With the curtain drawing on such a terrific regular season, it’s time to hand out the final grades. Bear in mind, for the best teams the regular season is simply a training course for the rigorous exams of the playoffs. Their ultimate grade will be determined in June.
Also bear in mind, the grades are not just a reflection of performance, but expectations as well. For example, the Sonics and Timberwolves are taking remedial classes to help them for the future, while the Mavs and Spurs are taking the most rigorous championship-level courses in a quest to become valedictorian.
Atlanta Hawks: B+
After a decade of futility, the young Hawks have finally learned what it takes to be a playoff team. Joe Johnson and Josh Smith have harnessed their athletic talents while Mike Bibby and Al Horford have filled the various niches that have been empty the last several years. The Hawks are still prone to immaturity and inconsistency but the hope is their playoff berth is just a start.
Boston Celtics: A+
The Celtics are clearly the best team in the NBA. Doc Rivers has his team playing aggressive, physical basketball at both ends of the court. Paul Pierce has emerged as a complete package while Kevin Garnett has inspired his teammates to play with maximum tenacity. The youngsters play with supreme confidence, the veterans play with total unselfishness, and the whole team plays with unbridled enthusiasm. No team is more prepared to win a championship heading into the postseason.
Charlotte Bobcats: F
It’s hard to grow as a team when your head coach keeps taking shots at you in the media, which is exactly why the Bobcats have gone in reverse this season. The players have talent, so a new season—with a new coach—could see the Bobcats pointed back in the right direction.
Chicago Bulls: F
Ben Gordon still fancies himself a superstar even though he’s too small, too defenseless, and too puny a finisher to be anything more than a streak scorer off the bench. It took the Bulls too long to realize that Ben Wallace was washed up and a cancer in the clubhouse. Is it any coincidence that with Andres Nocioni and Joakim Noah given more prominent roles, the Bulls have finally begun to play with heart?
Cleveland Cavaliers: D-
It’s hard to believe, but after their midseason trade, Cleveland ’s offense has gotten even more LeBron-centric. Delonte West hasn’t been a difference maker, Wally Szczerbiak can’t find the basket with a GPS system, and Ben Wallace has been as old, slow, and decrepit as he’s been the last two years. Plus with Larry Hughes replaced with Wally’s World, the Cavs don’t have the athleticism along the perimeter to stop quickness on defense. It’s going to have to be all LeBron all the time for the Cavs to repeat in the East.
Dallas Mavericks: C-
Dirk has played tougher than usual (but only at home), Jason Kidd has been integral at pushing Dallas ’ early offense and providing backbone, and Jason Terry’s hot streaks have been more pronounced. Their defense has also improved, albeit marginally. The Mavs still lack the mental toughness to make the majority of critical plays in critical situations and their offense is still too one-on-one oriented. If Terry, Josh Howard, Jerry Stackhouse, and Nowitzki can reverse their collective trend of melting down the stretch, Dallas just might be a dark horse in the race.
Denver Nuggets: B+
The Nuggets have played as well as their impulsive, impatient style of play can take them. Carmelo and AI have meshed better this season and J.R. Smith has emerged as a volatile, conscienceless gunner. Still, Denver doesn’t have the defense nor the discipline to advance in the postseason.
Detroit Pistons: A-
The Pistons offense has been far livelier this season compared to last. Credit Flip Saunders for running more sets for Rip Hamilton, for continuing to preach balance, and for liberally utilizing his talented bench. If Rasheed Wallace plays at his maximum level in the postseason, then the Pistons will be the only team in the East that can knock off the Celtics.
Golden State Warriors: C-
The Warriors faded during the stretch drive and proved that their gimmicky version of basketball doesn’t work against elite competition. Over the season’s final four weeks, when every top team in the West was in playoff mode, Golden State went 2-9 against Dallas, Denver, San Antonio, Phoenix, Houston and New Orleans. Baron Davis and Stephen Jackson reverted back to being selfish losers, their defense—respectable at times over the first half—disappeared entirely, and too many times their offense stagnated to nothing more than isolation jumpers. The circus won‘t make a return appearance in the postseason.
Houston Rockets: A
Tracy McGrady is still afraid of contact, Yao Ming is in a suit and tie, the ghost of Dikembe Mutombo is their starting center, none of their other big men besides Luis Scola are taller than 6-6, and still, the Rockets have been able to launch into orbit. Credit Rafer Alston for playing the most level-headed ball of his career, McGrady for staying healthy during the stretch drive, and Shane Battier for meeting each and every challenge head-on.
