Bleacher Report - Articles by Michael Whittenberg

NBA Preseason Awards and Predictions

Michael Whittenberg — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 12:51:10 -0400

Can Flip Saunders help the Washington Wizards return to playoff form? Getty Images

If you're not excited about the upcoming NBA season then something is clearly wrong with you.

Guys like Ron Artest, Shaq, and Richard Jefferson will all be sporting new uniforms this season and all three have a chance to win an NBA championship—which will make this year's preseason predictions a lot more fun to make.

Who knows how this season will end? It never hurts to just make a few educated guesses.

Without further ado, here are my annual preseason awards and predictions:

Award Winners

No. 1 pick Blake Griffin. Johnny Vy/NBAE/Getty Images

Rookie of the Year: Blake Griffin, Los Angeles Clippers

Griffin was by far the best player taken in the 2009 NBA Draft. With a pretty decent supporting cast, Griffin will make an immediate impact in L.A.

And call me crazy, but don't be surprised if the Clippers make a push for a playoff berth. Tyreke Evans from the Sacramento Kings will also be in the running for Rookie of the Year.

Coach of the Year: Flip Saunders, Washington Wizards

The big three for Washington haven't all been healthy together for a while and Antawn Jamison will be sidelined for a few weeks. But once AJ returns, this Wizards offense will flourish.

Now that Flip is running the show, the Wizards should love their new offense because of the freedom they will have.

*Honorable Mention: Nate McMillan, Portland Trailblazers

With Ron Artest now in L.A., Odom will have some of the pressure taken off of him. Jesse D. Garrabrant/Getty Images

Sixth Man of the Year: Lamar Odom, Los Angeles Lakers

This one was kind of hard because both Jason Terry and Manu Ginobli will also be in the running for the best Sixth Man. But Odom will be the sixth man for the best team in the league.

Ginobli has had problems staying healthy the last couple of seasons, but if he does manage to stay healthy he will come in second.

As for Terry, his team's window of opportunity for a championship may have closed, but they are still one of the top eight teams in the Western Conference. Look for "The Jet" to have another productive year off the pine.

Most Improved Player: Andrew Bynum, Los Angeles Lakers

Yes, it was only preseason--but Bynum looked very impressive during that period. He averaged a double-double in preseason and if that knee can hold up for the entire season we may be talking about Bynum as the starting center for the Western Conference All-Stars come February.

LeBron James has a chance to become MVP for the second straight year. Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Most Valuable Player: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

This will be a historic race for MVP, but LeBron will come out the winner. My top five candidates for this season's MVP are LeBron, Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard and Tim Duncan

But with the addition of Shaquille O'Neal, Cleveland will be the best team during the regular season. And you know what the description is for MVP these days: the best player on the best team.

With that said, Chris Paul will have another amazing season and come in second place in the MVP voting.

Surprise Player of the Year: Emeka Okafor, New Orleans Hornets

Okafor? Yes Okafor. Though Emeka's numbers have not made a dramatic increase like the man selected before him in the 2004 NBA Draft—Dwight Howard, his production will finally pay some dividends in New Orlean's offense.

Also, defensively he will make an impact since they no longer have Tyson Chandler and he will also be the team's newest leading rebounder.

*Honorable Mention: Greg Oden, Portland Trailblazers

The additions of Miller (left), Foye (middle) and Fabricio Oberto (right) should help the injury prone Wizards get back on track. Ned Dishman/Getty Images

Most Improved Team: Washington Wizards

For some reason I have jumped on the Wizards bandwagon this season. And barring any further injuries, the Wizards have a legitimate chance make a run to the playoffs this season.

Washington added a great shooter in Mike Miller and an explosive player in Randy Foye during the offseason. If the Wizards live up to my expectations, then look for Washington to be a seventh or eighth seed.

The NBA's Newest All-Star: Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

Last season Devin Harris, Danny Granger, and Mo Williams made their first appearance in an All-Star game. And although he plays for a bad team, fans have caught on to Durant.

Not only will he make his first appearance, but he has a real chance to lead the league in scoring.

Four Bold Predictions

1. The Orlando Magic will not make it back to the NBA Finals.

Orlando caught a break last year with the injury to Kevin Garnett in Boston and the loss of Hedo Turkoglu will hurt them this year.

And although Orlando eliminated Cleveland from the playoffs last season, their offseason moves will make them a better team this year.

2. The Washington Wizards will make the playoffs this season.

Of the eight teams that reached the postseason last year, Detroit will be left out and Washington will take their place.

As mentioned above, the Wizards should be a better team with Flip Saunders on the sideline.

This year's Eastern Conference standings will look something like this:

1. Cleveland
2. Boston
3. Orlando
4. Atlanta
5. Miami
6. Chicago
7. Philadelphia
8. Washington

3. The final four teams left standing in the Conference Finals will be San Antonio and the Los Angeles Lakers, along with Cleveland and Boston.

Cleveland and Boston will go seven games in the Eastern Conference Finals, but Boston will come out on the winning side; Los Angeles defeats San Antonio in six

4. This will be Amar'e Stoudemire's last season in Phoenix

This season is Amar'e's big contract year and if you were to ask me where he is most likely to end up next season, I would say the New York Knicks. Sorry to disappoint you Knicks fans, but he is not going anywhere after this season.

It makes perfect sense. Amar'e loved playing for Mike D'Antoni in Phoenix and those guys being reunited next season is not hard to picture.

Michael Whittenberg is one of two NBA Community Leaders for bleacherreport.com

Harsh Times: The NBA's Biggest Disappointments This Season

Michael Whittenberg — Tue, 10 Mar 2009 23:27:20 -0400

Year one of the McGrady, Yao, and Artest experiment hasn't exactly lived up to expectations. Rocky Widner/NBAE/Getty Images

There comes a time in every NBA season where every die-hard fan reflects back on their preseason predictions and expectations. While some preseason expectations have lived up to par, the others were clear-cut disappointments.

And here is a look at this season's biggest disappointments:

No big three in Houston

The Houston Rockets have been underachievers since Tracy McGrady arrived in Houston, but this year was sure to be different with the addition of Ron Artest.

The Rockets team as a whole hasn't disappointed, but the injury-prone McGrady has been the reason why the big three have not been able to stay together for more than 30 games this season.

Even before McGrady's season-ending injury, Houston had struggled, but still managed to stay in the playoff hunt. T-Mac struggled, having his worst statistical season since the '99-'00 season and shooting a paltry 38 percent from the field.

Since McGrady's injury, Houston has won 14 of their last 18 games and are third in the Western Conference. They may be playing better without T-Mac, but he is still a vital piece to the Rockets.

Yao Ming is their force in the middle and Ron Artest is their best one-on-one defender along with being the second option on offense. But without McGrady they are still missing their reliable go-to guy, and the guy who has the ability to go on scoring drives of his own and close out just about any game.

Houston will have home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs, but without McGrady they are possibly looking at another first-round exit.

The Detroit Pistons with Allen Iverson

Before March 4 when Iverson suffered a back injury, the Pistons, who have pretty much been the beasts of the Eastern Conference the last six years or so, struggled to win games. Since shipping Chauncey Billups to Denver in exchange for A.I., Detroit hasn't been the same, and even went on an eight-game losing skid in February.

Allen Iverson will be a sixth man for the first time in his career once he returns to the lineup. Allen Einstein/NBAE/Getty Images

This season has been the only year Iverson hasn't averaged at least 22 PPG, and since his arrival, Richard Hamilton, their leading scorer since 2003, has taken a new role coming off the bench.

Without Iverson, however, the Pistons have won five of their last six games and now look like a potential sleeper come playoff time.

During A.I.'s absence, not only has Hamilton's scoring increased, but Rodney Stuckey has suddenly broken out of his shooting slump.

Once Iverson returns, he will take on a role he has yet to face in his 13 seasons in the NBA.

Phoenix Suns

Coming into this season, we all knew the Suns' offense would no longer be the run-and-gun style we've grown to love the past several years. But what we didn't expect was for Phoenix to be out of the playoff picture.

They also traded Raja Bell and Boris Diaw, who now have the Charlotte Bobcats in playoff contention, for Jason Richardson and Jared Dudley on Dec. 11.

Phoenix was so disappointing the first half of the season Coach Terry Porter was fired, and Assistant Coach Alvin Gentry took over as their interim head coach. Since hiring Gentry as their main man, Phoenix has gone back to their old objectives of running and out-scoring their opponents.

It looked as if Phoenix was going to go on some type of run, and then Amar'e Stoudemire got shelved for the remainder of the season with a partially detached retina. Bell, and especially Diaw, would come in handy right about now.

The only good news for Phoenix lately is the resurgence of Shaquille O'Neal.

Jameer Nelson's injury

This was the season Orlando could finally make some noise in the postseason. Dwight Howard, Rashard Lewis, and Hedo Turkoglu were expected to do their dirty work, but it was Nelson who was having a breakout season.

Jameer Nelson's injury was a big blow for Orlando, but they haven't fell off the radar. Fernando Medina/NBAE/Getty Images

Improving in just about every statistical category, Nelson was named an All-Star for the first time.

But a torn right labrum has him sidelined for the remainder of the season. However, luckily for Orlando they got a great deal by acquiring Rafer Alson from Houston in a multi-team trade.

Alston has gelled well with the team, but the loss of Nelson has still been one of this season's biggest disappointments.

Maurice Cheeks' firing

Philadelphia was expected to be a lot better than a seventh seed this season, especially with the offseason acquisition of Elton Brand. With Brand in the lineup, Philly got off to a sluggish start, and ran away from what made them a playoff team last season.

After a 9-14 start, Cheeks was fired, and to make matters worse, Brand suffered a right shoulder injury that will keep him out of action until next season.

Since the firing of Cheeks and the injury to Brand, the Sixers have looked like the team of last season, and are currently a playoff team.

Baron Davis and Marcus Camby as Clippers

After losing Elton Brand and Corey Maggette via free agency, the Clippers filled the void pretty well by adding Camby and Davis.

The Clippers weren't expected to be playoff contenders, but Camby and Davis were expected to make them better than what they are now. Noah Graham/Getty Images

Statistically, Camby is having a much better season than he had in Denver last year.

But Davis' numbers are down from a year ago, and unlike last season, he hasn't appeared in every game.

The Clippers may not be a playoff team just yet, but their 15-48 record is far from what was expected of them this season.

The addition of Zach Randolph hasn't been much of a difference-maker either.

The Toronto Raptors' dismal season

Talk about disappointing, Toronto has arguably been the most disappointing team in the league this season. A team that reached the postseason the last two years now has only 23 wins in March.

Jermaine O'Neal, who was expected to give Toronto's frontcourt more firepower, couldn't even make it through a full season in a Raptors jersey once he was traded to Miami for Shawn Marion.

And speaking of Marion, he went from playing for the worst team in the Eastern Conference last season to being traded to one of the worst teams in the East this season.

Talk about bad luck.

Michael Whittenberg is one of two NBA Community Leaders for bleacherreport.com

NBA Roundtable: Is LeBron James the Unanimous Choice for MVP?

Michael Whittenberg — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 22:03:08 -0500

Dwyane Wade leads the league scoring averaging 29.5 PPG. Victor Baldizon/Getty Images

This season's race to MVP has been a great one so far, and we can all agree that Wade, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant are the top three candidates for this year's MVP. But with a little over a month left in the regular season, the MVP debates are now in session.

And for the debate—Erick Blasco, Andrew Ungvari and Daniel Barber will join myself to give our takes on who deserves to be the 2009 Most Valuable Player.

Whittenberg

A case can be made for all three guys mentioned above—but only one guy stood out for me.

A part of me wants to go with Dwyane Wade because he has been a scoring rampage as of late and leading the league in scoring most of the season, but his team's record is the reason Kobe and LeBron have the edge. Miami is currently the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference which is not a bad thing, but both Cleveland and Los Angeles have the best records in their conference.

D-Wade is having his best season, but good help seems to be hard to find. If or when Miami moves ahead of Atlanta for the fourth seed, Wade's case for MVP can get more interesting. Only bad news is, LeBron will still have the edge over him in the Eastern Conference.

As for Kobe, he has a legitimate shot at winning back-to-back MVPs, and has the Lakers atop the Western Conference once again. But this will be the year LeBron wins his first of multiple MVPs.

Why LeBron?

Yes, Cleveland had a big offseason acquisition in Mo Williams—but I've always looked at the MVP as the best player on the best team. And right now, Cleveland is the best team in basketball.

His statistical performance speaks for itself: 28.3 PPG, 7.3 RPG and 6.9 assist per game. Impressive, right? It also shows how great of a all-around player James really is.

For LeBron, it isn't just his scoring that makes him a great player—but the ability to make everyone around him better is why he is on his way to becoming the best player in the game. Not to say Kobe and D-Wade don't make their teammates better, but LeBron doesn't in a different way.

Also, compare last season's Cavaliers team to this year's. Detroit may have lost their crown as the kings of the Central Division, but Cleveland has moved ahead of the defending champion Boston Celtics for the top record in the East.

If I had to make a list of my top five candidates—LeBron, Kobe, Wade, Dwight Howard and Tim Duncan would make the cut.

Blasco

Picking MVP’s are always difficult because of the lack of clarity of what the criteria are for the award. Value is a very subjective word, and different people look at value in different ways. And simply picking the best player in the league goes against the award’s construct of picking the Most Valuable Player, not the Most Best Player.

With that said, my three-quarter year MVP award goes to LeBron James over Dwyane Wade and Kobe Bryant for several reasons.

First and foremost, while all three are great players and are on teams that are at least matching (if not greatly exceeding) preseason expectations, only the Lakers and Cavaliers harbor legitimate championship aspirations. While Dwyane Wade’s certainly catapulted the Heat into a near-certain playoff berth, LeBron James and Kobe Bryant are presiding on teams that are virtual locks for Conference Finals appearances, if not bigger things.

Plus, while many will argue “if you took Wade or Kobe off their teams, they’d be much worse,” if Kobe, LeBron, or Wade were replaced by one another, their teams would be absolutely fine.

When looking at supporting casts, Miami has a number of valuable role players and talented, if flawed rookies, who’d be headless without their leader. Cleveland’s assembled a team of role players well-suited to complementing LeBron’s illustrious skills, but likewise would be in trouble without their star player.

The Lakers could conceivably be a playoff team capable of winning a playoff series with their surrounding cast members, comprised of long, skilled frontcourt players, an active bench, and a slick-shooting backcourt.

LeBron James has his Cavaliers team atop the Eastern Conference. Fernando Medina/Getty Images

LeBron’s ferocious physicality is perfectly suited to Cleveland’s modus operandi, while Kobe Bryant’s jump shooting and awareness fit the triangle well (though he tends to break it off too often), and Dwyane Wade’s ability to do everything on offense and rotate along the baseline to block shots on defense are just what Miami needs.

In games against each competitor, James is 2-3, Kobe is 3-1, and Wade is 2-3.

LeBron excelled in his three games against Wade offensively, but was ineffective against the Lakers when they sagged the floor and turned LeBron into a jump shooter and a passer.

Kobe had relatively ordinary games against James, relying on teammates to carry the second halves of victories over Cleveland, and Kobe was outplayed by Wade in the fourth quarter of each game versus Miami.

Wade however, only outplayed LeBron in the fourth quarter of Miami’s home victory over the Cavs. Over the first three -quarters of that game, he struggled mightily. In each game in Cleveland, Wade was thoroughly outplayed in the fourth as the Cavs scored a pair of comeback victories.

Each player is a good defender, with Kobe having the most potential but least minute-to-minute consistency, Wade being the best shot blocker and worst on-ball defender, and LeBron being the most consistently solid on-ball and off-ball, minute-to-minute. Each player is a spectacular finisher, passer, and mid-range shooter, with Kobe having the best range.

Being that Wade’s been outplayed by LeBron in three games, and has a team with a worse record, and being that Kobe’s supporting cast members have taken the burden off of Kobe in many big games this season, my early MVP pick goes to LeBron James.

But you can’t go wrong with either of the three mega-stars.

Ungvari

This has been a fantastic NBA season and the MVP race has been one of the best ever. There are four obvious candidates in LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, and Dwight Howard and a few others like Tim Duncan, Chauncey Billups, Chris Paul, and Brandon Roy who deserve at least a mention.

In my opinion, the award is still LeBron's to lose. Even with the acquisition of Mo Williams, the Cavs' roster isn't really all that impressive. What they lack in name recognition they more than make up for with their depth. With the exception of James, the roster is comprised of solid role players who couldn't make the playoffs without him—even in the Eastern Conference.

LeBron's supporting cast reminds of Michael Jordan's supporting cast after he retired in 1998. Scottie Pippen was the only player on that team that didn't suffer a drop-off in talent once he went elsewhere. Luc Longley, Randy Brown, Jud Buechler, Steve Kerr, Toni Kukoc, and Jason Caffey were never as good as they were with MJ as a teammate. I feel the same thing would happen to Delonte West, Anderson Varejao, or Daniel Gibson if they were to change teams.

Last season's MVP race came down to the Western Conference playoff race. It seemed as if voters were intent on giving the award to the best player on whichever team snagged the top spot in the west. I disagreed with the pick because I felt that there was no player more valuable to an elite team's success than Chris Paul.

This year the race could come down to the best player on the team that captures home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. While the Celtics don't really have a bonafide top-five MVP candidate, the award could still go to Kobe if his Lakers finish atop the league standings.

I love Dwyane Wade. He has had an amazing season. But we can't forget that his team is a fair to middling 33-28 and only 12-17 on the road. The Heat are currently the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference but would be 4 1/2 games out of the last playoff spot if they were in the west.

I just can't see the award going to the best player on a team that won't win 50 games. What would the Heat's road record be without Wade, 4-24? That's only a seven game difference. I've never seen the MVP award go to a team that doesn't have one of the league's best four records—at least not in the last 20 years. If I'm wrong then please tell me who I missed.

Wade's season is reminiscent of the two seasons Kobe Bryant had prior to last season. While Lakers fan tried in earnest to make the case for Bryant, the Lakers were 45-37 in 2005-06 and 42-40 in 2006-07. His stats were amazing and his team would have probably gone 18-64 without him. But how can you be most valuable in the league on a team barely above .500?

I think Wade should win the league's Most Improved Player Award but I can't give him the MVP. Not this year. People talk about LeBron's improvement on the defensive end but nobody mentions Wade. He's averaging more than two steals and nearly a block and a half per game. On the offensive side, he's still shooting making less than 30 percent from downtown but he's become much more reliable and has already made 31 more three-pointers than he has in any previous season.

The MVP case for Kobe is helped by the fact that his team has the best record in the NBA and is 4-0 against the two teams it's fighting with for the league's top spot.

Kobe Bryant has a chance to repeat as the regular season MVP. Noah Graham/Getty Images

He's also done it with two torn fingers and the loss of the team's starting center.

But the strongest argument against Kobe's candidacy is that his best teammate, Pau Gasol, was just named player of the month for February. So while he has been fantastic this year, he's received a lot of help from his teammates.

Sure he's done a great job of making them better but I don't think the job he's done is as good as the job LeBron has done. Cleveland is 47-12. Without LeBron, they're probably 15-44.

Kobe's numbers are all slightly down from last season except for his field-goal and free throw percentages. While they are still impressive numbers I don't think it's enough when compared to LeBron.

As for Howard, he's been spectacular. He's improved by leaps and bounds. The problem is that the Magic are only 7-6 since Jameer Nelson got hurt, proving that Nelson might have been just as valuable to the Magic's impressive start as Howard was.

All that being said, my top-10 MVP ballot would look something like this:

LeBron James
Kobe Bryant
Dwyane Wade
Dwight Howard
Deron Williams
Tim Duncan
Chris Paul
Chauncey Billups
Brandon Roy
Paul Pierce

Barber

I’m a Miami Heat and D-Wade fan. Many would assume, therefore, that I would pick Wade for the MVP this year. Not so. At this time, and this could change, my vote would be for LeBron James.

While there are certainly many players other than LeBron James deserving of consideration, including Dwyane Wade, Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul, Dwight Howard, Tim Duncan, Dirk Nowitzki, Deron Williams, and even Yao Ming, there are only three or four players being given serious consideration.

Those players are LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Paul; all of whom are very deserving in some way. The fact that at times the discussion narrows only to LeBron vs. Kobe is a shame; for leaving either of the other two off your list of the top players warranting serious consideration is simply unforgivable in my view.

However, despite Miami’s improvement, despite the fact both the Heat and the Hornets are in the hunt for a playoff birth, and despite the fact the Lakers have the best record in the NBA, I still feel LeBron James has shown he’s the most important cog both to his team, and to the NBA.

His numbers are equal to anyone’s, and are actually better than Kobe’s, and the Cavs don’t have the best record in the NBA for only one reason—they’ve played two less games than Kobe’s Lakers.

While it pains me to say it, LeBron deserves the award. I would love nothing more than to see D-Wade get his due some day, but LeBron is simply more deserving this year of the NBA Regular Season MVP.

Michael Whittenberg and Erick Blasco are the NBA Community Leaders for bleacherreport.com.

Respect Earned: The NBA's Most Improved Player Team

Michael Whittenberg — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 02:30:14 -0500

New York Knicks teammates David Lee and Nate Robinson have both earned themselves a spot on the Most Improved Player squad. Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images

This season's Most Improved Player award will more than likely go to New Jersey Nets' point guard Devin Harris. So instead of trying to debate something that has probably already been determined, let's go outside the box a bit.

Harris may be the MIP, but he isn't the only player that has taken his game to new heights. With that said, it's time to throw a team together that consists of this season's newest gems.

First Team

Devin Harris, New Jersey Nets (Year: 5th)

As of today, Harris is the front runner for the MIP award. Aside from making his first All-Star appearence, Harris has averaged 25.7 PPG in the month of February, including a 42-point game against Chicago.

Harris has emerged as one of the best point guards in the Eastern Conference, and perhaps even the entire league. He has also come through in the clutch a few times this season, hitting some game winners, including the crazy one attached here.

Quick off the dribble, Harris can pretty much finish at the basket whenever he wants to. He, alongside Vince Carter, have formed one of the best scoring duos in the Eastern Conference.

The only bad news is, if the playoffs began today, Harris and the Nets would be sitting at home.

Harris averages 22.7 PPG this season.

Roger Mason, San Antonio Spurs (Year: 5th)

Because of San Antonio's big three, it's rare that a new player comes in and makes an immediate impact on the offensive end for the Spurs. But Mason has been that player this season.

Mason is among the league leaders in three-point field goal percentage and three pointers made, while also averaging 12 PPG this season.

