Second Round Theft. Celtics & Raptors Guilty

With so much hype around Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley many of us forget who was chosen past the top 3. Those of us hardcore enough have memorised the entire lottery and can produce stats on cue at boring dinner parties (we know who we are). But for the most part the second round is a total after thought.

Cue two picks from this years draft who barring injuries for one and a total lack of exposure for the other would have been locks for the top 15.

With 41st pick the Indiana Pacer select........Nathan Jawai from Australia. Jawai is one of those out of nowhere picks. He has only been playing for 4 years and grew up in the remote North Queensland outback. Better known for it snake that it's power forwards. But this guy is a gem. A 7-5 wingspan, incredible nimble feet under a 6-11 285 pound frame built to hurt people. Packaged of to the Raptors in the O'Neal trade Toronto have quickly signed him to a 2 year deal.

With 47Th pick the Washington Wizards select......Bill Walker from Kansas State. Coming out of high school Walker was being compared to Vince Carter. The comparisons where not an understatement. He was an amazing athlete, world class and similar to Carter has been cut down by injuries. I remember watching the draft thinking how crazy team late in the first round where passing up on this guy. If the body recovers this guy could be anything. The Wiz traded Walker to the Celtics in exchange for Cash considerations. To put it all in perspective Walker was more highly regarded than Michael Beasley when recruited to Kansas State.

Miles away from a Celtic

We have all read the stories. The knee is better...’I’m moving like I did in high school’. The real question is. Can Celtics fans really believe this guy? Danny Ainge no doubt has done his due diligence on this guy. Former number 3 pick. Used to bang his head a lot...was ran out of Lebron Town...Jail Blazer extraordinaire... The talent is unquestioned. The attitude is unknown.

At a glance this looks like a good signing by Boston, Posey has left town for a little extra security and Mr Ainge wasn’t willing to bet the farm on him being the key some people believe he was. I agreed with Ainge. Of course after a championship not many will disagree.

But Darius Miles doesn’t fit the Celtic mould all too well. The plan is to put him under the player he was compared to coming out of high school Mr Kevin Garnett. Garnett demands 110% from his teammates and he himself is well known for leaving it all out on the floor. What if Darius doesn’t play by KG’s rules? What if this upsets what currently is impeccable team chemistry? Boston fans will only forgive Ainge because has already delivered.

The knee seems to be the main talking point by most. Surely Darius Miles character should come to question just as much. Hopefully they had both have been fully rehabilitated.

NBA Season Preview: LA Lakers

The Lakers failed at the final hurdle after being heavily favoured against the Celtics. Have kept the core group together and with the addition of a healthy Bynum the Lakers will make a lot of noise.

Last Season 57-25

Ins:

Sun Yue (Draft)

Joe Crawford (Draft)

Josh Powell (Free Agent)

Outs:

Ronny Turiaf (Free Agent Signed with Warriors)

Best Player: This is a no brainer, Kobe had an outstanding regular season. He was roundly acclaimed for his effectiveness in the triangle offence. This past season combined with his teammates like never before. Is currently the best player in basketball and helped lead the US to Olympic gold in the summer. Once again will be a hot favourite to take home another MVP award.

Offence: Could this be the most exciting offensive unit we have seen? Their front line reads 7-1, 7-0 and 6-10, are all multi-talented and skilled. This team will easily average over 100 ppg. Gasol has found his niche as Robin to Kobe's Batman.

Defence: Perimeter defence is always going to be a problem for the Lakers when they play that big line-up. Kobe is a A-grade defender but outside of him they have no stoppers. Trevor Ariza is a talent but has been inconsistent. If Ariza steps up he could be the answer to the Lakers prayers.

Play Maker: The traditional point guard position is redundant in the triangle, so this team will again rely solely on each player knowing their role in the system. The high post player is crucial in getting the Lakers into their offence. You would have to say Gasol is the ideal big man to play in this system.What’s Missing: Toughness. This team go out hustled and pushed around by the Celtics in the finals. There are question marks over Gasol's physical game. Bynum will definitely help in this department but at 21 years old he may require more play-off hardening.

