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The 2007 playoffs exposed a few needs for the Chicago Bulls. First and foremost is the total lack of any sort of inside game. When Skiles resorted to playing Fat Michael Sweetney during the Pistons series, I took it as a sign of defeat. It was essentially a white flag, with Skiles admitting he had nothing to throw back at Detroit. This goes hand in hand with the Bulls’ second major flaw. The Bulls commitment to their drive-and-kick offense leaves the Bulls at a huge disadvantage if they aren’t hitting their jumpers. Furthermore, if you aren’t getting the expected production from Gordon and Hinrich, their defensive inadequacies become magnified. Hinrich is a tenacious defender, no doubt about that, but due to Gordon’s height (and defensive failures) he is often forced to guard the opposing team’s big guard. And no matter how good of a defender Kirk Hinrich is, he can’t do anything to grow taller. Lastly, I feel that this year’s rookies (Tyrus Thomas and Thabo Sefolosha) were unfortunately stunted during the season. As we will see, these two players’ development is of the utmost importance if the Bulls are to truly contend for the NBA Championship. In the days ahead, I’ll address what I think needs to be done if the Bulls want to win next year.
May 29, 2007
Mock Draft, 1.1
With the announcement that Brandon Rush was returning to college and the Hawks seem intent on drafting Mike Conley, I had to make a couple of minor updates:
1. Portland - Greg Oden
2. Seattle - Kevin Durant
3. Atlanta - Mike Conley, Jr.
4. Memphis - Brandan Wright
5. Boston - Corey Brewer
6. Milwaukee - Julian Wright
7. Minnesota - Jeff Green
8. Charlotte - Nick Young
9. Chicago - Al Horford
10. Sacramento - Joakim Noah
11. Atlanta - Spencer Hawes
12. Philadelphia - Yi Jianlian
13. New Orleans - Al Thornton
14. L.A. Clippers - Acie Law IV
15. Detroit - Javaris Crittenton
16. Washington - Jason Smith
17. New Jersey - Thaddeus Young
18. Golden State - Tiago Splitter
19. L.A. Lakers - Gabe Pruitt
20. Miami - Sean Williams
21. Philadelphia - Josh McRoberts
22. Charlotte - Rodney Stuckey
23. New York - Daequan Cook
24. Phoenix - Marco Bellinelli
25. Utah - Derrick Byars
26. Houston - Ante Tomic
27. Detroit - Alando Tucker
28. San Antonio - Rudy Fernandez
29. Phoenix - Marc Gasol
30. Philadelphia - Glen Davis
May 25, 2007
I'm Surrounded By Frickin' Idiots
Well, he shot it. Not a great look but it was a strong move to the hoop, plus he probably got fouled. I guess that answers that question.
However, there is far bigger question for the Cleveland Cavaliers – what are they going to do to win while they still have LeBron James? Currently he’s surrounded by a mismatched group of underperformers and an awful coach. I really don’t like Larry Hughes at all and if he’s signed as a “shooter” to complement LeBron then he should be able to hit an open 8-footer to win a game. Daniel Gibson might eventually be the answer at point, but he’s still too raw to be counted on. Ilgauskas isn’t suited for this team, and Pavlovic isn’t anything more than a bit player. Varejao has really been impressive this series, but he’s the only Cav (including LeBron) that has.
LeBron is a top 5 talent, but he’s handcuffed by having to play with these guys. The Cavaliers need to do everything they can to get someone who can give LeBron some consistent help. If not, I can’t see James wanting to stay around Cleveland for too long. He’s stated that he wants to become a global icon, but that’ll only happen if he wins something. And if he isn’t winning in Cleveland, what’s the point of staying?
May 24, 2007
Thoughts on LeBron
With game 2 rapidly approaching, there is talk all over the place about LeBron James’ performance on the last play of game 1. Driving to the hole, Bron Bron kicked it out to a wide open Donyell Marshall for the game winning three. Of course, being a former Chicago Horri-Bull, Marshall clanked the three and now LeBron is taking tons of heat for his crunch-time decisions.
If you’ll remember, this same time last year, LeBron was being questioned left and right about how he’d never hit a game-winning shot and his peculiar habit of chewing his fingernails during a close game. However, James seemingly answered all those questions during last year’s playoffs when he owned the Wizards and almost pulled off an upset of the Detroit Pistons.