Mason has also came through in the clutch this season for San Antonio, sinking a game-winning shot Phoenix and hitting a big three down the stretch against Boston.

Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder (Year: 2nd)

The reigning Rookie of the Year has improved in several categories. Not only has Durant's scoring total gone up this season, but his three-point field goal percentage has increased drastically, going from 28 percent to 43.

His field goal percentage, rebounds, assists, and steals are also up from a season ago. Durant has been on scoring rampage of late, averaging 33.1 PPG this month.

Unfortunately, only two of those 10 games resulted in wins for his team.

David Lee, New York Knicks (Year: 4th)

Lee's game has flourished this season under new head coach, Mike D'Antoni. His scoring and rebounding have increased from a year ago, and currently, he has an impressive streak of 22 consecutive double-doubles going. If that doesn't impress you, then what can?

He has also became more of a vocal leader for the Knicks this season.

Lee is averaging 16.5 PPG and 11.9 RPG this season.

Andrew Bynum, Los Angeles Lakers (Year: 4th)

Though the Lakers have been on a roll since Bynum went down with the torn MCL, Bynum's made a huge impact, especially in the month of January. Before the injury, Bynum had five consecutive double-doubles—one of which went along with a 42-point effort.

He was just starting to come back into his own and BOOM!, another injury occurred. Lamar Odom and Pau Gasol can both produce down low, but neither guy has the physical toughness Bynum possesses.

Without Bynum, they can surely win the West again—but they can't survive Boston again in the NBA Finals.

Second Team

Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics (Year: 3rd)

Rondo already has a championship ring under his belt in just his second season as a full-time starter. His scoring, assist total, and field goal percentage have all improved this season.

And to think, people questioned whether he could be the starting point guard for a championship-caliber team.

Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers (Year: 4th)

Like Harris, Granger also made his first All-Star appearance this season. And though his shooting percentage is down for both two- and three-point field goals, Granger has had a bigger impact in Indiana this year.

Granger is sixth in the league in points per game, eighth in free throw percentage and third in three-point field goals made.

Jeff Green, Oklahoma City Thunder (Year: 2nd)

The Thunder have two great building blocks in Green and Durant. Though their record doesn't show it, Green and Durant have been a solid tandem this season.

Green's three-point percentage has improved a lot since a year ago, and his scoring has increased by seven points. Green is a decent defender, but his rebounding could be better.

Al Jefferson, Minnesota Timberwolves (Year: 5th)

Although he's no Kevin Garnett, AJ has developed into a man-child and Minnesota's newest franchise player. Jefferson is among the elite at his position and is one of only two players averaging at least 20 points and 11 rebounds. Dwight Howard is the other.

And while he's out for the season with a torn ACL, Jefferson's shot-blocking improved this season along with his free throw shooting.

Spencer Hawes, Sacramento Kings (Year: 2nd)

Hawes has only started 29 of the 55 games he has played this season, but that hasn't stopped him from averaging double figures in points this season. Hawes' numbers have also increased in rebounds and blocked shots.

The Maloof brothers are on the right track in their rebuilding process with Hawes, Kevin Martin, and rookie Jason Thompson.

Third Team

Nate Robinson, New York Knicks (Year: 4th)

Not only can Robinson be a candidate for MIP, but he is also the front runner for Sixth Man of the Year. Robinson's scoring has sky-rocketed since the All-Star break.

Aside from dethroning Dwight Howard of his slam dunk title, Robinson has had a great month, averaging 24.7 PPG and turning in a 41-point performance off the bench against Indiana.

Von Wafer, Houston Rockets (Year: 4th)

Wafer is the only player on this team that isn't averaging double figures in scoring this season, but he's been a nice addition for Houston. He, too, can be a candidate for Sixth Man of the Year, but it's a long shot.

Houston has plenty of offense in their starting lineup, but Wafer has brought some scoring off the bench, and Houston now has another threat from the outside.

Thaddeus Young, Philadelphia 76ers (Year: 2nd)

Philly traded Kyle Korver last season to open up things for Young, and he hasn't disappointed. Young's scoring has increased by five points from last season.

The 76ers now have two solid building blocks in Young and Andre Iguodala.

Paul Millsap, Utah Jazz (Year: 3rd)

Millsap's production has been desperately needed this season due to Carlos Boozer being sidelined for a number of games. Millsap has filled in well, putting 14.5 PPG along with nine rebounds.

Deron Williams was also banged up a little this season, but without Millsap, there is no way Utah would be 13 games over .500 right now.

Now that Boozer has returned to the lineup, Millsap's numbers will decrease, but he still plays a vital role in Utah's offense.

Luis Scola, Houston Rockets (Year: 2nd)

The second-year player out of Argentina has kind of been under-the-radar this season because of Yao Ming, the Ron Artest acquisition, and the season-ending injury to Tracy McGrady. But Scola's numbers have improved this season.

Not only his scoring, but also his rebounding, field goal percentage, and free throw percentage have all improved from his rookie season.

Michael Whittenberg is one of two NBA Community Leaders for bleacherreport.com.

Deep Impact: Chauncey Billups and Mo Williams Saviors of the Year

Michael Whittenberg — Fri, 27 Feb 2009 18:25:46 -0500

Nene seems to satisfied with the arrival of Billups. Garrett W. Ellwood/Getty Images

We all know about the usual individual awards handed out at season's end: MVP, Defensive Player of the Year etc. But what if there were accolades given to one player who either raised the level of one team, or a player who literally saved a team from a sub-par year?

Almost every season there is at least one player who saves a team destined for destruction, and brings them to life.

In 2004, the Detroit Pistons were contenders--but they were missing something some people couldn't quite put their finger on. Their missing piece turned out to be Rasheed Wallace, who was traded mid-season from the Atlanta Hawks and helped the Pistons win their third NBA Championship.

And last season the Boston Celtics, who were coming off their worst season in the history of their franchise, acquired Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett to assist Paul Pierce.

Of course we all know how that turned out.

So who are this season's saviors? A couple of guys come to mind.

Before the 2008-09 NBA season kicked off, many questioned if the Denver Nuggets, would even reach the postseason this season despite having two All-Stars in Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson in the lineup.

After a slow start, it didn't take Denver long to make a change. A week into the season, Denver traded Allen Iverson to Detroit in exchange for Chauncey Billups.

For Denver, it was exactly what they needed to save their season. Since acquiring Billups, the Nuggets have gone 36-17, good enough for first in the Northwest Division and third in the Western Conference.

Though Iverson didn't last long in a Nuggets jersey this season, it would be hard to imagine Denver in the same position they are in now. With Billups in the lineup, they now have an unselfish player who is a decent one-on-one defender and knows how to make his team better.

Something Iverson failed to do.

The Pistons, however, have lost eight straight games for the first time since 1994, are two games under .500, 5-17 in their last 22 games and are currently the seventh seed in the East with Iverson.

Richard Hamilton, Detroit's leading scorer the last few seasons, is now coming off the bench--and Rodney Stuckey, Billups' replacement, has gone into a shooting slump.

So has Billups been the savior Denver was looking for? All evidence above says yes.

For the President of Basketball Operations, Joe Dumars, he took a big gamble giving away Billups and is on the losing end of the bet right now.

As for the man in Cleveland, Mo Williams, he was one of the biggest free agent signings during the offseason. And it's probably safe to say he was the best offseason acquisition.

This season the Cavs are first in the Central Division, the first time a team other than Detroit has led the division since 2004. Cleveland also owns the best record in the Eastern Conference.

Now, let's compare this season's Cavs to last season's. Cleveland ended the season with 45 wins last year, and they are already at 44 as of February 27th.

Though Cleveland reached the NBA Finals once before the days of Williams, they were missing another reliable scorer alongside LeBron James because Larry Hughes turned out to be a bust in Cleveland. Both Billups and Williams get the vote for Savior of the Year.

For Cleveland, they might have finally found the piece they needed to win an NBA championship. For Denver, they have found the point guard they have been looking for.

The only question that stands now, which player has been more valuable to their team this season?

Comparing 2008-09 season averages

Mo Williams

Season	Team	G	GS	MPG	FG%	3p%	FT%	OFF	DEF	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	TO	PF	PPG
08-09	CLE	55	55	34.3	0.470	0.414	0.935	0.6	2.7	3.2	4.2	0.9	0.1	2.40	2.80	17.6

Chauncey Billups

Season	Team	G	GS	MPG	FG%	3p%	FT%	OFF	DEF	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	TO	PF	PPG
08-09	DET	2	2	35.0	0.333	0.286	0.900	0.5	4.5	5.0	7.5	1.5	0.5	2.00	1.50	12.5
08-09	DEN	53	53	34.8	0.421	0.394	0.902	0.3	2.2	2.5	6.1	1.3	0.2	2.23	1.90	18.5

Michael Whittenberg is one of two NBA Community Leaders for bleacherreport.com

Information from NBA.com was used in this article

Michael Whittenberg's Top 10 Favorite NBA Players Today

Michael Whittenberg — Mon, 23 Feb 2009 01:46:32 -0500

Making a list of the NBA's best players can be fun at times. But the real fun comes when you plug a little bias into the equation.

The 10 players listed below are Michael Whittenberg's top 10 favorite players in the NBA today. And though all of them may not be All-Stars today, none of them will have to worry about going their entire careers without being one.

Now, onto the list

The Top Dogs

The top dogs consist of Whittenberg's five most favorite players in the league today. This will probably be the only list of top five players that excludes players like LeBron James and Dwyane Wade.

Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets

Melo's numbers are down this season, but he still sits at the top of this list for third consecutive season. It's a travesty that he was snubbed from the All-Star team this season.

Carmelo Anthony has been Whittenberg's top NBA player for three years now. Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE/Getty Images

Why he's a favorite

Anthony won Whittenberg over during his days at Syracuse. Melo was a man-child who led his team a national championship as a freshman in 2003. And while he hasn't made the same type of impact in the pros, Melo has still impressed Whittenberg enough to replace the No. 2 guy on the list.

Melo's smooth jump shot, strength and ability to finish at the rim are the main reasons why he has been Whittenberg's favorite the last three seasons. Kobe? LeBron? forget about, Carmelo reigns as the No. 1 top dog on this list.

Ray Allen, Boston Celtics

For years, Walter Ray has held his own as the No. 1 man on this list. Until Carmelo replaced him, Allen was Whittenberg's favorite player since his days as a Milwaukee Buck.

Though he's longer No. 1, you can only imagine how Whittenberg felt once Allen finally won an NBA championship.

Why he's a favorite

Ray-Ray is the best shooter in the game, period. And has been since Reggie Miller finally hung up his sneakers.

His jump shot is like no other, and it's impossible to duplicate. Aside from being one of the best pure shooters of all-time--Allen has been a great scorer his entire career, and still continues to produce 13 years after being drafted.

Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder

Durant won Whittenberg over before his days as a pro. During his one dominant season at the University of Texas, Whittenberg made it a priority to add Durant to this list once he went pro.

But it wasn't until earlier this season that Durant became top 10 material. Not only did he make it, but he made it into the top five, too.

Why he's a favorite

He may not be the biggest or strongest guy on the court, but he can still score with the best of them. Durant, in his second NBA season, is fourth in the league in scoring averaging 26.1 PPG.

Though it's only his second year in the NBA, Kevin Durant has found a way to become one of Whittenberg's top five favorite players. Scott Cunningham/Getty Images

Not to mention, he scored a career-high 47 points against New Orleans just a few days ago. The only bad news for Durant is that he plays for one of the worst teams in the league.

But don't expect it to be that way for long. Durant will have his team clicking on all cylinders once the right pieces are put in front of him. Also, look for KD to win a scoring title or two within the next few years.

Whittenberg guarantees it.

Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers

Kobe is arguably the best player in the game today, but that doesn't mean he's Whittenberg's favorite. Bryant is the closest to Michael Jordan you're going to get, so it would be wrong to omit him.

As surprising as this may be, this is Kobe's first time ever on this list. In fact, Whittenberg didn't jump on the Kobe bandwagon until the 2005-06 season.

Why he's a favorite

As mentioned above, Whittenberg didn't become a Kobe fan until a couple of years ago. And it wasn't until Kobe scored 62 points in three quarters against the Dallas Mavericks that Whittenberg decided that it was time to stop the hatred towards him.

Almost everything about him reminds Whittenberg of the great MJ:kobe bryant

His killer instinct, his ability to guard the opposing team's best player, his will to win, his ability to score at will and the way he closes out a game by himself are why he's the second coming of the greatest of all-time.

And to make things scarier, Kobe is 30 years old and has at least six years or seven years left before his legacy is fully written.

Amar'e Stoudemire, Phoenix Suns

Stoudemire, or as Whittenberg calls him, Stoddy, has also made his way into the top five for the first time as well. Just like Melo, Stoddy's numbers are down this year, too.

But he's still been the same freakish athlete he's been since the day he entered the league.

Stoddy has been one of Whittenberg's favorite for years, but didn't make it into the top five until this season. Lisa Blumenfeld/Getty Images

Why he's a favorite

Amar'e is a super-athletic big man who is dominant under the rim. And has an outside shot that is almost automatic if left open.

The way he dunks on opposing players are just sick, nasty and looks as if he has no regard for whoever is under the rim. As great as he can be on the offensive end of the ball, it wouldn't hurt him to start better defense. If that happens, along with more from him in the rebounding department, and Stoddy can become the best big man in the league.

But until then, he will just be Whittenberg's favorite big today.

The Newcomers Not in the Top Five

The newcomers were always fans of Whittenberg's, but it wasn't until this season they made it into the top 10.

Andrew Bynum, Los Angeles Lakers

Bynum became Whittenberg's favorite center this season. Before tearing his MCL a few weeks ago, Bynum quickly made into Whittenberg's list of favorite players when he averaged 26.2 five of his last six games before his injury.

Why he's a favorite

Natural centers in the NBA are a dying breed, so when a young big man who can produce comes along--Whittenberg is quick the become a fan. If you were one who thought the Lakers were crazy for picking Bynum with the 10th overall pick in the 2005 NBA Draft, you're not alone.

But now it looks as if Mitch Kupchak and the entire Lakers organization knew exactly what they were doing. Bynum himself has also proved the doubters wrong. And if you think that's good, Bynum also works out with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.

It wasn't until last season that Bynum began to become one of the league's up-and-coming centers. But a season-ending knee injury put everything on hold.

Who knows how the NBA Finals series last season would have turned out had Bynum been suited up.

Kevin Martin, Sacramento Kings

Whittenberg has had showed some type of love to the Kings since the days of Chris Webber, Mike Bibby, Peja Stokajovic and Co. And though the Kings aren't the team they were earlier this decade, K-Mart has at least brought some type of excitement to Sac Town since the departures of C-Webb, Bibby and Stokajovic.

Whittenberg never thought that he would have Kevin Martin on his list of favorite players. Rocky Widner/Getty Images

Why he's a favorite

Martin may have an awkard form to his shot, but he's still a good shooter. And is one of the league's best scorers as well.

Similar to Durant, K-Mart is isn't the biggest and strongest guy on the court. But he is still managing to get it done, averaging 24.1 PPG, good enough for seventh in the points per game category.

Though he stands tall at 6'7, he weighs only 185 pounds, and still manages to score in bunches. K-Mart is only going to get better, and don't be surprised if he's competing with Durant and LeBron James for scoring titles the next few years.

Joe Johnson, Atlanta Hawks

Johnson, or as Whittenberg loves to call him, Joe Cool, has been one of Whittenberg's favorite players since his last season in Phoenix.

Why he's a favorite

The name Joe Cool says it all.

Johnson stay cool, calm and collected on the court, and hardly ever shows any emotion. Yet he still produces at an All-Star level. Along with being a good scorer, he's also a great shooter and is unselfish, too.

At 6'7 and 240 pounds, Johnson can play point guard, shooting guard and some small forward. Just look back to his days in Phoenix. Joe Cool is the epitome of a Whittenberg type player, so look for him to make the top 10 list every season.

Deron Williams, Utah Jazz

Remember that Illinois team that reached the NCAA Championship, but went on to lose to North Carolina? Well, Whitteberg's love for D-Will goes back that far.

Why he's a favorite

So much can be said to why Williams is one of Whittenberg's 10 favorite players. But we'll keep things simple. Williams is a good shooter and his size and quickness gives him an advantage over most point guards in the league.

Williams, one of Whittenberg's top 10 players, also plays for his favorite coach. Ronald Martinez/Getty Images

He's a great passer, and is one of the top five point guards in the game today. And to make matters just a little better, Williams plays for Whittenberg's favorite coach, Jerry Sloan.

D-Will struggled a bit when he first entered the league, but he has developed into a Jerry Sloan built player the last two and a half seasons. It didn't take long for coach Sloan to find another great point guard after John Stockton walked away from the game.

And though he still has many years to play before he's done, Williams just might be the second best point guard in Utah Jazz history.

LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers

LeBron at 10? Does he dare? Yes, but he definitely won't be sitting here for long.

Why he's a favorite

Whether you thinks he's the best player in the NBA today or second next to Kobe Bryant, LeBron will go down as one the league's greatest players when it's all said and done.

LeBron can do anything from jumping out the gym to rebounding to scoring to dishing out the ball. James could average a triple-double one day, but don't count on it.

The only thing Whittenberg doesn't like about LeBron is the comparisons he gets to Michael Jordan. He is more like Magic Johnson if anything.

He's already unstoppable when he penetrates, but if LeBron developed a jump shot as deadly as Kobe, he would be unstoppable.

Player Left Out of the top 10 due to injury

Gilbert Arenas, Washington Wizards

Gilly is pretty much a lock on Whittenberg's top 10 every season, but not having played a game this season got him thrown off temporarily. Though he's not in the top 10 this season, Whittenberg still has much love for Arenas.

In Whittenberg's eyes, Arenas is a top five player every season. Ned Dishman/Getty Images

In fact, had he played this season he would probably rank No. 3. Arenas can score at will, and when he gets hots his shooting range is unlimited.

You can put Arenas right up there with Kobe and LeBron as the league's best scorers.

He may be a bit of a ball hog at times, but looking at Washington's record they most certainly miss him this season.

Michael Whittenberg is one of two NBA Community Leaders for bleacherreport.com

NBA Thoughts and Observations: Amare, Mo Williams, Kobe vs. LeBron and More

Michael Whittenberg — Sun, 08 Feb 2009 20:50:47 -0500

What a crazy week it was in the NBA. Both Kobe Bryant and LeBron James had historical games in Madison Square Garden, and then their teams go head-to-head a few days later.

Amare Stoudemire seems to be the hottest name on the trading market right now. And Mo Williams was snubbed from the All-Star team for the second time this season.

There's plenty to talk about, so let's get it started.

Rising Sun: Amare Stoudemire becoming a hot commodity

For the past few days, numerous of rumors have spread around the league stating that Stoudemire will be sporting new threads this season. Phoenix wants to clear $40 million off of their payroll for next season, and word is everyone except Steve Nash is up for grabs.

If the Suns do indeed trade Stoudemire before the deadline, there is no way that they are getting someone just as good, or maybe even better, than Amare on the offensive end. So what is the best trade scenario for the Western Conference All-Star's starting power forward?

Chad Ford of ESPN wrote a column on the best potential deals for Amare--and of all possible deals, Chicago and New Jersey looked like the perfect fits.

Could Phoenix really split up their front court of Amare Stoudemire and Shaquille O'Neal? Rocky Widner/NBAE/Getty Images

Why Chicago? The Bulls had most of the pieces together just a couple of years ago when they swept the then defending champion Miami Heat in the first round of the playoffs. But as productive as their offense looked, they were missing a front court player who could produce in the post.

Now with Derrick Rose as the floor general in the Windy City, an offensive big man--who is also one of, if not the best athletic big man in the league, would serve as a great compliment to Rose. They would also still have Ben Gordon, Luol Deng and Larry Hughes, who are three good scorers.

If Stoudemire were traded to Chicago, the Bulls would probably dump Tyrus Thomas, Thabo Sefolosha, Cedric Simmons and Drew Gooden.

Why New Jersey? The Nets already have two offensive weapons in Devin Harris and Vince Carter, but something else is missing. They already have low-post scoring with Brook Lopez, but adding Stoudemire to the mix would keep New Jersey in the playoff race instead of falling in and out every week.

If New Jersey turns out to be the winner, they would more than likely give up Yi Jianlian, a few more players and a No. 1 draft pick.

But ultimately, Chicago would be the best fit for him.

Mo Williams shafted again?

It was already an outrage that Cavs' point guard Mo Williams didn't make the All-Star roster after the Eastern Conference coaches selected their reserves. But it was even more surprising that he wasn't chosen by Commissioner David Stern as a injury replacement for Jameer Nelson.

Instead he chose the sweet-shooting, shooting guard from the Boston Celtics: Ray Allen. No disrespect to Ray-Ray, but Mo deserved more than him this season.

Allen may be averaging more points per game, but the impact Williams has had on the Cavs this season has been a tad bit more impressive than Allen's.

Maybe someone else gets hurts (god forbid), but that seems to be the only way Mo will be an All-Star this season.

Talk About Embarrassing: Denver gets annihilated in New Jersey

When I did my nightly routine of visiting NBA.com for final box score updates, I was thinking the New Jersey-Denver score had to be a typo. 114-70 was the final score, and Carmelo Anthony was the only Denver player to reach double figures in scoring.

The looks on Linas Kleiza, Chauncey Billups and Kenyon Martin's faces says it all after their 44 point loss to New Jersey. AP Photo

The Nuggets were only down five after the first quarter, but New Jersey out scored them by at least 15 points in the second and third quarter. Denver shot 35.6 percent from the field, and a paltry 26.7 percent from behind the arc.

I can only imagine what was going through coach George Karl's mind after the game, but I can guarantee it wasn't anything positive. Look for Denver to come out with a chip on their shoulder when they play Miami on Tuesday.

Road Warriors: Lakers give Cavaliers first home loss, and goes perfect on road trip.

Los Angeles came into Sunday's game against Cleveland riding a five-game winning streak. Not only that--but all five wins were on the road, including a 61 point performance from Kobe Bryant and a thrilling overtime win in Boston.

Lamar Odom was impressive in Cleveland, scoring a season-high 28 points and grabbing a season-high 17 rebounds. Even without Andrew Bynum, the Lakers are the best team in the NBA right now. And if Odom plays the way he did Sunday, the Lakers have nothing to worry about during Bynum's absence.

Their offense is very balanced, and their defense, which was questionable last season, has improved. The Lakers' win in Cleveland gave the Cavs their first home loss of the season.