Indiana Pacers: C
The Pacers have proven that there could be life after Jermaine O’Neal and Jamaal Tinsley because of the improved play of Mike Dunleavy. The team needs a point guard desperately, and can definitely use a talented and healthy post presence. In truth, the Pacers have too many scorers, too little creators and role players.
Los Angeles Clippers: D
Their offense has been punchless all season long, and their defense hasn’t been good enough to make up for it. Chris Kaman’s mediocre second half has revealed that he isn’t suited to being a centerpiece of an offense. Elton Brand risked further injury to play in a handful of meaningless games and Corey Maggette and Mike Dunleavy have never coalesced. The Clippers have gone back to being their dismal, dysfunctional selves.
Los Angeles Lakers: A+
Pau Gasol’s soft hooks, outstanding pass work, and quick mastery of the triangle have given the Lakers offense an extra dimension. Lamar Odom has been athletic, tough, and consistent, Derek Fisher has allowed the whole shebang to run wrinkle free, and Kobe Bryant has played at an MVP-caliber level. Phil Jackson has his troops playing with absolute confidence heading into the second season. Do they have the toughness or the physicality to survive the West?
Memphis Grizzlies: C-
They’re just as bad as many expected them to be, but at least they’ve played hard the entire year. With Pau Gasol gone, will Mike Miller be exiled over the offseason? Will their contingent of young, quick, athletic players ever get stronger, grow up, and learn the nuances of playing in the NBA? And can we now come to the conclusion that Darko Milicic is a complete bust?
Miami Heat: F
An “F” grade doesn’t do justice to how bad the Heat have been. How can they be accused of tanking when they played so miserably when they were trying to win games? Pat Riley has to be relieved of his GM duties (at least) for assembling a roster of toxic waste.
Milwaukee Bucks: D
Despite all the offensive talent on the roster, Milwaukee continues to play the wrong way. The players have mutinied on Larry Krystowiak's triangle offense, opting instead to take the first available shot they can get. Charlie Villanueva is in love with himself, Andrew Bogut is ordinary, and aside from Royal Ivey, nobody on the team wants to defend. With Redd and Villanueva as their two prime offensive pieces, Milwaukee will never achieve more than mediocrity.
Minnesota Timberwolves: C
After dealing away Kevin Garnett, the T-Wolves struggles were to be expected. Still, Al Jefferson is a bona fide star, Sebastian Telfair has matured considerably, and the rest of the young Timberpuppies played with heart night in and night out. When Randy Whitman gets the talent to match the hustle, the T-Wolves will return to being a factor in the Western Conference.
New Jersey Nets: D-
Vince Carter’s athleticism has diminished considerably, so much so that the “big three” has dwindled down to simply Richard Jefferson. The Nets played with a deplorable lack of energy both during and after the Jason Kidd era, and a lack of depth was a huge factor in New Jersey’s disappointing campaign. Will Nenad Kristic ever develop a post up game? Or play defense? It will take the entire offseason to air out the stale smell in the New Jersey swamp.
New Orleans: A+
It seems as if the rest of the league has figured them out but what a season it’s been for the Hornets! Chris Paul is a superstar, David West is a supreme two-way player, and the role players have all done their jobs admirably. Can Chris Paul handle the physicality of postseason play? Will Peja ever play defense or make shots during crunch time? Do the Hornets have a third option? No matter what their postseason result, Byron Scott’s has gotten the absolute most out of his roster.
New York Knicks: F
If any good has come out of this disaster, it’s that Isiah Thomas and Stephon Marbury are almost certain goners. If only Zach Randolph would join them then the team can start some sort of rebuilding process. Jamal Crawford needs a strict disciplinarian to tame his unkempt skills, Eddy Curry needs a pat on the back (and the banishment of Zach Randolph) instead of a kick in the rear, and the Knicks need a defensive minded power forward to offset Eddy Curry’s mistakes, and no, David Lee is not a good defender. Oh wait, the Knicks are hopelessly plagued with horrendous contracts and their cap cure wont come for several years. Congratulations Donnie Walsh, it’s your mess now.
