10. Al Jefferson

Al Jefferson Photo: Doug Wallick/Flickr

Last off-season, the Jazz offloaded Carlos Boozer’s chunky contract and replaced it with Al Jefferson’s rather shorter but still chunky contract. What they got was a younger, better and more consistent low-post scorer. Jefferson put up double-digit points and rebounds for three straight seasons with the Celtics and Timberwolves and almost did it again last season with the Jazz.
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9. Marc Gasol

Marc Gasol Photo: Truthaboutit/Flickr

This season, Marc Gasol has seriously shaken off the tag of the Gasol you never really heard about. Playing for brother Pau’s former team, the younger Gasol put up steady numbers in the regular season. However, in the postseason he averaged 15.3 points, 11.3 rebounds and 2.2 blocks per game as Memphis detonated San Antonio and almost knocked out the Thunder. The younger Gasol has a bright future and looks to have formed an awesome partnership with Zach Randolph on Memphis’s front line.
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8. Brook Lopez

Brook Lopez Photo: Keith Allison/Flickr

If the younger Gasol is putting up big numbers, then the elder of the Lopez brothers also had a solid season. Brook Lopez improved his points production this year to a whopping 20.4 points per game, but dropped off in rebounds by over two per game – a worrying stat that your center is only grabbing six boards a game, and only 3.5 game on the defensive end. However, with New Jersey looking to make big free agent acquisitions, Lopez needs to have a rebound season next year, which he will if surrounded by solid talent.
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7. Nene

Nene Photo: Keith Allison/Flickr

Nene has stepped out of the shadows of Marcus Camby as the Nuggets starting center and he’s excelled, averaging 14 points and a shade over 7.5 boards in each of his last three seasons. He’s a standout player rather than spectacular, but he’s going to be a much sort after free agent once the lockout is over.
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6. Andrew Bynum

Andrew Bynum, Photo: Mark Redford

Andrew Bynum is a massive presence for the LA Lakers, both literally and figuratively. Bynum’s defensive presence and toughness are an awesome combination alongside Pau Gasol on the Lakers’ front line. The health of his knees are always a discussion point and he always seems one fall away from a lengthy spell on the sidelines – in only two of his six seasons has he managed to play over 60 games.
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Ranking the NBA’s 10 best: Centers Hoop'n'Holla

10. Kevin Garnett

Kevin Garnett. Photo: Keith Allison/Flickr

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There was a time when Kevin Garnett would have sat at the top of this list, but the 17-year veteran is still one of the top ten Power Forwards in the NBA for what he brings to the Celtics – leadership, heart and a fearsome presence on the court. He put up astonishing numbers for 12 years in Minnesota, but sacrificed that to team up with Ray Allen and Paul Pierce to win a title with the Celtics in 2008.
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9. Tim Duncan

Tim Duncan Photo: Keith Allison/Flickr

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The ‘Big Fundamental’ is just that. Tim Duncan puts up solid numbers every night and can be relied up to have an effect on both ends of the floor. One of the best Power Forwards of his generation and at 35, he’s now entering the twilight of his career. However, his presence on the floor still means so much to the Spurs, as they were 1-5 without him last season.
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8. Chris Bosh

Chris Bosh. Photo: Mark Redford

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After putting up spectacular stats for the Raptors, Chris Bosh’s numbers understandably went down when he teamed up with LeBron James and Dwyane Wade. He struggled through the first part of the season, but once he started to go the rim and “get the ball where big guys get it” Miami started to win and overtook Boston for the two seed in the East. Now he understands his role on the Heat, I’m expecting better things from Bosh next season.
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7.  Kevin Love

Kevin Love. Photo: Keith Allison/Flickr

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Kevin Love was ‘Mr. Double-double’ last season, amassing 64 in 73 games – only Dwight Howard had more. His numbers have improved significantly year-on-year in his first three seasons in the league and he’s only going to get better. His defence has been questioned, but his ability to get the rebound is not.
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6. Zach Randolph

Zach Randolph. Photo: RMTip21/Flickr

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I’ve always been a fan of Z-Bo, believing that he can go out and get 20 and 10 every night. After being much maligned for a few years, it’s good to see Randolph have a great season for the right reasons and get the attention, and contract – even if the numbers were a bit too much, ok it was obscene – that he deserves. Along with Marc Gasol, he destroyed San Antonio in the Playoffs and gave the OKC Thunder all they could handle.
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5. LaMarcus Aldridge

LaMarcus Aldridge. Photo: Keith Allison/Flickr

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The NBA is a star-powered league and after hovering under the radar for a couple of seasons, LaMarcus Aldridge really stepped up this year to announce that he is a presence in the league. With the Blazers again losing key players to injuries for large parts of the season, Aldridge carried the team for long stretches and gave the Mavericks all they could handle in the first round of the Playoffs. The stellar play of Aldridge, along with the additions of Gerald Wallace and Raymond Felton are really going help the Blazers take the next step.
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4. Pau Gasol

