Sat Nov 14, 2009 11:28 am
[ Image ]
2010 Mid-season Report: Pacific Division
February 6, 2010 - The mid-season report series caps with the Pacific Division, home to the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers, along with four of the league's most exciting teams in the Kings, Warriors, Clippers and Suns. With the best total record in the NBA, and featuring the defending champions, the Pacific is arguably the league's best. I personally have been looking forward to this segment because my brother is the general manager of one of its teams: the Warriors. Additionally, I may be biased because my team, the Clippers is in here. Anyway, enjoy. Regular coverage resumes tomorrow.
Pacific Division Standings:
1-LA Lakers 32-14
5-Golden State 24-21
7-Sacramento 25-22
LA Clippers 23-25 | GB: 2
Phoenix 21-27 | GB: 4
[ Image ] 32-14 - 1st Conference, 1st Division - On pace for 57 wins
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Despite being the defending champions, and on pace for nearly 60 wins, the Los Angeles Lakers are not the current title favorites. After a rough offseason in which they lost emergent small forward Trevor Ariza, big man DJ Mbenga and gadget combo guard Shannon Brown, this year's team is looking rather shallow. Nonetheless, the team is still looking great. Superstar Kobe Bryant is an MVP candidate, while young center Andrew Bynum is averaging great numbers in just 27 MPG. However, while the Lakers look to cruise to the NBA finals, Adam Morrison and Sasha Vujacic will likely be the X-factors for them this postseason. For that reason, I have to put my money on Boston this year.
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Starters: Derek Fisher | Kobe Bryant | Lamar Odom | Pau Gasol | Andrew Bynum
Rotation: Sasha Vujacic, Luke Walton, Jordan Farmar, Adam Morrison, Sun Yue, Nick Calathes, Emir Preldzic
Team Leaders:
Points Per Game: Bryant (27.1); Gasol (17.8); Bynum (14.1)
Rebounds Per Game: Odom (9.9); Bynum (9.4); Gasol (7.7)
Assists Per Game: Bryant (6.3); Fisher (4.5); Odom (4.1)
[ Image ] 24-21 - 5th Conference, 2nd Division - On pace for 44 wins
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My brother's team: The Golden State Warriors. An entertaining up-tempo team, the Warriors looked excellent in the season's first two months. Then, the tragic death of Monta Ellis happened, and Golden State succumbed to a 6-9 January. Thanks to Steve Nash playing his best since 2007, and Anthony Morrow having an excellent month (stealing Rudy Fernandez's spot in the starting five), they started to turn it around towards the end. Still, the tragedy turned the dark horse title contender into a fringe playoff squad. The key to their playoff hopes is twenty year old Anthony Randolph, who is having a near all-star season, averaging 16 and 11. However, for the Warriors to stay in the thick of things, they will need the left-handed beanpole to step it up even more.
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Starters: Steve Nash, Anthony Morrow, Stephen Jackson, Anthony Randolph, Andris Biedrins
Rotation: Rudy Fernandez, Ricky Rubio, Darko Milicic, Joel Przybilla, Salim Stoudamire, Chase Budinger, Mark Blount
Team Leaders:
Points Per Game: Jackson (17.4); Randolph (15.8); Nash (15.1)
Rebounds Per Game: Randolph (11.1); Biedrins (9.8); Jackson (3.2)
Assists Per Game: Nash (7.6); Rubio (6.3); Jackson (4.6)
[ Image ] 25-22 - 7th Conference, 3rd Division - On pace for 44 wins
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While the squad is undoubtedly improved and probable to make the playoffs, some fans can't help but he disappointed as the Kings have emerged as just a third-tier West team. Despite Carlos Boozer flirting with 20 and 10, and Kevin Martin having an all-star season, the Kings are on pace for just 44 wins, and might even be in the lottery this season. Nevertheless, GM Geoff Petrie has made all the right moves so far, with new addition Kirk Hinrich being an excellent fit and Tyreke Evans being a solid sixth man. The Kings look like a strong team on paper, but it remains to be seen whether they can get on a roll and cease their underachieving ways.
