Artest’s Big Test: Can He Finally Help A Team Win?
R.S. De France is a College and University instructor of English Composition. He has a B.A. in English and an M.A. in Rhetoric, Composition, and Writing. One of his life-long pursuits has been writing and covering anything related to sports, specifically the NBA. Recently, De France, his wife, and another colleague started an internationally read magazine at Shwibly.com.
A Portrait of the Artest as a Grown Man
Now that the Los Angeles Lakers have re-signed Lamar Odom to a four year deal, they will be able to overcome Andrew Bynum’s nearly annual mid-season injury. After resigning Odom and snagging Ron Artest from the Houston Rockets, the Lakers should cruise to another title, right? What they are attempting is almost impossible in basketball—that is to repeat as NBA champions after losing in the Finals. Even if they had Michael Jordan and Julius Erving on the team, winning again in 2010 will be a highly improbable feat for the Lakers.
The last and only team to do what the Lakers are attempting, the 1988-1990 Detroit Pistons, was one of the strongest defensive teams in NBA history. The only problem is these Lakers are known for being about as soft as silly putty on defense. But, does Artest automatically transform a team, defensively?
These last two seasons the Lakers have gone to the NBA Finals. Record 1-1. Despite one win and one loss, these seasons had a lot in common, for the Lakers and for the league. For one, Andrew Bynum has been hurt both seasons, allowing Odom to step up and fill in valiantly. Also, between 2007 and 2009, the Spurs struggled to regain their championship form, mainly due to age and injury to Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili. There was also no Lebron James in the Finals. This year, however, teams have made monumental moves that have built up enormous expectations for how the upcoming season will play out.
Sure, the Los Angeles Lakers added Ron Artest, but will he help them win?
Wherever Artest goes, the team wins less. He played for a Sacramento team that had won 50 games the year before he arrived. In the Artest years, from ‘05-’08, the Kings experienced a steady decline down to 44, 33, and 38 win seasons. Even the Houston team he joined from ’08-’09, won two more games the year before Artest came to town. A pattern starts to appear: when Artest moves to a new team, that team loses more games.
Artest does not help teams win. Sure, some will argue that Artest helped Houston’s Yao Ming past the first round of the playoffs for the first time ever. This is partially true, but the Rockets also proved against the Lakers in the ’09 playoffs that they are deeper than people give them credit for—between Aaron Brooks, Shane Battier, Luis Scola, Brent Barry, Brian Cook, Carl Landry and Kyle Lowry. Furthermore, Artest’s playoff numbers were decent, but not significantly better than his regular season numbers.
On the surface this signing looks awesome for the Lakers, but how have Artest’s teams faired in recent years? In addition to a decrease in winning, Artest always seem to become the focal point of whatever team he plays for. Indiana had Jermaine O’Neil. Sacramento had Kevin Martin. And the Rockets had Ming and McGrady. But, what do you remember most about those teams with Ron Artest? You remember the Brawl at the Palace, featuring Artest. You recall Martin got injured, which allowed Artest to be the focal point of the offense. Even before the injuries, Artest had already carved out an equal limelight to Ming and McGrady for himself in Houston. And, in the playoffs, Artest eclipsed the others as he shared the media spotlight with Kobe Bryant, not Yao Ming.
Beyond the obvious, that Artest is 29 years old, last year was also one of Artest’s worst seasons statistically. His points per game dropped from 20.5 to 17.1 (-3.4). He also had his worst recent season as far as assists, rebounds, blocks, and steals go (all down from the previous year). In essence, my argument against Artest helping the Lakers win a championship is: Artest can’t win, can’t share, and can’t get any younger.
This season is shaping up to be a great one. With health and all things being equal, the Celtics and Cavaliers will battle in the Eastern Conference Finals and the Spurs and Lakers will have a good chance of meeting in the Western Conference Finals. And, as an L.A. native and die-hard fan, I have to hope for a Lakers-Celtics Finals rematch where the Lakers can redeem their loss from ’07.
I would be overjoyed if I felt the Los Angeles Lakers were getting better, but this off-season they have taken a step back. The Lakers have gotten older, slower, but are still one of the deepest and most experienced teams. Since they have retained Odom, he should again help give the Lakers’ bench an advantage over most teams. With Odom, Pau Gasol, Kobe Bryant and Phil Jackson to lean on, the city of Los Angeles’ title hopes lean a little less heavily on the frail, young legs of the oft injured Andrew Bynum, but will still depend on how well Artest can help a championship team.