Pau Gasol. Photo: Keith Allison/Flickr

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Pau Gasol puts up 18 points and 10 boards every season with the Lakers and this one was no different. When Gasol plays well the Lakers win, when he goes missing – as he did in the Playoffs against Dallas – the Lakers lose, that’s how important ‘Mr. Consistent’ is for his team.
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3. Amare Stoudemire

Amare Stoudemire. Photo: Keith Allison/Flickr

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One of the big free agent acquisitions last summer and Amare Stoudemire has not disappointed in New York. His awesome play and gaudy numbers led the Knicks back to the postseason for the first time in seven seasons. He brought excitement and relevancy back to New York, who, with the addition of Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups, have ushered the good times back to Madison Square Garden.
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2. Blake Griffin

Blake Griffin. Photo: Keith Allison/Flickr

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NBA Rookie of the Year, Blake Griffin, burst on to the hardwood this season, dunking on, over the top of and through anything in his path. He finished the season with the second highest number of dunks behind Dwight Howard, had an All-Star appearance and is intent on bringing attention to LA’s ‘other team’ and make the LA Clippers relevant again.
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1. Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki. Photo: Mark Redford

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NBA Champion and NBA Finals MVP, Dirk Nowitzki had a regular Dirk Nowitzki season in the regular season, but he stepped it up big time in the Playoffs – where it really counts. One of the best, if not the best, outside shooting seven footers in NBA history, the 2006/07 MVP, finally has an NBA Championship ring to ensure that there is no doubt he is going to the Hall of Fame.
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Ranking the NBA’s 10 best: Power Forwards Hoop'n'Holla

10. Josh Smith

Josh Smith is devastating in the open court. Chris j Nelson/Flickr

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J-Smooth is one of the NBA high flyers, whether he’s throwing down rim-rocking jams or sending shots back in to the seats. He had a bit of a crisis in confidence, settling too much for long-range jumpers at points in the season, but when going to the basket, he is a devastating finisher.

9. Andre Iguodala

Andre Iguodala has become a team player. Photo: Keith Allison/Flickr

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Andre Iguodala can jump out the gym, as his catalogue of spectacular jams will testify to. In the last three seasons, since Elton Brand’s arrival in Philadelphia, he has become more of a team player. His shots are down, from an average of 15 to 11 per game, and his assists are up, from 5.3 to 6.3 per game – a sign that the seven-year man out of Arizona is maturing from just being a high-flying dunker.

8. Gerald Wallace

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Gerald Wallace is a consistent producer. Photo: Mark Redford

It’s taken a while for Gerald Wallace to be recognised for what a good player he is. Wallace was the 25th pick in the 2001 NBA draft by the Sacramento Kings, but after three seasons of warming the bench in Sac Town, the Charlotte Bobcats picked him up. The rest, as they say, is history. He was a solid player for six seasons in Charlotte, which included putting up a double-double average of 18 points and 10 rebounds per game in the 2009-10 season – which also included a forgettable appearance in the slam dunk contest at All-Star weekend from a guy who is known for being an athletic dunker. More promising times lie ahead in Portland.

7. Luol Deng

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Luol Deng - Mr. Consistent. Photo: Keith Allison/Flickr

Luol Deng is Chicago’s ‘other scorer’ when Derrick Rose is drawing the defense. He had another solid year, putting up his usual 17 points and 6 boards average, whilst playing pretty much every minute. Deng is the Bulls’ Mr. Consistency, but this year he has experimented with three point shot. He averaged one three-pointer per game through his first six years in the league, last season he shot four per game, making them at 35%, could this be a Dan Majerle style evolution?

6. Danny Granger

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Danny Granger has a smooth stroke. CJ Isherwood/Flickr

Danny Granger has one of the smoothest jump shots in the league, which saw him finish sixth in three pointers made. His numbers may be down in the last two years, he signed a $60m contract extension mid-season when he was averaging 25 points per game and hasn’t returned to those lofty scoring numbers. He does however, have a gold medal with team USA at the World Basketball Championship to show for his work in 2010. His extended summer and limited rest may have affected his production this season.

5. Rudy Gay

Rudy Gay was missed after injury. Theterriftc/Flickr

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Rudy Gay was having another stellar year, when he dislocated his should against Philadelphia. The Grizzlies didn’t seem to miss him though, as they went on to win 15 of their last 25 games and make the eighth seed in the Playoffs, where they would knock off the top seeded San Antonio Spurs. In the next round against Oklahoma City it was a different story, as the Grizzlies fell to the Thunder. Gay would have matched up better on Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant and maybe Memphis would have been in the Western Conference Finals.

4. Paul Pierce

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Paul Pierce is still a solid player. Photo: Keith Allison/Flickr

Paul Pierce is a 14-year NBA veteran that can still score and still play defense against the NBA’s best. He refined his game when the Celtics signed Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen in order for the team to be successful. Prior to Garnett and Allen’s arrival, he was shooting 18 shots a game and putting up 25 points to carry the team. Since then, he has only been putting up an average of 14 shots per game, scoring 19 points. However, he does have an NBA Championship ring and another Finals appearance.