Who's Underrated?: Nobody. The Lakers get so much publicity their players are far to well advertised and sometimes overrated. Sasha Vujacic got a big contract this summer. For a spot up shooter he is solid, but his defence is’nt always committed, Think back to a 33 year old Ray Allen driving past him like he was nailed to the floor in the finals.

Prognosis: 82 games from Bynum and this team will win 60+. They have all the ingredients to be great and only failed at the last hurdle. Although the west is going to be even tougher this year and Houston have improved significantly. My other concern is once again this team really lacks blue collar toughness. An Odom for Artest trade would have put them over the top in my opinion.

Predication: Loose in Western Conference Finals.

NBA Season Preview: Boston Celtics

After going all the way last season the Celtics biggest hurdle this coming campaign appears to be age. With their 3 superstars all into their 30’s, the big question is can they battle through the rigours of another 82 games season? Not to mention another deep playoff campaign.

Last Season: 66-16 NBA Champions
Ins:
Darius Miles (Ex Blazer Free Agent)
Patrick O’Bryant (Ex Warrior Free Agent)
J.R Giddens (Draft)
Bill Walker (Draft)
Outs:
P.J Brown (Retirement)
James Posey (Signed with Hornets)

Best Player- Kevin Garnett. Expect Garnett to have another all round marvellous season. One of the most durable players in the game he is the glue to everything that Boston achieves offensively and defensively. Expect his numbers to be around the 20-10 with stellar defence and all-round intensity fueling the Celtics fire. Special mention to Paul Peirce who carried the Celtics so many times in the playoffs last season when Garnett and Allen where cold.

Offence: No problems here the Celtics can get 30+ from any of Garnett, Peirce or Allen. Peirce is one of the finest all round offensive players in the game and will once again be relied upon as the go to guy late in the game. Allen is one of the best 3 Point shooters in NBA history and after struggling in the playoffs early, came to life in the finals and was a crucial piece.

Defence: Amazing team defence is really the key to the Celtic success. Much credit needs to be given to assistant Coach Tom Thibodeau for transforming this team into a defensive beast.

Play making: Rajon Rondo surprised everyone except his team mates last season. He is a stellar defender and underrated passer. His jumper can be scratchy but he seemed to make all the important ones. Returning for another year is Sam Cassell. Will turn 39 during the season, but ad's instant offence and steady ball handling of the bench. Expect him to play limited minutes during the regular season then stepping up in the post season. Eddie house will also spend some time at the point and his dead eye outside shot will be handy.

What's Missing: James Posey's clutch shooting and great defence. He was a key for the Celtics and will be sorely missed. Darius Miles has been signed to help relieve his loss. The drafting of Gidden's should also help, he is an extremely athletic wing that should develop quickly. Bill Walker is a world class athlete but injuries cut him down at Kansas State, if the body comes good will be a second round steal.

Who's underrated: Kendrick Perkin's has improved every year in the league. His lane clogging will be relied upon heavily this season will no clear backup centre on the roster as yet, he is statistically quiet but wil be a key to the Celtics season.

Prognosis: Baring luck with injury this team is going to go very deep into the playoffs. A high 50 win season is most probable although I do expect them to have some injury problems with their aging line-up. They will battle Lebron in the East finals and depending on James’s supporting should get out of the east again.

Prediction: NBA Champions

Great Britain qualify for EuroBasket 2009

Thanks to the superb play of Loul Deng and Pops Bensah Monsu, Team GB has qualified for the European Championships to be held in Poland 2009. After picking up a hefty insurance bill (£250K) to enable Deng to play he was well worth the price tag averaging just a tick over 24 points per game.

After a tight first game loss to Israel, Team GB went undefeated until their final game loss to Bosnia. They finished top of their pool with a 4-2 record.

