in the arm. Last night’s 90-77 win was a prime example of how average this offense is. I have one name for you: Keith Bogans.
4. Orlando Magic
Resolution: Grab a backup big man. Dwight Howard is averaging 3.6 fouls per game in the month of December and 3.6 since the big trade. He’s played an average of 34.8 minutes per game since the trade (down from 35.7 for the month of December). So why would he need any more help? Well the bench consists of Ryan Anderson, Malik Allen, and Daniel Orton. Exactly, I knew you would see it my way. When most of the top contenders can trot out multiple serviceable big men, the Magic’s lack of depth (especially defensively) will come back to hurt them if they don’t fix it soon.
5. Atlanta Hawks
Resolution: Commitment to Larry Drew’s offense and picking up the pace. The Hawks are currently 27th in pace this season. Larry Drew was supposed to come in shake up the stagnant iso offense that former coach Mike Woodson ran in the past. This season Atlanta is ranked worse on offense (20th compared to 13th last season), they have the same pace as last year (89.9 compared to 90.1), and with such young athletes this shouldn’t be so.
6. New York Knicks
Resolution: Trade for Carmelo Anthony.By any means necessary. With their 28th ranked defense, the Knicks won’t make it out the 2nd round and certainly won’t sniff home court advantage. Facilitate a deal with Denver, make your offense even more ridiculously potent, and hope that D’Antoni’s philosophy can finally win a championship.
7. Indiana Pacers
Resolution: Get rid of Jim O’Brien. Look O’Brien can coach a good offense, but his rotation philosophy is downright Don Nelson-ish. Roy Hibbert averages just under 30 minutes per game, young point guard Darren Collison is in a time share with T.J. Ford (who if you remember was the third-string pg last season), and Mike Dunleavy continues to start over the more efficient and better defending Brandon Rush. These are among a host of over personnel choices that O’Brien makes on an every-game basis. Headed for another year of mediocrity, Indiana needs to move on.
8. Milwaukee Bucks
Resolution: Dedicate every practice to offense. I have rarely, in my years of watching basketball, seen a team with so many offense weapons (Maggette, Salmons, Boykins, CDR,) underachieve so massively. Ranked dead last in offense, the Bucks stifling defense is the only reason this team is not one of the worst this season. Something needs to change and fast. With Brandon Jennings out for up to a month, they have not a second to waste.
9. Philadelphia 76ers
Resolution: Admit they are rebuilding. And do something about it. The 76ers are caught in the matrix. Andre Iguodala, Elton Brand, Jason Kapono, and Andres Nocioni are all playing significant roles on team that features 2nd overall pick Evan Turner, up-and-coming point Jrue Holiday, shooter Jodie Meeks, swingman Thaddeus Young, and big man Marreese Speights. These players are all under 23 years of age*. Trade the vets or don’t play them, it’s time to admit you have a problem. *I did not list Spencer Hawes, because he’s Spencer Hawes…..
10. Toronto Raptors
Resolution: Remain healthy for longer than a week. Linas Kleiza, Joey Dorsey, DeMar DeRozan, Jerryd Bayless, Ronald Dupree, Julian Wright, Ed Davis and Solomon Alabi. If I showed you that line up without any outside knowledge of what NBA team that was, you would say “I didn’t know DeMar DeRozan and Linas Kleiza got sent to the D-League?” During last night’s miraculous win over the Dallas Mavericks, this is the lineup that they played. Without a steady lineup all year they can’t be sure of what they have.
11. Charlotte Bobcats
Resolution:Practice patience. As of this writing the Bobcats had pulled off another win (against the Cleveland Cavaliers), and for the second consecutive game scored 100+ points. The Bobcats still are not set up for the long run, and they may in fact be better off trading Gerald Wallace and/or Stephen Jackson; but they might be better served waiting out this Paul Silas run, making moves this summer, and making a concentrated effort to build through the draft.