10 Greatest NBA Champions: #7 – 2008 Boston Celtics
Allen Moll is an avid NBA and College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Allen is a regular columnist for TheHoopDoctors.com, Bleacherreport.com, Fanhuddle.com as a NY Knicks correspondent, hoopsworld4.wordpress.com, and Helium.com.
With this season’s NBA Finals behind us, I decided to take a look back and rank the greatest NBA Championship teams in the modern era(post 1980). This will be a ten part series with a new entry each week. Which teams had the most dominating seasons and playoff runs in the last 30 years? How would they stack up against each other? Which teams had the most Hall of Fame players or coaches? The rankings were limited to two teams per franchise in the top ten. Let the debate begin.
Starting Lineup: Rajon Rondo, Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Kendrick Perkins
Impact Bench Players: Glenn Davis, Eddie House, James Posey, Leon Powe
Regular Season Record: 66-16
Playoff Record: 16-10
Finals: Beat Lakers 4-2
Individual Awards: Garnett – Defensive Player of Year, All NBA 1st Team, All Star Starter Pierce – Finals MVP, All NBA 3rd Team, All Star Allen – All Star
After the Boston Celtics of ‘07 had one of their worst seasons in their storied history, finishing 24-58, GM Danny Ainge set a plan in motion to surround team captain Paul Pierce with a championship caliber supporting cast. By virtually gutting the roster and starting from scratch, he assembled one of the better defensive lineups and one of the best trio of star players to ever play on the same team. First, Boston acquired Ray Allen, a 7 time All-Star, along with Glenn Davis from the Sonics, then signed Kevin Garnett, the former MVP and 10 time All-Star to be paired with Pierce, a 5 time All-Star himself, which made Boston the immediate odds on favorite on paper to win the ‘08 championship.
The new Celtic trio brought back memories of Bird, HcHale, and Parish during the regular season by winning more than 60 games for the first time since ‘86. They dominated the Atlantic Division by besting 2nd place Toronto by 25 games and accomplishing the biggest turnaround in NBA history with a 42 game increase in wins from’07. The fans loved the new Celtics as well by selling out every game at home, renewing the Boston home mystique. The trio of superstars led the team offensively by all averaging between 17-20 points, Garnett leading in rebounding at 9.2, and 2nd year point guard Rajon Rondo leading in assists at 5.1 and steals with 1.6. For his dominating defense during the season, Garnett was honored with the Defensive Player of the Year Award and All NBA First Team Selection. Garnett, Pierce and Allen were all All-Stars. While most fans remember this team for the 3 superior offensive players, the real factor in Boston’s title run was their stifling team defense, finishing in the top 5 among all NBA teams defensively.
In the playoffs, Boston road to the Finals had a few bumps by surviving against Atlanta 4-3, outlasting Cleveland 4-3, and besting the defending Champion Pistons 4-2 in the Eastern Finals setting up a matchup against the NBA’s two winninest franchises, the Celtics and Lakers. While during the regular season Garnett dominated, it was Pierce’s turn in the Finals. After severely injuring his knee by falling into teammate, Kendrick Perkins in Game 1, and having to be carried off the court, he returned later in the game in vintage Willis Reed fashion and immediately hitting consecutive 3 pointers in leading Boston to the win. Led by Pierce’s inspiring play, Rondo’s all around great point guard play, and suffocating team defense on regular season MVP Kobe Bryant, the Celtics beat LA by 39 points in Game 6, 131-92, setting a record as the largest clinching game margin of victory in Final history. It was the Celtics 17th NBA Championship, and first since ‘86, extending their NBA record for most titles by an single NBA franchise. The trio of Garnett, Pierce, and Allen is one of the best in modern history and still is today by annually vying for another title, barring any injuries.
Trailer: Shaquille O’Neal Presents All-star Comedy Jam DVD
You may have already read on the net about how Shaquille O’Neal has decided to take a crack at the DVD producing business and has partnered with Cedric the Entertainer to bring you Codeblack’s DVD release of The All-Star Comedy Jam series (2009). The DVD release is expected for September 8th, and we are hearing it’s all kinds of funny. Codeblack was kind enough to send The Hoop Doctors a cut of the trailer for the soon to be released DVD to share with you folks.