That was LeBron at his best, but now TrueHoop has addressed the problem that everyone is having, why’d LeBron pass? Henry proposes that it’s not so much a matter of LeBron being meek, but rather that James, being only 22, is just trying to find himself as a player. I find a lot of credibility in this line of thinking and am also reminded that when he was coming in to the league, the thing that people raved about was LeBron’s court vision and passing ability. Though he chose to wear 23, most envisioned him as the second coming of Magic Johnson (which begs the question, why doesn’t LeBron run point?). Unfortunately for him, any and all lead guards will be measured against Jordan’s success.
I find it hard to reconcile the fact that if Marshall had hit that shot, we’d be praising LeBron for making such a good pass; but if he’d missed the shot, people would be complaining that he didn’t hit Donyell in the corner. It’s impossible to expect LeBron (or anyone) to compare to Michael Jordan, but I think LeBron can become his own kind of crunch-time killer. Last year’s playoffs showed that he has the ability to finish games, but right now he just needs to figure out the best way.
May 23, 2007
Mock Draft, 1.0
1. Portland – Greg Oden, c, Ohio State
There is definitely going to be talk of how great Durant would fit for the Blazers, but I don’t think you can pass up an opportunity to pair Oden and Aldridge for the next 10 years. That’s a young Duncan and Robinson to build around. Furthermore, no matter how much impact Oden will have, he likely won’t be a title-winning big man for a couple of years. That means the Blazers will still get a couple of decent draft picks where they can pick up a wing or move Zach Randolph for one.
2. Seattle – Kevin Durant, sf, Texas
Seattle was the real winner of the draft (just ask Shanoff). There is no way they can mess up their pick. If Portland takes Oden, Seattle takes Durant. If Portland takes Durant, Seattle snatches Oden. Regardless of what happens, the Sonics are getting a marketable, cornerstone player from this draft.
3. Atlanta – Brandan Wright, pf, North Carolina
Chad Ford has the Hawks taking Conley here, but I think he’s too much of a reach for the number 3 pick. There are a few decent pgs in this draft, so I think Atlanta knows they can wait to pick one up with their second lottery pick. Not to mention the Hawks have an infatuation with versatile wing players.
4. Memphis – Al Horford, pf, Florida
Sorry about being the big loser in the Oden-Durant sweepstakes. That’s what you get for tanking the season. Nonetheless, Horford is a stud and he’ll pair nicely with Gasol, or if they trade Pau he can be a part of the nucleus there with Lowry, Warrick, and Miller.
5. Boston – Corey Brewer, sg, Florida
Another team that blatantly tanked the season, and I’m glad they didn’t get what they wanted from it. Fortunately for them, this is such a deep draft that they can still get a quality player in the 5 slot. Brewer is crazy talented and might end up as a more offensive-minded Josh Howard.
6. Milwaukee – Julian Wright, sf, Kansas
Milwaukee is such a going nowhere franchise right now. They have a couple of good, young pieces (Bogut, Villanueva) and an All-Star (Michael Redd) but it doesn’t seem like they have a real plan about what they’re trying to do. Wright fits here though since he can give the Bucks a lot of different options on the floor. He’s got a weird shaped head though.
7. Minnesota – Jeff Green, sf, Georgetown
There are so many similar players in this year’s draft; it’s kind of hard to keep them straight. I see similar skill sets in Green, Brewer, the Wrights, and Thaddeus Young, but they’ll all end up as solid players. The Wolves are in such a predicament between trying to get younger and trying to win for KG (FREE GARNETT. Jeff Green isn’t the missing piece (and I don’t really think the Wolves will ever win for Garnett), but he’s good.
8. Charlotte – Nick Young, sg, USC
This is the first reach of my mock draft, but the Bobcats are pretty set at both forward spots, center, and point guard. It seems like they need a shooting guard since Morrison is too slow to stick opposing 2s. Young is talented, but I think this is too high for him, but I can definitely see Charlotte picking him.
9. Chicago (via New York) – Spencer Hawes, c, Washington
I don’t know how I feel about this (Chad Ford has him going to Chicago too). The Bulls desperately need inside scoring, but I don’t love Hawes. Hopefully he doesn’t turn out to be a stiff.