12. Detroit Pistons
Resolution: To (finally) end the Joe Dumars run as GM. Jason Maxiell – 3yrs/$15 mil; Charlie Villanueva – 4yrs/$31 mil; Ben Gordon – 4yrs/$57 mil; Richard Hamilton – 3yrs/$38 mil. These are the remaining years of the top contracts on this roster. This is outside of Tayshaun Prince’s $11 mil expiring contract and the fact that Tracy McGrady is on the roster. I know Dumars is credit for wheeling and dealing to bring the 2004 title team together, but it seems like he’s lost touch with reality. John Kuester is a terrible fit for that team and they seem to be stuck in neutral. It’s time to bring in a GM that won’t be afraid to trade Hamilton and Prince, and cut McGrady.
13. New Jersey Nets
Resolution: Back off the Carmelo Anthony trade. Devin Harris, Brook Lopez, Derrick Favors are three building blocks that may not be as great as the Celtic or Heat Big Three, but they can be All-Stars in this league. Trading for Melo would require them to mortgage the farm and their future to build the 5th or 6th best team in the Eastern Conference. That wouldn’t be worth it, at all.
14. Cleveland Cavaliers
Resolution:Forgive and move on. I’m not just talking about The Decision. I’m talking about forgiving Dan Gilbert for this vomit-inducing roster he has constructed (it was all to please LeBron James) and then systematically blow it to bits. Byron Scott has decided to start and play the vets of this team (Anthony Parker, Mo Williams, Antawn Jamison) instead of embracing the dreaded “R” word. Listen, Dan. It’s over, trade these bums and move on. Now.
15. Washington Wizards
Resolution: Not to jump to conclusions. Washington has done a lot of things correct in rebuilding around John Wall. They gave Nick Young the starting nod, traded Gilbert Arenas, and are playing all their young players. But, there is word that the Wizards are looking to trade either Andray Blatche or JaVale McGee due to their recent club altercation. That would be a mistake. Blatche may be immature, but it’s extremely hard to find a young PF/C combo that has the potential these two do.
Ah……it’s about that time. You know it. Overweight men charge themselves to work off 2010′s excess belly. “Habitual” smokers counsel themselves to drop the cancer stick. Zealous meat eaters take practicing tofu 101. It’s the season of New Year’s Resolutions!
It’s said that that practice of a New Year’s Resolution started back with the Babylonians over 4000 years ago (records show). Now, I don’t know why our world has always been passively obsessed with the concept of a New Year’s “Resolution”. Maybe it’s the thought of calling a mulligan on 2010, giving us a doo-over on unwanted habits or decisions with what we decide are unwarranted results. Either way, there are dozens of NBA teams that need to make some changes going into the New Year. So, in honor of this unofficial holiday let’s take this time to view those NBA teams’ New Year’s Resolution. Let’s start first, with the Western Conference:
1. San Antonio Spurs
Resolution: I still dislike the Spurs. Because Tim Duncan is an automaton, Manu Ginobili is an annoying, flopping, whirling dervish of a gnat, and Tony Parker is a French Rapper (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I__mr8xUt94)….yeah. But they are all playing career low minutes, and hold the best record in the league. They don’t need a resolution. Well except Tony Parker to never rap again.
2. Dallas Mavericks
Resolution:Mark Cuban tomake up his mind and stick to it. Mark Cuban has toyed religiously with giving up the farm for LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony. Either make a strong push to grab Melo as that defined perimeter scorer or leave the team be.
3. Los Angeles Lakers
Resolution: Get motivated. Boy oh boy, do these Lakers exemplify the meaning of coasting. My Big O Report partner, Tay P, already covered the Lakers recent troubles (http://www.hoopsmack.com/2010/12/27/the-fake-show/), so I won’t go into detail.
4. Utah Jazz
Resolution: Reestablishing their former Home-Court dominance. After finishing the last four seasons with records of 31-10, 37-4, 33-8 and 32-9 at home, the Jazz are 10-4 on the road, but only 11-6 at home. On pace to finish with 57 wins and a high seed, fixing their “home-court advantage” would go a long way to getting them far in the playoffs.
5. Oklahoma City Thunder
Resolution: Re-commitment to Defense. Last year the Thunder ranked 9th in total defense; this year: 21st. Given that their defense was the catalyst to their 50 win season, the Thunder may want to take advantage of an improved offense (7th) with a just as potent defense.