The only question remaining for 2009 is will Ben Gordon make himself available? If he does GB will be a huge chance for a medal.

Gordon's game is built for international basketball with his deadly outside shot.




For higlights of the games go to: www.basketball247.co.uk

Bogut well liked with Bucks

NBL News- Tigers give finger to Bullets- Grand Final Beckons

On the back of a strong performance from MVP Chris Anstey (26 point 13 rebounds) the Melbourne Tigers are though to their third consecutive NBL Grand Final series beating Brisbane 2-0 overall. After the 115-112 defeat the tigers Centre stood mid court with both middle fingers raised after being taunted by the Brisbane crowd most of the evening. He may face scrutiny from the NBL commission following these actions. They follow a spiteful encounter and a rivalry that goes back to last seasons Grand Final series.

On several possessions Tigers forward and former NBA player Sean Lampley taunted the Bullets bench after dunks and key plays. He scored 23 points and made some huge plays in the fourth quarter. Bullets guard Mick Hill urged his team to hit back "I said to the guys someone needs to take it back at this guy he's basically disrespecting us on our home floor," He and forward Dave Thomas where huge. Thomas finishing with 26 point and a key steal and dunk in overtime.

Melbourne will face the winner of the Perth-Sydney Semi final series currently tied at 1-1 with game 3 to be played in Sydney.

Wallace Trade? Joe Smith Trade more like

The aftermath of the Cavs-Bulls mega trade will be one of the more interesting things to monitor for the remaining months of the season. On paper the Cavs look a lot stronger, on paper the knicks looked strong in October.
John Paxon made the standard comments here. But interestingly the bulls have got a huge reality check this season and have accepted they are pretty much building again.

The reality of this trade is that Joe Smith was playing the best of all players dealt. He was probably the least regarded amongst fans. Certaintly has made some stops around the L.

Still highly regarded?

This Week

Future hall of famer debut's

Shaq- mmmmm... My initial thoughts are 11 and 8 with 2 blocks. He will then foul out. The lakers by 8. Can't imagine him have a 20, 20 but you never know.


Jason Kidd- 6 and 14 with 7 boards. Throw in 2 steals but the Mav's will lose big time to the Hornets by 17.


Rookie of the Year race heating up

Durant stinks it up all too often these days. Yi seems to have become an after thought. Thanks to bucks coaches who can't develop anyone.

Popular pick Al Horford. Almost averaging a double double and play's for a team in playoff contention. Mike Conley is putting up decent number recently. But my pick to take home a few Western rookie of the month awards. Al Thorton, clipper rookie has been Durant like recently with a little bit less of this.....

http://www.urbandictionary.com/define.php?term=chucker

All Star Weekend: It's Crap

The All star game is nothing more than a farce to me. Non competitive basketball is the most un entertaining package of rubbish you can watch. The whole weekend to me is a complete joke. I am a huge basketball fan, more so than most, but even I can't put a positive spin on any of the festivities.

The slam dunk competition is fast becoming stupider each year. The final straw was the so called 'Birthday Cake Dunk' give us all a break please. Gerald Green is a first class athlete but that was embarrassing for the league in my opinion.

The mystique has definitely gone from the entire weekend. This is due to the class not being in the game. It's unfortunate that we can't have the Jordan's of this world forever. I'm not just talking about talent or ability. I mean charm and charisma. I cannot pick one personality that played in this years game. All the players are fantastically talented but if they are not playing for real, what is left? Nowitzki and Duncan could have easily been substituted for flag poles with their levels of enthusiasm.

A solution you ask. A common one put forward by many sources. Make the prize money higher! Woah 35k for 2 hours work is not acceptable anymore? Are these guys so arrogant they won't compete unless a million is on offer. You must be joking. The whole weekend should be scraped. It's a blatant money making exercise that doesn't nothing but hurt the game itself. David Stern needs to take a hard look at this format and either change it or get rid of the whole concept. I'm in favour of the latter.

