NBA Gauntlet

3 Most Hopeless Teams in the NBA

Chris Bosh vs. Amar’e Stoudemire

Harris Beringer — Wed, 11 Aug 2010 20:23:37 +0000

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CB4 vs. Stat

The 2010 NBA Offseason enticed fans and general managers with the greatest collection of free agent power forwards ever. Chris Bosh, Amar’e Stoudemire, Carlos Boozer, and David Lee all switched teams (Brian Scalabrine is still looking for a team). Bosh was widely considered the best of the bunch, but LeBron James and Dwyane Wade might have chosen the wrong third banana.

Amar’e Stoudemire has had a more productive career, based on PER, Win Shares, and honors. Although Bosh and Stoudemire have both been All-Stars five times, Amar’e has been All-NBA four times, compared to only once for Bosh. Although Amar’e is criticized for his rebounding, his career rate is similar to that of Chris Bosh. Additionally, the injury-prone label appears to be inaccurate. Amar’e has played over 78 games in a season five times, while Chris Bosh has only reached that mark once.

In the eight games where Stoudemire and the Suns played against Bosh and the Raptors, the results were not very close. The Suns record was 7-1, and Amar’e led the way with his high percentage shooting and defense. Amar’e shot 63%, compared to 51% for Bosh. Amar’e swatted two shots per game, while Bosh blocked just 0.8.

Amar’e Stoudemire will be making more money before taxes this season. So is he worth it, or was Chris Bosh the biggest prize?

Amar’e: 23.1 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 1 APG

He shot better than Bosh on jump shots, close shots, and dunks
He is inconsistent, but has had higher highs
In clutch situations, he shot 62%. Bosh shot 38%
Sports goggles are awesome
His nickname is more than just his initials and number, and he should help reinvigorate Knicks basketball

Bosh: 24 PPG, 10.8 RPG, 2.4 APG

He clearly had better numbers this past season, but maybe he was just playing for the contract
His team has underperformed expectations each year, and has only made the playoffs twice in seven seasons
He thinks he’s a cowboy
Shaq called him the Ru Paul of big men
He had a better hands rating, block rating, and PER last season

Most stats will lead you to believe that Bosh was the better player last year, but Amar’e wins the Win Share battle on the strength of his shooting percentages. Of course, his percentages were likely helped by playing on a Suns team with Nash directing an efficient offense. If you were the general manager of your favorite team, and you had the money to spend, who would you have pursued?Similar Posts:

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Point Guard Mega Showdown

Al Harrington Out With Head Ridges

Harris Beringer — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 20:24:05 +0000

Albert “Al” Harrington, the leading scorer last season for the New York Knicks, is expected to miss the rest of the season with previously undiagnosed ridges in his cranium.

Al Harrington, blissfully unaware

About ten years ago, Harrington began to wonder why sweat tended to channel down his head, like head rivers. Headbands and questionable hairstyles followed, but they only dealt with the symptoms, not the underlying issue. As the side effects were beginning to hamper his career, Harrington decided to find an answer to this medical mystery before becoming a free agent this summer.

Rendering of the possible progression if left untreated

Naturally, Al went to the foremost NBA physician, Dr. Julius Erving. Dr. J, a respected Orthopaedic surgeon, hypothesizes that the ridges may have begun to apply pressure to a number of areas of Harrington’s brain. This would cause a tendency to drive, head-first, to the basket. Head ridges may also reduce peripheral vision, limiting Harrington’s passing ability. The deepening creases also make any physical contact unbearable, so defense is mostly impossible.

Donnie Walsh announcing the medical condition

Treatment includes exposure to a green goo found only in New Jersey, ironically similar to the substance that is believed to have caused the condition. Dr. J expects a full recovery after 3-4 months, but makes no promises. “There is a very good chance Al will reach his potential, and dominate the NBA the way Donnie Walsh expected when he drafted him in 1998, and traded for him in 2006 and 2008. However, we might only be able to halt the progress of the condition. In that case, he would be the same frustrating talent that Donnie Walsh traded away in 2004 and 2007.”

In related news, Shane Battier has decided to retire after his head ridges ripped right through his eyes.Similar Posts:

Danilo Gallinari vs. Eric Gordon

Harris Beringer — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:44:13 +0000

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Rooster vs. EJ, the nickname challenged

With the 6th pick of the 2008 NBA Draft, the New York Knicks selected Danilo Gallinari, a 6’10″ forward with a sweet stroke, questionable defensive ability, limited assists, and a health issue. Some experts clamored for Eric Gordon, the 6’3″ guard with a sweet stroke, questionable defensive ability, limited assists, and a health issue. Danilo was 225 pounds and too thin to defend other forwards. Eric was 225 pounds and too heavy to defend other guards.