Orlando Magic: B+
They’ve drifted off course as the year has progressed but that was to be expected with a low-caliber point guard and the absence of a power forward. With very limited post skills, Dwight Howard has emerged as the best rebounded in the game and a ferocious dive-cutter. Hedo Turkoglu has evolved into a “jack-of-all-trades, master of everything,” who has carried the Magic on his back. Orlando won’t get past the second round but the infrastructure is starting to be developed.
Philadelphia 76ers: A
Andre Iguodala has blossomed into a lower-tiered star who will drive, finish, pass, and defend. Still, the leadership and court vision of Andre Miller has been the difference in Philly’s second half resurgence. Willie Green and Lou Williams have begun to channel their impressive athletic gifts, Thaddeus Young has played like a tried-and-true veteran, and Reggie Evans has accepted his limitations and played like the rebounding fool Philly needs him to be. With so many youngsters populating the Sixer roster, this season could be just the beginning.
Phoenix Suns: B-
With Shaq on board, the Suns eschewed their “fast break all the time” for a versatile approach capable of going fast, slow, and anywhere in between. Has Shaq fully integrated into the Phoenix offense? And is he the right answer? His missed hooks, botched layups, and clumsy offensive fouls betray his diminishing skills. And will Amare Stoudemire stop complaining about respect and start making timely defensive rotations? The Suns have the right idea but the wrong personnel.
Portland Trail Blazers: A
Brandon Roy has proved that he can be (and already is) a superstar at this level. LeMarcus Aldridge has proved that he can be a talented, finesse-oriented point-producer at the power forward spot. Joel Pryzbilla has proved that he can be a capable banger off the bench. Travis Outlaw has proved that his hot streaks can win games. Jarrett Jack and Steve Blake have proved that they can be legit backups on a successful team. If Greg Oden can prove that he’s a legit franchise center, then a point guard and a shooting guard with unlimited range are all that’s needed for the Blazers to compete with the best in the league.
Sacramento Kings: B
Despite a mismatched roster, the Kings held together and competed right down to the season’s last days. Kevin Martin can score with anybody and Ron Artest is still the best defensive wing in the game when he chooses to be. Still, the Kings need a major influx of athleticism if they want to be more than ordinary.
San Antonio Spurs: C-
Their jump shooting has deteriorated over the second half and Tim Duncan hasn’t been able to save them. Ime Udoka and Fabricio Oberto haven’t been the elite, versatile defenders Greg Popovich craves. On the other hand, Tony Parker has picked up his level of play down the stretch, and Tim Duncan’s defensive rotations are still the best in the business. They’ll only go as far as their jump shooting takes them.
Seattle Supersonics: D+
They picked up their level of play in the second half as their rotation finally started to clear up. Kevin Durant has proved that he can be the raw perimeter scorer every team needs. However, Seattle’s success or failure depends on how prepared they are for next season. Have they settled on Luke Ridnour or Earl Watson? How about Chris Wilcox or Nick Collison? Where does Damien Wilkins fit in? What have they learned about Jeff Green? So many questions, so precious few confident answers.
Toronto Raptors: D-
This is what happens when a franchise cares more about saving face than playing winning players. Why else does T.J. Ford start? And can any of their players besides Chris Bosh create their own shot? Andrea Bargnani was supposed to, but he‘s a total failure. It will be a quick playoff exit.
Utah Jazz: B-
The team’s decision making is two beats slow on the road. Cutters are missed, then passes are forced into well-defended teammates. When Utah can bully their opponents around at home, their fine, but when the calls don’t go their way on the road, they lack a third creative scorer who can finish at the rim. And Mehmet Okur is too slow and too unreliable to be counted on in big games. Game seven’s are always a crapshoot, can they win a game one or game five on the road?
Washington Wizards: B+
They continued to overacheive despite nagging injuries to a host of key players. Caron Butler is a legit two-way force, Antawn Jamison will torch the nets against too-soft, too-slow opponents, and Gilbert Arenas now brings his explosive scoring talents off the bench. More importantly, Antonio Daniels and Deshawn Stevenson have stepped up and been reliable complementary scorers. Still, they don’t have the post presence for a lengthy playoff run.
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5 months ago
Eric,
This is a solid, comprehensive grading of the teams. I've got to say I don't really disagree with any of the rankings. Nice work!
from 5 months ago
Thanks for the props!