Bibby a Hawk

The Atlanta Hawks today acquired guard Mike Bibby from the Sacramento Kings in exchange for Anthony Johnson, Tyronn Lue, Shelden Williams, Lorenzen Wright and a 2008 second round draft pick according to Hawks Executive Vice President/General Manager Billy Knight. “We’re happy to be able to bring in a player of Mike’s caliber,” Knight said. “He’s one of the premier point guards in the league and a proven winner going back to his college days at Arizona. His ability to score and distribute the basketball will add a new dimension to our ballclub.”Bibby, who missed the first 36 games of the season while recovering from surgery to repair a torn ligament in his left thumb, averaged 13.5 points, 5.0 assists, 3.7 rebounds and 1.3 steals (.406 FG%, .393 3FG%, .742 FT%) in 15 games (12 starts) for the Kings this year.

George and Jerry Nuff Nuffs

The trade that would have sent Jason Kidd to Dallas has hit consecutive snags. Firstly Devean George refused to be traded citing he would be giving up certain free agent rights this off season. Secondly the league has excluded Jerry Stackhouse from the deal. This was after Stackhouse blabbed about the Nets plans to waive him. Allowing him to resign with Dallas in 30 days. Nice work Jerry you have finally laid that egg you've been promising us all these years.

Deal Done Kidd to Mavs

Jason Kidd was so determined to make his way back to the Dallas Mavericks, he has contemplated wearing No. 2 on his jersey to honor a return to where his career started in 1994.
Despite Kidd’s doubts that the Nets and Mavericks would ever come to an agreement, two league sources close to the negotiations said an agreement in principle has been reached on Wednesday. After wavering for weeks, Dallas owner Mark Cuban has sacrificed some of his franchise’s future to chase a championship in the short term. The agreement would send five players, including point guard Devin Harris, and first round picks in 2008 and 2010, for the future Hall of Fame guard.
The two teams are still exchanging insurance information and going through the normal procedures with the league office to finalize the deal.
Kidd, who turns 35 next month, goes to Dallas with an unmistakable mandate: Bring a title for a team and career that are desperately seeking it. As part of the trade, the Mavericks would also send Jerry Stackhouse, Devean George, DeSagna Diop, Maurice Ager and $3 million to New Jersey. Along with Kidd, the Nets send reserve forward Malik Allen to the Mavs.
In a separate deal, the Nets are sending guard Antoine Wright to Dallas for a future second-round pick, one source said.

TRADE - SHAQ to SUNS

Shaq has been dealt to the suns for Shawn Marion and Marcus Banks.

In a Bold move by the suns that could only be described as a huge risk. The trade is pending examanation on Shaq's hip injury.

Shaq is due 40 million over the next 2 seasons.

At first, it seems O’Neal’s skills are as mismatched with the Phoenix offense as a polka-dot tie is with a striped shirt.
But upon further review, there are several reasons that this is a good trade for the Suns.
For one, Shawn Marion didn’t want to be in Phoenix. And if a guy doesn’t want to be with a team, it’s not a bad idea to show him the door — especially if that guy is a swingman. Players who are about 6 feet 6 and can play either shooting guard or small forward are as plentiful as coupons in a Sunday paper.
Plus, the addition of O’Neal will help Amare Stoudemire by allowing Stoudemire to play power forward instead of center, where he was undersized.
Also, the Suns’ offense is uptempo, and the addition of O’Neal won’t necessarily slow it down. Blocked shots and rebounds are great ways to start a fast break, and O’Neal will provide both.
And let’s assume Diesel does slow down the Suns’ engine. That’s not a bad thing. The Suns’ offense was uptempo to a fault. And the team, as it was constructed, wasn’t good enough to win the title. The last few seasons proved that. Steve Nash would lead the Suns to 60 or more wins in the regular season, and then in the playoffs, the Suns wouldn’t make it out of the West — let alone win a title.
It wasn’t working.
And as the old saying goes, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. By trading for O’Neal — a 14-time All-Star, four-time champion and former MVP — general manager Steve Kerr proved he isn’t insane and put the Suns in a position to win the title.