3. Carmelo Anthony

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'Melo will make the Knicks relevant again. Photo: Keith Allison/Flickr

Carmelo Anthony was involved in the biggest trade deal of the year as he headed for the big apple, after seven seasons in Denver. He struggled to fit in to start with as the Knicks went 7-12 in his first 19 games, but a 7-2 finish to the regular season suggested ‘Melo was getting comfortable in his lead role on Broadway. A smooth shooter who is able to get to the rim or rely on his jump shot, Melo is an under-rated rebounder who will make New York a force in the Eastern Conference next season.

2. Kevin Durant

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Kevin Durant has been awesome. Photo: keith Allison via Flickr

Kevin Durant is the heir to LeBron James’ throne right now. Drafted number two by the Seattle Supersonics after Portland passed on ‘The Durantula,’ KD has lead the league in scoring the last two seasons and is getting closer and closer to an NBA Finals appearance.

1. LeBron James

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LeBron James - the best player on the planet right now. Photo: Mark Redford

LeBron James put up more triple-doubles than any other player this season, amassing four. He was awesome against the Celtics and the Bulls in the Playoffs, before disappearing in the Finals against Dallas. Will his lacklustre performance hang over in to next season? I doubt whether the best small forward in the league, but also the best player on the planet right now, will let that happen… Just as this poor kid at a basketball camp found out…

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Ranking the NBA’s 10 best: Small Forwards Hoop'n'Holla

10. DeMar DeRozan

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DeMar DeRozan scores 2 more. Photo: Mark Redford

DeMar DeRozan makes it in at number ten over the likes of Stephen Jackson and Jason Richardson due to his age and his progression over his first two seasons. The exciting young Raptors guard is already putting up 17 points per game and some scary dunks to boot. He’s also grabbing almost 4 rebounds and is only going to get better and better. He hasn’t developed a three point shot as yet, which was one of his knocks coming in to the pros, but he gets to the rim and shoots an excellent 47%. An even better third season awaits us after the lockout… things are going to be exciting in Toronto!

9. Jason Terry

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JET lit it up in the NBA Finals. Photo: Keith Allison/Flickr

Jason Terry makes this list for what he means to the Dallas Mavericks – impact and scoring off the bench. After going somewhat quiet in the NBA Finals, the 2009 sixth man of the year took exception to Dwyane Wade’s over-celebrated three, and that was all it needed to spark him in to action. After that, he would average 20 points a game in the Finals and live up to his Larry O’Brien trophy tattoo.

8. Eric Gordon

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The Clippers need to hang on to the high-flying Eric Gordon. Photo: Mark Redford

At just 22 Eric Gordon has improved in each of his first three seasons in the pros. He is a great compliment to Blake Griffin and if the Clippers want to elevate themselves back in to being a Playoff contender, then they have to keep Gordon around. He can get to the rim and light it up from downtown and is sure to catch many suitors eyes in the summer of 2012.

7. Kevin Martin

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Kevin Martin is a sensational scorer! Photo: Mark Redford

Taken at number 28 in the first round of the 2004 NBA draft, Kevin Martin is just a pure scorer. He put up monster numbers for the Kings and is doing the same for the Rockets. With only a couple of years left on his deal in Houston, there will be lots of takers for the 6’7” Martin, who is one of the league’s top clutch performers not named Kobe Bryant.

6. Joe Johnson

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Joe Johnson has slid this year. Photo: Keith Alison/Flickr

With big money comes big responsibility. After signing a staggering $123 max deal extension last summer, Joe Johnson’s numbers have slipped a little this season. Well, in fact they’ve slipped a lot since the 25 points per game he was knocking down for the Hawks four years ago, which is why he is not as high as 3 or 4 on this list.

5. Ray Allen

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Ray Allen is still clutch. Photo: Keith Allison/Flickr

At 35 years of age, Ray Allen may not be dropping 25 points per game like he was in Seattle five years ago, but he still can hit clutch treys from anywhere on the perimeter. The NBA’s all-time leader in three pointers made has a deft stroke from beyond the arc, and is still shooting the long bomb at 44%. Who wouldn’t still take Allen on their team?

4. Monta Ellis

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Monta Ellis shoots a lot, scores a lot! Photo: Keith Allison/Flickr

The gift and the curse, Monta Ellis is a shooting guard that is just that. He puts up on average a ridiculously high 20 shots per game, but shooting at 45%, means a lot of those shots are going in. In Golden State’s up-tempo offence, that really gives Monta lots of opportunity to shoot, so it seems to be a perfect match. Apparently Ellis has now asked the Warriors to trade him, as he wants to play on a Championship contender. Their will be a lot of suitors for the Golden State sharp shooter, but how many will be Championship contenders and will want to take on someone who demands so much of the ball?