10. Sacramento – Joakim Noah, pf, Florida
Should have came out last year and been top 5. He’ll do well in Sacramento, assuming Ron Artest doesn’t try to eat him.
11. Atlanta (via Indiana) – Mike Conley Jr., pg, Ohio State
See. I told you the Hawks could get a point with their second pick. If the Hawks do end up with Conley here it almost makes up for them passing on Chris Paul AND Deron Williams two years ago.
12. Philadelphia – Yi Jianlian, pf, China
I saw him on SportsCenter. People think he’s good. I hope Philadelphia doesn’t tear him apart.
13. New Orleans –Al Thornton, sf, FSU
Scoring machine. He’ll replace Desmond Mason (probably leaving) and Peja Stojakovic (made of paper mache).
14. L.A. Clippers –Acie Law IV, pg, Texas A&M
Sam Cassell is as old as the original Acie Law. The Clips also need a point after Shaun Livingston’s knee exploded last year.
15. Detroit (via Orlando) – Tiago Splitter, pf, Brazil
Why not? Because the last time Detroit drafted a foreign big man he ended up being Darko Milicic. Why? Because they can take a chance. Why else? He has the best name in the draft.
16. Washington – Jason Smith, pf, Colorado State
I don’t know anything about this guy except that he’s big, has a boring name, and the Wizards need someone decent inside.
17. New Jersey – Thaddeus Young, sf, Ga. Tech
Carter and/or Kidd are gone after this year, but the Nets drafter his replacement last year. Young will help alleviate the scoring loss of Vince.
18. Golden State – Ante Tomic, C, Croatia
I don’t know him either, but I think the Warriors like foreigners.
19. L.A. Lakers – Javaris Crittenton, pg, Ga. Tech
Jordan Farmar is not the answer at point. Crittenton is solid.
20. Miami – Sean Williams, c, Boston College
Shaq is old. Udonis Haslem is Udonis Haslem. Eventually the Heat are going to need a big man to fill those voids.
21. Philadelphia (via Denver) – Brandon Rush, sg, Kansas
A moody, head-case, shooting guard in Philly. Seems about right.
22. Charlotte (via Toronto through Cleveland) – Josh McRoberts, pf, Duke
This gives them some depth behind Okafor and May. Plus the Bobcats love drafting established players from North Carolina colleges.
23. New York (via Chicago) –Rodney Stuckey, sg, Eastern Washington
I’m not familiar with Rodney Stuckey, but he’s an undersized shooting guard. The Knicks LOVE those guys.
24. Phoenix (via Cleveland through Boston) – Daequan Cook, sg, Ohio State
Daequan Cook can shoot. I hear Phoenix is pretty big on that. Gives them another option behind Raja.
25. Utah – Marco Belinelli, sg, Italy
Another pick I made simply because it seems like the Jazz enjoy foreign players.
26. Houston – Gabe Pruitt, pg, USC
Houston needs a point guard (sorry Luther and Rafer), and Pruitt’s the best one left.
27. Detroit – Derrick Byars, sf, Vanderbilt
I’d imagine Detroit gets rid of this pick, but they can take a chance since they’re already getting a top 15 player earlier.
28. San Antonio – Rudy Fernandez, sg, Spain
Once again, San Antonio is good at foreign players (Ginobili, Parker, Oberto).
29. Phoenix – Marc Gasol, c, Spain
Pau’s brother is supposed to be worse at defense. He should fit right in in Phoenix.
30. Philadelphia (via Dallas through Denver and Golden State) – Glen Davis, pf, LSU
I think they need a fat guy since Derrick Coleman isn’t there anymore.
May 21, 2007
Fight the Power
It’s strange to say, but this post-season really feels like Tim Duncan’s coming out party. No matter where you turn, people are trying to assess how Duncan should be rated, which seems pretty bizarre since he’s been in the league for 10 years now. Between Bill Simmons fawning over him in a recent column, or the discussion on Mike and Mike this morning about where Timmy stands on the historical list of power forwards, this is the first time that I can remember that the media has recognized how good Duncan really is. And, seriously, he’s amazing. Like best ever at his position amazing.