Breaking News- Pau to Lakers

Memphis (13-33) received forward/center Kwame Brown, rookie guard Javaris Crittenton (19th pick in 2007 draft), guard Aaron McKie, the draft rights to Marc Gasol (Pau's brother), two first-round draft picks and cash considerations.
The Griz will own the Lakers' 2008 pick unless it's in the top three. Memphis also received Los Angeles' 2010 pick unless it's in the top six. The draft protection for both picks last five years.
http://www.commercialappeal.com/news/2008/feb/01/gasol-traded-lakers/

Trade Rumour: Kidd to Mavs

The Nets are discussing a complicated three-team scenario with the Mavericks and Blazers in which Kidd would go to Dallas, league sources said.
In return, the Nets would get back young players (Jarrett Jack and Travis Outlaw), expiring contracts (Devean George, DeSagana Diop), Jerry Stackhouse, draft picks and cash. More players, including other Nets, would be involved.
There are other willing trade partners and possibilities as the Lakers, Cavaliers, Nuggets, Spurs and Suns also would like to be in the Kidd sweepstakes.
http://www.northjersey.com/sports/nets/14896561.html

The Knicks are also making enquiries to obtain the all star point guard. I can't imagine Kidd wanting to go across the river to a 'worse team'. Kidds best fit would be Boston but they don't have anything to give back.

Current Stories

OAKLAND (AP) — Chris Webber has returned to the Golden State Warriors and coach Don Nelson, more than 13 years after a battle between the two men led Webber to force a trade.
http://www.usatoday.com/sports/basketball/nba/warriors/2008-01-29-webber-returns_N.htm

MILWAUKEE centre Andrew Bogut's red-hot form in the NBA has given him an outside chance of being named as a reserve on this year's Eastern Conference All-Star team.
http://www.news.com.au/heraldsun/story/0,21985,23123760-10914,00.html

Jason KiddJason Kidd , who says "it's time to move on" from the NetsNew Jersey Nets , attended today's morning shootaround but did not talk to reporters. The Nets, losers of nine in a row, were scheduled to play the Bucks at home tonight.
http://blogs.nypost.com/sports/nets/archives/2008/01/kidd_skips_shoo.html#more

* at Seattle 88, San Antonio 85: Kevin Durant scored 26 points to help the SuperSonics end a team-record 14-game losing streak by stunning the Spurs.
http://www.latimes.com/sports/basketball/nba/la-sp-nba30jan30,1,2549215.story?ctrack=1&cset=true

I know NBA players are all rich and have their own posses and all, but can you tell me what Bulls players are particularly close friends? They work together on a daily basis so some of them must be friendlier than others. Are there any players who seem to noticeably dislike each other? --Cameron, Chicago
http://chicagosports.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/askthewriter/cs-080129asksamsmith,0,2910347.story

As what often happens after a mental foul-up, J.J. Barea took some needling after he launched what passed for a desperation 3-point heave against Memphis on Monday, when there was still plenty of time to get a legitimate shot.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/basketball/mavs/stories/013008dnspomavslede.2b8e119.html

PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -Some call him Roy Wonder. The Trail Blazers broadcast crew calls him The Natural.
Portland guard Brandon Roy is at the crux of a resurgent team that few expected much from this season.
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/basketball/nba/wires/01/29/2030.ap.bkn.trail.blazers.roy.wonder.0798/

WASHINGTON–The next two nights are not going to determine how the season unfolds for either the Raptors or the Washington Wizards, yet they do carry some added significance.
http://www.thestar.com/Sports/article/298301

NBA Draft Series. 2000 NBA Draft lottery a look back

NBA Draft Series.
2000 NBA Draft lottery a look back in Time.