Here is what AllHipHop.com had to say about the release a few days ago:
The comedy series, which was originally taped live in Phoenix, Arizona before the NBA All-Star Game, features standup routines by host Cedric The Entertainer, Tommy Davidson, Aries Spears, Kevin Hart and DeRay Davis.
O’Neal produced the 88-minute DVD in conjunction with Jeff Clanagan’s Codeblack Entertainment, one of the first modern African-American owned, new media/entertainment companies.
In addition to backstage commentary from each comedian, the All Star Comedy Jam series DVD features guest appearances from fellow comedian Katt Williams and Hip-Hop couple Nelly and Ashanti.
O’Neal, Clanagan and Codeblack Entertainment have already started production on the second installment of the series, which was taped live during the 13th annual American Black Film Festival in Miami.
Check out the trailer, and have your eye out for the DVD on September 8th:
The 10 Best NBA Players Under Age 23 – Part Two
Allen Moll is an avid NBA and College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Allen is a regular columnist for TheHoopDoctors.com, Bleacherreport.com, Fanhuddle.com as a NY Knicks correspondent, hoopsworld4.wordpress.com, and Helium.com.
The NBA is becoming a young man’s game. Even though the NBA changed the age eligibility rules a few years ago, many of the game’s best players are coming to the professional ranks after only a year or two of NCAA or European experience. I have compiled a list of the most talented players and future stars in the league under age 23. Why twenty three? Most of the NBA’s current crop of superstars like Lebron, Kobe, and Wade are in the mid 20’s to early 30’s. We all remember back in the 80’s when Magic and Bird passed the torch on to MJ. This is the list of players that our current stars will, or already have started to pass that torch onto, within the next 5 years. Players who haven’t yet played an NBA game(like this years draft class) were not included. If you think that I missed someone or have an opinion, please leave a comment.
Click here for Part One listing players #10-6.
Here are players ranked #5 through #1:
5) Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics – Age 23
As one of the best players ever to come out of the prestigious Oak Hill Academy HS, Rondo came close to setting the national assist record in a game on two occasions, netting 27 and 31 assists, as well as scoring 55 points. These were telling signs of the future NBA point guard. After playing two seasons at Kentucky, he was the first point guard in ‘06 at #21 by Phoenix and immediately dealt to Boston. Even while backing up Sebastian Telfair in his rookie season, Rondo earned All Rookie Second Team honors. In his second season, he started every game for Boston, becoming the maestro to the All-Star trio of Garnett, Pierce, and Allen, and helping to lead them all the way to the NBA title. Rondo has improved his shooting every year in the league from 41% as a rookie to almost 51% last season. 2009 was his best season averaging 11.9 points, 8.2 assists, 5 rebounds, and 1.9 steals, earning All Defensive 2nd team honors. As all good players do, he upped every offensive category in the playoffs, nearly averaging a triple double with 16.9 points, 9.8 assists, and 9.7 rebounds in 14 games. Rondo, especially while he is surrounded by such a talented group of players in Boston, has a decent chance of leading the NBA in assists and making numerous All-Star appearances.
4) Josh Smith, Atlanta Hawks – Age 23
Smith made a gigantic splash in the NBA when drafted #17 overall in ‘04 out of Oak Hill Academy HS. He gained a large fan base and raised eyebrows in his rookie season when he won the NBA Dunk Contest while sporting a vintage Dominique Wilkins jersey. He earned All Rookie Second Team honors while posting decent numbers averaging 9.7 points, 6.2 rebounds, and an impressive 1.9 blocks. Smith has steadily improved his game in all facets over his 5 NBA seasons. It is hard to believe that he is only 23, and that he is a consistent 15-20 ppg scorer to go along with 8 rebounds and almost 2 blocks. He is a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate since, during the ‘07 season he became the fastest player ever to reach the 500 block plateau. If he improves his mid range shooting, he should be in the All-Star discussion at forward for the next 10 years. The Hawks must agree since they have Smith under contract through 2013.