6. New Orleans Hornets
Resolution: Offense…..any way they can manufacture it. If only the Hornets could merge with the Thunder (great idea LeBron!) we would have one of the top 5 teams in the league. The Hornets rank 3rd in defense, but a putrid 26th in offense. When the likes of Marco Belinelli and Trevor Ariza are your main perimeter scorers, you have problems.
7. Denver Nuggets
Resolution: To trade Carmelo Anthony and start over. Look, I know, you know, your mother knows, your grandmother knows….Carmelo Anthony is out of there. Denver would do their franchise a service to expedite this process and bury the drama for good. Or else lose Melo in the summer.
8. Portland Trail Blazers
Resolution: Could it be more obvious? Make a commitment to get rid of all medical related issues. Fire the medical staff, fire the training staff, and get rid of Brandon Roy’s knees, Greg Oden’s legs, and any other injury related player on the roster. It’s beginning to look like the end of the line for this once promising roster, maybe it’s time to act accordingly.
9. Houston
Resolution: To close the door on the Yao era. Yao missed 21 games in December 2005 with Osteomyelitis in his big toe on the left foot. Yao was out 6 months after a broken bone in his left foot in April 2006. He missed 34 games with a broken right knee in December 2006. He missed the remainder of the season when he was diagnosed with a stress fracture in his left foot in February of 2008, During the 2nd round of the 2009 playoffs Yao was diagnosed with hairline fracture in his left foot, causing him to miss the remainder of the playoffs. He missed the entire 2009-2010 season after surgery was required on that same broken left foot. Finally on December 16th 2010 Yao was developed a stress fracture in his left ankle and was ruled out for the season. It’s time to move on.
10. Memphis Grizzlies
Resolution: Either commit to O.J. Mayo or trade him. I am biased, I am. I own him on a fantasy basketball team. But the herky, jerky role of O.J. Mayo on this team defies explanation. He obviously doesn’t seem to be fitting in as the 6th man. His best game was the December 18th loss to San Antonio, where Rudy Gay served a one-game suspension. Mayo stepped into the starting lineup to the tune of 27 points, including a game tying three-pointer that forced overtime. Either trade him or put him back into the starting lineup.
11. Phoenix Suns
Resolution: To rebuild, or not to rebuild? That is the question. If I am Steve Nash I would wear my hair in a half-mullet, half-fade to represent the confusion that is my team. Are they planning to get younger or are they really trying to build a championship team? A definite decision needs to come, so that Nash can be dealt for picks and young players or so more moves can be made to build this team in the short term.
12. Golden State Warriors
Resolution: Commitment to getting over the hump. From November 19th to December 14th Golden State went from a record of 7-4 to one of 9-16. Outside of that horrible stretch where they won two games the Warriors are 11-6 (including the recent 3 game win streak). Injuries haven’t helped, but GS has shown flashes of been able to be a competitive team now that the “Mad Scientist” Don Nelson isn’t at the helm. The question is can they maintain it?
13. Los Angeles Clippers
Resolution: Losing a bit around the waist…..as in Baron Davis. November 22nd and 25th, 2010. Clippers-Hornets and Clippers -Kings. The Clippers fielded a lineup of Eric Bledsoe, Eric Gordon, Al-Farouq Aminu, Blake Griffin, and DeAndre Jordan. It was the first multi-game win streak of the season and showcased a lineup of players less than 23 years of age. The Clippers aren’t winning anything any time soon. It’s time to start the youth movement ala The OKC Thunder.
14. Minnesota Timberwolves
Resolution:Continue to play Kevin Love 35+ minutes per game. 31 points and 31 rebounds. 31 POINTS and 31 REBOUNDS. You play this man 45 minutes a night. With Michael Beasley finally showing signs of being a top scorer, Wesley Johnson looks like a promising swingman, and Darko Milicic emerging from the dead, the T-Wolves show signs of a future competitive team. Just keep plugging away and pray Ricky Rubio shows up in the near future.
15. Sacramento Kings
Resolution: Change of scenery. Tyreke Evans has regressed, DeMarcus Cousins is showcasing his volatile nature, Paul Westphal can’t decide on a roster to save his life, and the stigma of not a new building in Sacramento is still hanging over this franchise. I don’t know where to start, but maybe a change of scenery is in order for the entire franchise (Seattle, Las Vegas anyone?).