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Starters: Kirk Hinrich | Kevin Martin | Andres Nocioni | Carlos Boozer | Spencer Hawes
Rotation: Chris Andersen, Tyreke Evans, Jason Thompson, Beno Udrih, Donte Greene, Gerald Green, Kenny Thomas
Team Leaders:
Points Per Game: Martin (25.3); Boozer (19.1); Nocioni (16.3)
Rebounds Per Game: Boozer (10.2); Hawes (6.4); Andersen (5.0)
Assists Per Game: Hinrich (7.5); Evans (4.7); Boozer (3.2)
[ Image ] 23-25 - 10th Conference, 4th Division - On pace for 39 wins
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This Clippers team is the most exciting and ambitious squad they have put together since the 2006 Clippers who came within a game of the Western Conference finals. The genius signing of Ramon Sessions looked good when Baron Davis succumbed to a major injury three games into the season, and looks even better with Sessions being a potential all-star and Davis looking like a fantastic sixth man ten games since his return to the lineup. The Shaquille O'Neal trade allows them to sign a big-time free agent this Summer, and he is proven to be a great mentor for Blake Griffin and a solid fit in their system. With they are a couple games out of a playoff spot, I fully expect this talented squad to make it.
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Starters: Ramon Sessions | Eric Gordon | Andrei Kirilenko | Blake Griffin | Shaquille O'Neal
Rotation: Baron Davis, Marcus Camby, Grant Hill, Von Wafer, Ike Diogu, Mardy Collins, Brian Skinner
Team Leaders:
Points Per Game: Gordon (20.2); Sessions (16.7); Davis (16.0)
Rebounds Per Game: O'Neal (7.7); Griffin (7.1); Camby (6.5)
Assists Per Game: Sessions (8.0); Davis (6.2); Kirilenko (4.2)
[ Image ] 21-27 - 13th Conference, 5th Division - On pace for 36 wins
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Perhaps Isiah Thomas paid Steve Kerr a million dollars to usurp his status as worst NBA general manager ever. Kerr's idea of rebuilding is trading their best assets for injury-prone (Chris Kaman), inconsistent (Tyrus Thomas) or just plain bad players (Al Thornton). Though ROY-candidate Jrue Holiday has been a pleasant surprise, the Suns roster is a mess. A melting pot of players both bad and/or past their primes, the Suns claim to be building for the future, but have taken on an abundance of bad contracts. While they are still more talented than the likes of Utah or New York, Steve Kerr has done an excellent job of taking a masterpiece of a team and ruining it in under two years. Bravo.
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Starters: Jrue Holiday | Jason Richardson | Al Thornton | Tyrus Thomas | Chris Kaman
Rotation: Leandro Barbosa, Brad Miller, Jamario Moon, Jared Dudley, Goran Dragic, Robin Lopez, Rodrigue Beaubois
Team Leaders:
Points Per Game: Richardson (18.3); Barbosa (15.2); Thomas (13.2)
Rebounds Per Game: Kaman (9.4); Thomas (7.4); Miller (4.2)
Assists Per Game: Holiday (8.0); Barbosa (4.4); Dragic (3.5)
Sat Nov 14, 2009 12:29 pm
Sat Nov 14, 2009 12:40 pm
Sat Nov 14, 2009 6:46 pm
Race To The MVP - 2010 Mid-Season
February 1, 2010 - The 2009-10 NBA season is halfway through, and it is a great time to evaluate the current status of this year's race for the MVP award! Despite a team record that leaves something to be desired, LeBron James looks like the sure-fire favorite to take the award. However, Kobe Bryant has been perennially impressive, while Rajon Rondo has a combination of Jason Kidd-esque numbers and the league's best record on his side. This is what I believe the race to win the hardware looks like now:1. LeBron James | Cleveland Cavaliers (30-18) | 30.3 PPG, 8.4 RPG, 7.1 APG
The defending MVP is putting up pretty much the same stats as last year, and his Cavaliers are not the best team in the NBA. However, his stats are the best in the league, and its not even close. Also, the Cavaliers failed to improve in the offseason, losing their best power forwards in Joe Smith and Anderson Varejao. Plus, his supporting cast is essentially Mo Williams. The guy below him is very deserving in his own right, but seriously, barring a major injury, the MVP is LeBron's to lose.2. Rajon Rondo | Boston Celtics (37-11) | | 15.3 PPG, 9.6 APG, 7.5 RPG, 2.3 SPG
Sorry KG, sorry Paul, Rajon Rondo is the best player on the NBA's best team. With numbers reminiscent of prime Jason Kidd, Rondo has taken the reins of a team with three bonafide scoring threats, and led them to the top of the league. And to think, people saw Rondo as the team's biggest area for improvement just a couple years ago. With a ring, and now an all-star nod under his belt, Rondo looks to establish himself as a superstar. Right now, he is the best point guard in the NBA.3. Kobe Bryant | Los Angeles Lakers (32-14) | 27.1 PPG, 6.3 APG, 5.2 RPG