3. Manu Ginobili

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Manu Ginobili, almost un-guardable! Photo: Keith Allison/Flickr

Manu Ginobili was the number 28 pick in 1999. Not the 28th pick of the first round in the draft that year, but the 28th pick in the second round! Very few knew what Manu was going to bring to the NBA, but the San Antonio Spurs with their history of drafting late and well sure did. Ginobili is both unpredictable and outstanding all in the same package and is the drive behind what makes the Spurs go. His injury at the end of the regular season cost the Spurs in the first round of the Playoffs, as top-seeded San Antonio were dumped out by eighth seeded Memphis.

2. Dwyane Wade

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Dwyane Wade can score in so many ways it's ridiculous. Photo: Mark Redford

Dwyane Wade is right up there just behind Kobe Bryant for the league’s best two guard. If you had to pick one of them to start a team right now, it’d be a tough choice with Wade in his prime and Kobe, at 32, maybe just coming from the peak of his powers. Wade was the Miami Heat’s best player in the NBA Finals by far and were it not for a hip injury in Game 5, could have carried the Heat to their, and his, second NBA Championship.

1. Kobe Bryant

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Kobe Bryant is the best there is at Shooting Guard, period. Photo: Mark Redford

Five NBA Championships, 2 Finals MVPs, one of the greatest players of all time and still the best shooting guard in the league.

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Ranking the NBA’s 10 best: Shooting Guards Hoop'n'Holla

10. Jason Kidd

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Jason Kidd is finally an NBA Champion. Photo: Keith Allison via Flickr

At age 38, Jason Kidd is far from the dominant Point Guard he was at his magnificent best. At the peak of his powers, he was putting up an average stat line of 19 points, 9 assists, 6 rebounds and 2.5 steals and was a threat to go off for a triple double any night. However, this season, averaging eight points and eight assists, which was a far cry from his pomp, Kidd quarterbacked the Mavericks to the NBA title and cemented his place in the hall of fame.

9. Raymond Felton

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Can Felton take his good form to Portland? Photo: Ytoyoda/Flickr

Being drafted at number 5 in 2005, right after Deron Williams and Chris Paul, it would have been easy to forget about Raymond Felton. He didn’t exactly stand out under coach Larry Brown in Charlotte, putting up nice numbers of 14ppg and 6.5apg, but nothing standout like Paul and Williams. However, being traded to the NY Knicks and a chance to star in Mike D’Antoni’s run and gun offence really helped Felton’s numbers explode, as he averaged 17ppg and 9apg, with a couple of steals and suddenly that number 5 pick potential was showing through. The trade to Denver for Carmelo Anthony was unfortunate, as the Knicks should have tried to hang on to him. Now that Felton is in Portland, it’ll be interesting to see if he can continue his good form from New York, or if he sinks back in to the nice numbers territory that he was in with Charlotte.

8. John Wall

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Far from hitting the wall, JW's carreer is just beginning. Photo: Keith Allison/Flickr

John wall has been inspired this season. The number one pick may have lost out to Blake Griffin’s high wire act for Rookie of the Year honours, but Wall had a season even better than either Deron Williams, Chris Paul or Derrick Rose did in their Rookie seasons. That’s quite scary seems Wall is doing it on a 23-59 team that only won 3 road games all season. Assuming he continues to learn the nuances of the point, then John Wall is going to be one of the top 3 guards in the league very soon.

7. Tony Parker

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Tony Parker has made a living getting to the rim. Photo: Keith Allison/Flickr

Ten years on from being the number 28 pick in the draft and Tony Parker is still one of the best. Not a natural point guard, Parker is more of a scorer and his speed is still his best asset, as he gets to the rim at will. His assist numbers this season were almost at their highest in his career, as San Antonio have become more of a jump shooting team this season. What’s not in question are his three Championship rings and the fact that he quarterbacked the Spurs to the best record in the Western Conference his season.

6. Steve Nash

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Steve Nash is still awesome! Photo: Keith Allison/Flickr

At age 37, Steve Nash may be getting a bit long in the tooth now, however he still has plenty of bite when it comes to the top NBA Point Guards. His numbers may not be what they were at the peak of his NBA Powers – 18.6ppg, 11.6apg, 1.5spg, which is just incredible – but the 15 year veteran still lead the league in assists this season with a whopping 11.4 per game. Maybe a swan song will still exist with Nash getting a trade to a Championship contender, as the two-time league MVP deserves a title to complete his resume.

5. Russell Westbrook

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Love him or loathe him? Photo: Keith Allison via Flickr

Russell Westbrook has had an up and down year. In the regular season we loved his up-tempo play, however, the Playoffs were a different story, as he was criticised for ball hogging, bad shot selection and not recognising his role on the team. Westbrook is only in his third season and has got better each year as he is learning to become a natural Point Guard. He is a triple double threat every night and, like Derrick Rose, once he develops an outside shot, his game will go to the next level.