Trade Rumors are always going to swirl… and I’m not complaining a bit. Sparks are flying again with Yao Ming on the block being the hot news and of course… there are rumors of him being sent everywhere. I even heard the Carolina Panthers are considering offering Steve Smith for Yao Ming!!! But on a more serious note, here’s some scenarios being discussed in the rumor mill.
Rockets/Kings Deal
There are a couple of offers that can be made for Yao’s contract.
• Yao Ming for Samuel Dalembert (shoutout to Knowledge for calling it the 1st week of the season)
o An active defensive big with shot-blocking (or at least altering) ability to help spark the fast-break for Aaron Brooks, Kevin Martin & newly acquired Terrence Williams?!? WOW!
• DeMarcus Cousins in any offer is being heavily denied but there aren’t too many untouchable pieces for a franchise sportin’ a 5-23 record.
o The Kings can save cash and possibly avoid a train wreck waiting to happen. Why not?
Rockets/Timberwolves Deal
This scenario is disgusting! Kevin Love, Lazar Hayward & Darko Milicic for Yao Ming, Patrick Patterson, Chase Budinger and two 1st-round picks. So you logjam your already logjammed PF spot with Love, Scola, Hayes & Hill? You acquire the garbage better known as Darko while maintaining the septic tank better known as Jared Jefferies?!? So you manage to put Kevin Love in an even worst position than he’s already in…. good job!
Rockets/Nuggets Deal
This is a pipe-dream if I’ve ever heard one. Carmelo Anthony, JR Smith & Al Harrington for Aaron Brooks, Yao Ming, Patrick Patterson, Jared Jeffries & two 1st-round picks. FIRST: Carmelo’s going to the Knicks. Everyone deal with it… I am. SECOND: JR Smith is not going to be a Carmelo teammate WHEN Melo is moved. THIRD: Why would Chauncey Billups, Aaron Brooks & Ty Lawson in the same backcourt ever make sense?
Rockets/76ers Deal
I would like this scenario the most if Houston didn’t have Luis Scola. Brand & Iguodala for Yao Ming, Jared Jeffries, Patrick Patterson & a 1st-round pick. The ability to play Iguodala & Battier or Iguodala & Williams to defend the perimeter would be dangerous for any postseason opponent (including the Lakers). I don’t see Scola & Brand coexisting though.
Regardless of what offer gains Houston’s attention, the Rockets can afford to wait until the “right” offer comes along. So Daryl Morey may not pull the trigger until mid-February.
The 2-time defending world champs are at the top of the Pacific Division (no surprise). Kobe Bryant is scoring 25 a night (no surprise). The Lakers aren’t as good as their record (HUH?!?). I know I’m gonna catch flack for this, but hey, the truth is the truth whether you agree with it or not! Here’s some food for thought… Let’s dig in!
After 30 games and coming off a beautiful Christmas home loss versus the Miami Heat, the Lakers hold a 21-9 record, tied with the Utah Jazz for 3rd best in the West behind the Dallas Mavericks (2nd) and the San Antonio Spurs (best record in the league). Outside of those teams mentioned, Miami and Boston I’m sure any of the other 24 teams would take being .700 this far into the season (Oh OKC is only a ½ game behind the Lakers in the Western Conference standings so I guess that makes 23 teams). Ok, by now I can hear the Laker fanatics with their “We’ve won two in a row,” “You’re just a hater,” and “Kobe is the greatest in the game” rebuttals… Everyone try to focus for sec and take a look at your beloved Lakers:
• In nine losses this season, five have come from sub-.500 teams (including the Pacers & Bucks at home)
• Of the 21 wins so far, only two are from .500+ opponents (includes the Blazers who just got back to .500 with last night’s win against the Warriors. The other win was against the Bulls on November 23rd. So actually that’s only one win against .500+ opponents.