Kobe Bryant is having yet another great year, and the Lakers look poised to win another ring. At 31, Bryant's 27 PPG isn't going to get any higher, but his career high 6.3 assists per game has been very impressive. It shows too. Andrew Bynum is improving, and Pau Gasol fits in as well as ever. Bryant may not quite have LeBron's eye-popping numbers, but at the end of the day, its usually his team on top. How does he do it? By doing work.4. Dwight Howard | Orlando Magic (30-17) | 22.9 PPG, 12.1 RPG, 3.2 BPG
Another phenomenal season for the hands-down best big man in the league. Howard responded to critics of his play in the 2009 Finals by refining his offensive game. He may never be the dominant beast Shaq was, but Howard's stats certainly jump out at you. Howard has a very strong team around him, but their style of play simply wouldn't work without Howard inside. While the Magic aren't doing quite as well as it seems they should be, Howard is having another monstrous season, and is a dark horse pick for MVP.5. Brandon Roy | Portland Trailblazers (28-17) | 21.4 PPG, 6.2 RPG, 6.2 APG
For a team that made the questionable decision to revamp a young roster that nearly made the finals last year, they sure do look good. The reason: Brandon Roy. The franchise player and leader of the Blazers from day 1, Roy's abilities as both a scorer and facilitator put him among the league's elite. While the Blazers' system makes it hard to truly stand out statistically, Roy's averages are nothing to scoff at. Portland has had its ups-and-downs this year, but thanks to Roy's unrivaled ability to adapt to and accommodate the new additions, the Blazers remain in the Western Conference's top tier.6. Kevin Durant | Oklahoma City Thunder (25-22) | 27.5 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 3.7 APG
In just his third NBA season, Kevin Durant has already established himself among the NBA's elite. He is posting a league second-best 27.5 points per game and leading the Oklahoma City Thunder to their first postseason appearance. Sure, the Thunder have made some obvious strides in the offseason, but the fact remains that Durant has stepped it up this year. Ben Gordon seems like an awful fit for the Thunder squad, and yet he has them working in harmony. Whether the young star can maintain this success remains to be seen.7. Chris Paul | New Orleans Hornets (20-24) | 23.7 PPG, 10.1 APG, 4.5 RPG, 2.2 SPG
Sure, the Hornets suck this year, but just look at that amazing stat line. The Hornets may be on their way to the lottery, but Chris Paul is playing his heart out. Leading the league in assists, while averaging a career high 23.7 PPG, CP3 is just crazy good. Unfortunately, the Hornets simply aren't functioning very well right now. His key back into the all-NBA first team, and our hearts, is to find a way to integrate Emeka Okafor into the system and lead New Orleans to the playoffs.8. Michael Redd | Milwaukee Bucks (21-24) | 27.3 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 4.3 APG
Finally healthy, Michael Redd is having a surprise career season, and is leading the Bucks, perennially and expected to be terrible, to a halfway decent season, with playoffs a very legitimate possibility. Third in the league in scoring, Redd has taken his game to new heights, and may just be the hardest working player in the league right now. Many people had written Michael Redd off, and those same people are choking on their words. Redd is the feel-good story of the year. Only thing that could sweeten it is playoff basketball in Milwaukee.9. Kevin Garnett | Boston Celtics (37-11) | 16.7 PPG, 9.4 RPG, 3.8 APG
He may no longer be the Celtics' best player, but he remains their vocal leader. Putting up his best raw stats as a Celtic, KG remains an excellent intangibles guy. Without him the Celtics would be a mere shell of what they are now. While they have had to go out without him several times last season, he was always there on the sidelines. Garnett is a true champion. The passion and intensity he brings to the Celtics is immeasurable.10. Chris Bosh | Houston Rockets (28-18) | 22.0 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 2.5 APG
The Rockets aren't quite the dominant force many people had expected them to be, but Bosh has still put up great stats, and continues to establish himself as the league's premier power forward. Putting up with a mercurial point guard in Aaron Brooks and bad shooting guard in Wally Szczerbiak, Bosh has managed to harmoniously team up with Yao to form the league's best frontcourt. While CB4 has been putting up pretty much the same numbers for five straight seasons now and the Rockets aren't winning, his value is undeniable.