5 months ago
Tough grade on the Warriors...they did win 6 more games than they did last season in a tougher conference.
Also - I think it's more accurate to say that Davis and Jackson ran out of gas, as opposed to suggesting that they reverted to selfishness.
Just my two cents.
from 5 months ago
That's an optimistic way to describe their play...
They fell apart when it mattered and played awful basketball over the last month. They should've been a playoff team. Of course I'm going to be hard on them.
5 months ago
I agree with the Wolves' grade. They really played well at times, and losing a guy like KG is tough. I think with guys like Foye, Big Al, Gomez and some picks, they'll be back in the playoffs within a few years.
5 months ago
Dear erick andrew bogut is the only player on the bucks rooster who plays for the team. How can u say that bogut is ordinary ! he is only a 3rd year player .Your eyes must be in your arse dick head. I would luv to see what record the bucks would have without bogut. LOOK at the stats dickhead. If all the players played with andrews heart they might just be a good team. GO ANDREW U ARE THE BEST AUSSIES RULE THE WORLD OF SPORT 20 mill compare to the US 350 mill. take a good hard look at yourself E RICK THE DONKEY MAN !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
from 5 months ago
I think I got dumberer from reading that post.
from 5 months ago
Aussie doesnt rule shit. You want to know a country that punches above their weight? New Zealand!!!
4million people vs 20 million people and we kill you at rugby.
5 months ago
lol, only on bleacherreport can an article grading professional basketball teams for their regular seasons turn into an Australia vs New Zealand flame war.
5 months ago
LOL, I loved the Knicks and the Heat grades and comments...wow, those two teams have so much work to do it's insane.
I agree with Daves comment about the Warriors. Not just because I am a Warriors fan but because I think they beat a lot of great teams in a tough Western Conference. The difference maker like you pointed out was the final stretch. They just sort of deviated from the game plan and tried to win games by forcing shots. They also needed an inside presence that Chris Webber obviously could not fill.
But the grades look good to me.
from 5 months ago
Lol Ali, the Heat and the Knicks are just too easy to kick while they're down. At least Isiah is gone. That's a start.
The Warriors did play reasonably well which is why I gave them a grade in the C's. But Golden State's expectations were to make the playoffs. As of one month ago, the Warriors were a playoff team, the Warriors had the history and the early season success where they knew how to beat playoff teams.
Then, when they ended up with the crucial part of their schedule, they melted away. And I can tolerate a team losing a bunch of close games to good teams. I never thought the Mavs' ship was sinking when they had that losing streak with Kidd. But it's how Golden State played that bothered me. They played exactly the same way they played before last season's run and that really bothered me. They didn't show up against Dallas, they had no idea how to beat San Antonio, and they just played stupid against Denver.
Stephen Jackson hadn't played consistently well all year, and all of Davis' character flaws reared themselves late in the season. They choked and chokers don't get rewarded.
5 months ago
Heat should be graded Z-.
5 months ago
I don't agree with the C- grade for the Spurs, or the B+ grade for the Hawks, sure they made the playoffs but they finished below .500 that doesn't scream great to me, especially if they were in the West they would've finished 10th or 11th.
Also for Toronto, TJ Ford can play he has just had a run of bad luck with his neck and back, and Barganani is and will be a good player for many years, it takes a couple of years for these Euro players to become accustomed to the NBA style.
As far as the Suns go, how do they get a lower grade then Denver? Denver has 2 of the best players in the game and the reigning defensive player of the year and can only get 8th in the West? The Suns will go deep in the playoffs and as far as Amare goes he is top 5 candidate for MVP this season and he plays defensive just fine I think, if there is one thing he should work on is blocks, not his rotation on D, he averaged 2.1 bpg this season which must mean he rotates well to help on weak side seeing how thats where most of his blocks came from this season.
from 5 months ago
I'm not comparing the two teams to each other, each has different expectations. For the Hawks, they made progress and thy made the playoffs. Sure they'll get swept by Boston, but for the first time in 10 years, they took steps.
The Nuggets weren't a championship contender in the offseason, they aren't a championship contender now. They made the playoffs and won 50 games with a flawed gameplan. That's good enough for me.
Meanwhile, Phoenix was supposed to be a powerhouse and they never clicked all year. Are they this championship contender that everyone fears? No, they might not get past the first round.