The Kobe-LeBron matchup didn't exactly turn out the way we hoped it would. LeBron shot just 5-20 from the floor, and Kobe scored 19 while suffering from what was said to be a fever.

Who's Better--LeBron or Kobe?

It's already beginning to become an old-aged questioned, but you never get tired of talking about it. Both Kobe and LeBron had a game to remember in Madison Square Garden last week.

Opinions vary when it comes to the old Kobe vs. LeBron debate. Harry How/Getty Images

Kobe scored 61 points at the start of the week, followed LeBron scoring 52 and finishing one rebound shy of a triple double 48 hours later. Without a doubt, Kobe and LeBron are hands down the two best players the NBA currently have, but determining who's better is when the fun kicks in.

If you ask me, Kobe is the better player. No one can score at will the way he can, and his killer instinct makes it even worse for his opponents. LeBron will be a great player, but until he possess those two attributes/characteristics, Kobe will always be the better player.

LeBron is a better team player, while Kobe is the better in the clutch. Nothing would satisfy die-hard NBA fans more than a Lakers-Cavs matchup in the NBA Finals.

Not only us, but Commisioner Stern would absoultely love it because the ratings would be sky high.

Michael Whittenberg is one of two NBA Community Leaders for bleacherreport.com

Mind Dumping: NBA Thoughts and Observations Feb. 3, 2009

Michael Whittenberg — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 22:46:03 -0500

Ever just wanted to take just a piece of paper and write down things that are going through you mind? That is if simply don't feel like talking about it verbally.

Well today I have that feeling, only there won't be a need for a pad and pencil. A lot of craziness has gone down in the NBA the past two weeks, from star players being injured to teams such as the Boston Celtics and the Portland Trailblazers going streaking.

So with that said, here are a few things that have going through the head of Michael Whittenberg the past few days.

Familiar Scene: Bynum goes down against Memphis, again

Just when Lakers' center Andrew Bynum was beginning to become Whittenberg's favorite center currently in the league, he goes down with an MCL injury that will have him sidelined for a while. And ironically, it happened against the Memphis Grizzlies just like last season when he went down.

For a minute, it looked liked Nets' point guard Devin Harris was the runaway winner for Most Improved Player. But after an impressive month in Jan. that included a 42-point effort against that other L.A. team, Bynum became the front runner in Whittenberg's eyes.

Now that he could miss up to three months at the most, the Lakers are in the same boat they were last season. Though the Lakers managed to reach the Finals without Bynum last season due to their season-saving acquisition of Pau Gasol, it might be tougher this time around if Bynum somehow doesn't return to the lineup.

With Bynum, however, the Lakers are the clear cut favorites to not only win the West, but an NBA championship, too.

So what now?

My good friend Andrew Ungvari wrote an column titled "Big Men Wanted: Five Possible replacements for Andrew Bynum", and after reading it, solution No. 3 sounds the best. See for yourself here.

But more than likely, the Lakers probably won't make any big time moves this.

Garden Games: Comparing Kobe's 61 to MJ's 55

On March 29, 1995, Michael Jordan scored 55 points at Madison Square Garden in just his fifth game back from retirement. And on Feb. 2, 2009, Kobe Bryant scored 61 points, which is now the most points ever scored by a player in Madison Square Garden.

But which performance was better?

Kobe Bryant now holds the record for most points scored in Madison Sqaure Garden. Photo by Nick Laham/Getty Images

It's really not even close--MJ's performance blows Kobe's out of the water for one reason: the competition.

Jordan's 55 came against a New York team that finished the season 55-27, and was also a defensive-minded team coached by Pat Riley and led by Patrick Ewing. To where Kobe's came against a New York team that is struggling to play .500 basketball, and is a Mike D'Antoni coached squad that virtually plays no defense.

I've been criticized many times today for picking MJ over Kobe. "61 points is 61 points, it's a great thing no matter who he's going against" is what someone told me earlier. "Doesn't matter if was against the Knicks, it's not like he was playing a high school team out there".

Very true, but in the end competition plays a factor.

Sorry, Kobe. But move over, MJ, Kobe is the new king of the Garden.

The No. 1, No. 1: Who is the best point guard in the Eastern Conference?

It's a race of five guys: Jameer Nelson, Rajon Rando, Devin Harris, Mo Williams, and rookie Derrick Rose.

But after thinking long and hard, Harris topped my list of the Eastern Conference's top five floor generals. New Jersey may not be where they want to be right now record wise, but Harris has became the Nets' most indispensable player.

As mentioned above, Harris is probably the leading candidate for Most Improved Player—and with Bynum now out, Harris looks like the runaway winner once again.

Harris is scoring in bunches this season, and had a 47-point outburst against Phoenix in Nov. His assist-to-turnover ratio is also improving.

It's amazing that most of the top point guards in the East are surrounded by some of the league's best superstars (Mo Williams aside LeBron James and Jameer Nelson alongside Dwight Howard just for example). And Harris has Vince Carter, although he isn't the superstar he once was.

If Harris is first, who's second?

It was hard enough deciding on the East's best floor general, and No. 2 was just as difficult. But Nelson gets the No. 2 spot.

Orlando is a legit contender in the East because of the improved play from Nelson this season. Of course they have Dwight Howard in the middle, but Nelson has been far more valuable to his team this season. But his latest injury (torn labrum) will definitely have an affect on Orlando.

Nelson could missed the remainder of the season if he decides to get surgery. But if not, there is no telling when he returns.

Moving on, here is how the top five point guards in the East stack up:

1. Harris

2. Nelson

3. Williams

4. Rondo

5. Rose

Race to MVP: No love for the big men?

For the past month, I've read on numerous of websites that the MVP race is between Kobe, LeBron, and no one else.

Not true at all.

Two more names come to mind in the race for MVP: Dwight Howard and Tim Duncan. Because of their boring play, no one really cares for the Spurs, and that's probably the main reason why Duncan is being overlooked.

Dwight Howard deserves to be right next to LeBron James in the race for MVP. Photo by Fernando Medina/NBAE via Getty Images

Despite San Antonio having a 33-14 record, the big fundamental is getting no love what so ever. Yes, his numbers are not as great as his MVP winning seasons in 2002 and 2003, but someone from the second best team in the Western Conference needs deserves recognition. And Duncan is that man.

As for Howard, his numbers (20.6 PPG, 13.9 RPG and 3.0 BPG) are pretty hard to overlook. Especially since it's been almost nine years since a players averaged at least 20, 13 boards and three blocks. Shaquille O'Neal was the last player to do so.

Anyone else loving the way Shaq has played this season?

I'll admit, I was one of those who said Shaq has no more diesel left in the tank. Boy did he prove us wrong. We're not expecting to see the dominating Shaq of old, but what he's doing this season is very acceptable.

O'Neal is averaging nearly 18 points and nine rebounds per game, and will be making his way back to the All-Star game after missing it last season. But is his team for real?

The big Shaq-Marion swap made last season was made particularly to compete with the San Antonio Spurs. With the way Shaq is playing and the addition of Jason Richardson, are the Suns a threat in the playoffs?

Michael Whittenberg is the Co-NBA Community Leader for bleacherreport.com

Most Dominant Ever? Ranking Shaquille O'Neal Among All-Time Great Centers

Michael Whittenberg — Tue, 30 Dec 2008 12:04:22 -0500

Shaquille O'Neal is now eighth on the NBA's all-time scoring list. And that's a big deal for two reasons: One, no player currently in the NBA is even close of catching him, so it's going to be a while before any other player sniffs the top ten of the list. And two, you were alive witness a historic NBA milestone.

We can all agree that Shaq is one the greatest and most dominant players to ever play the game, but the real debate begins when you rank him among the other all-time great centers that have played the game.

His paltry shooting from the charity stripe is the one thing that has hurt O'Neal's scoring average. If he shoots at least 70 percent from the line for his career, who knows where he would be on the all-time scoring list?

But one thing you can never question, though, is the impact he made on his teams. O'Neal has reached the NBA Finals with three of the four teams he has played for in his career, and one an NBA championship with two of them.

Now, this is where the real fun begins. Before ranking him among all other great centers, let's take a look at Shaq's magnificent career team-by-team.

Orlando Magic (1992-96)

As the No. 1 overall pick in the 1992 NBA Draft, O'Neal was Orlando's first legitimate franchise player since their arrival in 1989. And he quickly turned around a franchise that had never won more than 31 games in a season.

The Magic failed to reach the postseason his rookie season, but Shaq helped Orlando increase their win total by 20 games from the previous season. Now it was just a matter of putting the right pieces around him.

A year later, Orlando received yet another No. 1 overall pick in the NBA Draft and used it to draft Chris Webber. But Orlando quickly traded him to Golden State for point guard Anfernee (Penny) Hardaway and three future first round draft picks.

Shaq's impact in Orlando will always be considered as one of the biggest impacts made in NBA history. Getty Images

Hardaway, who was also apart of the 1993 NBA Draft, made an impact by averaging 16.0 PPG, and helped Orlando win 50 games along with the Magic's first playoff appearance in franchise history.

The following season Shaq's Magic team reached the NBA Finals, with the addition of Horace Grant in the lineup, but were swept by Hakeem Olajuwon and the Houston Rockets.

During his last season in Orlando, O'Neal led the Magic to a franchise record 60 wins, but lost in the Conference Finals to the Chicago Bulls.

O'Neal left Orlando at season's end, signing with the Los Angeles Lakers as a free agent for seven years and $122 million.

Los Angeles Lakers (1996-2004)

Shaq had his best years as a Los Angeles Laker, but things weren't always good for him in L.A. Though the Lakers never missed the postseason during the Shaq era, they struggled to get past Utah and San Antonio during O'Neal's first three seasons in L.A.

But things finally changed in 2000. Phil Jackson was now their head coach, and young Kobe Bryant was evolving into one of the league's premiere shooting guards. O'Neal was also entering the playoffs as the almost unanimous league MVP, and won the scoring title, too.

Los Angeles reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 1991, and defeated the Indiana Pacers 4-1. Not surprisingly--O'Neal was named MVP of the Finals.

Shaq went on to lead the Lakers to two more NBA championships against Philadelphia and New Jersey, and was named MVP in both series. The Lakers were the first team to win three consecutive titles since Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls, and no team has done it since.

O'Neal averaged an unreal 38 PPG in the 2000 NBA Finals. Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE/Getty Images

O'Neal did exactly leave Los Angeles on a friend-to-friend basis. His team was eliminated from the playoffs by San Antonio the following season, and the relationship between O'Neal and Bryant began to become erupt.

Though O'Neal and Bryant weren't on the same page, the Lakers reached the Finals the following season after adding future Hall of Famers Gary Payton and Karl Malone to the lineup via free agency. Unfortunately for Payton and Malone, who came to L.A. to win a championship, the Lakers lost 4-1 to the Detorit Pistons.

That season would be O'Neal's last in a Lakers uniform. He was later traded to Miami in exchange for Lamar Odom, Caron Butler and Brian Grant.

Miami Heat (2004-08)

The Miami Heat were instant championship contenders with the arrival of Shaq. Especially in the Eastern Conference.

O'Neal was now alongside another premiere shooting guard in Dwyane Wade, and those two together were bound to win a title with great role players such as James Posey and Udonis Haslem surrounding them.

In O'Neal's first season in Miami, he finished second in MVP voting behind Steve Nash, but Miami lost in the Conference Finals to Detroit in seven games.

Shaq won his fourth NBA title in six years in 2006, but someone else took home Finals MVP honors for a change. Getty Images

Shaq was determined to lead Miami to the Finals in the 2005-06 season, especially with Pat Riley in as his new head coach after Stan Van Gundy "quit" to "spend more time with his family". But of course, Riley ran him out because he was so anxious to coach this team.

Turns out, Riley's return to the Miami bench was exactly what they needed. Miami entered the postseason with 52 wins and reached the Finals. But Miami fell into a 0-2 hole against the Dallas Mavericks, that is until Wade officially went on a rampage.

Wade averaged 34.7 PPG in that series along with O'Neal's 13.6, and Miami rallied to win the series 4-2, marking one of the greatest comebacks in NBA Finals history. Wade went on to win Finals MVP.

Miami were eliminated from the playoffs in the first round the following season, and Shaq began to show signs that he was finally aging.

O'Neal spent part of the 2007-08 season with Miami before getting traded to Phoenix in a deal that included Shawn Marion.

Phoenix Suns (2008-present)

Only a brief summary needed for Shaq's time in Phoenix. Shaq's presence meant changes for everyone. The run-and-gun offense began to slow down, and no longer fun to watch.

Steve Nash's assist total decreased along with his scoring, while Amare's increased. But Phoenix was eliminated from the playoffs in the first round by the San Antonio Spurs.

This season, however, has been a different story for Shaq. He has looked like his old dominant self at times, and even had his first 30 point game since his arrival in Phoenix. He also scored 28 Monday night against Oklahoma City to move ninth all-time on the NBA scoring list. He moved to up to eighth all-time Tuesday.

O'Neal is still a presence inside, but who knows how far he will lead his team this season.

To Be Continued...

Let the Rankings Begin

After refreshing your memory with a brief career summary, it's time to rank O'Neal among the top 10 all-time best centers. Over the past few years, I have always struggled to keep Shaq in one spot. But one thing that remains the same is that he stays in the top five.

So, here it goes.

1. Kareem Abdul Jabbar

2. Wilt Chamberlain

3. Bill Russell

4. Hakeem Olajuwon

5. Shaquille O'Neal

6. Moses Malone

7. Willis Reed

8. Bill Walton

9. David Robinson

10. Patrick Ewing

After a long and hard study, it came down to these 10 guys. George Mikan came close to grabbing the No. 10 spot, but Ewing beat him by a hair.

Other centers such as Robert Parish, Nate Thurmond, Bob McAdoo and Wes Unseld were also thrown into the mix.

Shaquille O'Neal' career stats:

Year	Team	G	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	OFF	DEF	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	TO	PF	PPG
92-93	ORL	81	81	37.9	0.562	0.000	0.592	4.2	9.6	13.9	1.9	0.7	3.5	3.79	4.00	23.4
93-94	ORL	81	81	39.8	0.599	0.000	0.554	4.7	8.5	13.2	2.4	0.9	2.8	2.74	3.50	29.3
94-95	ORL	79	79	37.0	0.583	0.000	0.533	4.2	7.3	11.4	2.7	0.9	2.4	2.58	3.30	29.3
95-96	ORL	54	52	36.0	0.573	0.500	0.487	3.4	7.7	11.0	2.9	0.6	2.1	2.87	3.60	26.6
96-97	LAL	51	51	38.1	0.557	0.000	0.484	3.8	8.7	12.5	3.1	0.9	2.9	2.86	3.50	26.2
97-98	LAL	60	57	36.3	0.584	0.000	0.527	3.5	7.9	11.4	2.4	0.6	2.4	2.92	3.20	28.3
98-99	LAL	49	49	34.8	0.576	0.000	0.540	3.8	6.9	10.7	2.3	0.7	1.7	2.49	3.20	26.3
99-00	LAL	79	79	40.0	0.574	0.000	0.524	4.3	9.4	13.6	3.8	0.5	3.0	2.82	3.20	29.7
00-01	LAL	74	74	39.5	0.572	0.000	0.513	3.9	8.8	12.7	3.7	0.6	2.8	2.95	3.50	28.7
01-02	LAL	67	66	36.1	0.579	0.000	0.555	3.5	7.2	10.7	3.0	0.6	2.0	2.55	3.00	27.2
02-03	LAL	67	66	37.8	0.574	0.000	0.622	3.9	7.2	11.1	3.1	0.6	2.4	2.93	3.40	27.5
03-04	LAL	67	67	36.8	0.584	0.000	0.490	3.7	7.8	11.5	2.9	0.5	2.5	2.91	3.40	21.5
04-05	MIA	73	73	34.1	0.601	0.000	0.461	3.5	6.9	10.4	2.7	0.5	2.3	2.78	3.60	22.9
05-06	MIA	59	58	30.6	0.600	0.000	0.469	2.9	6.3	9.2	1.9	0.4	1.8	2.85	3.90	20.0
06-07	MIA	40	39	28.4	0.591	0.000	0.422	2.4	5.0	7.4	2.0	0.2	1.4	2.38	3.50	17.3
07-08	MIA	33	33	28.6	0.581	0.000	0.494	3.0	4.8	7.8	1.4	0.6	1.6	2.97	4.10	14.2
07-08	PHX	28	28	28.7	0.611	0.000	0.513	2.4	8.2	10.6	1.7	0.5	1.2	2.96	3.40	12.9
08-09	PHX	24	24	29.3	0.597	0.000	0.592	2.7	6.1	8.8	1.8	0.4	1.4	1.96	3.50	16.9
Career	--	1066	1057	36.0	0.581	0.050	0.525	3.7	7.7	11.4	2.7	0.6	2.4	2.84	3.50	25.0
All-Star	--	11	9	23.9	0.530	0.000	0.466	3.2	5.2	8.4	1.3	1.2	1.6	1.82	2.50	16.8

Michael Whittenberg is one of two NBA Community Leaders for bleacherreport.com

Information from NBA.com and basketballreference.com was used in this article.

Jerry Sloan: Where Does The Jazz Man Rank Among Coaches Of All-Time?

Michael Whittenberg — Tue, 09 Dec 2008 15:24:51 -0500

Honoring the Jazz Man:

If you find it hard to like Jerry Sloan, then you obviously don't watch basketball. That's really the only excuse a person can have, right?

20 years ago today—Sloan became just the seventh head coach in the Utah Jazz' 34-year existence. And things haven't changed since.

In Sloan's 20 years as Utah's head man, he has made 18 playoff appearances along with 16 consecutive winning seasons, two Western Conference titles, two Finals appearances, and 12 seasons with at least 50 wins. And after all of that, two things are missing to complete his impressive resume: an NBA championship and an Coach of the Year award.

While Sloan's job has been secure the last 20 years, the rest of the NBA has had 222 head coaching changes. Douglas C. Pizac/AP Photo

Only Phil Jackson and Gregg Popovich come to mind when you think of current head coaches who get more respect and loyalty from their players. Sloan is the epitome of a certified leader in the head coaching department, and arguably the greatest coach to never win a championship.

Old-fashioned and sometimes meaner than a sixth grade bully, Sloan's strategies and beliefs are still effective in today's game. He's never been the type to complain about the lack of talent around him. Instead, he examines his players and molds a system around them.

Of course, the longest-tenured head coach in any major professional sport has had his fair share of success, but it's always fun to reminisce. And by that, I mean his greatest seasons as head coach of the Utah Jazz. Only bad news, none resulted in an NBA title.

A Look Back:

As mentioned earlier, Sloan has pulled off 16 straight winning seasons and 12 50+ winning seasons during his tenure in Utah. But none were more memorable than the four mentioned below.

1991-92: Sloan had a very talented Jazz team that season, but it wasn't his best. Of course his most prominent players Karl Malone and John Stockton were in the lineup, but guys like Jeff Malone, Blue Edwards and Tyrone Corbin helped Utah win 55 games that year—which tied Sloan's career-high for total wins in a season.

It was also Utah's first season playing in the Delta Center.

Stockton led the league in both assists and steals, while Malone was second in the league in points per game and points scored. Both guys made an All-NBA Team, too.

There was parity in the Western Conference, but Portland, Golden State and Utah were the three teams to really be considered championship contenders. Golden State got tossed in the first round by Seattle, only to lose to Utah in the Conference Semis.

Portland, however, cruised to the Western Conference Finals where they squared off with Utah and eventually defeated the Jazz 4-2.

Malone and Stockton made life a lot easier for coach Sloan. Jonathan Ferrey//NBAE/Getty Images

1993-94: Sloan and Co. won 53 games that season. And with Michael Jordan out of the league to pursue a career in baseball, it was another team's turn to be crowned NBA champions. But it wasn't Utah.

Seattle, San Antonio and Houston were now the big boys in the wild Western Conference. Stockton and Malone were having another great season, and both made the All-NBA First Team that year.

The top seeded Seattle Supersonics were upset by the eighth seed Denver Nuggets that year, and Utah cruised past a 55-win Spurs team in the first round of the playoffs. But Hakeem Olajuwon and the Houston Rockets stood in the way of Sloan's team in the Conference Finals, defeating them 4-1

1996-97: Things could not have gotten better for Utah that season. Malone won his first Most Valuable Player award, and the Jazz won 64 games. And despite that, Sloan was shafted out of the Coach of the Year award losing to Miami's Pat Riley. But in all honesty, Phil Jackson deserved it.

The first three rounds of the postseason came easy to Utah, and they finally got past Hakeem and the Rockets in the postseason. Next on the table, Michael Jordan and the 69-win Chicago Bulls for all the marbles. Utah gave Chicago all they could handle, but lost the series 4-2

2006-07: Malone and Stockton were long gone from Utah. Sloan had failed to reach the postseason three consecutive seasons after the Malone-Stockton era ended.

But in '06-07, Utah took the league by surprise with Sloan's new roster and returned to the postseason. Led by Sloan's newest dynamic duo in Carlos Boozer and Deron Williams, Utah won 50 games for the time since 2001 and surprisingly reached the Conference Finals, thanks to the Mavericks—who won 67 games and lost to an eighth seed in the first round.

Utah lost in the Conference Finals to the eventual champion San Antonio Spurs, but a new era had begun for Sloan in Utah.

Runnin' With the Best:

So where does Jerry Sloan rank among the all-time best head coaches? Despite not having a ring, Sloan can easily fit in a list with names like Red Auerbach, Phil Jackson and Pat Riley.

Sloan ranks fourth all-time in coaching wins (1,102) and sixth all-time in playoff wins (93). So that definitely amounts to something.

Where does Sloan rank among the top 20 coaches in NBA history? Ninth. And that's on a list full of coaches with at least one championship ring on their finger.

Who's ahead of him you say?

1. Red Auerbach

2. Phil Jackson

3. Bill Fitch

4. Pat Riley

5. Chuck Daly

6. Jack Ramsey

7. Red Holzman

8. Lenny Wilkins

9. Jerry Sloan (Just slightly ahead of Don Nelson)

10. John Kundla

Coach Jerry Sloan has already punched his ticket for the Hall of Fame. The only thing to wonder about now is, when?

Michael Whittenberg is one of two NBA Community Leaders and the Charlotte Bobcats Community Leader for bleacherreport.com

This column can also be found here on foxsports.com

Dynamic Duos: Ranking the NFL's Best Offensive Tandems

Michael Whittenberg — Mon, 08 Dec 2008 17:14:15 -0500

In today's game, it is almost imperative for a team to have a system of two running backs. And the same thing probably applies for wide receivers.