4. Rajon Rondo

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Rajon Rondo makes the Celtics go! Photo: Keith Allison via Flickr

Rajon Rondo doesn’t score as much as other Point Guards on the list, but he is at number 4, as he just makes the Celtics go. Everything good comes from Rondo’s defense, distribution and running of the offense. On a 56 win team, that has won a Championship in 2009 and got to the Finals in 2010, that can’t be ignored. The Celtics may be showing signs off ageing, but Rondo remains the fuel which perks this team up. Ironically it was when his good buddy Perk left the team that his form dipped, but watch out for Rondo to burn brightly next season.

3. Derrick Rose

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Derrick Rose carries the Bulls. Photo: Keith Allison via Flickr

Derrick Rose won the league’s MVP as he pretty much dragged the Bulls in to the Playoffs single-handed. Rose’s 25 points per game was the league’s best among point guards and he is able to get to the basket at will with his blazing speed. Rose’s assist numbers are down on the league’s best Point Guards, but are on the rise year-on-year through his first three seasons – get some more scorers around him and watch them balloon. The outside shot, whilst improving, still needs some work. However, Derrick Rose has increased his accuracy from 22% to 26% to 32% over his first three seasons, signs that he is developing his outside game. Once he is able to consistently knock down an outside shot, he will be pretty much unstoppable.

2. Deron Williams

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Deron Williams, the start of something big in New Jersey? Photo: Majdi Achour/Flickr

Splitting between Chris Paul and Deron Williams for the top spot is a tough decision. Williams went one spot ahead of Chris Paul in 2005 draft, but he is just one half pace behind him on the court. D-Will has been outstanding again this season, and like a fine wine, he just gets better and better at the point position. Utah didn’t want to see him leave for nothing in 2012 and so he was traded to New Jersey mid-season, where he may be waiting for Dwight Howard to join him next summer.

1. Chris Paul

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Chris Paul will be the most prized asset in 2012. Photo: Keith Allison/Flickr

A year on from missing half the season, Chris Paul is getting back to his best, averaging almost 16 points and 10 assists per game this season. The sixth year man out of Wake Forest showed he is top of the point guard class with his performance in the Playoffs against the LA Lakers. Paul torched them for 22 points and 11.5 assists per game, as the Hornets won two games when they were supposed to be swept. Chris Paul put on a clinic in that series, showing that without David West he makes everyone on his team better. On a good team, just how destructive he can be, can only be speculated upon. However, we may not have long to wait, as he will be the most prized asset in the next big free agent summer of 2012, and New Orleans will struggle to hold on to him.

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Ranking the NBA’s 10 best: Point Guards Hoop'n'Holla

The Cavaliers drafting Tristan Thompson with the Number 4 pick

Derrick Williams is "NBA ready" Photo: Eric Chan/Flickr

After selecting Kyrie Irving number 1 and putting the debate to rest over whether they should go with Derrick Williams first and a point guard such as Brandon Knight at four. Cleveland surprised everyone by taking Tristan Thompson when the likes of Jonus Valanciunas and Jan Vesely were still on the board. Thompson averaged 13.1ppg and 7.8 rebounds at Texas, but iis an undersized Power Forward at 6’8” who was predicted to go at 10 or 11. So, will they trade Thompson or will he step right in to the Cavs starting lineup, meaning the Cavs have plans to trade current incumbent JJ Hickson?

If they don’t plan to trade him, surely the Cavs would have been better off with Valanciunas or Vesely. Although they would have to wait a year for Valanciunas, the Cavs are certainly not going to make the playoffs next year. Also, with a lockout shortened season on the horizon, wouldn’t it have paid to wait for the ‘big Lithuanian’ as Jeff van Gundy so eloquently put it when he couldn’t pronounce his name!

Bismack Biyombo goes at number seven

No one knew much about Bismack BIyombo until the Nike Hoops summit game, but since then speculation has been rife about how old he is and how much of a defensive presence he’ll be in the NBA.

We speculated on how high he would go in our recent article ’Biyombo – boom or bust’ and we thought he would end up in Detroit with their need for a big man who could protect the paint. Well the man with coolest name in the draft did go surprisingly high to Charlotte at number 7, one pick before Detroit at number 8. Detroit would have taken him at eight, but minutes before the draft started, Charlotte traded up to the number seven pick in order to get him from under Detroit’s noses. It looks like a good pick as Biyombo will protect the rim and grab rebounds for Michael Jordan’s team, and the Bobcats will need defense and size having played Boris Diaw last season in stretches at the five.

Brandon Knight goes low to Detroit

After being left Biyombo-less after Charlotte snuck in to grab the Congolese big man at number seven, Detroit went with Brandon Knight who was surprisingly still available after being predicted to go as high as number 3. Knight averaged 17.3ppg and 4.1 apg at Kentucky, hitting some pretty clutch shots in the NCAA tournament. The Pistons have a collection of guards, and they really wanted to go with a big man, so they took the best player still available as Knight should have gone earlier. This raises another question tough, could this be the end of Rodney Stuckey’s days in Detroit?