Now the Suns are fine, they've changed their approach, they've gotten stronger as the year wore on, and it looks as if they're halfcourt offense is where it needs to be to get through the playoffs. But Amare still plays like a teenager, Shaq is inconsistent, and the defense has lots of holes. A B- is fair.
Amare's 2.1 blocks come because he has a trampoline for legs, not because his rotations are anything special. This isn't even hidden knowledge either, Hubie Brown and Jeff Van Gundy/Mark Jackson point it out every single Suns game.
from 5 months ago
I agree with Shaq playing incosistently but Amare playing like a teenager? Amare this year has done things he never has before, he takes over games when it matters most, 5th in the NBA in scoring and putting the Suns on his back in many instances is not playing like a teenager, his downfall is when he gets in foul trouble for ticky tack fouls.
from 5 months ago
Which is what I mean when I say he plays like a teenager. Great job fouling out against the Spurs and for not coming up with ways to stop Duncan when it mattered.
from 5 months ago
the refs were horrible today man. Tony Parker fouled out in the game and he hadn't fouled out all season. 5 players today had 5 fouls or more which shows that the refs were calling things tight. Once again the refs try to take over a game instead of just letting them play.
from 5 months ago
Fouls are part of the game and the majority of the calls went in Phoenix' favor. If a player tries to use contact to gain an advantage it should be a foul and the refs call it so. Tony Parker twice slammed into jump shooters, should that be allowed? What about Shaq swinging his elbows into Oberto or Stoudemire slapping Duncan across the forearm? If you don't want fouls called on you, don't commit them.
You notice how Duncan is never in poor defensive position so he never picks up foul? Look at Diaw's missed layup in the 2nd OT. Diaw had a wide open path to the hoop but Duncan stepped up right at the last moment, held his ground, and jumped straight up. Textbook. There was some contact and Diaw went sprawling: That's what happens when you jump into somebody who's in prime defensive position.
Menawhile, Amare is always lunging at penetrators because his rotations are habitually late, the prime reason for his six fouls.
But keep blaming the refs. Amare is perfect, it's the referees who are out to get him.
from 5 months ago
If you watched the game you would hear how much the 3 guys said that certain players were flopping all over the place, Oberto flopped on the foul on Shaq early in the game and the reason Duncan doesn't get fouls called on him is because the refs don't want to hear him cry about it the whole time because Duncan is one of the biggest whiners in the NBA
from 5 months ago
Also, the foul on Parker should've been a no call because there was no contact made, the foul where he got Nash when he was shooting a 3 there was no contact made at all.... bottom line dude, the Refs sucked this game and there is no way you can say they were in favor for the Suns when in the first the Spurs were shooting free throws with 8 min left in the quarter.... you obviously didn't watch much of the game
from 5 months ago
I saw the Oberto flop. It was a bad call, it happens. But I also saw a number of no calls when players fell to the floor, the majority of them on San Antonio. I also saw Tim Duncan get called for a defensive foul on Amare when Duncan didn't even touch Amare.
And in the end weren't we talking about Amare and his immaturity? Has he every stayed on the floor in a big game? Has he every played top quality defense in a big game? Sure he'll score, as he did yesterday, but what else did he provide? 7 rebounds in 45 minutes? 6 turnovers? Not a single assist? And when his team could use his scoring in overtime, he's out due to foul trouble? It's the same old tune with him.
And your Duncan whining line is completely off base. It should read "All NBA players are the biggest whiners in the NBA." Duncan keeps his cool the majority of the time. Phoenix fans just have some desperate desire to attach a flaw to Duncan's game and that's the best they can come up with. It's pretty weak man.
from 5 months ago
Duncans flaw is he is treated like Shaq used to be where nothing was called against him, they were only called for him... Duncan went for 40 because Shaq was on the bench the entire first half yesterday and thats when Duncan had more then half of his scoring...
from 5 months ago
Its not actually a flaw for Duncanc, its good for him, I just think its bullshit. Nash can't even by a call when he is getting pushed around when he drives to the basket but Duncan gets a call when he is the one creating the contact, thats weak Don't bring up the two ticky tack fouls Nash got yesterday when he was shooting jumpshots, because he never gets those calls and really he shouldn't have yesterday, he deserves the calls when he drives to the basket and gets knocked around.
from 5 months ago
buy*
from 5 months ago
Here's why Nash won't ever get the majority of foul calls: He weighs 107 pounds. Obviously that's hyperbole but strong sturdy players will always get the benefit of the doubt in foul situations because slight incidental bumps don't move those guys.