When you think about it, the other possible candidates for GPFOAT fall short of TD in one category or another. The main competitors are usually Elgin Baylor, Karl Malone, Kevin McHale, and to a lesser extent, Charles Barkley. Let’s examine each of their cases individually.
First, for comparison’s sake, here are Duncan’s stats:
Regular Season
PPG: 21.8
RPG: 11.9
BPG: 2.4
APG: 3.2
Playoffs
PPG: 24.1
RPG: 12.6
BPG: 2.8
APG: 3.6
Championships: 3
Stellar stats, not to mention that he clearly steps his game up when it really matters. Now on to the competition.
Regular Season
PPG: 27.4
RPG: 13.5
BPG: --- (not available)
APG: 4.3
Playoffs
PPG: 27.0
RPG: 12.9
BPG: --- (not available)
APG: 4.0
Championships: 0
Obviously, these are out-of-this-world statistics, but I think it’s very obvious the one area that Baylor falls short of Duncan: titles. I don’t think it’s fair to totally disregard a player simply because they are one of the hundreds of players to never win a championship, but when you’re trying to decide who is the best power forward of all time it certainly is an important variable (and one that will continue to come up).
Karl Malone:
Regular Season
PPG: 25.0
RPG: 10.1
BPG: 0.8
APG: 3.6
Playoffs
PPG: 24.7
RPG: 10.7
BPG: 0.7
APG: 3.2
Championships: 0
Once again, wonderful stats but no rings (although it should be noted that Duncan is a significantly better defender). Until recently, the case for Karl Malone for best power forward ever was pretty strong. However, because of Michael Jordan, he couldn’t break through to become a championship player. And while losing out on titles to The GOAT isn’t anything to be ashamed of, he still couldn’t win one while he was chasing a title with the Kobe and Shaq led Lakers. However, Karl Malone’s Rogaine commercials are legendary.
Kevin McHale:
Regular Season
PPG: 17.9
RPG: 7.3
BPG: 1.7
APG: 1.7
Playoffs
PPG: 18.8
RPG: 7.4
BPG: 1.7
APG: 1.6
Championships: 3
Of the 4 top contenders, McHale is the only one with any championships to his name. However, his statistics don’t even come close to touching Duncan’s. Clearly this is a product of playing on the best frontline ever (Bird, McHale, and Parrish), but it’s still a fact. Just as you can’t discount the fact that Malone, Baylor, and Barkley don’t have any rings, it is impossible to ignore that McHale has definitely inferior stats to Tim Duncan. Also, he’s a terrible GM (FREE GARNETT), but that’s another story for another day.
Charles Barkley:
Regular Season
PPG: 22.1
RPG: 11.7
BPG: 0.8
APG: 3.9
Playoffs
PPG: 23.0
RPG: 12.9
BPG: 0.9
APG: 3.9
Championships: 0
Another of the no championships club, Barkley is a once-in-a-lifetime player. Listed at a generous 6’6” (more like 6’4”), Barkley was an absolute terror. Unfortunately for him, Barkley also was continually thwarted by Michael Jordan in his quest for a title (maybe this disproves the theory that basketball is a big man’s game, but we can figure that out later). I don’t really think Barkley is in the upper echelon of power forwards, partly because I’m not sure if you can actually consider him a power forward. Nonetheless, for the purposes of this discussion, he’s still not close to Duncan.
Between his stats and his titles (not to mention the fact that he’s got probably 5 more good years in the league), I think it’s an easy argument for Tim Duncan as the best power forward of all time. And for that matter, I can’t really see anyone displacing him. The “next” big mean, Dwight Howard and Greg Oden, will certainly be considered centers; and most seven-footers these days are more perimeter focused than Duncan. Amare’s talent and athleticism could allow him to challenge Duncan for the throne, but I think it’s almost impossible to truly evaluate him as an individual until Nash’s back finally gives out and Stoudemire is forced to create rather than react to Nash’s playmaking.
It’s nice to see that people are finally taking notice of how fantastic Tim Duncan really is, and it’s unfortunate that some people might see his (possible) fourth title as tainted due to the Stoudemire-Diaw suspensions in round 2. Ultimately, we have the pleasure of watching one of the NBA’s 20 greatest players ever in action all this month. Enjoy it while you can.