The Giants, Titans, and Cardinals are just three team that own one of the league's deadliest offensive tandems. So what team owns the offensive tandem? That's for you to decide.

But here are the best of the best.

Thunder and Lighting

LenDale White and Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans

There is a reason the Titans got are off to a 10-0 start. Yes, Kerry Collins has done a phenomenal job as Tennessee's signal-caller, but their running game is a huge part of their success.

Johnson lead's the team in rushing yards while White leads the team, as well as all other running backs in the league, in total touchdowns.

Batman and Robin

The emergence of rookie Jonathan Stewart (Robin) is one reason why the Panthers' running game is so deadly this season. Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images

DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart, Carolina Panthers

The Panthers weren't expected to do much in the NFC this season, but their 10-3 record is good enough for first in the NFC South.

And though Jake Delhomme is back from Tommy John surgery, Steve Smith being one of the league's top receivers and Julius Peppers looking invigorated, the Panthers' ground game is what make them dangerous.

Both guys have rushed for six touchdowns so far, but Williams leads the team in rushing yards with 1,141. Both guys have also rushed for at least 100 yards in the same game twice.

Belichick's Kids

Randy Moss and Wes Welker, New England Patriots

Despite not having Tom Brady as their quarterback this season, Welker and Moss have still produced with Matt Cassel as their signal-caller. Welker only has one touchdown compared to his eight last season, but his 1,002 yards receiving leads all Pats' receivers.

Moss, however, leads the team with eight TDs and 841 yards receiving.

Together they average 141.8 yards per game.

Fitzgerald has been the best receiver in football this season. AP Photo/Matt York

Birds Flying High

Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, Arizona Cardinals

Boldin and Fitzgerald are the best wide receiver tandem in football, hands down. Arizona has the most exciting offense in the the NFC, if not the entire league.

And though Steve Breaston can be thrown into the mix as well, no one gets it done like Boldin and Fitz. Boldin leads all receivers in touchdowns and leads his team in receiving yards, despite missing time with a fractured sinus. Fitzgerald has 1,148 yards receiving and nine touchdowns.

Together they average 179.6 receiving yards per game.

Mile High Collaboration

Marshall is quickly becoming one of the league's elite receivers. UPI Photo/ Gary C. Caskey

Brandon Marshall and Eddie Royal, Denver Broncos

While Marshall was suspended for the first game of the season for off-the-field problems—Royal came from no where in Week One, catching nine balls for 146 yards.

Once Marshall returned a week later, he then made a statement by catching 18 passes (tied for second all-time) for 166 yards.

Both receivers have reached the end zone at least five time this season, but Marshall is the leader in receiving yards with 1033. And with Jay Cutler as their signal-caller, the Broncos' air attack has looked almost perfect at times.

It Takes Two...Or Maybe Not

Though the guys listed below aren't officially a tandem, their firepower is just as good as the guy listed above.

Colt Thunderers

Reggie Wayne, Dallas Clark, Anthony Gonzalez, and Marvin Harrison, Indianapolis Colts

The Colts got off to a shaky start, but lately have looked somewhat like the Colts of old. Wayne leads the team both receiving yards (918) and touchdowns (5).

Gonzalez is second on the team in receiving yards (608) and has been an excellent slot receiver.

Harrison has lost a step, but he has still produced five touchdowns along with 583 yards receiving. And as for the star tight end Clark, he's yet to have a 100 yard game—but 542 receiving yards and four touchdowns are good now that Harrison has been back in the lineup this season.

Jacobs is the catalyst behind Earth, Wind and Fire. Icon SMI

Earth, Wind, and Fire

Brandon Jacobs, Derrick Ward and Ahmad Bradshaw, New York Giants

The Giants average 154.6 rushing yards per game thanks to their three-headed monster.

Jacobs (Earth) is by far the one of the league's biggest and most hard hitting backs, standing 6'4" and weighing 264 pounds. He is also the G-Men's primary back, leading the team with 1,002 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.

Ward, (Wind) who came up with whole Earth, Wind and Fire nickname, didn't score his first TD until Week 12 at Arizona—but he is still a force on the ground. His 669 yards rushing is second on the team, and averages 61 yards per game both rushing and receiving.

Bradshaw (Fire) has 319 yards rushing yards this season, and rushed for a season-high 96 yards against Baltimore in Week 11.

All three guys have had at least one game of 95 yards or more this season.

Michael Whittenberg is a senior writer for bleacherreport.com

NBA Offseason Moves: Which Deal Is Looking The Best So Far?

Michael Whittenberg — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 18:47:08 -0500

This past summer consisted of plenty acquisitions that changed the dynamic of teams in both the Eastern and Western Conference. Elton Brand, Jermaine O'Neal and Ron Artest are just three players that now sport new threads this season.

Brand was expected to fill the void down low for Philadelphia, O'Neal was added firepower in the paint to complement Chris Bosh and Artest is expected to make Houston legit title contenders. But so far, neither player's team is living up to preseason expectations.

While we may have expected one of the three players mentioned above to be the best offseason deal, neither have come close to Cleveland's new prize possession: Mo Williams.

With all of that out the way, it's time to break out the grade book and review what the players have done so far. And since the big Pistons-Nuggets trade happened just one week into the season, why not take a peek a that one as well.

The Cavaliers' hot start is giving everyone in Cleveland a reason to smile. Photo by David Liam Kyle/NBAE via Getty Images

Cleveland Cavaliers

Acquisition: Mo Williams (via trade from Milwaukee)

Grade So Far: A-

Cleveland might have gotten a steal by only giving up Damon Jones and Joe Smith in exchange for Williams. Aside from the Celtics, Cleveland now looks like most dangerous team in the East.

Of course we know what LeBron is capable of doing, but the Williams deal seems to be paying off so far. Williams is averaging 15.8 PPG and is shooting 45 percent from the field.

The Cavs have started this season been on a roll, winning 17 of their first 20 games. And according to John Hollinger, the Celtics and Lakers aren't the only team that has a shot at winning 70 games this season.

Milwaukee Bucks

Acquisition: Richard Jefferson (via trade from New Jersey)

Grade So Far: B-

While New Jersey is dumping salaries to enter the LeBron James sweepstakes in 2010, it seemed Michael Redd finally received the sidekick he has been looking for in Jefferson. But instead the Bucks are off to a 9-12 start and Redd has only played seven games.

Jefferson, however, is doing his usual damage averaging 19 PPG. But his team record is prevented him from getting a higher grade.

Brand is averaging 16 points and 10 rebounds so far this season. Photo by Brian Babineau/NBAE via Getty Images

Philadelphia 76ers

Acquisition: Elton Brand (via free agency)

Grade So Far: B-

Philly's 9-12 start isn't exactly what most expected from them. It's still very early though. Brand missed all but eight games last season, and looks like he is back to form.

Brand was brought in to fill the void in the paint for Philly and back up Samuel Dalembert. Of course Dalembert's numbers were going to fall with the arrival of Brand, but he is averaging eight RPG, shooting 47 percent from the field and is still a shot-blocking presence down low.

But they are missing a good outside shooter. Can anyone say Kyle Korver?

Being that it is only December, the Sixers are one team you do not want to sleep on just yet.

Toronto Raptors

Acquisition: Jermaine O'Neal (via trade from Indiana)

Grade So Far: C

So far, my Eastern Conference darkhorse is looking pretty mediocre. All except Chris Bosh and Jose Calderon of course. Meanwhile, O'Neal's numbers are way down from what we are used to be in Indiana. That said, O'Neal is no longer the player he was four or five years ago.

J.O. is averaging a career-low 12.2 PPG, the least of amount of points he's averaged since his first year in Indiana where he became a full-time starter.

The Raptors are off to an 8-10, and have already handed the walking papers to their head coach Sam Mitchell. The only bright spots for Toronto so far has been play of both Bosh and Calderon.

His numbers are down, but Ron Artest's team will be a force to be deal with this season. Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images

Houston Rockets

Acquisition: Ron Artest (via trade from Sacramento)

Grade So Far: A-

Artest was hands down the best move during the offseason. At times the Rockets have looked unstoppable, while the other times you wonder just what the heck the Rockets were doing.

The trio of Artest, Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady looked formidable until McGrady suffered a knee injury that will set him back for about a month. McGrady and Yao's numbers have fallen from the norm, but with Artest there it was bound to happen.

Houston is off to a 13-7 and is on top of the Southwest Division so far.

Golden State Warriors

Acquisition: Corey Maggette (via free agency),

Grade So Far: B

With Baron Davis now a Los Angeles Clipper and Monta Ellis out for long period of time due to the moped accident, the Warriors' expectations were quickly tossed out the window. But Maggette has played great, averaging close to 20 PPG so far.

Only thing is, Golden State has a dismal 5-15 record that includes nine straight losses. Maggette's individual performance gets an A, but his team performance knocks him down a letter grade.

The Clippers could be a surprise team down the road if Randolph fits in well with Davis and Co. Photo by Juan Ocampo/NBAE via Getty Images

Los Angeles Clippers

Acquisition: Baron Davis (via free agency), Marcus Camby (via trade from Denver)

Both guys have done their jobs well in L.A., but the Clippers are sitting at the bottom of the Western Conference. Camby is still the shot-blocking, double-double machine we've grown to know, and Davis is staying healthy while putting up 17 points and eight assists per night.

The Clippers are 4-16 so far, but could rise in the standings with the addition of Zach Randolph--who was acquired last month for Cuttino Mobley and Tim Thomas.

New Orleans Hornets

Acquisition: James Posey (via free agency)

Grade So Far: A-

None of the things that Posey does right this season will show up in the box score. Two things that will show, however, are his point total and his amazing 44 percent shooting from long range.

New Orleans now has a good outside shooter and on-one-one defender in Posey, which can make the Hornets more dangerous than they were last season. Posey's Hornets are off to an 11-6 start, and Chris Paul has handed out at least 10 assists in all but three games this year while averaging 20 points.

The Nuggets are 13-4 with Billups in the lineup. Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images

Biggest Trade of the Year So Far: Allen Iverson and Chauncey Billups swap teams

It has been the biggest trade of the year so far, and it probably will stay that way the rest of the season unless Kobe or LeBron gets dealt away, and that's not happening. The Iverson-Billups swap wasn't an offseason move, but since it happened so early in the season, it was only right to throw it into the mix.

The Denver Nuggets didn't look like a convincing playoff team even with the duo of Iverson and Carmelo Anthony. With just one week within the season--Iverson was shipped to Detroit for Billups, and both teams have went in different directions since.

Denver is now 14-7 and is tied with Portland for the third best record in the Western Conference. Billups has been a huge difference maker in Denver, and Kenyon Martin and Nene have looked a lot better since the arrival of Mr. Big Shot.

It's a different story for Iverson in Detroit however. While Iverson is getting his points, Richard Hamilton's point production has fallen and Tayshaun Prince's has gone up. It's clear to say that the Pistons aren't the same team they have been the last few years, and it's definitely safe to say that the Pistons are no longer serious contenders in the East. Even with Iverson on board.

Michael Whittenberg is one of two NBA Community Leaders and the Charlotte Bobcats Community Leader for bleacherreport.com.

Shooting Stars: The NBA All-Pure Shooting Team

Michael Whittenberg — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 05:24:24 -0500

Pure shooters.

One of the most beautiful things about game of basketball. And definitely my favorite attribute of the game.

The teams listed below consist of the NBA's all-time pure shooters. But unfortunately, only 10 guys made the team. There have been many types of pure shooters to come and go in the NBA.

Shooters like Larry Bird and Reggie Miller had a jump shot that was simply unstoppable. While guys like Ray Allen and Peja Stojakovic have a deadly shooting form that no on could duplicate no matter how hard they tried.

If I could throw together a team of pure shooters in their prime, this is what it would look like.

The Unstoppables

The unstoppables are defined as the guys who were pure long distance bombers who could also score with the best of them, and were also clearly unstoppable.

Fortunately for these guys, they stand in a very short line.

LARRY BIRD, Boston Celtics (1979-91):

Bird is definitely one of the NBA's all-time best scorers, but he is also one of the best pure shooters, too. His shooting form might have looked normal, but his release was excellent; especially while watching it in slow motion.

Aside from his MVPs and championships, Bird also won three consecutive three point shootout titles, and is one of only two players in league history to have three shootout titles.

Bird has 649 total three pointers in his career, but is nowhere near the top 30 all-time leaders in three point field goals made.

To view highlights, click here.

Miller is the all-time in leader in three point field goals made with 2,560. Photo courtesy of NBA.com

REGGIE MILLER, Indiana Pacers (1987-2005):

Miller is without a doubt the greatest shooter of the 90s. As great as scorer as Miller was, he is mostly known for shooting lights out from long distance.

Reggie was the master of catching and shooting, and only Michael Jordan has scored more points than him at the shooting guard position. His 25-point fourth quarter in the 1994 playoffs against New York, where he scored two three pointers in a span of three second is the one highlight of his career we will never forget.

He's also one of the NBA's greatest players to never win a championship.

Simply put, the greatest three-point clutch shooter of this generation.

To view highlights, click here.

Sliky Smooth Js

Players who had the prettiest shooting forms fit in this category. Shooting forms that make you think to yourself, "man, now that's a pretty shot."

In other words, pure textbook shooters.

DAN MAJERLE, Phoenix Suns/Cleveland Cavaliers/Miami Heat (1988-2002):

Thunder Dan wasn't a deadly scorer, but he sure was deadly from long range. He had one of the quickest releases, making it nearly impossible for defenders to block.

Majerle is 11th all-time in three point field goals made, and is still second all-time in most three point field goals made in an NBA Finals game.

To view highlights, click here.

Rice is fourth all-time in total three point field goals made. Getty Images

GLEN RICE, Miami Heat/Charlotte Hornets/L.A. Lakers/New York Knicks/Houston Rockets/L.A. Clippers (1989-2004):

One of the more underrated scorers in NBA history--Rice's silky smooth jump shot was just too beautiful for words. Rice was the definition of "pure shooter", and shot 40 percent from long range during his career.

Rice finished third in the league in scoring in 1997, trailing only Karl Malone and Michael Jordan. He also shot 47 percent from deep the same season.

G Money, one of game's most prolific shooters.

To view highlights, click here.

RAY ALLEN, Milwaukee Bucks/Seattle Supersonics/Boston Celtics (1996-present):

Allen is the best pure shooter in the game today, period. Not only that, but he has secured his place in NBA history as one of the game's all-time best shooters.

No other human being can duplicate his form, no matter how much time they put in the gym. Even Reggie Miller proclaims Allen as the game's best shooter, and maybe second all-time after Miller.

His performance in the 2001 three point shootout contest is one of the best moments in three-point shootout history.

To end it off, the prettiest stoke you'll ever see.

To view highlights, click here.

Houston wasn't just a great shooter, but a deadly scorer as well. Photo courtesy of NBA.com

ALLAN HOUSTON, Detroit Pistons/New York Knicks (1993-2005):

Allan's smooth touch was just as smooth as Glen Rice's, if not smoother. Houston is 14th all-time in three pointer made, and was one of the league's prolific scorers in the mid 90s and early 00s.

H20 was explosive off the dribble, and probably had his career cut short because of nagging knee problems.

To view highlights, click here.

DELL CURRY, Utah Jazz/Cleveland Cavaliers/Charlotte Hornets/Milwaukee Bucks/Toronto Raptors (1986-2002):

Curry was the big fundamental when it came to shooting. he shot 40 percent from deep from his career, and is 23rd all-time in three pointers made.

You might have heard of his son, Stephon Curry from Davidson, who has taken after his father as a pure shooter.

To view highlights, click here.

The Best of the Rest

MARK PRICE, CLEVELAND CAVALIERS/Washington Bullets/Golden State Warriors/Orlando Magic (1986-98):

Price is the best pure shooting point guard to ever play the game. Aside from having one of the all-time best three point field goal percentages in NBA history, Price is also first all-time in free throw percentage.

Before LeBron James ruled Cleveland, Price was the last guy known as a icon to the Cavs' organization.

To view highlights, click here.

After 10 years, Stojakovic is still one of the game's best pure shooters. Getty Images

PEJA STOJAKOVIC, Sacramento Kings/Indiana Pacers/New Orleans Hornets (1998-present):

Peja has an awkward slingshot release, but he's still one of the best pure shooters in the game today. He is already eighth all-time in total three pointers made, and is on pace to make his way into the top five of that list when it's all over for him.

Peja Stojakovic: awkward, but effective.

To view highlights, click here.

CRAIG HODGES, San Diego Clippers/ Milwaukee Bucks/Phoenix Suns/Chicago Bulls (1982-91):

Hodges is one of the best pure shooters of all-time, but many have never heard of him. He is mostly known for his success in Chicago, winning three straight three-point shootouts during All-Star Weekend.

Hodges was a deadly spot-up shooter that played with Michael Jordan during his early years. He is also 27th all-time in three-point field goal percentage.

To view highlights, click here.

Michael Whittenberg is one of two NBA Community Leaders for bleacherreport.com

NFL Coach Of The Year: Jeff Fisher and Mike Smith Set The Pace

Michael Whittenberg — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 09:06:53 -0500

Boy, what a difference a year and an offseason can make. Only one of the eight NFL Coach of the Year candidates on this list made the list last season. But thanks to a few offseason changes or season changes in Tennessee's case, the hot seat has cooled off a bit for some.

First year head coaches John Harbaugh and Mike Smith have changed the dynamic of their teams after horrible seasons one year ago. While projected Coach of the Year candidates such as Wade Phillips and Norv Turner haven't had the success everyone expected them to have.

While we are only heading into Week 11, there is no doubt the candidates listed below will still be in the running for Coach of the Year one month from now.

The Top Dogs

Jeff Fisher, Tennessee Titans (9-0)

The NFL's longest tenured head coach has got his Titans off to a surprising 9-0 start.

If anyone told you they expected the Titans to win their first nine games of the season with Vince Young on the bench for eight of them was clearly joking. Tennessee has been this year's surprise story—and to make things more unbelievable, they have done it with a 35 year old quarterback.

Kerry Collins, who was named the starting QB in Week 2 to "manage" the offense, has done a superb job of it. His touchdowns total (5) might not be eye-popping, but I can't imagine Tennessee in the same position if Vince Young were starting.

The Titans defense, led by Albert Haynesworth, only gives up 13 points per game--and their running game has flourished big time this season with rookie Chris Johnson alongside LenDale White.

They won't go undefeated, but Fisher is definitely the front runner for the award right now.

Eli Manning #10 of the New York Giants passes against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 9, 2008 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania." width="345" height="230" />

Eli Manning has led his Giants to an 8-1 record so far. Photo by Chris McGrath/Getty Images

Tom Coughlin, New York Giants (8-1)

The reigning Super Bowl champs now have a swagger they didn't have this time last year. Despite a season-ending injury from defensive end Osi Umenyiora and the retirement of Michael Strahan, Coughlin has still managed to keep his team atop the NFC.

And Eli Manning has looked just as good, if not better than big brother Peyton. With the Cowboys struggling and the Eagles dealing with injuries to key guys, Washington looks like the only team with a chance of contending with them in the NFC East.

John Fox, Carolina Panthers (7-2)

Fox was one of several coaches in the hot seat before the start of the season. But after a 7-2 start and leading the NFC South, Fox's job might be secure for at least one more season.

Also, quarterback Jake Delhomme has returned to the lineup after missing all but three games last season. He has been one difference maker this year, and we all know Steve Smith is his favorite target.

The re- acquisition of Muhsin Muhammad and the emergence of DeAngelo Williams and rookie RB Jonathan Stewart, not to mention the resurrection of Julius Peppers have earned the Cats' the third best record in football.

Carolina might may not be the NFC favorites—but Fox gets the credit for putting this team back on the map.

The Unexpected

Bill Belichick, New England Patriots (6-3)

After the season-ending injury to Tom Brady, New England was sure to fall off the map. But they have maintained to stay on top of their division with Matt Cassel as their quarterback.

Even with season-ending injuries to Laurence Maroney, Rodney Harrison and now Adalius Thomas, "The Hoody" has still kept his team in contention. After going undefeated last season with Brady, a 6-3 record without him is impressive.

Give props to Belichick.

Matt Ryan is sure to take home Rookie of the Year honors in the NFC this season. AP Photo

Mike Smith, Atlanta Falcons (6-3)

Smith probably deserves the Coach of the Year honors in the NFC. In his first season as the Falcons head coach, no one expected Atlanta to be good this soon, especially with a rookie as their signal-caller.

But the Falcons changed the look of this entire team during the offseason. Michael Turner was brought in from San Diego as their new primary RB, and rookie quarterback Matt Ryan is maturing every week.

Michael Vick? I guarantee you die-hard ATL fans haven't mentioned his name this season.

Their rushing game is also second in the league, averaging 157.8 yards per game and their defense is ninth overall, giving up 19.3 points per game.

And let's not forget about Roddy White and John Abraham.

John Harbaugh, Baltimore Ravens (6-3)

The Ravens also have a rookie quarterback leading the way. Joe Flacco has done an exceptional job running the Ravens' offense behind what was already a stellar defense.

Like Smith--Harbaugh is also in his first season, only he is replacing a Ravens coaching legend in Brian Billick. If it weren't for the Titans great start, Harbaugh would be first in the race when it comes to AFC coaches.

The Best of the Rest

Jim Zorn, Washington Redskins (6-3)

Quarterback Jason Campbell has had a career year, and coach Zorn is to thank for that. Campbell has thrown only two interceptions (both in the same game) so far this season, along with 1,960 passing yards.

Also, Clinton Portis has also had a tremendous year, and is second in the league in total rushing yards. Washington also gives up 18.7 points per game, which is eighth best in the league.

Coach Ken Whisenhunt celebrates with WR Anquan Boldin after his touchdown. Harry How/Getty Images

Ken Whisenhunt, Arizona Cardinals (6-3)

Kurt Warner for MVP? It's a possibility.

Warner was only supposed to be used as an insurance policy, but he's shown he is more than just an old backup quarterback. And Matt Leinart has still failed to make a stride in his development.

The Cards offense has been fun to watch all season with Warner, Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald. They pretty much have the NFC locked up, and are playoff bound for the first time since 1998.

NBA Crystal Ball: 10 Predictions For The 2008-09 NBA Season

Michael Whittenberg — Mon, 10 Nov 2008 07:13:01 -0500

With two weeks of the 2008-09 NBA season already in the books, there are already plenty of topics to discuss. Are the Rockets for real with Ron Artest? Can the Spurs last without Manu Ginobli?