Statistical gurus like John Hollinger projected bad things for each of them. Danilo’s shot wouldn’t translate to the U.S. Eric Gordon’s game would fall short of NBA standards, considering his poor shooting percentage and abundant turnovers. Of course, his projections didn’t consider Eric Gordon’s injuries or his style of play.

Each player shows tantalizing potential this season, with increased minutes and excellent shooting percentages. Some still claim the Knicks should have gone with Brook Lopez, who would have transformed the Knicks, at least in theory. If he’s such a good defender, why have the Nets been 24th in the league in defense the past two seasons?

There were two other guys the Knicks should have considered drafting or acquiring. Marreese Speights, picked 16th by Philadelphia, has been the statistical stud of the draft so far. Anthony Randolph has received rave reviews down in Golden State.

Yet since they were focused on a three point shooter to spread the floor, who should they have chosen?

Danilo: 22.7 PPG, 4.7 RPG, 1.3 APG

Just scored a career-high 30 points in one game.
He’s no longer hampered by a back injury.
Danilo’s on pace to nearly double the record for three pointers in a season.
His rooster celebration is one of the best in the game.
He might be able to learn defense from his father, a star European defender in his day.

Eric: 18.8 PPG, 3.8 RPG, 4.0 APG

He has injured his wrist, ankle, and hamstring in the past few years, but appears healthy now.
This season, he has increased his assists and cut down on turnovers.
At PG and SG, he outplayed his counterpart (though still allowed a high PER).
His nickname is EJ. That must be the worst nickname in the league.
He might have played even better if he wasn’t on the worst team last year.

Maybe it’s too early to tell, since number one pick and last year’s rookie of the year, Derrick Rose, is playing like trash. But even if we can’t put too much stock in the current numbers, you can see their abilities. You can imagine their potential. That’s what makes projections fun. Also, don’t say nicknames are pointless. Nicknames are marketable, and a team wants to be able to market its players.

Which rising shooter should have been picked sixth in the 2008 draft?Similar Posts:

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Paul Pierce vs. Carmelo Anthony

Something’s Different About Melo

Harris Beringer — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 15:52:44 +0000

Carmelo Anthony has not been the same player this season. Articles across the country have lauded him for an improved all-around game. Surely his stats are more balanced since his rebounding and assist numbers increased, but that does not mean he plays better basketball overall.

His rebound rate ranks among the top for small forwards, but the increase can be attributed to the departure of Marcus Camby, who previously snagged those boards. No one else on the team rebounds well, and someone has to get the ball.

His shooting percentages are at a career low, and his possessions result in turnovers at a far higher percentage than ever before. Melo apologists cite a sore elbow, but great players learn to deal with injuries.

For the stat geeks out there, Carmelo’s PER has fallen to 16 this season, after three straight seasons between 21.1 and 22.1. Can we really blame the elbow?

Here are the top 4 possibilities why Carmelo is missing shots and making more mistakes:

He’s hurt
Usually when someone’s arm hurts, they can’t shoot or dribble as well.
Solution: He is still making free throws, so he should try to limit himself to high percentage shots. Carmelo has never shown good shot selection, but this time he really should try.
He’s too fat
He reportedly lost 9 pounds in the offseason, slimming down from 245 to 236. However, he does not look any thinner. Athletes often say they lost weight, packed on muscle, or are in the best shape of their lives. Usually lies. His NBA profile lists him at 230, but that was probably his rookie weight. This article mentions 228-230 is Melo’s ideal weight. He weighed 220 at Syracuse. Maybe his chef is too good.
Solution: He may lose his personal chef, Daniel Young. Young cooked for Obama at the DNC, and may be moving to the White House.
He got a haircut

Everyone knows unique hair helps you play better. Look at Ben Wallace. No one cares about his hair anymore, and he plays like an old man.

Solution:Shave a nugget into his hair.
The Nuggets need a new shooting coach

Does anyone remember JR Smith? This was supposed to be his breakout season. His assists and rebounds are at career highs (sound familiar?), but he can’t buy a bucket.
Solution: Is Reggie Miller available?