Jimmer goes high to Sacramento

Jimmer will be lighting it up in Sac-Town Photo: Lelavr/Flickr

The two most hyped and talked about players in this draft have been Fredette and Biyombo – Jimmer for his lack of defense and Biyombo for his lack of offence. It was rumoured, speculated even predicted that the BYU star was going to Utah at 12. However, as soon as the trade involving the Bobcats, Bucks and Kings was announced, with the Bobcats moving up to take Biyombo at number 7, Sacramento were odds on to take Jimmer at 10 with Milwaukee’s pick. The Kings were interested in Fredette from the get go, as they need someone to sell tickets to save the franchise from moving to Anaheim. Trading down to get the most popular player in the draft, plus some veteran defensive help in John Salmons, whilst getting rid of Beno Udrich was a wise move. With Jimmer joining forces with Tyreke Evans, DeMarcus Cousins and Marcus Thornton, things are going to be exciting in Sac-Town!

Tony Parker doesn’t get traded (yet) and the Spurs sneak the sliding Leonard

San Antonio usually drafts well and have a history of drafting well and late – Parker at 28 , Ginobili in the second round, both now perennial All-Stars. Lest we also forget DeJuan Blair, taken in the second round also. So, with Tony Parker being shopped around as trade bait for a potentially high pick, it was a surprise that another San Antonio guard, George Hill, was shipped to the Pacers for their number 15 pick. With that pick, the Spurs took Kawhi Leonard, who was rumoured to go as high as seven, but whose stock has been on the slide to end up at number 15. Leonard was a double-double machine at San Diego state, putting up double digits in points and boards in 40 of his 70 games, so to see him slide so drastically was a surprise. Maybe San Antonio knew something? With a history of drafting late and well, or even picking up players whose stock is on the decline, such as Blair two years ago, they usually do…

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5 Thoughts on the NBA Draft Hoop'n'Holla

What don’t we know about Bismack Biyombo?

What we don’t know about Biyombo is his true age, with no official birth certificate, he claims he is 18, but most ‘best guesses’ have him as old as 22 or even some claim he could be 25. Without a true read on his age and the fact that Biyombo is such a raw talent, his NBA ceiling could be a lot shorter than expected, if he is at the older end of this spectrum.

So, what do we know about Bismack Biyombo?

What we do know is that he is a defensive specialist, grabbing rebounds and blocking shots. The Nike Hoops Summit game back in April was when Biyombo really popped up on to the NBA GM radar and his 11 rebounds and 10 blocked shots emphasized that he is a defensive talent.

We also know that he has little or no offensive game which hinders his upside for going even higher in the lottery. However, if teams are looking for a defensive specialist, then Biyombo could be their man.

We also know that, he is a very confident individual. In an excellent recent interview with Scott Howard cooper of nba.com Biyombo showed that he isn’t shy about predicting his future in the NBA:

So, do you believe you will lead the NBA in blocks?

“I do.”

Will you lead the NBA in blocks?

“Yes.”

Can you lead the NBA in rebounding?

“Yes, I will.”

You will lead the NBA in rebounding?

“Yes. Of course. Hundred percent.”

Biyombo led the ACB in Spain in shot blocking this year with 2.3 swats per game in just 16 minutes of action for Fuenlabrada. He also grabbed 5.1 rebounds per game in those limited minutes. On the offensive end, he did put up 6 points per game, which is not too bad from a guy billed as a defense first stopper.

Where will Biyombo go?

He doesn’t have any kind of range, or even a free-throw shot, but if your team gets their scoring from elsewhere, Biyombo could be an ideal choice for someone like the Golden State Warriors if he is around at pick number 11. He might certainly help propel new coach Mark Jackson’s in his bid to make the Warriors a defense first team and add even more personality to Jackson’s “hand down, man down” clichés.

Toronto has been rumoured as somewhere he could go to provide some help to the league’s worst defence, but with the number 5 pick and potentially the likes of Kemba Walker still around then, Toronto will go for a less risky pick.

More likely though, Biyombo will go at number 8 to the Detroit Pistons. Detroit needs a big man to complement Greg Monroe, protect the rim and improve a defence that allowed opponents to shoot 48.6% – the worst in the league last season. Biyombo would also fit the mold of two other Detroit defensive specialists of previous years, Ben Wallace and Dennis Rodman.

If Detroit does pass on him, then he may go to Milwaukee at number 10. The Bucks defensive style would certainly be a good fit and he would also provide cover for Andrew Bogut if he doesn’t completely return from injury in time for next season.

Biyombo – Boom or Bust?

In a weak draft, teams really need to draft based upon need. Biyombo can play right now and if you are looking for a guy who will come in and just help your defense with rebounding and shot blocking, then you could have a star with cult fame like a Dikembe Mutumbo shot blocking finger wag. However, if you are looking for the next Dwight Howard or a young Kevin Garnett; someone who will not only grab you 10 boards and block 5 shots, but score 25 points as well, then Bismack Biyombo could be a big bust.