And though the season is just getting started, it's that time of the year I start making season predictions.

So without any further delay, here it goes.

The San Antonio Spurs Will Miss Manu Ginobli

The Spurs have already played five games and have only managed to win one game. And to make things worse for them, Tony Parker injured his ankle Friday night against Miami that will keep him sidelined 2-4 weeks.

In the five games, San Antonio's defense has been horrific giving up 105 PPG, and their offense hasn't looked any better. Though it's still too early too determine where the Spurs will be sitting in the Western Conference when Ginobli returns, it doesn't look good for San Antonio at this moment. Especially with Parker now sidelined.

One bright spot for San Antonio is the play of Roger Mason. Mason is averaging 16 PPG, and taking full advantage of the absence of Manu. Tim Duncan has alot of work ahead of him the next couple of weeks.

Amar'e Stoudemire Will Be In the MVP Race

We all know that Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul and LeBron James are the three favorites to win MVP, but Stoudemire will be a sleeper. Stoudemire is putting up 25 points and eight RPG in his first seven games.

And if Phoenix stays near the top of the Western Conference as they are now, Stat will definitely be in the MVP hunt.

Derrick Rose Will Win Rookie of the Year

In the two weeks of this young NBA season, Rose, Michael Beasley, Kevin Love, O.J. Mayo, Russell Westbrook and Rudy Fernandez have looked like the best rookies. This year's rookie class is deep, and even has potential sleepers such as the Grizzlies' Marc Gasol (Pau's little brother) and Milwaukee's Luc Mbah a Moute.

So far, Rose leads all rookies in scoring and is second in assists behind Mario Chalmers. The ROY race will eventually be decided by three guys--Rose, Mayo and Beasley, but Rose wins it in a tight one.

With Allen Iverson, Detroit Is Championship Caliber Again

The Pistons are 0-2 so far in the A.I. era, but after about 10 games or so we will know if this trade will work. Chauncey Billups may no longer be there, but their impressive streak of Eastern Conference Finals appearances won't end just yet.

With Iverson, the Pistons now have a real go-to-guy and a scoring threat to complement Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace, Jason Maxiell and Rodney Stuckey.

But don't but on them winning it all.

Eastern Conference Dark Horse: Toronto Raptors

The Raptors have reached the postseason the last two seasons, but lost in the first round both times. The addition of Jermaine O'Neal will make them a better team this season. O'Neal isn't the same player he once was, but he doesn't need to with Chris Bosh by his side.

The Raptors are currently 4-2, and Bosh has been unreal averaging 26 and 11 the first six games of the season.

Predicted Record: 47-35

Western Conference Dark Horse: Utah Jazz

Like Toronto, Utah has also made the playoffs the past two season. And so far, the Jazz have managed to win five of their first six games without Deron Williams.

Once Williams returns, the Jazz will be a sleeper the entire season in the loaded Western Conference.

Predicted Record: 55-27

Stephon Marbury Won't Be A Knick the Entire Season

Why Mike D'Antoni has refused to play Marbury this season is a question I've yet to find a answer to. It looks like the solution would be to trade or waive him, but D'Antoni doesn't want to do either.

Dumb? Yes it is. If he were to get traded, teams like Miami and San Antonio could use his services right now. Sooner or later the Knicks and Marbury will come to some kind of reciprocal agreement.

They have to, right?

Lakers and Celtics Will Dominate This Season

It's not really a bold prediction considering both teams went head-to-head in the NBA Finals last season.

Though Los Angeles were dismantled in Game Six of the Finals, they now have one reason to be even more excited this season: Andrew Bynum. The Lakers are undefeated and 5-0 for the first time in five years, but their upcoming schedule will be tough. They have Dallas, New Orleans and Detroit back-to-back-to-back.

As for Boston, the reigning champs are currently 6-1 and have an easier schedule than Los Angeles. Their schedule also includes a return to Minnesota for Kevin Garnett.

With all that said, both teams will run the table this year. If both teams do indeed make it back to the Finals it would be the first time since 1998 that we have witnessed an NBA Finals rematch.

Chris Paul Win MVP

LeBron James, like the past two seasons, seems to be the consensus pick for Most Valuable Player. But Paul will run away with it this season. Paul's numbers are ridiculous so far, and there is no way his production will drop.

Already Paul has gone six straight games scoring at least 20 points and dishing out at least 10 assists. New Orleans will stay on top of the Western Conference Finals the entire season, and the race eventually goes down to Paul, LeBron and Kobe Bryant and Amar'e Stoudemire.

NBA Finals Rematch

As I mentioned earlier, there hasn't been a rematch in the NBA Finals since 1998 when Chicago and Utah squared off in Michael Jordan's last days as a Bull. This year the same will happen.

Though the C's may miss James Posey, Tony Allen and Leon Powe have stepped it up. And of course the Lakers have Bynum back.

Only this time, there will be a different outcome. Los Angeles wins the series in seven games.

Michael Whittenberg is one of two NBA Community Leaders for bleacherreport.com

NBA Roundtable: 2008-09 Season Forecast

Michael Whittenberg — Tue, 28 Oct 2008 07:39:11 -0400

The wait is over.

After what seemed like the longest offseason ever, the NBA season will finally kick off tonight. Guys like Ron Artest, Elton Brand, Mo Williams, Marcus Camby, and Jermaine O'Neal will be sporting new unis this season. And if this year's expectations are met, this season could put last season to shame.

A lot of things happened this past offseason. From the NBA Draft, to the blockbuster deals, to Shaquille O'Neal letting the world know when he will retire. With so much to talk about, a roundtable is the perfect thing to have before tonight's tip-off.

My two favorite writers—Erick Blasco and Andrew Ungvari—joined me for the roundtable. But this time around, we have a new face in the crowd: Dustin Chapman.

So, let's get it started:

1. Which team will benefit the most from their offseason acquisition(s)?

Michael Whittenberg:

We all know that the Ron Artest trade to Houston was by far the best acquisition during the offseason. But nothing is guaranteed for the Rockets if Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming, who suffer some type of injury every year, don't stay healthy.

I like Cleveland's acquisition of Mo Williams. Larry Hughes didn't work out for Cleveland, but Williams looks like a much better fit. Though the Cavs will still be missing a dominant force in the middle, Williams is probably the only player on the roster aside from LeBron James who can create.

Cleveland are contenders every year with LeBron, but the Williams deal was something that needed to be done now that the Eastern Conference is a bit stronger this year.

Also, Philadelphia will benefit now that Elton Brand will be around to help Samuel Dalembert in the middle.

Erick Blasco:

The Sixers. With Elton Brand drawing double teams in the low post, Andre Iguodala no longer has to be the team’s main scoring option, and Andre Miller doesn’t have to pull rabbits out of his hat to get the Sixers to score in the halfcourt. Brand will allow Reggie Evans to be a hustling backup, and his presence will allow Samuel Dalembert to be the weak-side shot blocker he operates so well as.

Ron Artest may lift the Rockets to a championship with the right breaks, but he won’t magically cure Yao Ming’s and Tracy McGrady’s injuries, he may implode the locker room, and he still may not make a difference in the ultra-stacked West. However, the Sixers are primed to win a playoff series, and possibly two, simply because of Brand’s presence.

Andrew Ungvari:

As far as the upcoming season is concerned, I’m going to have to say that the Rockets' acquisition of Ron Artest was by far the summer’s best move. For a team that seems to be dealing with at least one devastating injury every year, Artest gives them the depth to be better equipped to deal with another injury without costing them anything of substance.

I love the Hornets' signing of James Posey, because it gives them a guy with two rings who will have the undivided attention of his teammates when he speaks. He adds age and experience to a very young team—another great move by Jeff Bower, the NBA’s best unknown GM.

As for the future, I think the Clippers and Pacers did a great job. The Clippers have positioned themselves to have a boatload of cap space in 2010 to add a star player to a team that has Baron Davis, Chris Kaman, Eric Gordon, and Al Thornton locked up for years.

The Pacers unloaded the remaining two years and $45million of Jermaine O’Neal’s contract to the Raptors for T.J. Ford and the expiring contract of Rasho Nesterovic—speeding up their rebuilding plan by a year, and giving them a franchise point guard and cap space.

Dustin Chapman:

If healthy, you’ve got to go with the Houston Rockets. Adding Ron Artest to the squad gives this team much-needed toughness, tenacity, and extra versatility. In addition to that, it greatly improves an already-excellent defensive squad, and finally gives the Rockets a formidable third scoring option that can create his own offense when Tracy McGrady and/or Yao Ming are resting on the sidelines.

Brent Barry is another key acquisition that will bring a consistent veteran off the bench. Perhaps Houston ’s biggest postseason issue since 2005 has been the unreliability of the team’s role players. At the end of games, in particular, all but a select few have noticeably choked. Barry is a proven vet that Rick Adelman can count on to handle the ball and knock down crucial shots, and he’s already been a part of winning teams to boot.

Health is the obvious key component to Houston’s success, but as long as they can steer clear of the injury bug around playoff time, there is no reason for this team not to establish themselves as a legitimate championship contender.

2. Which team will suffer the most from an offseason loss?

Whittenberg:

The Clippers losing Elton Brand and Corey Maggette were big, but at least they are trying to fill the holes with the additions of Baron Davis, Marcus Camby and even rookie Eric Gordon. Golden State losing Davis to free agency and Monta Ellis to injury and suspension is also a big deal.

But I have to go with the Denver Nuggets on this one. They traded their only defensive presence in Camby to the Clippers, and they also lost Eduardo Najera. And with Allen Iverson possibly on the trading block, Denver will be lucky to reach the postseason in the loaded Western Conference.

Their team defense was horrific with Camby last season, and this season will more than likely be even worse without him.

Blasco:

Denver is ready to drop off the map. Without Marcus Camby and Eduardo Najera, the Nuggets lost the only two players on their roster who played any pretense of defense. Without their energy, rebounds, and blocked shots, Denver’s running game will no doubt suffer.

Sure, the Nuggets will still score—but without their potent running game in full gear, they’ll have trouble keeping up with any opposing team that can score points while playing transition defense. With Dallas and Phoenix more balanced and more talented, Denver will be the odd man out looking up at Portland’s ascent up the standings.

Ungvari:

I think the Celtics' loss of James Posey might turn out to be devastating considering how many intangibles he brought to them. His absence won’t go unnoticed. Ray Allen and Paul Pierce will both have a greater load to carry on the defensive end without him. The extent of how badly he’ll be missed will be determined by how Tony Allen does in his place.

Chapman:

Golden State obviously has additional key anecdotes that are expected to hold them back in 2009, such as Monta Ellis’ ankle injury and suspension, but the loss of Baron Davis may have taken the Warriors right out of the playoff picture by its lonesome. Sans Davis, this team is now lacking leadership, is without a star to rely on to carry the team in crucial moments (see: first round of 2007 playoffs where Davis shined and Ellis stunk up the joint), and is set to rely on a scoring guard to run the offense.

Granted, Davis is a score-first guard in his own right, but he also knows how to set his teammates up, and holds a career assist average of 7.2 per game.

The difference is this—Monta Ellis is used to being the recipient of passes as opposed to the deliverer, and being asked to be an explosive scorer rather than a creator for others. Ellis may very well take on his new role in stride and further develop his game, but it’s not going to happen overnight. The loss of Davis takes the Warriors out of the hunt for a low playoff seed, whether Ellis tears a deltoid ligament in his left ankle or not.

3. Since we now know when Shaquille O'Neal is retiring, where does he rank among the league's all-time greatest centers?

Whittenberg:

Gotta put the Diesel in my top five. Shaq is most definitely the most dominant center to play the game, but I rank him fifth all-time under Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell and Hakeem Olajuwon. It's as simple as that, folks.

Blasco:

I have Shaq ninth all-time, and sixth among classic big men behind Bill Russell, George Mikan, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and Tim Duncan. It’s hard to compare players like Shaq to players like Mikan and Russell, because it’s difficult to project players across different time periods. Comparing them throughout their own time periods, Shaq was probably the worst defender of the sextet, except for maybe Chamberlain, and like Chamberlain, could have had so much more success if he managed the nuances of the game better—like getting in shape.

Either way, Shaq was a true superstar in his prime, who simply dominated teams with his sheer mass and remarkable quickness for a man his size. He made his teammates better, passed well, and was big in pressure moments. He’ll be celebrated as one of the all-time greats, and deservedly so.

Ungvari:

Shaq will be remembered as both one of the NBA’s best and one of it’s most under-achieving players. He had the physical gifts to be the greatest of all time, but his lack of commitment to conditioning and his tendency to coast through the first half of the season make it impossible for me to put him ahead of Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, or Hakeem Olajuwon.

Shaq will finish his career with only one regular-season MVP award. By comparison, Kareem had six, Russell had five, Chamberlain had four and Olajuwon had two (if you include the one that David Robinson stole from him in 1995).

Shaq did have three playoff-MVP awards, but that just proves my point about his coasting through the regular season. On the bright side, Shaq will be remembered as a better player than Robinson, Moses Malone, Patrick Ewing, or Bill Walton.

Chapman:

Shaq Daddy may be the most physically dominant center of them all, but it’s difficult for me to rank him above the likes of Bill Russell (11 rings speak for themselves), Wilt Chamberlain (arguably the best player of all-time), and Hakeem Olajuwon (far superior defensively and possessed a wider post arsenal than O’Neal).

With those sentiments in mind, I think it’s reasonably fair to place “The Big Aristotle” fourth on the list of all-time great centers.

4. This year's rookie class looks pretty good. So who will win Rookie of the Year honors this season?

Whittenberg:

O.J. Mayo, Eric Gordon, Michael Beasley, Greg Oden and Derrick Rose looked good in the preseason. But I'm going with Beasley to take home ROY honors. Beasley has the potential to become a raw scorer in this league, and playing alongside Dwyane Wade and Shawn Marion will be good for him.

The rookie race will be close this season, and if you asked me who the race would come down to, I would have to go with Mayo, Gordon and Beasley as the three finalists.

Blasco:

Greg Oden has the advantage of having a superior body to any other rookie, as well as the luxury of spending a year learning the preparatory work that goes into being an exceptional NBA player. Plus, he should have a key role on a very formidable team. Unless Michael Beasley and O.J. Mayo put up stupendous numbers, the award is Oden’s to lose.

Ungvari:

Barring injury or the distraction of an NCAA investigation, O.J. Mayo is a lock for the ROY. Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley are joining teams that already have bona fide leaders.

Mayo, on the other hand, is joining a Grizzlies team searching for an identity. Unlike Rose and Beasley, he will be counted on to score. Don’t be surprised if Mayo’s averages compare to those of LeBron’s rookie season (20.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg and 5.9 apg).

Chapman:

Without much hesitation, Michael Beasley. He’s far and away the most complete scorer in this draft class, and perhaps the most NBA-ready. Greg Oden, O.J. Mayo, and Kevin Love should have excellent inaugural professional seasons as well, but Beasley is a step above the rest of the crop at this moment in time.

5. Which team(s) is due for a surprise season?

Whittenberg:

Call me biased, but I'm going with the Charlotte Bobcats to have a surprise season. With Larry Brown now coaching the team, this team will be a more defensive-minded one. They also get Adam Morrison back in the lineup, who missed all of last season.

The Bobacts were competitive under Sam Vincent last season, but they didn't really buy into his system. Brown is all about defense, so their offense may not be as free as it was last season.

They may not make the playoffs, but they have the chance to surprise the way the Portland Trailblazers did last season.

The Los Angeles Clippers would have to be my pick in the West.

Blasco:

How about Milwaukee? With Scott Skiles in place, the Bucks should be coerced into playing acceptable, hard-nosed defense. Richard Jefferson gives the team its first creative playmaker in ages, and the roster has a number of talented scorers.

Andrew Bogut is an adequate post player, while Luke Ridnour is set to rebound from a disastrous 2007. They should challenge the other Eastern Conference mediocrities hard for a playoff berth.

Ungvari:

I think the Clippers will surprise a lot of people this year. I really do. I think the additions of B-Diddy, Marcus Camby, Ricky Davis, Jason Hart, Steve Novak, Eric Gordon and DeAndre Jordan more than made up for the losses of Elton Brand, Corey Maggette, Brevin Knight, Shaun Livingston, and Quinton Ross.

If the Clippers can win at least 18 or their 30 games against the Eastern Conference, then all they'd have to do is win 23 of their 52 games against the West to finish .500. I don’t think the Clippers will make the playoffs, but I do think they will surprise a lot of teams.

In the Eastern Conference, I think the Bucks could sneak into the playoffs if they can get their act together quickly. New GM John Hammond did a great job this summer in re-shaping the roster given the horrible situation he inherited from his predecessor, Larry Harris. Second-round pick Luc Richard Mbah a Moute could turn out to be the steal of the draft.

Chapman:

The sexy pick is the Portland Trail Blazers, who have added super-promising rookies Greg Oden, Jerryd Bayless, and Rudy Fernandez to a .500 ball club. This team continues to impress with its poise, work ethic, and selflessness, and is led by one of the league’s best coaches in Nate McMillan. As long as the big fella’ from Indianapolis can stay healthy, this team may be ready to make the jump into the postseason.

6. Which team will take a step back this season?

Whittenberg:

As mentioned above, the Nuggets will take a big step back with out Camby. With emergence of Portland, Denver will be left out of the playoffs this season.

But my pick is the Golden State Warriors. They will take a huge step back with the loss of Davis, Ellis, and even Mickael Pietrus. Don't be surprised if Golden State is in the lottery during the summer.

Blasco:

Washington is looking like its doors are about to fall off. With Gilbert Arenas, the team breaks off its offense too easily, and becomes centered around Arenas launching difficult jumpers. Without him, the offense is more precise, but the team lacks the creative scorer needed to beat good defenses.

Antawn Jamison isn’t physical enough to carry a team, while Caron Butler doesn’t have the handle to be Mr. Everything. With Brendan Haywood out for the year, the team has no muscle in the middle, and with Gilbert Arenas out until December, the Wizards will have to get used to playing as two different teams. They’re my pick to drop out of the Eastern Conference playoffs.

Ungvari:

I think this is the year that the Pistons’ streak of six consecutive appearances in the Eastern Conference Finals comes to an end. I think they’re still a top-four team in the conference, but I think the Celtics, Magic and Cavs will finish higher in the standings.

I think they’re bored. I also think that Michael Curry wasn’t the right choice to replace Flip Saunders. I’ve never been a fan of veteran teams with young head coaches. Most of the time the inmates run the asylum. Don’t be surprised if Curry is replaced next summer.

Chapman:

Following their divorce with Marcus Camby, Denver ’s playoff days may be over for the time being. Although Camby is more of a help-side defender who thrives off of his length and high activity level—as opposed to the common misconception that he is a lockdown post defender—this greatly hurts the Nuggets on the defensive end of the floor. They no longer have an active roamer to bring that intimidation factor or change shots.

On the perimeter, Denver ’s defense is about as laughable as Allen Iverson’s past comments regarding practice. I’ll say it loud and clear—the 2009 Denver Nuggets have a chance to be one of the worst defensive teams of all time.

7. With a healthy Dwyane Wade returning, are the Miami Heat contenders in the East once again? Is he already an early MVP candidate after his performance in the Olympics?

Whittenberg:

Contenders? No, because they have some holes that need to be filled. A worthy point guard would be a start. But better? Yes. A lot has changed since the last time Wade was completely healthy.

Boston are now the beasts of the East, Philly will be a much better team this year and Toronto could be a potential sleeper this season with the acquisition of Jermaine O'Neal. But they will be improved after an embarrasing lottery season last year. If Miami are in playoff contention, then Wade will be an MVP candidate. But don't bet on him winning it.

Wade will be playing his first full season without Shaq since his rookie year. That's really what I'm intested in seeing.

Blasco:

Assuming Michael Beasley is the goods, the Heat have four healthy legitimate NBA players (Beasley, Dwyane Wade, Shawn Marion, and Udonis Haslem), and a very mediocre cast of role players. While Wade, Marion, and Beasley could be talented enough to pull the Heat to a playoff berth, they’ll be hard-pressed to avoid being swept if they make it. Since Wade is such a spectacular athlete, he has to be on everyone’s short-list for potential MVP’s.

Ungvari:

I don’t think the Heat will be a contender, but they will be much improved. The only things I would be worried about if I was a Heat fan are rookie head coach Erik Spoelstra and the constant trade rumors involving Shawn Marion. If the team is any good, then Pat Riley will just fire Spoelstra and take over like he did with Stan Van Gundy.

I think the Heat will finish somewhere between the fifth seed and the seventh seed in the Eastern Conference. If Alonzo Mourning manages to come back from his knee injury, then you can put the Heat at the top of the list of teams you don’t want to play in the first round.

As for Wade’s MVP chances, it’s not going to happen. He will have a great year, but I can’t remember the last time the NBA had an MVP who didn’t finish with one of the league’s top-five records. I fully expect him to finish in the top-ten in voting, though.

Chapman:

Contenders in the East? No, not until they bring in a formidable starting point guard and/or bring in a center of the male gender to replace Mark Blount in the first unit. Miami should certainly be in the hunt for an Eastern Conference playoff seed in the six-to-eight range, but I’ll be damned if Blount and Chris Quinn are going to help a team claim status as a contender.

However, as long as he can manage to stay off of the IR list, Dwyane Wade should be “back” as his old electrifying self. If Miami makes the playoffs and “Flash” puts together a season resembling what he once produced, MVP candidacy is absolutely in his future.

8. Award Winners

Whittenberg:

Coach of the Year: Maurice Cheeks, Philadelphia

MVP: Chris Paul, New Orleans

Sixth Man of the Year: Lamar Odom, Los Angeles Lakers

Most Improved Player: Rajon Rondo, Boston

Blasco:

Coach of the Year—Nate McMillan. When Portland bursts into the postseason with such a young team years ahead of schedule, McMillan will get the deserved accolades.

MVP—It’s nearly impossible to pick MVP’s because of the vague definitions there are for the award. But as always, I’ll try my best. An MVP should be able to enforce his skills against even the most skilled of opponents.

An MVP shouldn’t just be a player who plays at a high level, but one who has his team play at a high level because of him. An MVP should only play for a team that has matched or exceeded expectations, as MVPs don’t disappoint. MVPs should be able to dominate weaker teams because of their presence, and should be able to beat elite teams because of their tremendously talented and clutch play in close games. Numbers should not matter in determining an MVP. Players are great on basketball courts, not stat sheets.