Outside Looking In:
11. Dwyane Wade (MIA)
12. Joe Johnson (ATL)
13. Dirk Nowitzki (DAL)
14. Tony Parker (SAS)
15. Chauncey Billups (DEN)
16. Tim Duncan (SAS)
17. Devin Harris (NJN)
18. Kevin Martin (SAC)
19. Anthony Randolph (GSW)
20. Ramon Sessions (LAC)
Sat Nov 14, 2009 10:45 pm
Sun Nov 15, 2009 12:40 am
Sun Nov 15, 2009 4:49 am
Sun Nov 15, 2009 5:14 am
Sun Nov 15, 2009 9:01 am
Sun Nov 15, 2009 10:02 am
Rookie Of The Year (Last year's winner: Derrick Rose)
February 2, 2010 - The ROY race is shaping up to be a good one this year. While Holiday looks like the sure-fire ROY based on stats alone, the Suns' neutering their roster could end up hurting his assist numbers, and his team's lack of success could cost him the award. Rookie scoring leader James Harden is looking like a solid candidate, with his Bobcats looking at their first-ever playoff appearance. Meanwhile, #1 pick Blake Griffin has been upping his scoring numbers over the course of the season, and the Clippers are looking like a good team this year. Also in the fold is Spaniard Ricky Rubio, who lost his starting spot to injury, but is still putting up solid stats for a good team.1. Jrue Holiday | Phoenix Suns (21-27) | 10.1 PPG, 8.0 APG, 2.9 RPG
2. James Harden | Charlotte Bobcats (23-24) | 11.4 PPG, 3.7 APG, 2.8 RPG
3. Blake Griffin | Los Angeles Clippers (23-25) | 9.6 PPG, 7.1 RPG
4. Ricky Rubio | Golden State Warriors (24-21) | 7.2 PPG, 6.3 APG, 2.6 RPG
5. Hasheem Thabeet | Oklahoma City Thunder (25-22) | 4.0 PPG, 6.5 RPG, 2.3 BPG
Outside Looking In: Tyreke Evans (SAC), DeJuan Blair (NOH), Jonny Flynn (MIL), Wayne Ellington (TOR), Gerald Henderson (NYK)
Sixth Man Of The Year (Last year's winner: Mike Miller)
February 2, 2010 - The Bobcats' sixth man Nate Robinson likely has this award in the back, leading a probable playoff team in scoring, However, Mehmet Okur has led the perennially dismal Memphis Grizzlies off the bench to a surprisingly decent season. Though they fell off a bit in the last month, he is a strong candidate. Additionally, Thaddeus Young is so good that the Sixers are considering dealing star Andre Iguodala so they can properly start him at his natural position of SF. If the Bobcats stop winning and/or Kryptonate goes down with injury, this could be a pretty fun race to watch.1. Nate Robinson | Charlotte Bobcats (23-24) | 17.3 PPG, 3.8 APG, 3.2 RPG
2. Mehmet Okur | Memphis Grizzlies (21-25) | 14.2 PPG, 6.9 RPG
3. Thaddeus Young | Philadelphia 76ers (22-24) | 16.8 PPG, 4.5 RPG
4. Charlie Villanueva | Portland Trailblazers (28-17) | 13.4 PPG, 5.4 RPG
5. Allen Iverson | Atlanta Hawks (19-26) | 14.1 PPG, 4.2 APG, 2.5 RPG
Outside Looking In: Leandro Barbosa (PHX), Marcus Camby (LAC), Anderson Varejao (NJN), Luol Deng (CHI), Mike Miller (WAS)
Most Improved Player
February 2, 2010 - With the exception of Golden State's Anthony Randolph, who has blossomed into a star, the pickings for the Most Improved Player award are quite slim this year. Rajon Rondo elevated his game to become the league's premier point guard, but even then, he was a superstar last year. Nonetheless, he enters serious consideration for the award for the third straight season. Additional play time has helped Julian Wright, Brandon Bass and Carl Landry pad their stats, but overall, this race is Randolph's to lose.1. Anthony Randolph | Golden State Warriors (24-21) | 7.9 PPG, 5.8 RPG -> 15.8 PPG, 11.1 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.9 BPG
