10 Game Review
15 players is a lot of team members to write about and not everyone has the opportunity to get air-time; so every season I do a player review after 10 games to give you an idea of how everyone is doing. And here it is:
Chris AndersenThe Birdman is once again having another impressive season. Many would have thought he would have slowed down after the simulation and being 38, but that's simply not the case. He leads the league in rebounding with 11.6 rebounds per game and is coming second in blocks with 2.6 per game. As well as having 1.1 steals per game, you could say statisically he has the all-round defensive game. Could he score a second Defensive Player of the Year in what could possibly be his final campaign?
Borislav PerkoAfter some solid play off the bench, Borislav Perko has earnt a spot in the starting side for now. He hits the offensive glass as well as anybody and he has shown that he can keep the defense honest with his perimeter shooting. He's not setting the world on fire, but right now he would be on the course for possible All-Rookie Second team selection.
Carmelo AnthonyTo say Melo is a second fiddle player would be a rather sweeping statement, but right now, he is. But in saying that, he's probably the best "second" option in the game. He still averages 21.3 points per game, which just about anyone would take as a second scorer of a team. Later in the year, he'll probably have the opportunity to assume first scorer's duties, but right now, it's JR's time to shine and Melo is playing great in backing him up.
JR SmithWell, JR Smith is the man of the moment. It's very impressive that he has come into the team after being away for 5 or so seasons and not only leading his team in scoring, but the whole league with 29.8 points per game. This to go with the fact that he's shooting 40.2 percent from beyond the arc is making Earl just about unguardable at the moment. If he can keep this up, The Next Level could see it's first MVP trophy go to the prodigal son.
Chauncey BillupsOkay, so Mr Big Shot is 40. He only averaged 3 points per game in the first 9 and really, he was struggling. Game 10 however he managed to score Sprite Performer of the Game honours with a stat-line of 23 points, 8 assists and 4 steals. He's not going to be as consistent as he was 10 years ago, but in his 19th season of the game he proves that he can still be a good third option on a given night.
Shannon BrownIt's easy to overlook the efforts of Shannon Brown with the performance of JR Smith, but the fact is he still has a lot to offer Denver off the bench. Assuming the role of 6-man, he scores at 8.5 a game with a 3 point percentage of 37.5 . He's a possible contender for the end of year award... let's just hope he stays interested while sitting in the shadows.
Brandon BassIt's going to happen; some players will struggle when traded to a new club, and Brandon is one of these players. He hasn't established any rhythm to his offensive game and has often been out-hustled on the defensive end. On the plus side, he has provided some good picks for his point guards.
Patrick MillsHe's fell away a bit since his impressive first two seasons, but is still a solid backup for Chauncey. He's as quick as anyone in the league which makes him deadly off pick and roll situations and has the ability to get to the foul line regularly. With Billups surely giving the game away within the next two seasons, he will be a nice fill-in for the great man.
Robin LopezHis defense has proven to be a bit suspect at times, but he's a good shot blocker and hits the offensive glass well. He provides Denver with great size off the bench while having enough finesse around the basket to be a threat offensively.
Taylor MacKenzieOuch... this guy still plays for Denver? He has seen limited minutes and has struggled in each one. I really hate to draw this comparison, but if Adam Morrison won Rookie of the Year, his nickname would be T-Mac 2.0 . There's still enough time for MacKenzie to come good, but with the players in front of him, the odds are against him in Denver.
Nicolas BatumNic Batum doesn't see many minutes, but when he does he's a very effective player. His length causes matchup problems and he has pretty good range. If Melo wasn't in the side, he'd be a far more prominent player.
Taj GibsonGibson has been a great defensive weapon and hits the boards as hard as anyone. However, with an emerging Borislav Perko and Brandon Bass, it's often hard for Denver to find minutes for this great defensive presense. But if Bass continues to struggle and he stays consistent, it might just force George Karl to make a decision.
Mardy CollinsMardy has played one game and it was impressive. 11 points, 3 rebounds, 5 assists and 3 blocks... not the stats of a guy that's been out of the game for oh, 7 years is it? Collins' size at the point provides matchup problems, which previously Shaun Livingston had claim to in Denver. He could find himself with a regular spot on the Denver bench.
Basil RichterHas played two games in his career and... well not a whole lot to say. He pulled off one dunk from the transition, showed he has some good moves... he also has proved that he can be quite a clumsy ball handler. A natural small forward, he doesn't have much of a shot with this team, but if he keeps at it, he might prove me wrong.
Sam ConnersPossibly the scariest looking man in the NBA hasn't seen any playing time this season so far. Barring an injury to one of the centres, he probably won't see a lot of time this season.
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Next will be a 5 game summary. It's great to be playing again
. And for the record, Brook Lopez is still with the Kings and is now joined by Dwyane Wade and Andre Iguodala... they have a rather dangerous team.
. Don't worry, it's not enough to deter me... Mardy Collins was a nice backup, but I still have Patty Mills.;. whose higher in my rotation anyway.
