Season: 21.3 ppg, 6.4 rpg, 43% fg percentage, 80% ft percentage, 36% 3pt percentage

Career: 13.5 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 44% fg percentage, 72% ft percentage, 35% 3pt percentage

Sure, the New York Knicks might not be good now – but Al Harrington is giving MSG fans a reason to keep the faith. Harrington, like most New York Knicks, is putting up career numbers and, even if he’s not in the long term plans for the organization, he’s also putting together a pretty nice season.

After being buried on the bench, and ultimately traded, in Golden State, Harrington has exploded for the Knicks – putting up 21.3 and 6.4 a game. He’s always thrived in a running system and D’Antoni is definitely getting the most out of him and his $9.2 million contract.

The Good

Harrington is an offensive threat anywhere on the court. He can stretch the defense with his three ball and isn’t afraid to get down low on the block and push smaller defenders inside.

The Bad

Harrington isn’t known for his defense. At 6’9 you’d think he’d at least put up some mediocre defensive numbers – but he doesn’t even have those. Most of Harrington’s shots also come from the mid-range and it would be nice to see him abuse players in the paint. He has the skills – he just needs to utilize them better.

The Recap

• Stretches the defense.
• Can hit the three ball.
• Shoots a respectable percentage from the line.
• Would like to see him get into the paint more.

Tips and Tricks

Al Harrington wants to shoot the ball. Play off of him and let him fire away. His shooting percentage isn’t gleaming – so you’ll live with what he hits if it keeps him out of the paint.

Final Thoughts

Harrington is a pretty good player when it comes down to it. He’s a perfect wing player – he’s quick, long, can hit an outside shot and has the ability to back down players inside. Sure, he doesn’t pass the ball at all – but, as with Chris Duhon, the right coach can teach passing. I would like to see New York drop him to the three to create some nice matchup problems for the Knicks.

Season: 12.5 ppg, 3.6 rpg, 8 apg, 42% fg percentage, 86% ft percentage

Career: 7.7 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 5 apg, 39% fg percentage, 80% ft percentage

If there was any doubt that Mike D’Antoni was an excellent coach in Phoenix – here’s your answer. Chris Duhon went from a journey-man type player, simply trying to find his way onto any team, to a starting point guard averaging eight assists on an up and coming New York Knicks team. Duhon, who is setting career highs across the board, has completely undergone a transformation and is in serious contention for the most improved player award.

Before this season, Duhon’s highest assist output was five per game – set in 2005-2006 with the Bulls. Now that he’s averaging about eight per game, imagine if he was dropping dimes on a team with some firepower. Sure, he’s not the next coming of Steve Nash – but he’s a product of the D’Antoni system.

The Good

Duhon has always been a good passer – but with his extended minutes, he’s become an excellent one. His turnover numbers are up, but he can still find his teammates after breaking his defender off the dribble. He’s not the quickest or strongest point guard out there but he’s much better than the bench role he’s accustomed to having in previous seasons.

The Bad

Although Duhon is quietly putting up some solid numbers across the board, he still has some work to do if he wants to become a regular starter in the league. First, he’s got to take more shots. Being a pure point guard is great – but he needs to make his defenders stay on him. He has to develop a more consistent jumper and look to take more shots a game. Right now, he’s only taking about eight or nine a game – which, over the course of 40 minutes – isn’t much at all. Duhon also needs to drive the lane more. His season averages from the line are pretty poor – 3.2 attempts per game – which means he’s settling for outside shots.

The Recap

• Durable option at point. (Averaged 75 games a season in four years.)
• Pure passer.
• Needs to look for his shot.
• Needs to get into the lane and to the line.

Tips and Tricks

Playing pure point guards are easy – play off of them. If you know they’re looking to pass it’s easier to play a zone defense and cheat on an open man. If Duhon isn’t going to give you a reason to stay close to him, why bother?

Final Thoughts

Duhon is a great story for the Knicks. D’Antoni transformed him into one of the game’s best passers and he’s finally found a starting role for himself. Duhon still has some work to do though, as he has to learn to look for his own shot and find his way into the lane a bit more. Imagine what he could do if he had some shooters around him? That eight could easily balloon to at least double-digits.

Season: 10.5 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 40% fg percentage, 78% ft percentage, 39% 3pt percentage

Career: 9.3 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 41% fg percentage, 82% ft percentage, 37    % 3pt percentage

Yi isn’t a standout player by any means. His numbers are mediocre at best and his rookie campaign was also subpar. What Yi has going for him, however, is the fact that he’s just 21 years old. Yao Ming wasn’t built in one day – and the Nets hope that Yi can blossom into something that closely resembles the Houston center.