3) Derrick Rose, Chicago Bulls – Age 20
The NBA is in great hands for the future since Rose comes in at only number 3 on this list. All he did in his first season is lead his team in assists, win Rookie of the Year, and lead his squad back to the playoffs. Rose seems to know little about failure since in high school as his team went 120-12 and won 2 state championships and was rated the top point guard in the country coming out of HS. He also didn’t disappoint in his lone college season at Memphis, leading his team to a 38-2 record, losing in the NCAA Championship game to Kansas. Rose started hi NBA career off strong, after being chosen #1 in the ‘08 draft by Chicago by averaging 16.8 points and 6.3 assists. He became the first Bulls draft pick to score 10+ points in his first 10 games since Jordan. He became the first rookie to win the All-Star Skills Competition, became only the 3rd Bull to win Rookie of the Year(Jordan, Brand,Rose), and also tied the NBA record for points by a rookie in a playoff game with Abdul-Jabbar(36). With one of the greatest starts in NBA history for a point guard, there is no limit to how great he can become, maybe one of the best ever.
2) Kevin Durant, OKC Thunder – Age 20
It is hard to believe he is only 20 since he has become a household name since he was rated the 2nd best prospect out of HS in ‘06. Durant was purely dominating at Texas by being named Freshman and National Player of the Year by averaging 25.8 points and 11.1 rebounds, which was one of the best freshman seasons in NCAA history. He became only the second college freshman, along with Greg Oden to be invited to the Team USA Basketball Camp. The Sonics, who later moved to OKC, selected him #2 overall in the ‘07 draft. Displaying amazing poise and skill for a rookie NBA player, he averaged 20.3 points, 4 rebounds, and shot 43% from three, earning him Rookie of the Year and set the scoring record in the Rookie Challenge Game by scoring 49 points. Amazingly after not being selected to the ‘09 All-Star Game, he broke another scoring record for the Sophomores against the Rookies, by scoring 46 points on All Star Saturday. After just his second year he increased every offensive category by averaging 25.3 points, 6.5 rebounds, and shooting 47% from three. Durant will undoubtedly challenge for the NBA scoring title, double digit All-Star Game appearances and maybe even MVP awards.
1) Dwight Howard, Orlando Magic – Age 23
The man known in NBA arenas as “Superman” has been a literal superstar player since high school. In ‘04 as a senior in HS, he averaged 25 points, 18 rebounds, and 8 blocks to be named National HS Player of the Year. That led to foregoing college and being selected #1 overall in ‘04 by Orlando. Even though he finished 3rd for Rookie of the Year, he set NBA records by becoming the youngest player to average a double-double for a season(12 pts, 10reb) and youngest to grab 20 rebounds in a game. In his second season he became the youngest to record a 20 point and 20 rebound performance. In just his third season, he finished #1 in rebounds, #2 in field goal % and #9 in blocks while leading the Magic to the playoffs. In ‘07-’08 Howard was the starting center for the Eastern Conference in the All-Star Game and wore the now famous “Superman Cape” to become the Slam Dunk Winner. 2009 may have been his best campaign by averaging 20.6 points, 13.8 rebounds, 2.9 blocks, and leading his team to the NBA Finals. His resume is stellar, becoming the youngest in history to reach 5000 rebounds, holds NBA Finals record with 9 blocks, is a Olympics Gold Medalist, 3 time All-Star, 2 time All-NBA First Team Selection, and Defensive Player of the Year in ‘09. Howard, like former Orlando #1 pick Shaquille O’Neal, is the best big man of this generation. He should be a finalist for every major year end award including, MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and even Finals MVP if the Magic keep surrounding him with excellent talent. He has had a great start to a future Hall of Fame career.
NBA Plans to Allow Ads on Practice Jersey’s This Season
Word is starting to spread this week that the NBA this season will be allowing teams to accept advertising offers to place advertisements on their practice jersey’s. There has been no information yet on the regulations that would govern where and how many ads an NBA team would be allowed to put on their practice jersey’s. It seems the league wants to use the practice jersey’s as a beta program for gauging their overall comfort level with allowing ads on the game jersey’s.
NBA Deputy Commissioner Adam Silver had this to say about the decision:
“We are operating a diverse business all around the world,” Silver says. “(The sponsored game jersey) is a well-established practice in other countries. Ultimately, I think our fans will come to accept it.”
Personally, I am diametrically opposed to this idea. Are the individual NBA franchises in that bad a financial shape that the NBA is considering caving under their pressure and allowing this? The economic recession has forced companies of all types into innovative thinking and altering of business principles, but from a fan’s perspective this just seems ridiculous. The NBA has spent a great deal of time and money branding their franchises over the years and been very cautious about not allowing advertising on jersey’s. In fact they have very tight control over the arena advertising as well for certain products. Do they want to throw away all that time and money spent in branding to allow teams to make a quick buck in the short term to help ends meet?