And Duncan is textbook. That's why he doesn't pick up cheap fouls. Offensive players create contact all the time, that's what you're supposed to do: Find an angle and use your strength to create an opening. Duncan doesn't lower his shoulder into defenders. And Nash isn't strong enough to use his body to move opponents out of the way.
This is the fricken NBA playoffs man, refs aren't there to bail you out (and don't even mention Miami-Dallas).
5 months ago
defense*
I also forgot to add for Denver that they shouldn't be getting a B+ especially when their team defense is a D- at best
5 months ago
Hey i'm wondering what are the grades based on? I'm thinking it's a mix of preseason expectations, current progress, expected playoff success, and future potential.
from 5 months ago
Future potential isn't a factor and expected playoff success should be changed to preparation for the postseason. Also, getting the most out of a roster is a factor.
The criteria varies for each team, for example, look at the Hornets. While I don't think they're necessarily prepared for a deep postseason run, Byron Scott has gotten the most out of an offense that is almost totally reliant on Chris Paul and Paul has more flaws than people realize.
That being said, Paul himself has been spectacular all season at what Scott wants him to do...completely and flawlessly run an offense and use his terrific anticipation to pick up steals. The Hornets progressed considerably, they rotate on defense, and they vaporized expectations, that's an A+.
from 5 months ago
Future potential isn't a factor and expected playoff success should be changed to preparation for the postseason. Also, getting the most out of a roster is a factor.
The criteria varies for each team, for example, look at the Hornets. While I don't think they're necessarily prepared for a deep postseason run, Byron Scott has gotten the most out of an offense that is almost totally reliant on Chris Paul and Paul has more flaws than people realize.
That being said, Paul himself has been spectacular all season at what Scott wants him to do...completely and flawlessly run an offense and use his terrific anticipation to pick up steals. The Hornets progressed considerably, they rotate on defense, and they vaporized expectations, that's an A+.
from 5 months ago
Future potential isn't a factor and expected playoff success should be changed to preparation for the postseason. Also, getting the most out of a roster is a factor.
The criteria varies for each team, for example, look at the Hornets. While I don't think they're necessarily prepared for a deep postseason run, Byron Scott has gotten the most out of an offense that is almost totally reliant on Chris Paul and Paul has more flaws than people realize.
That being said, Paul himself has been spectacular all season at what Scott wants him to do...completely and flawlessly run an offense and use his terrific anticipation to pick up steals. The Hornets progressed considerably, they rotate on defense, and they vaporized expectations, that's an A+.
from 5 months ago
Future potential isn't a factor and expected playoff success should be changed to preparation for the postseason. Also, getting the most out of a roster is a factor.
The criteria varies for each team, for example, look at the Hornets. While I don't think they're necessarily prepared for a deep postseason run, Byron Scott has gotten the most out of an offense that is almost totally reliant on Chris Paul and Paul has more flaws than people realize.
That being said, Paul himself has been spectacular all season at what Scott wants him to do...completely and flawlessly run an offense and use his terrific anticipation to pick up steals. The Hornets progressed considerably, they rotate on defense, and they vaporized expectations, that's an A+.
from 5 months ago
Future potential isn't a factor and expected playoff success should be changed to preparation for the postseason. Also, getting the most out of a roster is a factor.
The criteria varies for each team, for example, look at the Hornets. While I don't think they're necessarily prepared for a deep postseason run, Byron Scott has gotten the most out of an offense that is almost totally reliant on Chris Paul and Paul has more flaws than people realize.
That being said, Paul himself has been spectacular all season at what Scott wants him to do...completely and flawlessly run an offense and use his terrific anticipation to pick up steals. The Hornets progressed considerably, they rotate on defense, and they vaporized expectations, that's an A+.
5 months ago
How about giving the Heat an F----------. That would do it. Or a G.
5 months ago
i know i wasn't that sober last night but did you really have to reply 4 times for me to read it?
from 5 months ago
lmao Rick, it was a glitch in my reply. Really though, I just wanted to make sure you understood my point. You tend to look something over if you only read it once, so I wanted to make sure you read it four times.