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Biyombo – NBA Draft boom or bust? Hoop'n'Holla

Blake Griffin, Eric Gordon and DeAndre Jordan – putting the LA Clippers back on the map.

This season has begun to change all that. Blake Griffin has burst on to the scene and has been a phenomenon in his first year, putting up 22.5ppg and 12.1rpg. Griffin’s high flying, dunk over, around, or on top of would be defenders act, has seen him throw down the second most slams this season. His 214 rim rattlers saw him sit just behind Dwight Howard’s 227. Eric Gordon is also catching the eye and has improved each season in his young three year career, culminating in this season’s solid 22.3 points per game and 4.4 assists performance. Throw in to the mix DeAndre Jordan, who has been a great accompaniment to Griffin’s high-wire act, by throwing down 158 slams himself, which saw him sit third in this season’s dunk charts behind Howard and Griffin. LA’s ‘other team’ sure has been determined this season to prove there is more than one show in Tinseltown.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GK4y6dYAptM

The LA Clippers’ record is improving

The Clippers have not only been exciting, but they’re also improving, as their record has stepped up from a dismal 19 – 63 three years ago to 32-50 last season. While not a turnaround of San Antonio Spurs proportions, when they had 20 wins in ‘96/97 to 56 wins the following year, although that had a bit to do with David Robinson missing a season with injury and drafting Tim Duncan. It is gradual baby steps, as the Clippers seem to be finally building a team with some foundations.

Building blocks for the future

This week they extended a qualifying offer to DeAndre Jordan, whilst also picking up options on Eric Bledsoe and Al-Farouq Aminu. Showing that the Clippers are at least determined to not let their building blocks leave without a fight. They have also been rumoured to be shopping the good, but oft injured center Chris Kaman to the Philadelphia 76ers for Andre Iguodala. This would show faith in DeAndre Jordan to fill the void left by Kaman, but would also provide yet more spectacular above the rim highlights with Iguodala, which I’m not sure the Clippers need right now? However, it could also be viewed as a sign that they are trying to build around Blake Griffin, so he stays in town for a while and doesn’t depart in Elton Brand style. Brand left for Philadelphia despite the signing of Baron Davis and since his arrival in Philly, Igoudala’s numbers have regressed each season Brand has been there. It would be somewhat ironic if he were to resurrect his career with Brand’s former team.

The Clippers are also nicely under the salary cap which will allow them to bring in some talent around Griffin, Gordon and Jordan – should they hold on to him. They also went 11-10 through March and April to end the season, highlighting that things are looking up for Los Angeles’ other team.

Could the LA Clippers make the Playoffs next season?

The Clippers last made the Playoffs in 2006, which was co-incidentally the last time they had a better record than their purple and gold neighbours. If the Clippers continue to take the baby steps they’ve shown over the past few seasons, then one thing is for sure, basketball is going to be exciting in Los Angeles next year. However, one question still remains in all of this… Can the Los Angeles Clippers conceivably make the playoffs next season? I, for one, think yes.

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LA Clippers – relevant again? Hoop'n'Holla

Dwight Howard should be traded if he doesn't sign an extension. Photo: Keith Allison/Flickr

Orlando has a two year extension on the table which is the maximum that can be offered under the current collective Bargaining Agreement. If, Dwight Howard, like he says, wants to stay in Orlando, then he should either shut up and sign up, or the Magic should trade him and not risk becoming the next Cleveland after he decides he wants to test the waters of free agency and go elsewhere.

Cleveland lost LeBron last summer as he put off signing an extension long before last summer’s ‘decision.’ Toronto lost Chris Bosh in the same way and look at those two franchises now. Orlando really needs to follow the example of Utah, who traded Deron Williams to New Jersey for risk of seeing him walk away and be left with nothing.

We don’t know how the new CBA is going to play out and whether there will be a hard salary cap or not, but Orlando should be looking to trade Howard once this is sorted, if he doesnt sign on the dotted line. This will at least get them some pieces back that they can work with, rather than going back to relying on the draft lottery. Rumours were circulating that any deal would have to include Gilbert Arenas’ huge $17m contract, but this may prove too much of a price for any team to pay. So, Orlando may have to swallow this, as getting something for Howard has to be more crucial than getting nothing – and still be left with Agent Zero’s big paycheck of six zeros preceded by a big fat seventeen.

Howard may be biding his time, so he can weigh up whether he’ll look better in a New Jersey, LA or Chicago uniform and who he can play with, preferring to let the dust settle elsewhere before he makes up his mind. However, Orlando shouldn’t let it come to this and trade him once the ink on the new CBA is dry. Dwight, it’s time to put up and sign a contract extension or shut up and be traded, so the organization isn’t left with nothing when you skip town. Don’t hold Orlando to ransom, the franchise is always bigger than any one player.

