In order to become a NBA player you must first become a college player. That is the thought process I used when comprising the college basketball version. I've decided to graduate and move up a step. I received some heat for my selections as some complained that the players weren't actually left-handed. This time around I have done my best to name the unquestionable left handers that best fit their position. So without further writitng here is my team.
Manu Ginobili
Sorry but Manu's going to have to quarterback this one. The front runner for the Sixth Man of the Year, had a terrific February, posting 4 30+ games which included a 46 point performance against Cleveland and a 44 point explosion versus Minnesota. But what was more impressive was the 30 point flare against Chris Paul and the New Orleans Hornets. He has been important in keeping San Antonio's mark of 15-4 in their last 19 games. Manu Ginobili averages 20.4 PPG, 4.9 RPG, to go along with 4.7 APG.
Michael Redd
One of the best 3pt shooters the league has today, its a wonder why he wasn't invited to New Orleans to participate in the 3pt shootout. Over the last 4 years, in the 334 games he has been in, he 's started all but 1. The 6-6 215lb Redd, is learning that 3's aren't everything and has developed a good midrange game to compliment his already deadly outside stroke. Michael also has a knack for hitting game winning shots, his latest was a trey against Lebron's Cavaliers earlier in the month. As The Bucks' best player and leading scorer, Redd is averaging 23.5 PPG and 3.6 APG on the year.
Josh Smith
If not for Hedo Turkoglu in Orlando, he maybe the league's Most Improved Player of the Year. Smith is 2nd in the league in Blocks and will finish second in the league in the Defensive Player of the Year voting behind Marcus Camby. Although he is a savage on the defensive side, he turns the ball over a lot, too many times frankly on the offensive side, but he will learn with age. He is ranked in the Top 10 in 7 different categories in the league. Josh averages 17.1 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 3.0 BPG, and 1.6 SPG. Smith might possibly the best complete defensive player in the game today.
Chris Bosh
CP4 has been relentless this season increasing his FT% from 78.5 a year ago to 85.6 this season, lowering his TO margain, and has started in every game he's played this year. The former Yellow Jacket is ranked in the Top 10 in 5 different statistical categories across the NBA, including PPG and FT attempts per 48 minutes. Bosh is currently on the injured list because of a knee problem. Its a real shame that he plays in Toronto so he's not on display for most of the league and the NBA audience to see. Bosh averages 22.6 PPG and 8.9 RPG.
Greg Oden
In college, he shot baby hooks with his left hand, and since he hasn't played a organized game since then, I'm going with that. If he's right-handed then he's ambidextrous, so in my books that qualifies him as part of my team. Oden will be a force for the Blazers when he comes back next year and has recently been playing in practice games with the Portland Trail Blazers.
Lamar Odom and Tayshaun Prince are also due some credit. I felt that Josh Smith and Chris Bosh are better at their position than Odom and Prince.
5 comments Last one added about 1 year ago — Leave a Comment
Andrew Kneeland about 1 year ago
Nice to see an article highlighting the fellow southpaws! Good work!
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Steve Jones about 1 year ago
You need a left handed point and IDK about oden cause I thought it was an all NBA left handed team and oden hasn't played but I liked all of the picks...Much agreed with Josh Smith he is developing into a 5 star player just needs to improve ball handling and his shot more cause like you said he turns it over to much.
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Jin Lyu about 1 year ago
Yeah, I won't put Oden on it yet until he proves he belongs in this league. Zach Randolph, Lamar Odom
and Tayshaun Prince are all left handed and are proven to be a consistent force. Putting Oden in the NBA All lefted handed team based on his potential is like rating a restaurant you never been to 5 stars because you thought outside was pretty.
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Sean Stancill about 1 year ago
If Zach Randolph were so consistent than he wouldn't have been criticized by his Coach and almost given away to the Bucks. Were do Odom and Prince go? You want me to away Josh Smith who's pretty much been the league's best all around defender or do I take away Chris Bosh one of the most versatile big men in the league, who averages more points and rebounds than the both of them?
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Drew Barton about 1 year ago
How about Brandon Roy? While he is dominant right hand from distance if you watch him around the rack he prefers his left. In fact, 2 of his appearances in the Blazer pre-game highlight package are hom throwing down the southpaw jam over a couple defenders and the move against Toronto that has become his signature; he does a crossover at the foul line extended right to break the ankles of the first defender, shifts back to the right hand for a dribble, elevates for the ball fake to the right to move 2 shot blockers that direction and shifts back to the left to flip in the semi-reverse in a move reminiscent of Jordan v. Lakers. It is on You-tube, check it out.
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