And what if the highest bidder’s for that ad space are companies selling products that conflict with the current sponsorship deals of the NBA’s biggest stars. Will Kobe Bryant wear a jersey with a huge Reebok logo beside his Lakers logo? Better still, what if a pharmaceutical company selling medication for a sexually transmitted disease decides they want the principle ad space on the NBA jersey? Will NBA players balk at having to be walking advertising models for the latest in herpes meds? Or maybe, the NBA just hopes that the players will fall into line with this idea, in hopes that the gravy train trickles down their way in the way of more bloated player contracts.
Something I always enjoyed about NBA jersey’s was the lack of over-branding, the sheer simplicity of the look. Do we really want our pro-athletes looking like a race car driver, or better yet a race car itself, all loaded up with corporate ads so the team can make some extra bucks. Some of the international soccer jersey’s come to mind as worst case scenario’s as well.
Maybe i’m just a bit biased because I always loved simple sports gear. The ones with the tasteful logo tucked away in the corners. For example, i’ve always shied away from the ball caps where it seems the shark is pretty much eating your head. But meh, that’s just me.
What are your thoughts on the NBA allowing ads on their practice jersey’s?
Who Will Make Up The ‘Redeem Team Part II’ Roster?
Matt graduated from Southern Illinois University at Carbondale in May of 2007 majoring in TV Production. Matt is currently a writer at StaticMultimedia.com, TheBleacherReport.com, NationalSportsNation.com, SportsMixed.com, FanFever.com, Filmcatcher.com, 2 Much Swag, and TheHoopDoctors.com. Matt will provide you with insightful wit and an eager eye for sports.
As we all know the Redeem Team was an absolute blast to watch during the Olympics, even if it was at 3:00 am during the workweek. That team was loaded with superstars that loved to play together, and the next Olympic team (nickname TBD) will again be dominant but a little bit different.
Jerry Colangelo, the Managing Director of USA Basketball is again intent on winning the gold medal in London at the 2012 Olympic games and according to the New York Times, he has verbal commitments from the games brightest stars. Lebron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Carmelo Anthony, Deron Williams, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, and Chris Bosh have all given their verbal commitments for the 2012 games.
That means eight of the 12 Team USA roster spots are filled and according to Pete Thamel of the New York Times, Kevin Durant has established himself as the country’s next big star and has almost guaranteed himself a spot on the 2010 World Championship squad.
With only three roster spots remaining and a bevy of young talent to pick from, Colangelo and USA Head Coach Mike Krzyzewski have a difficult job ahead of them.
The roster includes two point guards (Paul, Williams), two shooting guards (Bryant, Wade), two small forwards (James, Durant), a power forward (Bosh) and a center (Howard).
The international game does not cater to the low post philosophy of the NBA, as it is more about versatility at all positions. Team USA did a nice job of acknowledging that last year, as Carmelo and LeBron both played the PF position and Bosh played the center position at times.
The starting lineup should go something like this: Paul, Bryant, Wade, James, and Howard.
My picks for the remaining three spots on the 2012 Team USA Men’s Basketball team are: Derrick Rose, Brandon Roy, and Amar’e Stoudemire.
A third PG is necessary, Roy can play multiple positions, and Amar’e is an extremely versatile big man due to his athleticism. (Stoudemire turned down the offer last year to rest his million-dollar knee).
The Roster should look something like this:
PG – Paul, Williams, Rose
SG – Byrant, Roy
SF – Wade, Durant
PF – James, Bosh, Melo
C – Howard, Stoudemire,
Although a verbal commit, it is hard for me to expect an aging Kobe Bryant to play in 2012. He will only be 33 but he has played an inordinate amount of NBA minutes compared to a typical 33-year-old NBA player.
Jason Kidd played at 35 years old last year but he was in college for two years, which substantially limited his career minutes.
Remember, we are talking about Kobe Bryant and I refuse to doubt him, but if he was smart he would do what Kevin Garnett, Shaq, and Tim Duncan did in the latter part of their careers and save their legs for the NBA season.
Players hoping Kobe de-commits include: Devin Harris, Danny Granger, Al Jefferson, Brook Lopez, and Josh Smith.
Lamar Odom: The Neverending Story
Ryan Desmarais is a senior at the University of New Hampshire at Manchester, where he will receive his BA in English in December 2009. Ryan is also a writer at The Bleacher Report. He currently resides in Manchester, NH.