The 2000 NBA draft is one of the worst in recent memory. Here is a short flashback.

1. Kenyon Martin- New Jersey Nets
Has never really been the dominant player most experts thought coming out of Cincinnati. Not a great rebounder for a power forward. New Jersey where right not to pay him max money and a sign and trade was organised with Denver. Turns out played his best ball for New Jersey and has been injury plagued since becoming a nugget. How many points did Jason Kidd get this guy? Solid Pick

2. Stromile Swift- Vancouver Grizzlies.
Drafted on athletic ability alone most thought swifts ‘upside’ was to good to ignore. Ignore should have been what Vancouver did draft day that year. Swift lack’s offensive ability and has questionable work ethic. Has given showcase to a very disappointing career so far. Back in Memphis after short stint with Houston. BUST

3. Darius Miles- LA Clippers
Seemed to be an inspired pick and the future of the clippers. Combined with fellow head banger Q Richardson. Where did it all go so badly? Traded to Cleveland where he was hoped to become a franchise player didn’t quite materialize. Then moving onto to Portland where he has continued to disappoint. BUST

4. Marcus Fizer- Chicago Bulls
More than one person has described Fizer as a head case. Which is extremely disappointing because seeing the guy in college, he could really play and had all the physical tools. Now playing in Europe on last report hopefully know where near Amsterdam. BUST

5. Mike Miller- Orlando Magic
Arguably the best pick in this lottery ‘goldmine’. Miller went on to ROY honours and has always been a solid pro. Teamed with T-Mac seemed to be the future in Orlando but was later traded to Memphis. Well regarded for his outside shooting and solid all round game Miller has been a solid player and pretty much played to the abilities given to him. Solid Pick

6. DerMarr Johnson- Atlanta Hawks.
Never really got to see this guy develop into the player he could have been due to a car accident almost causing paralysis in 2002. Has done a fantastic job to recover. Has floated around multiple teams and it currently on the Spurs roster playing with there affiliate team in the NBDL. BUST

7. Chris Mihm- Chicago Traded to Cleveland.
Mihm has shown glimpse’s of being a solid NBA centre but has never been consistent enough. Has since had stints with Boston and the Lakers seems to be injury prone and not Physical enough in the paint. Career backup. BUST

8. Jamal Crawford- Cleveland traded to Chicago.
Skinny but multi-talented combo guard who has developed into a solid pro and good clutch player. After 4 years in Chicago was traded to New York where he been solid. Hit the weights prior to this season and has been one of few bright spots on the Knicks roster so far. Solid Pick

9. Joel Przybilla – Houston traded to Milwaukee.
Defensive big man who struggled in his time with the Bucks. Was later traded to Atlanta where he played solid enough to sign a deal with Portland the following year. Never offensively minded good team player defends opposing centers very well. OK Pick


10. Keyon Dooling – Orlando traded to LA Clippers.
Another small shooting guard trying to play the point never really lived up to the hype. Has played for Miami and recently signed with the team that originally drafted him Orlando. Been in the league a long time and has never really done anything great but nothing particularly bad either. BUST

11. Jerome Moiso – Boston Celtics.
Athletic international who only really started to produce during his stint with the Hornets. Also played for the raptors, nets and cavs. Never lived up to his billing coming out of UCLA. Now playing for Spanish league team DKV Joventut. BUST

12. Etan Thomas – Dallas traded to Washington
Serviceable big man who leaves it all out on the floor. Very tough competitor. Never had brilliant numbers but always valued for toughness and positive influence in the locker room. Becoming just as well known for his poems. Recently coming back from open heart surgery. OK Pick


Good choices from this Draft.
16. Hedo Turkoglu- Sacramento Kings
17. Desmond Mason- Seattle Sonics
18. Quentin Richardson- LA Clippers
19. Jamaal Magloire – Charlotte Hornets
21. Morris Peterson- Toronto Raptors
37. Eddie House – Miami Heat

Best Player Taken.
43. Michael Redd- Milwaukee Bucks

Yao Ming Best stiff in the game.