This time last season, the Lakers held a 24-6 record (including a beautiful 102-87 Christmas home loss to LeBron’s then Cavs) with only 11 road games. Already they’ve played 16 road games (11 against sub-.500 clubs). What does this mean? The season is only going to get more difficult. Let’s look at the Lakers next 10 games:
• 12/28- @ San Antonio (best team in the league in case you forgot)
• 12/29- @ New Orleans (2nd of a back-to-back)
• 12/31- vs. Philadelphia (No reason for a loss)
• 01/02- vs. Memphis (No reason for a loss but they’ve lost to the Grizzlies once before already)
• 01/04- vs. Detroit (No reason for a loss)
• 01/05- @ Phoenix (2nd of another back-to-back)
• 01/07- vs. New Orleans (More CP3… Who’s guarding him?!?)
• 01/09- vs. New York (the Knicks aren’t back yet, but they’re getting there)
• 01/11- vs. Cleveland (No reason for a loss)
• 01/12- @ Golden State (2nd of yet another back-to-back)
Four road games, three separate back-to-backs, CP3 (twice), Amar’e & Manu?!? Don’t be surprised if the Lakers go 5-5 during this stretch. And that’s just the beginning, look at the four-game stretch from Jan 17-25: vs. OKC, @ Dallas, @ Denver and vs. Utah. Laker fans, are you still not moved? How about the 7-game road trip leading into All-Star weekend which includes stops in New Orleans, Boston, New York & Orlando? And after the All-Star break, the Lakers will have to face .500+ opponents 17 times including the Spurs, Mavs, Thunder & Jazz twice. Although, I don’t see the Lakers laying any eggs in the postseason, the chances of a 3-peat look slimmer than Mary-Kate Olsen.
December 23, 2010 at 9:20 pm · written by BiG CHiNA
The last non-conference game the Huskies made it look easy. Coach Lorenzo Romar went with their big lineup again of both Aziz N’Diaye and Matthew Bryan-Amaning. It looks like the Huskies have seen their flaws from the Texas A&M game. Games against San Francisco and Nevada will do that for you. They look good on defense and on the boards. With Venoy Overton out with a knee injury, Isaiah Thomas was aggressive from the start. He had the pull-up jumper going, and was attacking the hoop at will leading to layups, dunks, or fouls. He finished with 24 points 8 REBS & 4 assists. This was the most complete game for Thomas so far this season. Up to this point, Thomas has seemed to rely on his teammates more than in the past. He’s picking and choosing his spots, allowing Abdul Gaddy and Justin Holiday to grow more comfortable within the offense. Those two guys are playing better than they’ve ever had. Gaddy struggled going 1-6 FG and was in foul trouble, picking up his fourth foul 30-feet from the basket which is inexcusable. Holiday finished with 12 points and 9 REBS. Freshmen Terrence Ross probably played his best game of his young career. Finally getting some extended minutes he had 9 points 4 REBS and was active on defense.
Not much analysis needed in this game. But Coach Romar might have made a critical error, he left some of his starters in during a blow out and one of them got hurt. Justin Holiday hurt his ankle with UW up 83-49 with 5:57 left in the game. Coach Romar has been lucky in the past with getting away with playing key players during blowouts. I think I’ve read that his reasoning is that he wants his players to play the whole game and never let up. Which is a fine philosophy, but there are plenty of times where these players don’t need to be in the game. In the end, this game was very entertaining filled with dunks and a up and down offense. Nice game to prepare for conference play. We won’t know the true identity of this Husky team until they go down to USC.
As a quick spin-off of the Shell of Their Former Selves article, I wanted to bring a quick piece about players in the league that at one time or another had their “15 seconds of fame” but now their true colors are shining through (or not). We’ll call it the Jerome James Effect.
Renaldo Balkman
Career Stats: 4.2ppg, 3.7rpg, 0.6apg at 51% FG & 53.1% FT shooting
The hype on this guy was unmerited to say the least! What was New York thinking when they drafted him ahead of Rajon Rondo & Paul Millsap?!? Oh yeah, Isiah Thomas thought he was the next Ron Artest & Dennis Rodman…. Wait a minute?!? WHAT?!? So you mean to tell me, you saw a potential cross-dressing, alcoholic, short-tempered headcase and that inclined you to draft him?!? ISIAH THOMAS NEEDS TO BE BANNED FROM BASKETBALL FOR LIFE. NOT FROM THE NBA, FROM BASKETBALL. HE OUGHT TO BE ARRESTED IF SEEN WITHIN 50 YARDS OF A SPALDING BASKETBALL!!!!! Sorry for yelling y’all… moving on.