2. Rajon Rondo | Boston Celtics (37-11) | 11.9 PPG, 8.2 APG, 5.2 RPG -> 15.2 PPG, 9.6 APG, 7.5 RPG
3. Julian Wright | New Orleans Hornets (20-24) | 4.4 PPG, 2.8 RPG -> 10.8 PPG, 4.1 RPG
4. D.J. Augustin | Charlotte Bobcats (23-24) | 11.8 PPG, 3.5 APG -> 13.4 PPG, 6.4 APG
5. Carl Landry | Portland Trailblazers (28-17) | 9.2 PPG, 5.0 RPG -> 12.7 PPG, 6.8 RPG
Outside Looking In: Ramon Sessions (LAC) Tyrus Thomas (PHX), Brandon Bass (MIL), Eric Gordon (LAC), Wilson Chandler (NYK)
Sun Nov 15, 2009 10:23 am
Sun Nov 15, 2009 10:40 am
Sun Nov 15, 2009 3:02 pm
Mon Nov 16, 2009 12:06 pm
The Warrior Zone wrote:|---THE WARRIOR ZONE---|
Month In Review: January 2010
Record: 24-21 (6-9) | Home: 14-8 (3-4) | Away: 10-13 (3-5) | 2nd Pacific, 5th West | On Pace For: 44 wins
Points For: 103.3 (1st) | Points Against: 104.2 (30th) | Differential: -0.9 (17th)
Its finally over. January was a hellish month for the Warriors, beginning with the death of leading scorer Monta Ellis. Though they narrowly edged out the Kings to open the month, the Warriors would implode, losing 7 of their next eight. They managed to catch a break by playing some poor teams, then narrowly upset the Magic in Orlando. They concluded a road trip to go 2-4, but were fortunate to win their final two games to remain in fifth place in the tight Western Conference playoff picture. Injuries to Ricky Rubio and Joel Przybilla exacerbated the hardships, but their 6-9 record for the month isn't too bad considering the adversity. Whether the Warriors can maintain a playoff spot remains to be seen, but even without Ellis, this is the most exciting time to be a Warriors fan since the We Believe era.
Game Results:
Sacramento 115, Golden State 121 (19-12)
Cleveland 98, Golden State 82 (19-13)
Houston 114, Golden State 103 (19-14)
Golden State 104, Sacramento 134 (19-15)
Washington 105, Golden State 103 (19-16)
Golden State 103, Utah 85 (20-16)
Portland 110, Golden State 92 (20-17)
Golden State 87, New Jersey 88 (20-18)
Golden State 75, Boston 101 (20-19)
Golden State 114, New York 92 (21-19)
Golden State 109, Orlando 105 (22-19)
Golden State 101, Washington 107 (22-20)
Golden State 99, Charlotte 103 (22-21)
Memphis 102, Golden State 114 (23-21)
Chicago 111, Golden State 113 (24-21)
Player Averages: (Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | Blocks)
Steve Nash: 14.2 | 2.0 | 7.6 | 0.8 | 0.1 | .476%
Anthony Morrow: 9.6 | 1.6 | 0.5 | 0.2 | 0.0 | .470%
Stephen Jackson: 17.4 | 3.2 | 4.6 | 0.8 | 0.2 | .429%
Anthony Randolph: 15.8 | 11.1 | 2.8 | 0.9 | 1.9 | .542%
Andris Biedrins: 8.8 | 9.8 | 0.8 | 0.6 | 1.8 | .548%
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Rudy Fernandez: 10.5 | 2.3 | 2.5 | 1.1 | 0.0 | .447%
Ricky Rubio: 6.9 | 2.5 | 6.1 | 1.6 | 0.0 | .445%
Darko Milicic: 3.6 | 3.1 | 0.3 | 0.1 | 0.6 | .413%
Joel Przybilla: 3.6 | 2.8 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.6 | .536%
Salim Stoudamire: 6.2 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 0.7 | 0.0 | .444%
Chase Budinger: 1.0 | 0.5 | 0.7 | 0.1 | 0.0 | .471%
Mark Blount: 1.5 | 0.4 | 0.2 | 0.0 | 0.1 | .400%
Brian Cardinal and Kyrylo Fesenko still have yet to play, as they are scrubs.