Yi – however, is a different player than Yao. Sure they’re both gigantic and they’re both from China but they play two different styles. Yao is an interior player, Yi is a perimeter player; it really is just as simple as that. Will Yi ever be that same shot blocking, lane clogging, defensive machine the Nets need? Probably not – but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing.

The Good

Yi has a sweet outside shot. For a seven footer, he’s got a pretty mid-range shot and an even deadlier outside three-ball. Yi’s ability to hit those shots creates huge mismatch problems for the defense and will open up holes. Once he learns to pass (1.0 assist average) he’ll be able to run the offence as a point-forward, similar to Vlade Divac.

The Bad

Yi has a sweet outside shot. Seven footers primarily belong in the lane, backing defenders down and getting to the line. Yi’s shot gives him more of a reason to camp outside – and that’s not where the Nets would like to see him. As mentioned above, Yi hasn’t learned to pass either. Sure, he’s 21, but he should know – or have the court awareness to know when to give the ball up.

The Recap

• Solid outside shot.
• Can hit the three ball.
• Stretches defenses / creates mismatches.
• Needs to develop a post game.

Tips and Tricks

Yi’s shot will be his downfall. Keep him on the perimeter, get a hand up and you’ll live with whatever happens. Sure, he might hit a few shots – but he’s no real threat to do any significant damage. He’s averaging about 25 minutes a game, making just a few buckets – and barely heading to the line. Keep him outside to keep him off the glass and you’ll be sure to contain him.

Final Thoughts

Having a seven footer camp outside is a waste, in my opinion. It’s not a question of whether or not he can hit those outside shots – he can. But he can do so much more with his size it would be unfortunate if he continued to sit outside. When Yi learns to mix his game up, get some handles, pass out of bad situations and just fit into a flow of offence, he’ll find much more success than with what he’s doing now. I’m a big Yi fan – but, I’d love to see more out of him.

Season: 16.6 ppg, 4.1 rpg, 44% fg percentage, 82% ft percentage, 1.48 spg

Career: 11.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 42% fg percentage, 78% ft percentage, 0.94 spg

Call me what you want – I don’t buy into the Nate Robinson hype. Basketball fans have seen this story before and it starred Steve Francis. While Robinson may be a two-time Slam Dunk champion, a great Knick personality and just someone to root for – I don’t see Nate amounting to anything in the near future. Spunk and personality can only take you so far before you meet someone as robotic as Tim Duncan in the finals.

Nate is a great personality, but his immaturity and attitude really take the focus off his play. Nate has upped his averages every year but all we can talk about is: how he dances after dunks, tries to grab his crotch in mid-air and what trash he’s spitting out on the floor. It’s a shame really – but are you really that surprised?

The Good

Nate’s averaging career highs in points, boards, steals and his field goal and free throw percentages are at a respectable mark. Nate is an energy player who certainly ups the tempo of the game upon his arrival. He’s a pesky and tenacious defender and will get all up in your face to throw you off your game.

The Bad

Aside from his height – Robinson suffers from immaturity. Once he learns to focus and play his style of basketball people will realize he’s more than just a high-flyer.

The Recap

• Good defender.
• Respectable shooting percentages.
• High-flyer, plays above the rim.
• Can get chatty at times.
• Loses focus.

Tips and Tricks

Robinson isn’t a great shooter – but he can burn you from outside. He’s also got a very quick first step and is fearless when he gets into the lane. Let Nate pick his spots on the floor, keep him out of the lanes and hope he doesn’t decide to turn it up. He’s a freak of an athlete and if he’s slashing into the lane – your bigs will have no option but to foul. He doesn’t require a double team, but when he beats the first defender, make sure the lane is clogged and his vision is severely impaired.

Final Thoughts

Nate’s easy to cheer for but does a lot of immature things to keep you from doing it. He’s a great athletic talent and will probably be a prolific scorer sooner rather than later, but I don’t see him amounting to anything more than Steve Francis. If Nate ever harnessed all that potential he’d be a great player – but that’ll only happen if he can keep his mouth shut.

Season: 16.4 ppg, 11.8 rpg, 56% fg percentage, 77% ft percentage

Career: 10.5 ppg, 8.7 rpg, 57% fg percentage, 76% ft percentage

If you look up ‘grinder’ in the dictionary you might come across some highly amusing entries. Look a bit further down the list and you’ll probably see a picture of David Lee – the power-forward of the New York Knicks. Lee reminds me of that guy you never wanted on your basketball team on the playground who later became an unstoppable force when his height kicked in.