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Why the Orlando Magic should trade Dwight Howard Hoop'n'Holla

Offensive Efficiency 

In the regular season Dallas had an offensive efficiency rating (points per 100 possessions) of 107.6 points and a defensive efficiency of 102.3 which saw them with a +5.3 differential. In the Playoffs they upped their offensive efficiency to 110.1 and their defensive efficiency increased to 103.4, but overall their differential was up to +6.7 in the Postseason.

When you consider that you are playing against the best teams in the Conference in the Playoffs, when possessions are fewer and defenses are naturally better, to make better use of your possessions and up you offensive efficiency is quite impressive. Especially when you compare this to Miami, their offensive efficiency dropped from 109.3 in the regular season, to 104.0 in the Playoffs.

Nowitzki has been so effective in the NBA Playoffs. Photo: Mark Redford

Possessions 

While talking about efficiency, it’s interesting to note that for Dallas’ in the regular season, the number of possessions in their games was 93. In the postseason, where the game is slower and possessions are more valuable, games involving the Mavericks have averaged 88. A drop off of 5 possessions a game, which from the numbers above, means that Dallas has made better use of their possessions through their increased offensive efficiency numbers.

Points off Turnovers

Once Dallas got a handle on the turnover battle in the Finals, they were able to win three straight games with the points they generated from these turnovers:

In Games 1, 2 and 3 of the Finals, Dallas had 45 and Miami scored 62 points from these, compared to Miami committing 35 turnovers which resulted in 43 Dallas points (+19 to Miami). Miami should have won all three of these games, but as we all know they blew that 15 point lead in Game 2 in the last six minutes, which would have seen them up three games to zero.

In Games 4,5 and 6 Dallas only committed 36 turnovers, which resulted in 37 Miami points. The Heat on eth other hand would commit 50 turnovers which would result in 66 Dallas points (+29 to Dallas) and Dallas would win all three games.

Dallas has shot so well at the FT line. Photo: Keith Allison/Flickr

Free Throw shooting 

We documented in our ‘Keys to the Finals’ article how Dallas was shooting a high number of free-throws and at an extremely efficient percentage – particularly Dirk Nowitzki. In the Finals, Dallas attempted 187 free-throws, shooting them at 78%. Miami only shot 148 free-throws at 72%. The result, 40 extra points for the Mavericks.

Crunch time scoring 

Jeff Fogle of Hoopdata has been following the scoring in the last six minutes of all games as a key to how the NBA Finals have gone. This has been another stat that tells a bigger story as Dallas has outscored Miami 86-54. This is when stars are supposed to come to the fore and demonstrate their ‘clutch-ness.’ Dallas was clutch, Miami was not, simple.

Three-point Shooting

Another key to the series we highlighted was Dallas’ three-point shooting. Once the Mavs started to take, and make, more long-bombs from downtown, they took control of the series and the destination of the Larry O’Brien trophy.

Closing out Games 

Miami’s failure to close out Game 2 when leading by 15 points with seven minutes to go has been well documented, they also failed to close out Game 4 when up by 9 in the final quarter. Failing to close out your opponent twice in the Finals, at this level of competition in a seven game series is fatal. Dallas failed to close out Miami when heading for a 3-0 series lead in 2006 and they lost 4-2. Miami really should have been up 3-0 this time and would also end up getting beaten 4-2.

LeBron James 

As we have previously posted, after regal performances against Chicago and Boston, ‘The King’ just wasn’t ‘The King’ in the NBA Finals. Only 15 shots attempted per game, down from 21 against Boston, to 18 versus Chicago to just 15 against the Mavs. This saw his points per game drop from 28 against Boston, to 25.8 against Chicago to a measly 17.8 against Dallas. Was it fatigue? Was it psychological? Was it the constant double-teams? Was it the fact that the Dallas defense forces him away from his favoured spots on the floor? We’ve looked at these before, so we shouldn’t take away from Dallas’ achievement here.

Dirk Nowitzki has been Redirkulous. Photo: Keith Allsion/Flickr

Dirk Nowitzki 

If LeBron James was subdued in the Finals, Dirk was simply awesome. He averaged 27.7ppg in the Playoffs, after averaging 23.0ppg in the Regular Season. A significant step up, but he did up his minutes per game from 34.3 in the regular season to 39.3 in the Playoffs, so shouldn’t we expect this? Well, yes we should, but even If you equate his regular and postseason numbers over a 48 minute game, it still means he upped his scoring from 32.4 points per 48 minutes in the regular season, to 34 points per 48 minutes in the Playoffs. All this against better defences, with less possessions too – Redirkulous!

Congratulations to Dirk and the Dallas Mavericks. After knocking off the defending Champion LA Lakers, beating the young and upcoming Oklahoma City Thunder and finally putting the ghost of the Miami Heat and 2006 to rest, you are worthy NBA Champions!

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How Dallas defeated the Miami Heat Hoop'n'Holla