Since Paul Pierce was routinely excellent for the Celtics last year whenever and however the Celtics needed him to shine, I’ll pick him as my repeat MVP.

Sixth Man of The Year—Rodney Stuckey. He’s a stud backing up another stud, and he’ll rake up the points and the assists as the commander of Detroit’s second unit.

Most Improved Player—Nene Hillario. If he can stay healthy, he’ll have every chance to shine as Denver’s only defender, and only passable post scorer.

Ungvari:

Coach of the Year – Rick Adelman, Houston

MVP – Chris Paul, New Orleans

Sixth Man of the Year – Lamar Odom, Los Angeles Lakers

Most Improved Player – Thaddeus Young, Philadelphia

Chapman:

Coach of the Year: Nate McMillan

MVP: LeBron James

Sixth Man of the Year: Leandro Barbosa

Most Improved Player: John Salmons

* If you wanted to add Defensive Player of the Year, I'm going with Ron Artest.

9. How will the Eastern Conference fare? Who wins the East?

Whittenberg:

Detroit's reign of six straight trips to the Eastern Conference Finals will come to an end this season. Cleveland and Boston will be the last two teams standing in the East this year, and Boston repeats as Eastern Conference Champions.

Blasco:

The Celtics are the clear class of the East. The Cavs still don’t have the athleticism, the Pistons take too many shortcuts expecting to simply flip the switch and turn it back on, and the Magic need Dwight Howard to improve his post offense and defensive recognition to be truly magical.

Philadelphia may surprise people and be the second to last team standing, but they don’t have the experience to compete with the Celtics.

Ungvari:

Celtics vs. Cavs. Celtics in seven.

Chapman:

It somewhat depends on seeding, but I believe the final two teams standing in the East will be Cleveland and the defending champion Boston Celtics, with Boston claiming Eastern Conference dominance for the second consecutive year.

10. How will the Western Conference play out? Who wins the West?

Whittenberg:

I'm not quite ready to give San Antonio the boot yet. Once Manu Ginobli returns from injury, the Spurs will be a dangerous team, especially in the playoffs.

It will be a rematch of last season's Conference Finals between Los Angeles and San Antonio. But unlike last season, this series will go seven games. Lakers in seven, and eventually winning it all.

But of course, New Orleans or Houston could spoil this party.

Blasco:

There are too many good teams to make a prediction with any kind of certainty. Injuries, acquisitions, and matchups will determine how each team fares in the postseason. The Hornets’ physicality, athleticism, interior offense, and point guard make them the most complete and well-rounded team, with the Lakers offensive brilliance and defensive length coming in second.

Still, the Rockets and Spurs have legitimate title aspirations, while the Jazz, Mavs, and Suns can all reach the Conference Finals with the right breaks.

Ungvari:

Lakers vs. Hornets. Lakers in six.

Chapman:

While it would be nice to see Houston make the jump and advance to the Conference Finals, they are far too risky of a pick, as history has shown.

With that said, look for the Lakers and Hornets to duke it out for the Western Conference crown, and Kobe Bryant to lead the purple and gold to their 12th Finals meeting with Boston.

Boston repeats.

Michael Whittenberg and Erick Blasco are the NBA Community Leaders for bleacherreport.com.

NBA 2008-09 Preview: Southwest Division

Michael Whittenberg — Sat, 27 Sep 2008 17:26:01 -0400

Of all divisions in the NBA last season, the Southwest division was the best and the most competitive. Four of the five teams won at least 50 games and reached the postseason. As loaded as the Western Conference is, this division alone is responsible for its parity.

As of now, it looks as if things will be the same this upcoming season. The winners of the division, the New Orleans Hornets, took just about everyone by surprise last season by winning 56 games, and they now have James Posey—who signed with the team as an unrestricted free agent during the summer.

San Antonio didn't make any big offseason moves, but as always, they are expected to be contenders. Houston added firepower to their solid lineup when they acquired Ron Artest.

Dallas will have Jason Kidd for a full season. Last and certainly least, the Memphis Grizzlies, who only won 22 games last season, ended up with a high draft pick—but aren't expected to compete for the division crown.

Now that the small talk is out of the way, let's take a look at the Southwest Division team-by-team:

San Antonio Spurs

2007- 2008 Record: 56-26

Since 2003, the Spurs have won an NBA championship every other season. Will it happen this year?

The savvy Spurs will enter the season with the same mentality they've had the last six seasons or so: championship or bust. San Antonio didn't make any major acquistions, but they lost a vital role player—Brent Barry—to their division rivals in Houston.

Their leading scorer, Manu Ginobli, wasn't 100% in the Western Conference Finals after hurting his ankle in the previous series. He re-injured the same ankle during the Olympics and won't be back until November or December.

TO THE SPURS, AGE IS NOTHING BUT A NUMBER

At times, the Spurs looked like an old team last season, but still managed to reach the Conference Finals.

San Antonio may be championship built, but they aren't getting any younger. Ginobli is 32, and Tim Duncan will turn 33 before the season's end. Bruce Bowen is 37, and Michael Finley and Kurt Thomas will both enter the season at 35.

HOW WILL THE SEASON PLAY OUT FOR SAN ANTONIO?

The Spurs tied New Orleans last season in the division winning 56 games, but they finished in second place because the Hornets had a better record out West.

Expect for San Antonio to win at least 50 games, and to look their best after the All-Star break. That's just how they roll.

2008-2009 Projected Record: 51-31

Division Standing: Third

New Orleans Hornets

2007-08 Record: 56-26

James Posey decided to leave Beantown after winning his second NBA Championship and now hopes to do the same in the Big Easy. Posey isn’t All-Star material, but his defense and three-point shooting were key components in Boston’s championship run.

Byron Scott did a tremendous job coaching the Hornets last season. Chris Paul had a breakout season and earned his first All-Star appearance and runner-up for MVP. David West joined him for his All-Star debut as well.

Tyson Chandler, a beast on the boards who was among the league leaders in blocked shots, also returns.

ARE THE HORNETS CHAMPIONSHIP BOUND?

Playoff bound? Yes. Championship bound? Maybe. The addition of Posey won't show up on the stat sheet, but his presence puts the Hornets closer than they were last season. They will be favored to win the Southwest, but one team may stand in their way.

Projected Record: 54-24

Division Standing: Second

Houston Rockets

2007-2008 Record: 55-27

The Rockets made the big move in the division during the offseason by acquiring Ron Artest. Though people may not like him because of his history, Artest is one of the most indispensable players in the league.

On paper, Houston doesn't have many weaknesses and their defense just got better with Artest. And if Luis Scola plays the way he did in Beijing, Houston may have the best offense in the division.

The Rockets are championship bound, but everyone will ask the same question:

CAN HOUSTON STAY HEALTHY?

Tracy McGrady tends to have back problems every season, and Yao Ming always breaks something. Also, Shane Battier, their best defender, just suffered a foot injury that will sideline him at least four weeks.

Like San Antonio, health plays a major part in Houston's success. But things are more concerning for this team considering the history of T-Mac and Yao.

Projected Record: 56-26

Division Standing: First

Dallas Mavericks

2007-08 Record: 51-31

The window of opportunity may have already closed for Dallas. After losing a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals in 2006, Dallas has suffered back-to-back losses in the first round of the playoffs.

On the positive side, Rick Carlisle is the new head coach, and they will have Jason Kidd for a full season. With Carlisle on board Dallas should play better team defense, but don't count on much. Kidd, on the other hand, is now 38-years old and struggles to defend quicker point guards.

Their role players—Jerry Stackhouse, Eddie Jones, and Erick Dampier—are aging as well. Dirk Nowitzki, Jason Terry, and Josh Howard may be the only bright spots for this team, and Howard tends to disappear come playoff time.

Projected Record: 50-32

Division Standing: Fourth

Memphis Grizzlies

2007-08 Record: 22-60

The Grizzlies were one of the worst teams in the Western Conference last season. It didn't help that they gave away their best player, Pau Gasol, too. But Marc Gasol, Pau's brother, will join the team this year. Marc looked pretty solid in the Olympics, but he's no Pau.

While there is good upside to this team, they won’t return to the playoffs this season. Memphis lost one of their key players in Juan Carlos Navarro, who decided to return to Europe to play. Mike Miller was also traded away.

The Grizzlies, however, did get the fifth pick in the draft, and ended up with USC's O.J. Mayo.

They still have Rudy Gay, Kyle Lowry, and Mike Conley Jr; three guys who have tremendous upside. Also, head coach Marc Iavoroni will return in his second year as an NBA head coach.

Memphis will end up dead last in this division once again, but they are a young team on the rise.

Projected Record: 30-52

Division Standing: Fifth

Michael Whittenberg is one of two NBA Community Leaders for bleacherreport.com

NBA 2008-09 Preview: Chicago Bulls

Michael Whittenberg — Thu, 11 Sep 2008 18:02:47 -0400

Players Added: None

Players Drafted: Derrick Rose (No. 1) and Omer Asik (No. 36)

Players Lost: Chris Duhon, Shannon Brown and JamesOn Curry

2007-2008 Record: 33-49

2008-09 Predicted Record: 42-40

Predicted Eastern Conference Standing: 8th

Last season, the Central Division was probably the least entertaining division in the Eastern Conference. And it didn't help that the Chicago Bulls, who were expected to be contenders in the East last season, ended up being one of the most disappointing teams in the league.

The Bulls went from 49 wins in 2007 to a mediocre 33 win season in 2008, and just didn't buy into the coaching system.

Not only that, but Scott Skiles was fired as head coach during the regular season, and was replaced by his assistant Jim Boylan for the remainder of the season. But that didn't last long. He was fired following the Bulls' regular season.

Also, starting point guard Kirk Hinrich struggled mightily, taking a step back last season. And I think it is safe to say that his role as the Bulls' starting point guard won't be a certainty this upcoming season.

Chicago also made a big time three-team deal that brought Drew Gooden and Larry Hughes to Chicago. And the young guys Joakim Noah and Tyrus Thomas have a pretty good upside. So things do look better for Chicago heading into next season.

Next season, things will start with their prized draft pick Derrick Rose. Rose will make an immediate impact, and will more than likely have Hinrich riding at the start of every game. He is strong for his size and has great athleticism, which we saw plenty of during his tenure in Memphis.

He is ability to penetrate is also another strength, but sometimes drives out of control and tends to turn the ball over, too. And considering they haven't had a go-to slasher, Rose will play a vital role in the Bulls' offense next season.

As far as off season moves go, Chicago has managed to re-sign Luol Deng—but have yet to re-sign Ben Gordon: their leading scorer the last three seasons. Memphis is the only team that has enough room under the salary cap, so don't expect Gordon to sign with another team.

Gordon himself has said he has played his last game in a Bulls uniform, so the only solution would be a sign-and-trade deal. He's also talked about playing overseas, a trend that seems to be going around these days.

"I guess it's safe to say I've played my last game in a Bulls uniform. I'm pretty optimistic it'll happen. It's very likely."--Ben Gordon

But the Bulls already have a number of guards, so if they were to lose Gordon they would still be stacked with guys like Larry Hughes, Thabo Sefolosha and Kirk Hinrich.

Now back to Noah and Thomas. Noah could very well be the breakout player next season in the Windy City. If Noah's name comes up in the Most Improved Player conversation, don't be surprised. His ability to block shots and rebound will only get better, and will be a plus for the Bulls next season.

As for Thomas, he too is also a terrific shot blocker and defender—but can produce on a little more on offense than Noah. It won't be easy driving to the lane with these guys sitting underneath. Bottom line, rebounding shouldn't be an issue next season with these two guys along with Gooden.

One area Chicago need to improve on, though, is their team defense. They gave up 100 points per game to their opponents last season, and especially looked bad on the road.

Next up, the head coaching position. Chicago hired Vinny Del Negro as their new head coach in June, and will have his first crack at being a NBA head coach.

After working as an assistant in Phoenix for Mike D'Antoni the last couple of season, we may have a clue as what the Bulls' offense may look like this season.

But are all these pieces listed above enough for the Bulls to make a run to the playoffs after a one year absence? With a healthy Dwyane Wade now back in the Eastern Conference it's hard to tell, but this team has the talent to reach the postseason as an eigth seed at best.

Michael Whittenberg is one of two NBA Community Leaders for bleacherreport.com

NBA Off-season: The NBA's greatest off season acquisitions

Michael Whittenberg — Sat, 30 Aug 2008 13:53:03 -0400

The NBA off season hasn't officially come to an end, yet there have been a number of great acquisitions. Players like Baron Davis, Ron Artest, and Elton Brand will be in different unis next season due to blockbuster trades and free agent signings.

And though all teams that made big moves this off season moves will be better, they are not all instant title contenders. Which brings me to the main topic; what is the best off-season acquisition in NBA history?

We saw one of them last season when Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett were acquired by the Boston Celtics. And look how that turned out. The acquisitions listed below turned out to be great ones because it helped turn a team of pretenders into contenders.

And while all of the acquisitions didn't help a team win a championship, some of them you just can't help to recognize. So here they are the greatest off-season moves in league history.

Acquisition: Tracy McGrady traded from Orlando to Houston

Date Acquired: June 29, 2004

This was a huge blockbuster deal that also included Cuttino Mobley and Steve Francis, but neither of those guys lasted long with their new teams. The Rockets had a franchise player already in Yao Ming, but something else was missing: a sidekick for Yao.

The Rockets are contenders every year, but they haven't been able to get over the hump yet. And Despite the fact that McGrady has suffered first round losses each time he has reached the postseason in Houston, this trade will always be one of the best blockbusters of all-time.

This past season T-Mac's Rockets went on a 22-game winning streak, the second longest winning streak in NBA history. Since McGrady's arrival to Houston in 2004, the Rockets have won at least 50 games three of the last four seasons.

After the departure of McGrady, Orlando didn't reach the playoffs until 2006. But what where would T-Mac be today if he never demanded that trade from Orlando?

I'm guessing he would have one hell of a teammate in Dwight Howard by his side.

Acquisition: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar traded from Milwaukee to Los Angeles Lakers

Date Acquired: June 16, 1975

Not only was this one of the greatest off-season deals, but it is certainly the most questionable one. Kareem and Walt Westley were traded from the Bucks in exchange for Elmore Smith—who holds the records for most blocked shots in a single game (17), Brian Winters, Dave Meyers and Junior Bridgeman.

Milwaukee struggled to stay over .500 in three of the first four seasons of the post Kareem era. But Los Angeles, however, went on to win five championships with Kareem as their star center.

Acquisition: Dennis Rodman traded from San Antonio to Chicago

Date Acquired: October 2, 1995

This trade happened just weeks before the 1995-96 NBA season tipped off. But it turned out to be a trade that help make NBA history. On this date, Rodman was acquired from the Spurs in exchange for Will Purdue.

Rodman was only a Bull for three seasons, but in those seasons he led the league in rebounding and helped Chicago win three consecutive championships. He averaged at least 14 rebounds per game in all three seasons with the Bulls.

And Not only that, but the Bulls also won an NBA record 72 games followed by 69 and 62 wins after that. While Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen were the stars and leaders of the team, this deal made the Bulls one of the most dominant teams in NBA history.

Acquisition: Los Angeles Lakers Acquire Karl Malone and Gary Payton

Date Acquired: July 16, 2003

Malone and Payton weren't the players they used to be when they signed as free agents with L.A., but with Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O'Neal by their sides the Lakers were automatic favorites to win it all.

Though the Lakers were already championship contenders with Bryant and O'Neal alone—and not to mention Phil Jackson, Malone and Payton put them over the top.

Things went exactly as everyone thought they would during the regular season. Los Angeles went on a pair of 10-game winning streaks, and won 56 games for the season. Unfortunately, this team was a bit dysfunctional due to the locker room beef between Kobe and Shaq.

Despite the Kobe-Shaq feud, Los Angeles still managed to reach the NBA Finals as expected. But lost the series in five games to the Detroit Pistons. The "Fab Four" team only lasted one season because Karl Malone retired, Shaquille O'Neal was granted the trade he requested and Gary Payton was traded to the Boston Celtics.

Acquisition: Boston Celtics Acquire Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett

Date Acquired: June 29, 2007 (Allen), July 31, 2007 (Garnett)

The Celtics were definitely headed in the wrong direction after the 2007 season. That is until draft day when Danny Ainge pulled a draft day blockbuster, acquiring Allen from the Seattle Sonics. And one month later, Ainge pulled another shocker when he brought in Garnett from Minnesota.

Now all of a sudden a lottery team was built to win a championship. Allen, Garnett, along with Paul Pierce led the C's to the biggest regular season turnaround in NBA history, going from 24 wins the previous year to 66 the next. Not to mention, they also won their 17th NBA title as a franchise.

Acquisition: Shaquille O'Neal Signs with Los Angeles Lakers

Date Acquired: July 18, 1996

O'Neal was just what the Lakers had been missing and looking for: a dominant center. The Lakers had also drafted a Kobe Bryant a month earlier. And once Phil Jackson came aboard to coach the team in 1999, it was clear that this team was serious about winning.

Not only did Shaq win MVP in 2000, but he also won three consecutive championships from 2000-2002. Though Kareem Abdul-Jabbar helped the Lakers win five championships once the Lakers acquired him, this just may be the best off-season acquisition of all-time.

Unfortunately, his time in L.A. ended on a bad note, when the Lakers lost in the NBA Finals.

Acquisition: Shaquille traded from Los Angeles Lakers to Miami

Date Acquired: July 14, 2004

As mentioned in the Malone-Payton acquisition, Shaq was granted the trade he requested after the Lakers' embarrassing loss in the NBA Finals. That destination turned out to be the Miami Heat, where a young Dwyane Wade and a decent supporting cast were waiting.

Once O'Neal arrived to Miami, Heat President Pat Riley was eager to coach this team. That didn't take long as current coach Stan Van Gundy resigned as head coach just games into the regular season, leaving the door wide open for Riley.

Of course Riley stepped right in to coach the team, and did exactly what he planned by leading them to a title. Miami defeated Dallas in the Finals in six games despite starting the series in a 0-2 hole. And while Wade was the MVP of that series, the acquisition of Shaq turned Miami into instant contenders.

Michael Whittenberg is one of two NBA Community Leaders for bleacherreport.com

Information from NBA.com and ESPN.com was used in this column

(Photos Courtesy of latimes, NBA.com and Getty Images)

2008 Men's Olympic Basketball: The Awards Show

Michael Whittenberg — Fri, 22 Aug 2008 10:10:12 -0400

Team USA, or the "Redeem Team" if you will, is only one win away from taking back the gold medal. And although Team USA's dominance has been the main story in men's basketball, teams and players from other countries have caught my attention, too.

This leaves me no choice but to give recognition to players the best way I know how: by giving out awards.

Best Sixth Man: Dwyane Wade, United States

Wade's health was probably the biggest concern heading into the Olympics, but he has returned to the D-Wade of old. Not only has Wade been a scoring threat, but he has played exceptional defense as well. D-Wade is also the team's second leading scorer.

The good news for Team USA is that Wade has been their spark off the bench. The bad news is, they have to deal with him come October when the NBA season begins.

And if Wade returns to Miami playing the same way, the Eastern Conference will have a big problem once the season is underway.

Runner(s) Up: Linas Kleiza, Lithuania

Best Defensive Player: Kobe Bryant, United States

Wade has been a good defender for Team USA, but Kobe has been their best defensive stopper. Bryant has guarded the opposing team's best wing player, and helped contain Germany's Dirk Nowitzki to just 4-11 shooting earlier this week.

Runner(s) Up: Dwyane Wade, United States

Best Team Other Than Team USA: Argentina

Argentina already have a number of NBA players, and counting out the United States, Argentina has clearly been the best team in Beijing. Led by San Antonio's Manu Ginobili and Houston's Luis Scola, Argentina went undefeated before losing to Team USA in the semifinals.

Unfortunately, their best player in Ginobili left the game against the United States. But apart from Manu and Scola, they also have Chicago's Andres Nocioni, former Piston Carlos Delfino, and San Antonio's Fabricio Oberto.

Runner(s) Up: Spain

Best Player: Manu Ginobili, Argentina

Because of his injury against Team USA Friday, Manu didn't have much time to put on a show. But if you've been keeping up with the entire men's basketball tournament, then you know how great Ginobili has been.

He has been the leading scorer throughout the entire tournament, and one of the more valuable players as well.

Runner(s) Up: Pau Gasol, Luis Scola, Yao Ming, and LeBron James

Most Inspirational Player: Yao Ming, China

Yao ended his NBA season with an unfortunate injury, and it was uncertain if he would be playing this summer. His determination to come back from injury early and play for his country in his country showed his loyalty to China.

And to add on, he played outstanding in the tournament, despite his team not having a great record.

The Indispensables

Kobe Bryant, United States

Yao Ming, China

Pau Gasol, Spain

Manu Ginobili, Argentina

Dwyane Wade, United States

Luis Scola, Argentina

LeBron James, United States

Most Exciting Moment: Linas Kleiza's Game Winner against Argentina

I won't say much about this one. Just see it for yourself here.

Michael Whittenberg is one of two NBA Community Leaders for bleacherreport.com

NBA Roundtable: Who Should Be This Year's Most Improved Player?

Michael Whittenberg — Sat, 16 Aug 2008 06:16:31 -0400

It's been a while, but the NBA Roundtable has returned. Though Olympic basketball is the only hoops action on TV right now, three other writers and I decided to talk NBA this week.

Last season, Hedo Turkoglu had an outstanding year with the Orlando Magic and won the Most Improved Player award. But the question is now: Who will be this year's Hedo Turkoglu?

If you're an NBA junky, then at least five worthy candidates should come to mind in discussion for this year's MIP. Then again, it's not always easy because Turkoglu didn't even cross my mind this time last year as an MIP candidate.

Instead of going solo this year for my MIP predictions, three more of Bleacher Report's NBA junkies will join the conversation: Erick Blasco, Joe Willet, and TJ Zwarych.

But enough of the small talk, let's get this thing rolling...

Michael Whittenberg

As I mentioned before, Turkoglu didn't cross my mind as an MIP candidate last year, so I'm going to throw a surprise name out there this year.

5. Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics

After the Celtics acquired Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett last summer, the only question mark heading into the season was the play of their young point guard. Rondo turned out to be better than expected, and I think he will improve even more next season.

Rondo doesn't have to score a lot for the C's, but I expect his point production to go up a bit from last season.