Lee is a player every team would like to have – but every team passed on. Drafted 30th overall in 2005, Lee has turned himself into a double-double machine. Currently he ranks first in that category and third in rebounds per game. Can someone say steal? Players drafted ahead of David Lee include: Wayne Simien (Miami), Ian Mahinmi (San Antonio), Julius Hodge (Denver), Sean May (Charlotte), Yaroslav Korolev (Clippers) – do I really need to keep going?

The Good

David Lee will crash the boards on both ends. He’s not a huge offensive threat, but he’ll definitely put back those garbage baskets. Lee also hits a good percentage from the line and will look to beat you down low.

The Bad

At 6-9 and 240lbs, Lee isn’t the most agile or fluid player on the court. He often gets caught flat footed on defense and doesn’t possess any real quickness or wingspan. Lee also won’t block many shots or get in the passing lanes. Lee also doesn’t have a consistent outside shot – or any real offensive game. He’s averaging 16 points a game – but the majority of those come in close proximity of the basket.

The Recap

• Rebounding machine on both ends.
• Hustle player; looks to assert himself in the post.
• Shoots a good percentage from the line.
• No real offensive weapons.
• A step slow on defense.

Tips and Tricks

Lee will weave his way into the paint whether you like it or not. The best way to defend against him is to box him out with two or three defenders. Lee isn’t very long, but he is pretty athletic – so single coverage on the glass isn’t going to work. He’ll push and sneak his way into the restricted zone for easy baskets. Box him out and crash the boards on a shot. There is, after all, only one David Lee.

Final Thoughts

David Lee will be around this league for many years – no question. He’s already shown he’s durable, having played at least 68 games in his first three seasons, and that he’s willing to put his body on the line. Rebounding is a tough gig and good on David Lee for taking it upon himself to horde them all in New York.

Season: 12.8 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 1.9 bpg, 50% fg percentage, 82% ft percentage

Career: 12.8 ppg, 8.2 rpg, 1.9 bpg, 50% fg percentage, 82% ft percentage

The draft class of 2008 might go down in history as one of the less memorable ones – with the focus squarely on just a handful of players. Where would Rose and Beasley go? What about Danilo Gallinari? The Nets, unfortunately, have had some questionable draft picks as of late. With their last successful pick being Josh Boone – the Nets drafted someone similar last year in Brook Lopez. Did the Nets anticipate Lopez to blossom so soon into an upcoming power forward?

Lopez will be a serviceable big man for many years. If you don’t believe me, watch him operate down low. He has very good footwork in the post and is a very good option on isolation plays. He still has lots of room to improve, there’s no question. From what I’ve seen so far, though, he’s already way ahead of the schedule the Nets had put out for him.

The Good

Lopez is a walking double-double. Right now he’s currently sitting 30th in the league in the category but he’s only getting about 30 minutes a game. In 52 games this he’s got 12 and he’s starting to amass more minutes as the season wears on. The man is also a defensive machine. At 7’0 and 260lbs, you will recognize Lopez in the lane. If you don’t, you might have your shot swatted – that’ll definitely make you aware.

The Bad

He’s a rookie – and all rookies will need to prove themselves over the course of many years before they are actually seen as serviceable players. His ceiling is high and the potential for improvement – even further – during this season is possible, but can he sustain without hitting the rookie wall?

The Recap

• Future double-double machine-type potential
• Shot blocker
• Lane clogger
• Needs to sustain level of play
• Needs more work on his mid-range shot

Tips and Tricks

All big-men seem to have problems guarding smaller defenders. When Lopez gets you on an isolation down low – the best thing to do is to have a defender come from behind and poke the ball loose. One-on-one coverage won’t work because his long arms will keep the ball out of reach. When he backs down, step off and force him to travel.

Final Thoughts

Lopez is a star waiting to happen. Once he learns how to stay out of foul trouble and once he develops a mid-range jumper, he’ll be pretty hard to stop. Right now, he’s got just one solid move on offence, but he’s working on adding new weapons to his repertoire. He’s making some serious noise in the rookie department and should finish in the top three in rookie of the year voting – guaranteed.

Season: 17.9 ppg, 3.4 rpg, 2.6 apg, 49% fg percentage, 39% 3pt percentage, 93% ft percentage

Career: 21.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 3.8 apg, 44% fg percentage, 39% 3pt percentage, 89% ft percentage

Fine wines and Ray Allen have something in common: they both get better with age. Most players break down, go through long scoring droughts and find themselves out of work before they can even contemplate what happened to that one promising career they pursued. Although Allen has had success at all levels – with Milwaukee, Seattle and now with Boston – he continues to play with intensity in search of his second championship.