This has become the Brett Favre story of the NBA.
It’s a story where nothing has really happened since the situation first started, yet everyone continues to talk about it.
It’s been a history of “what if,” “what could be,” and “how much” that’s resulted in no movement whatsoever. All we have are possibilities.
So why is the dormant love triangle between the Los Angeles Lakers, Miami Heat, and Lamar Odom still a significant story? Why are we still talking about it?
Why should we care?
Don’t get me wrong. I love Odom’s game. He’s extremely gifted and does just about everything on the basketball floor. He’s a match-up nightmare for any team in the league and both L.A. and Miami would be lucky to have him.
Even more importantly, he has the all-important playoff experience and a new, shiny ring to put on his finger.
But how has the chase for a team’s second or third scoring option become the kind of subject matter that you might find at your local supermarket checkout?
The “news” surrounding Odom and his pursuers over the last month or two has been more about people’s feelings rather than actual dollar amounts and statistics. As much as I hate the business side of the NBA, it’s really difficult for me to give two hoots about how a player’s feelings were hurt because he wanted more than $27 million for playing a game.
First, it was Odom that was emotionally hurt. Then, Jerry Buss was distraught that Odom didn’t sign and pulled the offer from the table, which is where the Heat came into play.
The next shocking story was that Dwyane Wade wanted Odom in Miami. Kobe decided to have some input on the situation and gave his support to Odom, coming out publicly to say that the team needed Odom to stay in L.A.
All the while, the on-again off-again relationship between Odom and the Lakers has reached a level that’s between a middle school relationship and a television soap opera.
So where’s the news?
It’s not news that two teams both want a solid player. It’s not news that all sides in the battle can be unhappy with negotiations at times. It’s not news that the superstars are speaking out for their respective teams.
News would be that Odom is in final negotiations with a team. News would be that Odom has actually rejected an offer in order to go to another team. News would be that Lamar Odom has actually signed a deal.
And where has Odom been this entire time?
Hearing from Odom, or even his agent, would make more news than anything we’ve heard over the last month. It would at least give us an idea of what direction he was leaning in or what’s going on in his head, although I doubt that Lamar Odom even knows what’s going on in Lamar Odom’s head.
Instead, we get a month and a half of nonsense without any actual activity. Odom will sign somewhere eventually and then we’ll have an actual NBA landscape to talk about.
Hopefully it’s sooner than later.
Welcome to the NBA off-season, I guess.
Kobe Bryant Appearance on TV Show “All That”; Circa 1998
Kobe Bryant has been a celebrity for quite some time now. But do you ever notice how old pictures, videos, or other media seem to pop up after someone hits that next level of super stardom? After winning his 4th NBA Championship this season, and 1st without the big Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant’s fame has hit a new found high.
Well it’s time to dive back into the archive media vault and pull out some good wholesome fun. In 1998 a young Kobe Bryant guest stars on the TV show “All That” with an even younger Amanda Bynes. (Originally aired on 11/14/98). Enjoy Lakers fans, ‘he’s so dreamy’, lol:
(H/T to Team Flight Brothers, aka TFB for the Twitter message with Video)
The 10 Best NBA Players Under Age 23 – Part One
Allen Moll is an avid NBA and College Basketball fan who watches and studies games religiously and coaches youth basketball in his native Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania. Allen is a regular columnist for TheHoopDoctors.com, Bleacherreport.com, Fanhuddle.com as a NY Knicks correspondent, hoopsworld4.wordpress.com, and Helium.com.
The NBA is becoming a young man’s game. Even though the NBA changed the age eligibility rules a few years ago, many of the game’s best players are coming to the professional ranks after only a year or two of NCAA or European experience. I have compiled a list of the most talented players and future stars in the league under age 23. Why twenty three? Most of the NBA’s current crop of superstars like Lebron, Kobe, and Wade are in the mid 20’s to early 30’s. We all remember back in the 80’s when Magic and Bird passed the torch on to MJ. This is the list of players that our current stars will, or already have started to pass that torch onto, within the next 5 years. Players who haven’t yet played an NBA game(like this years draft class) were not included. If you think that I missed someone or have an opinion, please leave a comment.