Do you think Carmelo can recover and post his fourth straight excellent season?Similar Posts:

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Tayshaun Prince vs. Luol Deng

Harris Beringer — Mon, 27 Oct 2008 01:09:56 +0000

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Tayshaun vs. Deng

Tayshaun Durell Prince grew up in Compton, and moved on up, sorta, to Kentucky and now Detroit. This must have hardened him up, since he has a quite a reputation as a durable defensive specialist. He parlayed this onto a spot on the US Olympic team, and won a gold medal. Clearly, Prince is a glue guy who would be a welcome addition to any other team, right?

A certain Chicago Bull might contest that idea. The Bulls’ starting small forward was once considered one of the top young players in the game, and was part of a proposed trade for Kobe Bryant. However, after one down year, he is now off the radar. He too has an interesting background. Luol Deng is from Wow, Sudan (which sounds pretty exciting). He was overrated, and his defense is nothing special, right?

Well, maybe Tayshan and Luol are a better gauntlet pairing than you may think. Check out the vital stats first:

Tayshaun: 13.2 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 3.3 APG

Has not missed a single game the past five years.
His numbers fell last season, but only because he played fewer minutes per game.
Tayshaun’s assist/turnover ratio greatly improved last season.
Prince has much greater shooting range than Deng.
He has been a winner at every level.
He has been All-Defensive (2nd team) the past four years.

Luol: 17.0 PPG, 6.3 RPG, 2.5 APG

He is five years younger.
Though his per game numbers fell, this was the result of playing fewer minutes per game. His per 36 minute averages remained almost exactly the same.
His team was poorly coached and had no chemistry last year.
Deng shoots at a much higher percentage than Tayshaun Prince.
Deng’s PER is much higher, while Tayshaun is just average (around 15).

In 14 head to head games, each player’s team won 7. Deng, perhaps underrated defensively, has held Prince to 37% shooting. He has drawn two fouls per game from Prince, who normally only fouls about once a game. All evidence points to Deng being underrated, and Prince being supported by some reputation that he has never earned.

Who deserves more recognition?Similar Posts:

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Ron Artest vs. Caron Butler

Harris Beringer — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 04:35:48 +0000

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Ron vs. Caron

They’re both 28 years old, prone to missing games, spent two years in college, have been traded a couple of times, and are members of high-powered trios. Artest joins McGrady and Yao this season, while Caron continues to play with Arenas and Jamison.

They each also rank among the league leaders in steals, although Ron Artest is more heralded for his defense.

They each have a somewhat menacing appearance, with Ron sporting large muscles and words shaved in his head, and Caron showing off some ink of a skull on his arm.

These two players have much in common, but their names are not among the similarities.

Ron, short for Ronald, from Queensbridge, NY. He says he grew up in the streets and always follows that code of honor. No one, including fans, may disrespect him or his friends.

Caron is Mr. Butler’s middle name. James Butler, born in Wisconsin, went to high school in Maine and college in Connecticut, does not sound like a very dangerous sort of guy. Naturally, he went with Caron and got the aforementioned skull tattoo.

Background aside, who would you rather have on your team right now?

Ron Artest: 20.5 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 3.5 APG

Each time he missed games, his team was much worse.
He won Defensive Player of the Year in 2003-2004.
He was selected to the 2004 All-Star game.
He played well in his sole All-Star game appearance, unlike Caron.
His PER has improved every year except the 2005-2006 season, when he was traded from Indiana to Sacramento.
Artest had to play with Stephen Jackson, Jamaal Tinsley, and numerous other bad influences.
He is fiercely devoted to his teammates- he now loves Yao Ming.
Knicks fans have been depressed for the last 9 years that the team drafted Weis over him.

Caron Butler: 20.3 PPG, 6.7 RPG, 4.9 APG

He was an All-Star in 2007 and 2008.
Caron’s PER has risen each season except his second, when Miami imported a bunch of new players, and he could never get in a rhythm.
He greatly improved his passing and shooting last year, and helped the Wizards make the playoffs despite a major injury to Gilbert Arenas.
Last year, he had a higher PER and Win Score than Ron Artest.
He has played second fiddle to Arenas, Bryant, and Wade, and clearly plays better without them.
He is less likely to retire, join the Knicks, or release a music album.

In 11 head to head games, Artest has held Butler to 37% shooting. Last season, Butler shot only 29% against Artest. Defense matters quite a bit. Oh, by the way, Ron Artest is now named Metta World Peace.

Who would you rather have by your side?Similar Posts:

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