Allen is in the twilight of his career. He’ll be 33 this year and that’s about the time when most general managers stop taking chances on you. But, as mentioned before, Allen hasn’t let the game pass him by. He can hold his own on defense and plays the game with great intelligence. Allen is also still a great offensive weapon. He shoots a high percentage from anywhere on the court – making him a valuable asset to any team.

The Good

Allen has a deadly long range game. He shoots high percentages from anywhere on the floor and, as seen with guys like Robert Horry, which can definitely extend your time in the league. Allen isn’t afraid to take big shots – and he certainly isn’t afraid to take the ball to the hoop. Sure, he’s not as quick or explosive as he once was, but Ray Allen still has plenty of game left in the tank.

The Bad

The man will be 33 this year. Although age is not the defining characteristic most general managers look at – it certainly is a factor to take into consideration. He won’t win any defensive player of the year awards either and will probably have to play conservative minutes to stay fresh for fourth quarter heroics.

The Recap

• Great shooter.
• Plays the game with a high degree of intelligence.
• Has a solid mid-range and inside game.
• Not as quick as he once was.

Tips and Tricks

There is no way to stop Ray Allen as long as he’s got help around him. He’ll beat you from inside and will certainly beat you outside. The only thing teams can do – is make sure they close out on his shots and force him to drive. Allen’s still got springs in his legs, so the help defense will have to be willing to stand their ground and alter his shots. You can’t let him beat you from outside – because he will. He’s not a streaky shooter; he’s a consistent one who will quietly put up points on the board.

Final Thoughts

Ray Allen is the definition of a solid player. He accepts his new role as a supporting player on the star-studded Celtics team – but isn’t afraid to show you that he still has plenty left in him. Allen’s got one of the smoothest strokes in the game and will light you up on occasion if you decide to let him beat you. Sure, he can’t carry a team on most nights – as most 33 year old players can’t – but he’s a great piece on a team where he doesn’t always have to be the primary option.

Season: 19.4 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 3.7 apg, 44% fg percentage, 85% ft percentage

Career: 22.9 ppg, 6.3 rpg, 3.9 apg, 44% fg percentage, 79% ft percentage

Paul Pierce, who once was the poster boy for mediocrity in the NBA, has reinvented his game, has become a winner, and now understands what it takes to win. It’s been 10 years since he was drafted and it took him that many seasons to finally put it all together. Lets get one thing straight: Pierce is a very good player. He’s the leader, the voice and the face of the Boston Celtics. He brings the intangibles that Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett do not – he’ll get in your face, he’ll grind out those rebounds, he’ll take the ball to the hoop during crunch time.

Pierce has always been one of those ‘what-if’ players. What if Boston was able to get him some help not named Antoine Walker? What if Pierce had put it all together earlier and realized his place in this league? Last season was a defining one for the Celtics and for Paul Pierce as well. He’s reinvented himself and now believes he’s the best player in this league. Should everyone else be scared of number thirty-four? Yes, they should be. That’s just the truth.

The Good

Pierce can beat you in many ways. He’s shooting a career matching 44 percent from the field and a career high 44 percent from three. If you put decide to put him on the line – Pierce will make his free throws as well. He’s a very aggressive defender who will play the passing lanes and he’s athletic enough to be a solid rotational defender.

The Bad

He’s a very streaky shooter. Pierce will fall in love with his jump shot almost every game and will shoot his way into and out of slumps. Keep him on the perimeter – hope he has an off game, and be ready for long rebounds.

The Recap

• Very athletic on and off the ball.
• Shoots respectable percentages anywhere on the floor.
• Good face-up and help defender.
• Makes his free throws.
• Streaky.

Tips and Tricks

Turn Pierce into a shooter and hope he doesn’t find his stroke. The more aggressive he plays, the less likely you are to win the game. If you put him on the line, he’ll hit his shots, it’s as simple as that. He’s a free throw shooting machine and will find ways to get there whether you play good defense or great defense. Play off him, force him to pull up, box him out and that should be enough to contain him.

Final Thoughts

I’ve always been indifferent on Paul Pierce. When he played in Boston with Walker he was a great offensive talent – but Boston never won anything. Now, playing alongside KG and Ray Allen, Pierce has reinvented his game. He’s learned to pass. He’s learned to play defense and, most importantly, he’s learned to win. His mindset has completely changed and he’s a much more dangerous player now than he was when he was lighting teams up for thirty a night. How scary is that?