Speaking purely from the point of and NBA Live video game, Yao Ming is the player you would create with the ‘make your own player’ tool. 7’6 320 Pounds can shoot, blocks everyone within 10 feet of the rim and averages 54ppg and 39rpg and 17bpg.

Unfortunately, you spend all your points on height and shooting. You’re left with this lumbering mess when it gets up and down the court. And if you happen to venture outside the paint opposition players go past you like you’ve fallen down a pot hole in the middle of the floor.

Now back to the real world. Yao was probably the most hyped international ever drafted into the league. He destroyed opposing 5’9 centers in the Chinese basketball league and average 30 and 15 without breaking a sweat.

His NBA career has been a huge success for many businessmen’s pockets but Houston fans may be getting impatient especially since the acquisition of Tracey McGrady for free from Orlando.

Yao is a gifted offensive player who you could base your entire game plan around. He never seems like he really wants to destroy a game. He’s almost polite the way he goes about his game. He regularly get’s isolated away from the basket and has trouble against short strongly built players. Jason Maxiell schooled him a few times last time out against the Pistons. Bad matchup you say? Well watch every team in the league do it and you’ll be wondering. Also Yao only had 12 point that night and shot 30%.

Half Way MVP race. The Contenders

1. Kevin Garnett- Boston Celtics
Stats- 19.3ppg 9.8rpg 3.8apg 1.4bpg 1.4bpg.
More amazing than the Celtics 33-6 record is the fact that his old team has basically the same record but backwards 6-34. Granted they are rebuilding the weight this man carried in the twin cities is now coming to the forefront. Boston's first legit shot since Larry left.

2. Kobe Bryant- Los Angeles Lakers
Stats- 27.4ppg 5.8rpg 5.1apg 2.1spg
Has put his trust in Phil Jackson and a young up and coming centre and is reaping the benefits. With Bynum out 2 months expect his scoring to go closer to 30ppg. Reinvented himself this year and surely is the best player in the game. My first draft pick every time.

3. Dwight Howard- Orlando Magic
Stats- 22.1ppg 15.0rpg 2.6bpg
Has taken his game to the next level and the scary thing is he has a huge amount of improvement left. Will be the first player since Wilt to average 20 and 15. Orlando are up and down but thanks to Howard's play will probably get to the second round of the post season.

4. Chris Paul- New Orleans Hornets
Stats- 21.1ppg 10.4apg 3.8rpg 2.7spg
Chris Paul has been the best point guard in the NBA this season and is a certainty for all NBA selection. His Team is battling for top spot in the Western conference and nobody even comes to watch their games.

5. Lebron James- Cleveland Cavaliers
Stats- 29.7ppg 7.6rpg 7.4apg 2.0spg 1.1bpg
Is having an oscar like season while carrying a very ordinary Cleveland team above .500. Cav's lost 8 in a row when James was out and are now 2 games in the black. Amazing talent whose shot has improved. Will lead the cav's deep into the post season and possibly another finals appearance.

Honorable Mention

• Steve Nash
• Carlos Boozer
• Chauncey Billups
• Baron Davis
• Brandon Roy

Note: players on teams below .500 not considered

Chicago Bulls fashionably late.

All bulls' fans over recent seasons are used to the poor starts this ball club seems to come put of the block with. 0-7 wouldn't really bother a bulls fan. Or will it? 40 games into the 07-08 season and the bulls are turning a slow start into a poor season sitting 8 games below .500 at 16-24. With one coach in the bin and recent bickering in the locker room (see Joakim Noah). They have possibly the most unproductive max contract player in the history of the NBA in Ben Wallace. Detroit let him go for a reason. They have 2 young players on the rise wanting 60-70 million each. Who both don't deserve it? In all honesty I cannot see this team recovering. They over estimated their talent after the heat playoff series sweep last year. They still have not improved their 2 biggest weaknesses. A legitimate low post scorer and a big defensive guard. Tyrus Thomas trade for LaMarcus Aldridge is coming back to bite harder than anyone could have foreseen.