Western Conference Standings:
Pacific------------------------Northwest-------------------Southwest32-14--------------------
28-17---------------------
30-16
24-21--------------------
25-22---------------------
28-18
25-22--------------------
24-22---------------------
25-23
23-25--------------------
15-32---------------------
21-25
21-27--------------------
14-34---------------------
20-24
Eastern Conference Standings:
Atlantic----------------------Central----------------------Southeast37-11--------------------
30-18--------------------
30-17
24-24--------------------
24-24--------------------
23-24
23-25--------------------
21-24--------------------
21-25
22-24--------------------
21-30--------------------
20-27
13-33--------------------
18-27--------------------
19-26
2010 Mock Lottery:
1. New York: John Wall - Kentucky
2. Minnesota: Cole Aldrich - Kansas
3. Utah: Ed Davis - UNC
4. Indiana: Donatas Motiejunas - Lithuania
5. Detroit: Derrick Favors - Georgia Tech
6. Atlanta: Paul George - Fresno State
7. Washington: Craig Brackins - Iowa State
8. Phoenix: Solomon Alabi - Florida State
9. New Orleans: Willie Warren - Oklahoma
10. Memphis: Devin Ebanks - West Virginia
11. Miami: Al-Farouq Aminu - Wake Forest
12. Milwaukee: Greg Monroe - Georgetown
13. LA Clippers: Terrico White - Mississippi
14. Golden State (via Dallas): Larry Sanders - VCU
League Leaders:
Points Per Game:1. LeBron James: 30.3
2. Kevin Durant: 27.5
3. Michael Redd: 27.3
4. Kobe Bryant: 27.1
5. Kevin Martin: 25.3
40. Stephen Jackson: 17.4
Rebounds Per Game:1. Dwight Howard: 12.1
2. David Lee: 11.4
3. Tim Duncan: 11.2
4. Anthony Randolph: 11.1
5. Al Jefferson: 10.8
Assists Per Game:1. Chris Paul: 10.1
2. Deron Williams: 9.7
3. Rajon Rondo: 9.6
4. Jose Calderon: 9.4
5. Jason Kidd: 9.1
13. Steve Nash: 7.6
Steals Per Game:1. Rajon Rondo: 2.3
2. Chris Paul: 2.2
3. Dwyane Wade: 2.1
3. Ron Artest: 2.1
5. Caron Butler: 1.9
8. Ricky Rubio: 1.7
Blocks Per Game:1. Dwight Howard: 3.2
2. Emeka Okafor: 2.7
3. Andrei Kirilenko: 2.6
4. Josh Smith: 2.5
5. Yao Ming: 2.3
11. Anthony Randolph: 1.9
Field Goal %:1. Chris Bosh: .585
2. Dwight Howard: .578
3. Shaquille O'Neal: .576
4. Carlos Boozer: .575
5. Carl Landry: .570
12. Andris Biedrins: .548
Three Point %:1. Jason Kapono: .515
2. Kelenna Azubuike: .500
2. Daniel Gibson: .500
4. Peja Stojakovic: .483
5. Steve Blake: .475
11. Anthony Morrow: .450
Free Throw %1. Jose Calderon: .983
2. Chauncey Billups: .955
3. Rudy Fernandez: .950
4. Peja Stojakovic: .948
5. Ray Allen: .937
*
RealGM Rumor Mill:
Mickael Pietrus Trade ImminentOrlando's athletic swingman Mickael Pietrus has been reportedly lobbying for a trade for months. The seventh year French player has been a dip in playing time with the emergence of shooting guard Courtney Lee and is averaging 18.6 minutes per game, his lowest average since his rookie year. The Houston Rockets, Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers and his former team the Golden State Warriors are reportedly in trade talks to acquire the defensive specialist.