Season: 16.1 ppg, 9.2 rpg, 2.6 apg, 51% fg percentage, 84% ft percentage

Career: 20.2 ppg, 11.1 rpg, 4.3 apg, 49% fg percentage, 78% ft percentage

Kevin Garnett was never a name synonymous with winning until he finally kicked the monkey last year with his first NBA title. Garnett was always an elite player – a player everyone on the playground would make a team captain with the second pick because he was too good to be on a team with good players. Finally, with some serviceable help by his side, Garnett was able to put Boston back on the basketball map.

There are a lot of great things Garnett does. He sees the floor well, he’s willing to pass, and he’s also very aggressive on the defensive end. He’s one of few players in the league that makes players around him that much better. If you don’t believe me – ask Wally Szczerbiak, Sam Cassell and Michael Olowakandi. Garnett may be at the peak of his career now – but he’s still got plenty of seasons left in him; especially if he’s got Pierce and Allen by his side.

The Good

Garnett plays both ends of the floor. He commands a double-team on the offensive end and is a great face-up and weak-side defender. On the Celtics – he is the anchor on both ends, much like how Tim Duncan and Dwight Howard are for their clubs. Garnett’s got a sweet mid-range jumper but isn’t afraid to back you down and reestablish himself in the post.

The Bad

I would love to see Garnett attack the post much more. He creates mismatches with his size and skill set and should score with ease most trips down the court. Garnett’s mid-range is an effective weapon, but it shouldn’t be his primary one. Use it to keep defenders honest, but abuse the post when defenders get up on you.

The Recap

• Great help defender.
• Great face-up defender.
• Solid mid-range jumper.
• Commands a double team when down low.

Tricks and Tricks

The only thing teams can do to contain Garnett is to collapse in the post when he establish himself down low. Throw multiple defenders at him, give him different looks, and hope he didn’t get enough sleep the night before. When his jumper is sticking, you’re in trouble. When it’s not, keep him out of the paint.

Final Thoughts

Kevin Garnett is an intense player. He brings it every night and doesn’t ever expect to lose. Sure, he’s had his share of losses in Minnesota – but that didn’t stop him from taking that scrubby T-Wolves team to the playoffs and making them competitors. They had no business contending, but don’t tell KG that – he’ll get up in your face, take the ball away from you, and flush it down at the other end. I’ve seen it.

Season: 21.5 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 4.7 apg, 44% fg percentage, 81% ft percentage, 40% 3pt percentage

Career: 23.7 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 4.2 apg, 44% fg percentage, 79% ft percentage, 37% 3pt percentage

Vince Carter is an athletic wonder. At one time – he was larger than life and, even still, can light you up when you least expect it. He’s a tough match up for anyone in the league even at 32 years of age. Carter, a former slam dunk champion, has since fallen from grace after his departure from Toronto. Although he’s putting up respectable numbers in New Jersey; he’s putting up numbers for New Jersey.

Carter has always had talent – there’s no doubt about it. There were always questions, however, about his health and his mind. Was he ever really focused? Could he ever stay healthy through an entire season?

The Good

Carter is playing some of his best ball right now. Sure he’s not averaging career highs anywhere but he’s still a force to account for on the floor. He’s got a great outside shot and can step back a few feet from the three-point line and still knock them down. When Carter attacks the basket he’s one of the best in the game. He can still fly above the rim and can hit his free throws with ease. Carter is also a very underrated passer. Although he often takes a lot of heat for passing too often, he isn’t a liability with the ball.

The Bad

When he attacks the basket, though, is up for debate. Carter usually settles – and usually is a conservative estimate. He can shoot himself – and the Nets – right out of a game with his jump shot. Carter has also had severe knee problems in the past. To his credit, however, he’s played three solid seasons for the Nets, playing in at least 76 games each year.

The Recap

• Good passer.
• Streaky shooter.
• High free throw percentage.
• Often settles for jumpers.

Tips and Tricks

The only way to contain Vince is to keep him on the perimeter. If you let him have his way outside – he won’t challenge you inside or get to the line. You also want to keep Carter from switching onto a smaller defender. At 6-6 and 220lbs, Carter is bigger than most two-guards and will back down until he’s comfortable. If he’s down low on the block, force him baseline and close out on the shooters.

Final Thoughts

Vince still has all the talent in the world. He’s not as athletic as he once was – but he can still hit the clutch shot – he can still knock down the very long three. He’s not the franchise player in New Jersey anymore, but he would be a very dominant player on a team with an elite forward. Kind of ironic isn’t it? Now that Bosh has turned out to be a pretty good player – imagine what Vince and the Raptors could have had. Just my two cents.