The good news for the bulls is that they have the confidence to know they can finish the season strong. The consensus belief is to trade half the team away for Kobe or Tracey and this is just not going to happen. The acquisition of a solid low post threat who can play out the game and make free throws is what's required. Nick Collison has played some terrific basketball when healthy and would come cheaply. Pau Gasol is widely tipped to end up a bull. That could work but only if Ben Wallace can turn back the clock 4 years.

New York Knicks like this forever.....probably

The mess with the New York Knicks continues getting worse on a daily basis. Isiah Thomas must be holding on to his job by the skin of his teeth. Everyone knows and agrees that he has built horrible teams full of even worse contracts over his tenure at Gotham city.

Fixes’ are coming thick and fast from all angles and arguably they all have merit. Stephon Marbury who is probably there most talent player hasn’t been able to get them to win and now seems to have his own personal feud with Thomas that has destroyed any hope of team chemistry. Marbury would probably welcome a trade if Thomas survives the rest of the season but who would take him? The only team I can think may benefit could be the Lakers. He’s the type of guard that could flourish in the triangle but defensively he doesn’t fit the Phil Jackson job description. Jackson likes big guards, who make open shots and play aggressive defensive. Think Ron Harper. Or long range marksmen like John Paxson, Steve Kerr (sans D) or Derrick Fisher. These guys all accepted there role. Would Marbury do that?
Possibly but too many question marks are hovering Marbury whose career seems to always be at the crossroads.

The acquisition of Zach Randolph has turned into a huge mistake. It’s been reported that he stood up in the locker room and pleaded with Thomas to trade him. Not exactly the result you want for trading for a player with a max deal and shoddy past. This has also contributed to Eddy Curry becoming crowded on offence. He must be wondering what he has done wrong after his career year last year. Thomas got it right the second half of last season playing Curry at the 5 and David Lee extensive minutes at the 4. Lee went on to average a double double which is remarkable for a player who solely relies on hustle plays for his offence. At the same time this was the perfect complement in the front court for Curry who while being very talented offensively isn’t a great rebounder or help defender. These are 2 areas that Lee excels.

So many issues left but it's all getting very boring from Jared Jeffries to Jerome James we could be here for hours. But enough of the doom and gloom the knick do have some positives. They have a great young talent in Lee who has tremendous upside. Nate Robinson is the smallest 2 guard in the history of the game but is an impact player and is on a very small contract. Funny to see his production is better than James and Jeffries combined. OK where searching here but that's a positive. Jamal Crawford has gone from ordinary combo guard to the missing piece for building a championship team in the last 3 weeks. He has been on a tere in there latest 3 game win streak

Bogut on the rise?

Andrew Boguts recent play has many people seeing why the Bucks tabbed him with the Number 1 overall draft choice back in 2005. While bogut has been solid in his career so far he is yet to put together a display worthy of a Number 1 draft pick. All that seems to be changing with bogut over his last 10 games putting together averages of 18.6ppg and 9.9rpg. More impressive is his defensive improvement on the year which sees him getting 1.7bpg on the year. Those numbers over an entire season would be where most 'experts' would have thought Andrew was capable of coming out of Utah. But what most people acknowledge is that he has always been the 3rd or 4th option on offence his first 3 years in the league and hasn't been able to showcase his many talents.

The offence in recent games seems to be starting and sometimes finishing with Bogut. A smart move by coach Larry Krystkowiak who must be starting to realise the Australian centres ability to pass and the importance of developing a low post presence in a team full of shooters. The Bucks offence would be potent if Bogut can continually demand a double team in the post. This will open up Redd, Yi and Mo Williams who all can shoot well from range.

Unfortunately typical of all NBA teams they will go away from Bogut because they have signed players to over inflated contracts or will it??????