10) Anthony Randolph, Golden State Warriors – Age 20
If the NBA Summer League means anything, the Warriors will witness Randolph’s future potential sooner than they anticipated. He dominated this Summer averaging more than 26 points while shooting over 60% from the field. With only one NBA season under his belt after being drafted #14 out of LSU in ‘08, Randolph has been impressive averaging 8 points, 5.8 rebounds, and 1.2 blocks while playing only 18 minutes a game. He should be one of Golden State’s go to scorers this season as long as Coach Don Nelson gives him the minutes.
9) Thaddeus Young, Philadelphia 76ers – 21
Many fans in Philadelphia were disappointed when the 76ers drafted a freshman from Georgia Tech and former Mcdonald’s All-American, as their first round draft pick in the ‘07 NBA Draft, passing over players like Glenn”Big Baby”Davis and Ramon Sessions who could have helped immediately. Young quickly became a fan favorite by improving his scoring average his first two seasons from 8 points to 15.3 along with 5 rebounds in ‘09 and quickly becoming Philadelphia’s second scoring option after “The Other A.I”, Andre Iguodala. A healthy Elton Brand back at power forward and Iggy playing mostly shooting guard should give Young more time at his natural small forward position. Young could challenge for an Eastern Conference All-Star spot in only his 3rd season.
8 ) Andrew Bynum, LA Lakers – 21
Bynum became the youngest player to ever play in an NBA game at age 18 after the Lakers selected him #10 overall in the ‘05 draft straight from High School. Despite a dislocated kneecap in ‘08 and a torn MCL in ‘09 he has increased his production in each of his 4 seasons finishing last season averaging 14.3 points, 8 rebounds, 1.8 blocks in only 28 minutes per game. He has all the tools to be a dominating big man for the next decade, if he can avoid injuries. The Lakers agree since they have him locked up until after the 2012 season. If healthy, he could be the starting center for the Western Conference in next season’s All-Star Game.
7) Rudy Gay, Memphis Grizzlies – 22
The Memphis Grizzlies got the better of the trade that sent Stromile Swift and Shane Battier to the Rockets for the promising #8 draft pick in 2005 from UCONN. Known for playing above the rim, he is a regular participant in the Slam Dunk Competition at All-Star weekend. In the next year or two he should be playing in the actual All-Star Game on Sunday. At 6′8 and 230 lbs, he is a prototypical small forward. He has averaged double figures in scoring in each of his three seasons in Memphis topping out at 20.1 in ‘08. He has even impressed the coaching staff at the recent USA Basketball team trials by being one of their leading scorers. He should be a future 20+ point and 6+ rebound All-Star for the foreseeable future.
6) OJ Mayo, Memphis Grizzlies – 21
The Grizzlies acquired swingman OJ Mayo from USC, in a draft day trade with Minnesota who selected the former Mcdonald’s HS All American #3 in the ‘08 draft. The former high school star regularly graced the cover of Sports Illustrated and would have gone straight to the pros if not for the NBA rule change on age limits. After leaving USC amid recruiting violations and playing for the ‘08 US Select Team, Mayo has impressed in the NBA by averaging 18.5 points and finishing runner up to Derrick Rose for Rookie of the Year in just his first season. Time may prove that Mayo may be better suited to play point guard in the pros. The pairing of Gay and Mayo gives Memphis two top 20 talents in the league to build for the future.
Be sure to tune back in for the Top 5 coming to The Hoop Doctors shortly….
Shaq Makes Fun of Stephon Marbury on Sirius XM Radio
Just about everyone and their grandmother’s have been calling out Stephon Marbury in the last week for being stone crazy. We told you about his crying session the other day. Then the Marbury show got one step weirder when he started eating vasoline live on the net, saying it was good for your throat. Sorry Marbury, but I ain’t buying it. And if I did believe that nonsense, I still wouldn’t eat it. The sore throat will heal on its own, without having to make myself sick eating petroleum jelly.
So, this shouldn’t come as much surprise that Shaquille O’Neal wanted to get in on the fun of teasing Stephon Marbury. And leave it to the always entertaining Shaquille O’Neal to do it in a public manner for all of us to enjoy. Big Shaq yesterday called into “The All Out Show with Rude Jude and Lord Sear”, heard nationwide on Eminem’s radio station, Shade 45-Sirius XM radio. Listen as the diesel makes fun of Stephon Marbury’s internet video where Marbury cries while listening to an R. Kelly gospel song. He also briefly touches on the vasoline eating shtick.
Hey Marbury – “I believe I can fly….” LOL, Shaq you crack me up.