4. Francisco Garcia, Sacramento Kings

Garcia has always been an exceptional scorer from his days at Louisville, but now with Ron Artest out of the picture he's almost guaranteed a starting role for this upcoming season. Someone will have to take the load off Kevin Martin this year, but the only problem is his team might not be good enough for him to take the MIP award.

3. David Lee, New York Knicks

Laugh if you will, but if Lee can flourish under Mike D'Antoni's system he could have a breakout year next season. Problem is, he must earn a role as a starter.

Lee only started 10 games last season, but if he doesn't win MIP he'll definitely take home the Sixth Man of the Year trophy. And if you didn't know by now, this is my surprise name I'm throwing out there.

2. Devin Harris, New Jersey Nets

Now that Richard Jefferson is gone, Harris will have to fill the void on the offensive end. Harris has the potential to become a top-five point guard in the NBA some day, and I have the feeling that next season will be his breakout year.

And if they already haven't, the Dallas Mavericks will regret the day they traded Harris for Jason Kidd.

1. LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trailblazers

Though it failed to make the playoffs last season, Portland had a pretty good season. And no disrespect to Hedo, but Aldridge should have won the award last season.

No doubt Portland will be better this year, and, if his game continues to gain polish this upcoming season, he has the chance to run away with the MIP.

Erick Blasco

NBA predictions made months before the beginning of the regular season are incredibly difficult to make with any sense of certainty—doubly so for the Most Improved Player award, often given to a player whose production has increased out of the blue and with no logical indicator.

After all, how does one explain Hedo Turkoglu’s evolution into a superstar years into his NBA career?

Still, the award also tends to tilt toward very talented young players who weren’t given many chances to play in previous years, a criteria slightly easier to predict.

So, after putting on my Nostradamus cap and trying to predict the unpredictable, I present my candidates for the 2008-09 NBA Most Improved Player.

5. Francisco Garcia, Sacramento Kings

Someone will have to replace Ron Artest’s production on the Kings, and Kevin Martin can’t do it all himself. Garcia is a long, wiry athlete with the athleticism to force turnovers on defense, and the talent to be a productive scorer. With more responsibility, and with the inside track of playing the starting wing opposite Martin, Garcia has the chance to break out.

4. Wilson Chandler, New York Knicks

Chandler didn’t play much last season, but he’s a talented, versatile scorer with an NBA body who can rebound and block shots. With Renaldo Balkman gone, Jared Jeffries offensively deficient, and Quentin Richardson perpetually injured, Chandler has a chance to step in and be a serious contributor under Mike D’Antoni.

3. Luke Ridnour, Milwaukee Bucks

Every season, a random veteran inexplicably has a career season when a new variable is added to his current situation.

Last season, Beno Udrih moved from the end of San Antonio’s bench into Sacramento’s starting lineup and produced like never before because defenses had to focus on Kevin Martin, Brad Miller, and Ron Artest, and Udrih was smart enough to know how to play off pick-and-rolls.

For the Magic, you combine extra floor spacing in Rashard Lewis, a new coach in Stan Van Gundy, and the natural progression of Dwight Howard with Hedo Turkoglu’s out-of-nowhere increase in athleticism and awareness, and—voila!—a career year for Hedo.

For Ridnour, after injuries and depleted minutes crippled his last two seasons in Seattle, a move to Milwaukee should work wonders, especially as he's primed to be the starting point guard on a team loaded with offensive weapons. Scott Skiles will get the most out of him, production-wise.

2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City TBA’s

Durant did score over 20 points per game as a rookie, but his game took a dramatic increase toward the end of the year and he should only get better. Since Oklahoma City still doesn’t have too many offensive weapons, and since Durant will be force-fed playing time to accelerate his development, he’ll have every shot at averaging 30 points a game.

If he improves his strength, his rebounding numbers and defense will follow suit, and he has an unselfish nature which should lead to a fair share of assists, as well. The only thing that may keep him out of the running is the fact he’s expected to be good.

1. Nene Hillario, Denver Nuggets

He’ll produce bigtime if he ever stays healthy, but when will that be? If it’s this year, he’ll be Denver’s No. 1 post option on offense, and should be an explosive rebounder, too. If Carmelo Anthony or Allen Iverson are traded, Nene automatically becomes Denver’s second option in their free-wheeling system. It isn’t too much to expect a breakout year on the court from Nene, though it may be too much to ask him to make it through the season unscathed.

Joe Willet

5. LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland Trailblazers

He is going to be more of a go-to guy this season and with Greg Oden coming back, he is going to have someone to take pressure off of him inside.

4. Jason Maxiell, Detroit Pistons

He is going to get a lot of time in and with the way the Pistons are trying to shake up their team, Maxiell could be their breath of fresh air.

3. Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics

He was a surprising part of the post-season Celtics, and if he can keep up his production all season, he can make huge strides in the eyes of the NBA elite.

2. Andray Blatche, Washington Wizards

With all the pressure going to guys like Antwan Jamison, Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler, Blatche could sneak inside and have a big year.

1. Ronnie Brewer, Utah Jazz

Brewer is likely to become the full-time starter this season, and, with the help of Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer, Brewer could get a lot of open looks at the basket this season.

TJ Zwarych

5. Jose Calderon, Toronto Raptors

Calderon is a great ball-control guard who will finally have a permanent starting position. Now that he's guaranteed that spot, his confidence will be higher, making him a better scorer. Having worked on his defense this offseason, he will be better on both sides of the ball.

4. Rajon Rondo, Boston Celtics

With one more year of experience and an NBA Championship under his belt, Rondo will have a fantastic season with the Celtics. Rondo is a fantastic up-and-coming guard who will get better with every year he is in the league. He has worked on his jump shot a lot this summer and can already cover the best point guards in the league. With an improved jumper and more experience, he will be a lot better.

3. Carlos Boozer, Utah Jazz

Personally, I think Boozer will have the best season of his career next year. Not for any reason other than he is entering the peak of his prime, and has a very talented point guard on his team. Boozer is a big, physical, athletic body that will take the NBA by storm next year.

2. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma TBA's

After winning Rookie of the Year last season, Durant is only going to get better. With one year's experience behind him, Durant has learned more about the NBA and the things he has to do to be a star. He will share the rock more this year and you will also see his field-goal percentage increase as he forces fewer shots.

1. Mo Williams, Cleveland Cavaliers

Now that he's on a team with some talent, Mo Williams will have a fantastic season. With opposing teams keying on LeBron James at his wing, Williams will get a lot of open shots a lot more assists. It's not just his stats that will improve, though. As he learns what it actually means to compete for a championship, he will gain more composure and approach being an elite-level point guard in the NBA.

Honorable Mentions of Players I Still Think Will Improve a Lot: Chris Bosh, Devin Harris, Dwight Howard, JJ Reddick.

Michael Whittenberg is one of two NBA Community Leaders for Bleacherreport.com

Crystal Ball Predictions: NBA Coach of The Year Edition

Michael Whittenberg — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 11:36:46 -0400

Some may think it's a bit early to make any accurate predictions for next season. But unless there is some kind of major change within a organization, it's never too early.

In this instance, we all have all the information needed for the predictions listed below. The NBA Coach of the Year race isn't something that will exactly excite fans, but it is always an interesting one to follow.

Last season, Byron Scott of the New Orleans Hornets won his first Coach of the Year award, and no doubt he will be a candidate next season if the Hornets live up to expectations. As for his challengers, the Coach of the Year candidates all look good—for now.

Here are a list of worthy candidates to win the Red Auerbach trophy next season:

Maurice Cheeks—Philadelphia 76ers

Predicted Record: 49-33

Eastern Conference Standing: Fourth

Cheeks did a good job with a young Sixers squad last season. But with the addition of Elton Brand, Philly has a chance to do some real damage in the Eastern Conference.

Not only do the Sixers have a chance to grab a higher seed than last season, but they should also have a nine-game improvement from last season. And nine games is kind of a big deal in the East.

Things look bright for Philly right now—but if they don't lock in Andre Iguodala, things could fall apart before they even start.

Rick Adelman—Houston Rockets

Predicted Record: 58-24

Western Conference Standing: Third

Houston took a gamble when they traded for Ron Artest. But if there are no chemistry problems in the Rockets' locker next season, this team could be scary. And of course, Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming have to stay healthy for them to succeed.

Adelman coached Artest while in Sacramento, so the player-coach relationship shouldn't be an issue. If Artest is committed and ready to win as he says he is, then the Rockets are contenders out West—period.

And given a defense that was already pretty decent last season, Artest will only make it better. 58 wins is only a three-game difference from last season, but in a loaded Western Conference it will do.

Stan Van Gundy—Orlando Magic

Predicted Record: 54-28

Eastern Conference Standing: Thirrd

Two words—Dwight Howard.

As long as he's the main man in Orlando, the Magic are only going to get better over the years. Also with Hedo Turkoglu and Rashard Lewis by Howard's side, Orlando has to come in with bigger expectations than last season.

Van Gundy did an excellent job his first season as Magic head coach, and with another year under his belt, Orlando will do nothing but improve.

Byron Scott—New Orleans Hornets

Predicted Record: 59-23

Western Conference Standing: Second

No coach has ever won this award in back-to-back seasons, but something tells me if the Hornets finish with one of the three best records in the league it could happen. New Orleans was a huge surprise last season, but now they have big expectations on their shoulders.

The Hornets will have everyone back from last year's squad, and now they also have James Posey, who was a big part in Boston's championship run last season. It also helps when you have Chris Paul and David West leading the way, too.

Jerry Sloan—Utah Jazz

Predicted Record: 55-27

Western Conference Standing: Fourth or Fifth

There is no telling where Utah will sit next season if they win 55 games, because of the parity in the Western Conference. But they will be in the top five if they do.

Though Sloan has never won a Coach of the Year in his 20 years as a head coach, his time could come next season. As long as Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer are leading the way, the Jazz have nothing to worry about.

Also now that Kyle Korver, who made an impact last season, will be playing his first full season in a Jazz uniform, Utah can definitely win more games.

Eddie Jordan— Washington Wizards

Predicted Record: 46-36

Eastern Conference Standing: Fifth

Washington has enough talent to compete in the Eastern Conference, but Gilbert Arenas and Caron Butler must stay healthy for that to happen. Arenas and Butler missed a number of games last season, and the Wizards still managed to finish fifth in the East.

Jordan has done an exceptional job coaching the Wizards, but I don't think we have seen the best of Washington yet.

The Winner: Maurice Cheeks

Right now the Sixers look real good on paper. If Brand is able to gel with his new teammates, Cheeks has a chance to run away with award.

Second Place: Rick Adelman

Third Place: Eddie Jordan

Other Candidates: Sam Mitchell (Toronto), Doc River (Boston) and Nate McMillan (Portland)

Michael Whittenberg, a senior writer for bleacherreport.com, is also one of two NBA Community Leaders.

The Indispensables: Ranking the NBA's 15 Most Valuable Players

Michael Whittenberg — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 12:04:13 -0400

Making a list of the NBA's best players is way too easy. Not only that, but it is sometimes done too often.

What about the NBA's most essential players? Or as the title states—the Indispensables.

On Tuesday, Jeffri Chadiha, one of favorite writers, wrote a column on the NFL's most indispensable players. So I figured why not do the same thing—only for the best association in all of sports?

Before you even glance at the list, I think we can all agree who No. 1 is. But just in case you don't, I won't spoil it for you right now.

Not every player listed below reached the playoffs last season, but their presence on the court was imperative in order for their team to succeed. Instead of ranking the 10 most indispensable players like Mr. Chadiha, I will rank the top 15.

It will be interesting to look over this list a year from now to see who falls down—or falls off completely. The NBA season is a little over two months away, but it's never too early to start looking ahead.

So without any further delay, here are the NBA's most indispensable players heading into next season:

1. Kobe Bryant, SG, Los Angeles Lakers

The last time we saw Kobe Bryant, he was walking off the court after an embarrassing 42-point loss in Game Six of the NBA Finals. But despite the fact he failed to lead his team to a championship this season, Kobe Bryant is still the league's most indispensable player.

Really, this one is almost a no-brainer. Without Bryant, there is no way the Lakers clinch the best record in the Western Conference, reach the Finals, or maybe even make the playoffs altogether. While Bryant does have a good supporting cast, they sometimes looked lost when Kobe wasn't on the floor.

Not only is he the game's best player, but winning his first MVP award may have shown the world just how indispensable he really is. A guy like Kobe will have no problems making a list like this every season.

2. LeBron James, SF, Cleveland Cavaliers

Just like Bryant, there is no way the Cavaliers would have reached the Finals in 2007 had it not been for LeBron. No player in the Eastern Conference is more indispensable than James. Just ask anyone and they will tell you the same.

Whether LeBron is more indispensable than Bryant will vary, depending on who you ask. But it is almost a guarantee that LeBron will be No. 1 on this list someday. Maybe next season.

3. Tim Duncan, PF, San Antonio Spurs

As long as he is healthy, the San Antonio Spurs are built to win an NBA championship every season. With Duncan, the Spurs have won four NBA titles and have reached the Western Conference Finals the last four seasons.

Duncan's presence is necessary on both ends of the floor in order for the Spurs to succeed. While he may already have two other All-Stars on his team, if Duncan isn't there, San Antonio is looking at big problems.

Duncan is the game's best power forward, the last player to win back-to-back MVPs, and the last player to win both MVP and Finals MVP in the same season.

4. Chris Paul, PG, New Orleans Hornets

There is no way Paul would have made this list last year. But after a huge breakout year last season, he found himself within the top five. In fact, it was almost a hard choice deciding if he was more indispensable than Steve Nash.

But after using my brain, Paul was the clear-cut winner. CP3 is the only guy since 1992 to lead the league in both assists and steals (John Stockton being the last). Paul also played along side another All-Star, but New Orleans might not have reached the postseason if Paul wasn't there to lead the way.

And after last season, it's now easy to proclaim Paul as the best and most indispensable point guard in the league.

5. Steve Nash, PG, Phoenix Suns

If it wasn't Paul's huge season, Nash would still be the league's most indispensable point guard. Before CP3's huge year, Nash had led the league in assists for three seasons in a row.

But after losing Shawn Marion for Shaq, his assist total has declined. It will be interesting to see if he even averages double-digit assists next season.

Nonetheless, Nash is the catalyst within the Suns' offense. But it remains to be seen how valuable he will be next season, now that Mike D'Antoni is no longer coaching the team.

6. Dirk Nowitzki, PF, Dallas Mavericks

He may not show up in big games—and yes, his team has suffered back-to-back first-round exits—but Nowitzki is the reason why Dallas is pretty much guaranteed to win at least 50 games every season.

The 2007 MVP has been criticized over the years for never coming up big when it matters, but where would Dallas be without him? They most certainly would not have reached the Finals in 2006, and could have missed the playoffs last season in a loaded Western Conference.

Dallas may not be considered a threat to reach the Finals anymore, but they are always contenders out West if Dirk is leading the way.

7. Dwight Howard, C, Orlando Magic

I can guarantee you right now that Howard will be in the top five next season. Last season's leading rebounder has already developed into a stud, and he is only going to get better as the years pass.

His scoring and rebounding have increased every season, so things should only get better next year. If he keeps this up, he will go down as one of the NBA's greatest on the glass.

8. Deron Williams, PG, Utah Jazz

Williams is another one of those players who will probably sit higher on the list next year. With D-Will running the show, Utah has returned to glory the last two seasons.

Don't call him the next John Stockton—because Williams is clearly making a name for himself. If he isn't a All-Star next season, it will definitely be a snub.

An era of two great point guards is just beginning, with him and Paul. The only question is which one will be the first to win the big one?

9. Kevin Garnett, PF, Boston Celtics

KG might have still been on this list one year ago, but definitely not in the top 10. But after getting traded to Boston, Garnett help lead the Celtics to their 17th title in franchise history

Also, with KG in Boston last season, the Celtics had the best season turnaround in NBA history. Not only that, but KG won Defensive Player of the Year, and was unbelievable to watch during the playoffs.

It was good to see Garnett finally win the big one last season—especially after watching him suffer in Minnesota the last couple of years.

10. Chauncey Billups, PG, Detroit Pistons

More personnel changes maybe coming for the Pistons, but no matter what, Billups will still be the most indispensable point guard in the Eastern Conference. With him as the floor general, the Pistons have reached the Conference Finals the last five years.

Unfortunately for them, they have only come out with one NBA title and two appearances to the Finals. But with that said, the presence of play and presence of "Mr. Big Shot" is what makes the Pistons contenders in the East every year.

11. Allen Iverson, SG, Denver Nuggets

When it comes to indispensable players, you would think A.I. would sit somewhere in the top ten every season. He's still a deadly scorer, but something just wasn't there last season to merit putting him in the top ten.

The Nuggets lost games in which he and Carmelo Anthony both put up big numbers. Plus, Denver was all about offense, but that had nothing to do with him.

12. Amare Stoudemire, F/C, Phoenix Suns

Amare is mostly criticised because of his lack of effort on the defensive end, but he is still the Suns' franchise player—even though Nash is more indispensable.

Stoudemire is only focused on winning a championship, which is probably one of the main reasons he won't be playing for Team USA this summer.

Years from now we will be calling Amare the best big man in Western Conference, and maybe the NBA.

13. Antawn Jamison, PF, Washington Wizards

With his two sidekicks Caron Butler and Gilbert missing a significant amount of games, Jamison was still able to hold down the fort. The Wizards may have missed the playoffs had Jamison not led that team during the periods Butler and Arenas were out.

Jamison has been a 20-10 type player his entire career, but hasn't received the respect he deserves, because he played for bad teams. Butler and Arenas might be better scorers—but without a doubt Jamison is the more indispensable.

14. Baron Davis, PG, Los Angeles Clippers

It's kind of weird because Davis is the only guy on this list that will be playing for a different team next season, and the only one who didn't reach the playoffs last season.

But he's still indispensable. Last season Davis played all 82 games for the first time in his career, and Golden State barely missed the playoffs, despite winning 48 games.

And now that Davis will be is a Clipper, they will be a much better team. Question is, will he even be on this list next year?

15. Andre Miller, PG, Philadelphia 76ers

Andre Miller? That's right, no typos here. Miller is probably the most underrated point guard in the NBA, and his presence is why Philly is now a playoff team once again.

Yes he's not his team's best player, and yes, he's not the team's leading scorer—but Miller had a quiet but productive season last year. Take away Miller at the point, and I'd have a hard time picturing Philly in the playoffs.

Even in the Eastern Conference.

Missed It By A Hair

Paul Pierce (Boston Celtics)

Manu Ginobli (San Antonio Spurs)

Kevin Durant (Oklahoma City ???)

Tracy McGrady (Houston Rockets)

Brandon Roy (Portland Trail Blazers)

Dwyane Wade (Miami Heat)

Michael Whittenberg, a senior writer for bleacherreport.com, is also one of two NBA Community Leaders.

Battle of the Boards: Who Are the NBA's Best Rebounders of All Time?

Michael Whittenberg — Sun, 13 Jul 2008 16:29:21 -0400

Bill Russell is the NBA greatest rebounder.

Opinion? Of course it is, but that wasn't even the hard part.

The hard part was putting 19 other guys after him to complete a list of the NBA's all-time best rebounders.

Forget about a Top 10 list, because that just wouldn't do any justice. It was only right to add 10 more.

To some players, a rebound is just another number to add to their stat line. But for the 20 players listed below, rebounding was an art.

Some of the game's greatest rebounders all had different characteristics in their game that made them great rebounders. For example, when it comes to fundamentals, Tim Duncan is the master of boxing out.

And guys like Moses Malone and Dennis Rodman were great offensive rebounders. Before I get into the overall list of all-time best rebounders, I wanted to break it down into several different categories.

*Note: Offensive and Defensive Rebounds did not become an official stat until the 1973-74 season.*

Greatest Offensive Rebounders (See list below for player description):

Moses Malone: Hakeem Olajuwon, Dennis Rodman, Buck Williams and Charles Barkley

Greatest Defensive Rebounders

Bill Russell, Hakeem Olajuwon, Tim Duncan, Charles Barkley and Wilt Chamberlain

Where Do Dennis Rodman, Kevin Garnett and Tim Duncan Rank Among the All-Time Best Rebounders?

Why these three guys? Well, Rodman, Garnett, and Duncan have arguably been the best rebounders within the last two decades.

Dennis Rodman, was not only one of the great rebounders of the '90s, but he is considered the best rebounder by some—depending on when you were born. No doubt he is one of the 20 greatest rebounders, but where he should be ranked is probably the biggest mystery. Top Five? Maybe Top 10?

Most definitely. Kevin Garnett can arguably be called the best rebounder this decade. But that wouldn't be fair to Tim Duncan.

If we were talking Top 10, then Garnett would most likely be left off the list. However, he did managed to creep into the Top 20.

And last but not least, the Big Fundamental, Tim Duncan. Whenever fundamentals are mention in today's game, Duncan is probably the first player that comes to mind. And as mentioned above, he is right there with Garnett as the best rebounder of this decade.

But is Duncan Top 20 material? The list below will answer that question.

Now, onto the main event:

Who Are the NBA's All-Time Best Rebounders?

As many great rebounders the game has had, it was difficult to narrow it down to just 20. So, here goes nothing.

Click player's name to view career stats.

20. Buck Williams, New Jersey Nets/Portland Trailblazers/New York Knicks (1981-98) Buck is one the most underrated power forwards in NBA history. So I could understand if some were surprised to see Williams on this list.

Not only is he the all-time leading rebounder in New Jersey Nets' history, but he also ranks 12th all-time in total rebounds. For his career, he has grabbed over 4,000 offensive rebounds, an accomplishment held by only six other players.

If there ever a list of the 10 all-time best power forwards, Buck would most definitely get my vote.

19. Dave Cowens, Boston Celtics/Milwaukee Bucks (1970-83) Cowens was the definition of hard work aggressiveness. He ranks 29th all-time in total rebounds, and is third all-time in Celtics' history.

Other than Bill Russell—Cowens is the only other Celtic to average double figures in rebounds in a rookie season. 16.2 was the most he ever averaged in a season, and he also stands eighth all-time in rebounds per game.

18. Charles Oakley, Chicago Bulls/New York Knicks/Toronto Raptors/ Washington Wizards/Houston Rockets (1985-2004) Oak is 18th all-time in total rebounds, and has over 12,000 total rebounds for his career.

His career-high 35 rebounds is the most by any player within the last 20 years.

17. Kevin Garnett, Minnesota Timberwolves/Boston Celtics (1995-present) The Big Ticket has been around for 13 seasons and is already one of the NBA's all-time best rebounders. Garnett ranks 25th all-time in total rebounds, and will more than likely be higher on that list when he decides to hang it up.