Brian Cardinal
Career Stats: 5.3ppg, 2.6rpg, 1.1apg on 41.1% FG & 85.9% FT shooting
Let’s take it back to 2003-04, Golden State’s backup center, Brian Cardinal, tallied his best statistical season of his career (9.6ppg, 4.2rpg, 1.4apg on 47.2% FG & 87.8% FT shooting). That following offseason, the Grizzlies signed this dude to a 7yr/$45M deal. Yup, that’s right! He looks like the manager at the local PetCo, but somehow got $45M! Oh….and he “played” all seven years of that contract! Then got signed to the Mavs for the veteran minimum ($1.3M) to be on their bench this season. So here’s what you do: Look up what Allen Iverson did in the NBA from ’04-10, compare it to Cardinal’s production, and explain to me why Iverson didn’t deserve an NBA offer…. I’ll wait.
Matt Carroll
Career Stats: 7.4ppg, 2.1rpg, 0.7apg on 41.4% FG & 84.8% FT shooting
The 2006-07 season was HIS YEAR!! 47 starts in 72 games averaging 12.1ppg including 1.5 3PTM on 41.6% from beyond the arc! The summer of 2007, Matt cashed in on a 6yr/$27M contract and hasn’t been the same player since. He’s started in a total of 29 games since his deceptively startling contract year and has been buried on the Bobcats bench, then the Mavs benched and back to the Bobcats bench! Matt Maloney is spinning in his grave!
Gerald Henderson
Career Stats: 2.8ppg, 1.4rpg, 0.3apg on 38.1% FG & 74.5% FT shooting
Wayne Ellington
Career Stats: 6.6ppg, 2.0rpg, 0.9apg on 42.3% FG & 83.1% FT Shooting
You get a two-for this time. Gerald & Wayne are best friends so it was only fitting to weigh in on them as a single entity. Plus their individual careers separately wouldn’t reverence them worthy of mention.
The former Episcopal Academy (Merion, PA) teammates have seen success in college despite their collegiate careers beginning on different paths. Ellington was instantly given an important role in Roy Williams’ offense while Henderson picked splinters out of his Blue Devils’ warm-up! In 2009, Gerald Henderson emerged as a leader for the Duke Blue Devils while Wayne Ellington led his rival Tar Heels to another NCAA championship.
Now in the league, they both have humble beginnings. Gerald’s career (drafted 12th overall by the Bobcats in 2009) is highlighted with defeating Michael Jordan in a game of H.O.R.S.E during a Bobcats’ practice. Wayne’s career (drafted 28th overall by the Timberwolves in 2009…. David Kahn’s 4th draft selection that night) is highlighted with being drafted 28th overall in the 2009 NBA Draft by the Timberwolves… David Kahn’s 4th draft selection that night!
Sebastian Telfair
Career Stats: 7.9ppg, 1.6rpg, 3.8apg on 39.2% FG & 77.9% FT shooting
Who remembers 2004?!? The film Through the Fire?!? You bought into the hype just like me…. DON’T LIE!!! I still remember witnessing Telfair burst into tears as his name was the 13th name called by Commissioner David Stern thinking to myself, “now that’s wassup! Someone that genuinely is overwhelmed with the experience of their dreams coming true!” Here we are 6+ years later, and I realize that that indeed was Telfair’s dream….. to get drafted. Not to be an NBA player (or star) but just to get drafted!
How are you a journeyman in the league at the age 25?!? This guy has gone from Portland to Boston to Minnesota to Los Angeles (Clippers) to Cleveland back to Minnesota (another David Kahn decision) with his best work being put in as a Timberwolf! If that’s not a red flag this dude needs to be deleted from the league… THAT’S RIGHT, I said, “deleted.” I want his entire NBA existence to vanish. Someone get Tommy Lee Jones & Will Smith on the phone so I can borrow their neutralizer!