5 months ago
Good read -- I have to say I think you were a tad harsh on the Sonics considering their situation. I think they had an amazing finish to the season and show a lot of progress and promise.
If the T-Wolves deserve a C, I think the Sonics do, too. I know if I was a Sonics fan, I'd be depressed that they might be leaving, but thankful they went out with such amazing style.
5 months ago
It's tough for anyone to really have the info on every team in the league and that includes major newspaper beat writers. The Clippers deserve the D - although the massive number of key injuries and season long injuries was overwhelming. That said your characterization of Chris Kamen is a perfect example of there's a lot you don't know. You say "Chris Kaman’s mediocre second half has revealed that he isn’t suited to being a centerpiece of an offense". Kamen gave as good a first half of the season as any player in the league and was well on his was for consideration of Most Improved Player in the league. Then he was injured and pretty much didn't play after that, getting injured again immediately after coming back. You conclusion "he isn’t suited to being a centerpiece of an offense" is bogus. Additionally he has never been mentioned or suggested as "the centerpiece" just a maturing star player. You can be sure the league is loaded with teams that would grab him in a minute, if he were made available. It's too easy to denigrate the Clippers.
5 months ago
It's tough for anyone to really have the info on every team in the league and that includes major newspaper beat writers. The Clippers deserve the D - although the massive number of key injuries and season long injuries was overwhelming. That said your characterization of Chris Kamen is a perfect example of there's a lot you don't know. You say "Chris Kaman’s mediocre second half has revealed that he isn’t suited to being a centerpiece of an offense". Kamen gave as good a first half of the season as any player in the league and was well on his was for consideration of Most Improved Player in the league. Then he was injured and pretty much didn't play after that, getting injured again immediately after coming back. You conclusion "he isn’t suited to being a centerpiece of an offense" is bogus. Additionally he has never been mentioned or suggested as "the centerpiece" just a maturing star player. You can be sure the league is loaded with teams that would grab him in a minute, if he were made available. It's too easy to denigrate the Clippers.
5 months ago
It's tough for anyone to really have the info on every team in the league and that includes major newspaper beat writers. The Clippers deserve the D - although the massive number of key injuries and season long injuries was overwhelming. That said your characterization of Chris Kamen is a perfect example of there's a lot you don't know. You say "Chris Kaman’s mediocre second half has revealed that he isn’t suited to being a centerpiece of an offense". Kamen gave as good a first half of the season as any player in the league and was well on his was for consideration of Most Improved Player in the league. Then he was injured and pretty much didn't play after that, getting injured again immediately after coming back. You conclusion "he isn’t suited to being a centerpiece of an offense" is bogus. Additionally he has never been mentioned or suggested as "the centerpiece" just a maturing star player. You can be sure the league is loaded with teams that would grab him in a minute, if he were made available. It's too easy to denigrate the Clippers.
5 months ago
It's tough for anyone to really have the info on every team in the league and that includes major newspaper beat writers. The Clippers deserve the D - although the massive number of key injuries and season long injuries was overwhelming. That said your characterization of Chris Kamen is a perfect example of there's a lot you don't know. You say "Chris Kaman’s mediocre second half has revealed that he isn’t suited to being a centerpiece of an offense". Kamen gave as good a first half of the season as any player in the league and was well on his was for consideration of Most Improved Player in the league. Then he was injured and pretty much didn't play after that, getting injured again immediately after coming back. You conclusion "he isn’t suited to being a centerpiece of an offense" is bogus. Additionally he has never been mentioned or suggested as "the centerpiece" just a maturing star player. You can be sure the league is loaded with teams that would grab him in a minute, if he were made available. It's too easy to denigrate the Clippers.
5 months ago
I know Kaman was hurt and missed most of the final month. But he played in about half of their final games from February onwards with mediocre results: No 20 point games, loads of turnovers, limited assist totals even with teams doubling him...
What teams would start Kaman considering he isn't a great defender or passer? He wouldn't start in New Orleans, Los Angeles, Utah, Houston, Phoenix, or Denver in the West, and he'd start but get rotated around a lot in San Antonio.
Sure the spacing is bad for Kaman because defenses collapse on him and none of his teammates can punish the opposition with jump shots. But Minnesota has a horrible shooting team and Al Jefferson consistently produces for the T-Wolves. That's a maturing star player. Kaman is decent but he's strictly a supporting player.
So my description of Kaman in the article is valid.
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