LeBron James To Test Free AgencyNBA superstar LeBron James claims he is happy in Cleveland, but nonetheless will test free agency this offseason. James, 24, is the defending league MVP and is putting up similar figures this year, but the Cavaliers lack any other star players. If the Cavaliers fail to win a championship this year (which is more than likely), expect LeBron to take his services elsewhere. The Knicks, Nets, Warriors, Clippers and his current team the Cavaliers will have the most cap space this offseason.
Sixers Could Unload Iguodala At Trade DeadlineAndre Iguodala is undoubtedly the best player on the Sixers right now. Trouble is, he plays the exact same position as their second best player, Thaddeus Young, and as versatile as they both are, they are by far at their most effective when playing their true position. At 22-24, Philadelphia is a borderline playoff team, with little potential for improvement next season. A package of young talent, a pick and cap space is likely the asking price for the sixth year star.
Denver Nuggets Looking For A Shake-UpAt 24-22 and hanging on to the eighth seed by literally a tenth of a percentage point, the Nuggets are suffering yet another disappointing season. Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony are likely off-limits, but the Nuggets are looking for another star to separate them from the Clippers, Mavs, Warriors, Kings and Thunder. Erratic shooting guard J.R. (Earl) Smith is averaging a career high 18 points per game this year and is the likeliest trade candidate. Perhaps the Nuggets are looking to package Kenyon Martin's contract and Smith for Iguodala?
Shaquille O'Neal To Retire At Season's EndRumor has it that the Big... uh... Clipper will retire at season's end. The 37 year old center is averaging career lows in all major categories, and has been quoted as saying he wouldn't mind retiring in L.A. Whether that applies to the Clippers is a mystery. The Clippers, 23-25, are on the outside looking in right now in the playoff race, but are one of the hottest teams in the league.
Mon Nov 16, 2009 4:53 pm
Mon Nov 16, 2009 8:26 pm
Sit wrote:I still can't over how you killed off Monta. Heartless.
Mon Nov 16, 2009 11:00 pm
The X wrote:Sit wrote:I still can't over how you killed off Monta. Heartless.
So you've never killed off any characters (bball players or not) in your stories? Am not sure, so just asking.
Mon Nov 16, 2009 11:10 pm
Mon Nov 16, 2009 11:26 pm
The X wrote:I wasn't a fan of the killing off of Monta either, but that is beside the point
Tue Nov 17, 2009 1:58 am
Tue Nov 17, 2009 2:17 am
Tue Nov 17, 2009 11:05 am
[b]PHX* @ GSW[/b]
[b]GSW* @ LAC[/b]
[b]LAC @ GSW[/b]
[b]GSW @ IND*[/b]
[b]GSW @ PHI[/b]
[b]GSW @ MIL[/b]
[b]Rookies* Vs. Sophomores[/b]
[b]Slam Dunk Contest:[/b]
[b]Three-Point Shootout:[/b]
[b]East Vs. West[/b]
[b]SAC @ GSW[/b]
[b]GSW* @ SAC[/b]
[b]BOS @ GSW*[/b]
[b]ORL @ GSW[/b]
[b]GSW* @ LAL[/b]
[b]NJN* @ GSW[/b]
[b]Predicted Record (12 games):[/b]
[b]East Player of the Month (FEB):[/b]
[b]East Rookie of the Month (FEB):[/b]
[b]West Player of the Month (FEB):[/b]
[b]West Rookie of the Month (FEB):[/b]
[b][u]Nelliepoints Leaders (February):[/b][/u]
[b]1.[/b]
[b]2.[/b]
[b]3.[/b]
[b][u]Top 3 Warriors Leaders (February):[/b][/u]
[b]Points:[/b]
[b]Rebounds:[/b]
[b]Assists:[/b]
[b]Steals:[/b]
[b]Blocks:[/b]
Standings:
Sit: 60 points (32+13+15)
Martti.: 50 points (33+12+5)
newc: 43 points (32+11)
thierryhenry50: 42 points (31+11)
Cartar: 42 points (31+11)
Valor: 38 points (13+3)
Skilmatic: 33 points (18+15)
jesrie: 27 points (27+0)
Clutch: 25 points (10+15)
magician: 21 points (21+0)
dare019: 5 points (0+0+5)
TheDee: 5 points (0+0+5)
Tue Nov 17, 2009 11:18 am
Tue Nov 17, 2009 11:21 am
Tue Nov 17, 2009 11:23 am