He also has cracked the Top 25 list in rebounds per game, sitting last on that list—for now. Without a question KG has been one of the best, if not the best rebounder during this decade.

16. Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs (1997-present)

Duncan has averaged double figures in rebounds every single year of his career, and is 20th all-time in rebounds per game. Away from his rebounding, Duncan has been the best power forward this decade.

And without a doubt, Duncan is the NBA's all-time best power forward.

15. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Milwaukee Bucks/Los Angeles Lakers (1969-89) Mostly known for his patent sky-hook, scoring, and being probably the best center of all-time, Kareem was an exceptional rebounder as well. He is third all-time in total rebounds, and is 25th all-time in rebounds per game.

Kareem went four seasons where he averaged at least 16 rebounds per game. His rebound average did start to decline with the arrival of Magic Johnson and James Worthy, but no doubt he has earned his place in history as one of the all-time best.

14. Shaquille O'Neal, Orlando Magic/Los Angeles Lakers/Miami Heat/Phoenix Suns (1992-present)

Not only the most dominant center of all-time, but one of the all-time best rebounders, too. Don't be fooled by Shaq's last few years in the NBA, because I assure you we will forget about them once he hangs it up—all but his 2006 championship year, of course.

O'Neal ranks 20th all-time in total rebounds, and has been the best center of his era.

13. Charles Barkley, Philadelphia 76ers/Phoenix Suns/Houston Rockets (1984-99)

Despite playing undersized at 6'6", Sir Charles was one of the game's best power forwards, and rebounders as well. Barkley sits 15th all-time in total rebounds, and 21st in rebounds per game.

He is also one of the seven guys to have grabbed at least 4,000 offensive rebounds in their careers. Aside from his rookie season, Barkley averaged double figures in rebounds his entire career.

12. Elgin Baylor, Minneapolis/Los Angeles Lakers (1958-72)

Like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Elgin is mostly remembered as an offensive force more than a beast on the boards. But he was a great rebounder at only 6'5".

Baylor is the NBA's 23rd all-time leading rebounder. And because offensive and defensive rebounds weren't a stat while he played, we will never know how many he grabbed.

His career-high average came in the 1960-61 season, when he averaged 19.8 RPG. One of the game's greatest scorers—but also one of the all-time best rebounders.

11. Wes Unseld, Baltimore/Washington Bullets (1968-81)

Unseld was only 6'7" and went up against much bigger centers, but he retired as the NBA's seventh all-time leader in total rebounds. He now sits 10th all-time on that list.

His offensive numbers were never astounding, but the way he could rebound a basketball substituted for that. Over his career, Unseld averaged 14 RPG, which is good enough for sixth place on the all-time list for rebounds per game.

10. Elvin Hayes, San Diego, Houston Rockets/Baltimore, Washington Bullets (1968-83)

As teammates with Unseld for part of his career, you would have to imagine this was one heck of a rebounding duo. But Hayes was much more of a scorer than Unseld.

Hayes is fourth all-time in total rebounds, 14th all-time in rebounds per game, and sixth all-time in total points. One of the game's all-time best power forwards as well as rebounding machines.

9. Walt Bellamy, Chicago Packers, Zephyrs/Baltimore Bullets/New York Knicks/Detroit Pistons/Atlanta Hawks/New Orleans Jazz (1961-75)

For some reason, when all-time greats are mentioned, Bellamy's name is hardly brought up in a conversation. Not only did he get snubbed from the NBA 50 Greatest Players list, he could have easily replaced Scottie Pippen on the list.

Bellamy was one of the game's greatest scorers, and simply a monster on the boards. He averaged 19 RPG his rookie season, and went on to average 13 for the rest of his career.

Ninth all-time in total rebounds, Bellamy is also seventh all-time in rebounds per game.

8. Jerry Lucas, Cincinnati Royals/San Francisco Warriors/New York Knicks (1963-74)

Lucas wasn't a great jumper, nor was he that abusive under the rim—but he still managed to become one of the game's all-time greatest rebounders. He ranks 13th all-time in total rebounds, ahead of guys like Barkley, Oakley, and Bob Pettit.

He went two seasons in which he averaged at least 20 RPG, and is fourth all-time in rebounds per game with 16.2.

7. Bob Pettit, Milwaukee, St. Louis Hawks (1954-65)

Top 10 power forward? Yep Top 10 rebounder? Well, as you can see, that is the case here. Petit averaged 20 RPG in one season of his career, and 16.2 for his career.

He is 14th all-time in total rebounds, and third all-time in rebounds per game. Pettit also holds the record for most rebounds in an All-Star game with 27.

Featured Quote: "Bob Pettit made 'second effort' a part of the sport's vocabulary. He kept coming at you more than any man in the game. He was always battling for position, fighting you off the boards." -- Bill Russell

6. Hakeem Olajuwon, Houston Rockets/Toronto Raptors (1984-2002)

Another member of the 4,000 offensive rebound club, Hakeem the Dream ranks 11th all-time in total rebounds. Olajuwon had the best footwork for a man of his size.

The Dream is also ranked 28th all-time in rebounds per game.

5. Dennis Rodman, Detroit Pistons/San Antonio Spurs/Chicago Bulls/Los Angeles Lakers/Dallas Mavericks (1986-99)

As one part of the '80s icons Bad Boy Pistons, Rodman was one of the most scrappiest, gutless, and hard-nosed rebounders there ever was. Rodman was never a scoring threat, but his rebounding definitely worried his opponents.

His rebounding alone makes him Hall of Fame worthy.

He led the league in rebounding for seven consecutive seasons, which included 18.7 RPG in the 1991-92 season. And is one of the seven guys to grab at least 4,000 offensive rebounds in his career.

Rodman is 19th all-time in total rebounds, and 11th in rebounds per game.

4. Moses Malone, Buffalo Braves/Philadelphia 76ers/Houston Rockets/Washington Bullets/Atlanta Hawks/Milwaukee Bucks/San Antonio Spurs (1976-94)

Moses is the NBA's all-time leader in offensive rebounding, with 6,731 total for his career. Relentless on the boards, Malone led the league in rebounds on six different occasions.

He is fifth all-time in total rebounds, and would be in third if his days in the ABA were counted. His 7.2 offensive rebounds per game is the most ever averaged by a player in a season since rebounding become an official stat.

3. Wilt Chamberlain, Philadelphia, San Francisco Warriors/Philadelphia 76ers/Los Angeles Lakers (1959-73)

Wilt is first all-time in total rebounds, yet he didn't get the No. 1 spot?. He led in league in rebounds 11 different times, and is also first in rebounds per game.

Chamberlain also holds the record for most rebounds in a single game with 55. During his era, Wilt was definitely the best rebounder, and some would say he is the best rebounder ever. But not here.

2. Nate Thurmond, Philadelphia, Golden State Warriors/Chicago Bulls/Cleveland Cavaliers (1963-77)

Thurmond played with the type of hard-nosed aggressiveness that bothered guys like Wilt Chamberlain and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar on occasion. He is also the first player to record a quadruple-double.

He has averaged more than 20 RPG on two different occasions, and is tied for sixth all-time for most rebounds in a single game with 42. Thurmond is the only player other than Chamberlain and Bill Russell to grab more than 40 rebounds in a game.

Also, he is eighth all-time in total rebounds, and fifth all-time in rebounds per game.

1. Bill Russell, Boston Celtics (1956-69)

And finally I present to you the NBA's all-time best rebounder. Bill Russell was the first player to ever average 20 RPG in a season.

Though he is first on this list, Russell is second all-time in total rebounds and rebounds per game. In 10 of his 13 seasons in the NBA, he averaged at least 20 RPG.

Russell holds the record for most rebounds in a half with 32, and his career-high 51 rebounds is only second to Wilt for most rebounds in a game.

Hands down, the all-time best rebounder.

And there you have it. Don't say you didn't learn anything today.

Snubs

Dolph Schayes, Robert Parish, Maurice Stokes, Dikembe Mutombo, Kevin Willis, Patrick Ewing, and David Robinson.

Michael Whittenberg, a senior writer for bleacherreport.com, is also one of two NBA Community Leaders

Research for this column was found at NBA.com, basketball-reference.com and nbahoopsonline.com.

The Elton Brand Sweepstakes: Which Team Is the Best Fit?

Michael Whittenberg — Tue, 08 Jul 2008 13:52:24 -0400

Despite only playing eight games in the 2007-08 season, Elton Brand is still one of the top free agents this offseason. Brand has been a 20-10 player his entire career, so what team—a team with cap space, that is—wouldn't be trying to pursue him?

Three teams—Golden State, Philadelphia, and the Los Angeles Clippers—are in the race to pursue Brand. But of course, only one team is going to get their wish.

Which team is Brand better suited to? Let's take a look, starting in Golden State.

Golden State Warriors

Positives: Brand is the low-post player Golden State has been missing the past few years.

Their top draft pick in 2006 (Patrick O'Bryant) turned out to be a bust after being drafted ninth overall. Ike Diogu, who seemed to have good upside, also failed to become the player Golden State hoped he would be.

The Warriors probably have the least chance of acquiring Brand, but you never know.

Negatives: Brand would be a great signing for the Warriors, but will he make them contenders? The answer is no. Now that Baron Davis has agreed to sign with Brand's current team, the addition of Brand really wouldn't make them a playoffs caliber team.

Also, with the Western Conference as loaded as it is, Golden State's chances of making the playoffs aren't guaranteed. If Brand wants to lose his reputation of never making the playoffs, Golden State may not be the best option.

Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers were a surprising team last season, even for the Eastern Conference. With guys like Andre Miller, Andre Iguodala, and Samuel Dalembert on the roster, Philly could be one player away from making even more noise this season.

And who better to fill that void than Elton Brand?

Positives: As I just mentioned, Miller, Iguodala and Dalembert are solid building blocks for a guy like Brand to step in and contribute right away. Plus, Philly is in process of trading Rodney Carney and Calvin Booth to free up cap space.

Miller and Brand would also be reunited from their days in Los Angeles. Boston, Detroit, Orlando, and Toronto are the elite teams in the Eastern Conference right now. Throw Brand in the mix and the Sixers join the list.

With Brand and Dalembert in the post, Philly could arguably have the best frontcourt in the Eastern Conference. Ultimately, this could be the best fit for Brand next season.

Negatives: None

Los Angeles Clippers

Brand has spent the last seven seasons as a Clipper, and losing is something Brand has become accustomed to. But with Davis now running the show at point guard, Brand has a chance to reach the playoffs for just the second time in his nine-year career.

Positives: His good friend Baron Davis is now the newest point guard for the Clippers—and with these two, Los Angeles has a chance to slip into the playoffs. They also have a solid building block in Al Thornton, a lottery pick in Eric Gordon, and another solid piece in Chris Kaman.

Negatives: Though the Clippers will more than likely win more games, the parity in the Western Conference will make it hard for them to reach the postseason. If Golden State won 48 games this past season and missed the postseason, who knows if Los Angeles can make the playoffs?

But they do have a legit chance—if the Clippers re-sign Brand.

Michael Whittenberg, a senior writer for bleacherreport.com, is also one of two NBA Community Leaders

NBA Mock Draft Series: Miami Heat

Michael Whittenberg — Thu, 22 May 2008 14:26:16 -0400

Previous Pick:

1.) Chicago Bulls, Michael Beasley, Kansas State

The NBA Mock Draft Series continues...

Now that the Chicago Bulls are off the board, the Miami Heat are up next.

Disappointment can't be the only word to describe the Miami Heat's season in 2007. Flat-out ugly is also a phrase that can be used.

And after the Draft Lottery, they will have the luxury of picking second overall.

Two years removed from a championship, the Heat managed to win only 15 games, which put them dead last in the NBA standings.

Some good news is they now have Shawn Marion (acquired in the Shaq trade), and they also should have a fully-recovered Dwyane Wade next season.

''We need help. We need it now. We've paid the price for it. Can [Rose and Beasley] help a team like ours -- and change it? Can they step in like LeBron [James], Kevin Garnett did at (age) 19 -- and turn a franchise around? That's how they're going to be measured.''--Pat Riley

But they still need to build around around Wade and Marion.

While a few holes need to filled, the point guard position is where they need to go in the draft.

And since Michael Beasley is now off the board, I think you know who's next.

With the second pick in the 2008 NBA Draft, the Miami Heat select Derrick Rose from University of Memphis.

Without a question, Derrick Rose is the best point guard in the draft. He was outstanding in this year's NCAA Tournament, and has been projected as a top-three pick since.

As vital as the point guard position has been in the NBA of late, Rose's style of play will make an immediate impact alongside Wade and Marion.

At 6'3'', Rose has the size to be physical and beat his man to the rim with his quickness. Rose is also a great ballhandler with either hand, and his ability to finish will take some pressure off of Wade.

He is also very unselfish and great in transition. If he needs to work on one thing, it's his perimeter shooting.

If Beasley is in fact chosen by Miami, expect Rose to be the next pick. Can he make an immediate impact? Sure, but he will still be a work in progress.

Michael Whittenberg is one of two NBA Community Leaders for BleacherReport.com

Don't Let the Lipstick Fool Ya: 2008 WNBA Season Worth a Watch

Michael Whittenberg — Wed, 14 May 2008 16:22:30 -0400

Who cares about women's basketball?

Many people ask that question whenever women's basketball is brought up. But this year's WNBA season could change your opinion about the game.

As an avid follower of WNBA basketball, this upcoming season will have at least five juicy story lines that will catch my eye.

1. The Return of Lisa Leslie and the Arrival of Candace Parker

Since its inception in 1997, the Los Angeles Sparks have been one of the more successful franchises.

Then, star player Lisa Leslie missed the entire 2007 season because of the birth of her child. Without her, the Sparks suffered their worst season in team history, which led to them drafting Candace Parker with the No. 1 overall pick in April.

Candace Parker was the most exciting player to watch in women's college basketball last year.

She was a great player during her tenure at Tennessee while playing for Pat Summit, and she led her team to back-to-back national championships.

CP is the total package. She can shoot inside the perimeter, rebound, and will even dunk the basketball on every once in a while.

And now that she and Leslie will be side by side, Parker and Leslie could form potentially the best frontcourt in the league. L.A. is already the favorite to win the Western Conference.

2. The Wild, Wild West

The parity will be nowhere as close or as good as the NBA's Western Conference, but they will have their similarities.

Candace Parker and Lisa Leslie already spell star power in the Los Angeles, but a few more faces will make the West worth watching as well.

Diana Taurasi, Cappie Pondexter, Candace Wiggins, Lauren Jackson, Seimone Augustus, Becky Hammon, and Tina Thompson are just a few names that make the Western Conference the best it's ever been.

And though L.A. is the preseason favorite, Phoenix is still the defending WNBA champions. Plus, Seattle and San Antonio have legit chances to compete for a championship, too.

3. The 2008 Rookie Class

You've heard enough about Candace Parker, but she won't be the only rookie sensation this season.

Candice Wiggins of the Minnesota Lynx will make an immediate impact on both sides of the floor, and with Seimone Augustus by her side, they have a good chance of clinching a playoff berth.

Also, Sylvia Fowles (Chicago Sky), Essence Carson (New York Liberty), Matee Ajavon (Houston Comets), Nicky Anosike (Minnesota Lynx), and Tamera Young (Atlanta Dream) are all names to watch for in this deep freshman class.

4. Race for the MVP

Taurasi (Phoenix). Leslie (Los Angeles). Cheryl Ford (Detroit). Deanna Nolan (Detroit). Jackson (Seattle). Hammon (San Antonio). Take your pick, because these players will all be MVP candidates near the season's end.

Lauren Jackson, who led the league in scoring and rebounding last season, tops my top-five list of this year's MVP candidates.

5. The Phoenix Mercury's Title Defense

The Mercury's high-powered offense might not be as fun to watch this year because of the loss of their coach, Paul Westhead.

But Taurasi, Pondexter, and Penny Taylor are more than enough to lead this team to another Finals appearance.

The addition of Tangela Smith will also give them another needed low-post presence.

Phoenix begins their title defense Saturday against Leslie and the Los Angeles Sparks.

Need some basketball in your life after the NBA playoffs? Tune into what should be one of the best seasons in WNBA history.

Michael Whittenberg is an NBA Community Leader at BleacherReport.com

Lakers-Nuggets: Hollywood Knight! Kobe Bryant Erupts in The Fourth Quarter

Michael Whittenberg — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 03:12:00 -0400

"Better learn not to talk to me. You shake the tree, a leopard's gonna fall out."

Those were the words of Kobe Bryant after the 122-109 Game Two victory against the Denver Nuggets.

Kobe and Denver's J.R. Smith and Kenyon Martin exchanged a few words during the game, which apparently ignited the explosive performance Bryant put on.

Bryant scored 20 points in the first quarter, two shy of the Lakers' playoffs record.

But if you thought that was good, then you obviously missed the fourth quarter.

How about 19 points in a four minute span to seal the deal, and put the Lakers up 2-0? Kobe also had 10 assists to add on to his performance.

Apparently the war of words Kobe had with Smith and Martin set him off, and he never looked back.

"I didn't realize it, you just get into one of those rhythms. My teammates were looking for me, it just feels like when you get hot, the ball just finds you."

Even teammate Lamar Odom had something to say about talking smack to Kobe.

"He's one of those players that you don't really want to make mad. "He can make shots from anywhere with people on him. I was surprised [Martin was talking at him]. You never want to wake a sleeping giant. He can hit shots on anybody, on a number of defenders anywhere on the floor.

"Talking to him is a surprise to me, but guys are competitors too, so sometimes you get caught up in it. Kobe was definitely coming out to prove a point."

Once Kobe left the game after his scoring spree, the Staples Center crowd chanted "MVP, MVP."

Kobe gave us an MVP performance last night, and for future reference, I'm thinking it's not a good idea to tick off Kobe Bryant.

Thoughts? Feedback?

Leave it here.

Michael Whittenberg is a senior writer and NBA Community Leader for BleacherReport.com

Information from ESPN and NBA.com was used in this article.

New Kids on the Block: NBA All-Rookie Team

Michael Whittenberg — Sun, 13 Apr 2008 16:10:18 -0400

If you read the NBA round table article on the award winners, then you know by now who I handed out my end of the season hardware to.

Now it's that time to shed some light on the new kids on the block, or as the veterans call them, "Rooks".

While one leads his team in scoring, the others played important roles for their teams as well. Guys like Kevin Durant and Al Horford have been the main focus in the race for Rookie of the Year thus far.

But it's time to give all the rookies that stood out this season some recognition. After the first team, things got pretty tough decision wise.

So without further ado, I present to you the Whittenberg All-Rookie Team.

Third Team

Acie Law IV, Atlanta Hawks

Naturally he is a point guard—but his style of play reminds me more of a two guard. Acie's numbers don't look that good on paper, but when he has played 20+ minutes he produces. Law is good left hand shooter and someone you have to guard in the clutch.

Nick Young, Washington Wizards

Young had his best month as a pro in March when he averaged 11.4 PPG, including a pair of 20 point performances. He's also been getting quality minutes off the bench, averaging 15 minutes per. But now that Gilbert Arenas has returned from injury, his minutes might decrease.

Thaddeus Young, Philadelphia 76ers

Young is one of the reasons Philly has had such a huge turnaround the second half of the season. Similar to the other Young, (Nick)—Thaddeus had his best month in March, and scored in double figures in all but five games in that month. Unlike most rookies, Young likes to defend, and he uses his length to his advantage. He has a great future ahead of him, and the 76ers aren't as bad as some thought they would be after trading Allen Iverson.

Yi Jianlian, Milwaukee Bucks

Yi has been bothered by injury the last month or so, and his numbers have gone down. He had his best month as a pro in December, and hasn't looked the same since—which is why he fell to the third team. But with that said, he still has a great future ahead of him. He is a solid shooter, and has the ability to become a good shot-blocker as well.

Glen Davis, Boston Celtics

He's only had three double figure games this season—but Glen "Big Baby" Davis has been a solid role player for the new look Celtics. Davis is extremely powerful, and is a good finisher down low, too. He has the makings to become a premier big man in years to come, but only time will tell.

Second Team

Rodney Stuckey, Detroit Pistons

This month has been good to Stuckey. Not only is Flip Saunders giving him more minutes before playoff time, but he is averaging 14.5 PPG this month. Stuckey has already gained trust from Chauncey Billups and the rest of his veteran teammates. Look for Stuckey to play a big role off of Detroit's bench during the playoffs.

Juan Carlos Navarro, Memphis Grizzlies

Unlike some rookies, Navarro was a no-name rookie heading into this season. He began to receive recognition after a 28-point performance on November 16th against the New Orleans Hornets. From that point on, Navarro has gone on to average 10.9 PPG. He plays for one of the worst teams in the league, but he along Rudy Gay and another rookie you will hear about later, are solid building blocks for the Grizzlies.

Jamario Moon, Toronto Raptors

By now we've all heard about the journey Moon took to make it to the NBA. Not only that—but he has started 75 of the 78 games he has played in. Because of his length and athleticism, he is a good defender. But his shot selection is sometimes questionable. Moon is a good example that hard work pays off.

Jeff Green, Seattle Supersonics

Green has put up great numbers in April averaging 14.5 PPG, including a 35-point outburst against Denver on April 6th. His 35 points is the third most scored by a rookie this season, with Kevin Durant and Al Thronton ahead of him. The Sonics have plenty to look forward to towards the future with Green and his fellow rookie Kevin Durant.

Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls

Noah is a good defender and a good energy guy for the Bulls. Also a good rebounder, Noah has grab 10+ boards twice this month and is the only rookie to grab 20 boards this season. As terrible as the Bulls have been this year, Noah is one of the upsides in Chicago.

First Team

Mike Conley Jr, Memphis Grizzlies

Mike has great quickness to penetrate to the basket at will if he puts his mind to it. Conley was considered the best point guard available in the 2007 NBA Draft, and so far he has proved himself worthy of that assessment. He draws comparisons to Tony Parker, with his quickness and ability to penetrate to the basket. 9.0 PPG isn't that impressive—but for a rookie of his caliber, it's good enough. Conley is a fellow teammate of Navarro's and both guys will be solid building blocks for a franchise that is clearly in rebuild mode.

Kevin Durant, Seattle Supersonics

Yes he's a rookie, but Durant has already blossomed as the Sonics' new franchise player. A handful of rookies have looked good this season, but Durant pretty much had the Rookie of the Year award wrapped up after the first half. While some say he's the Rookie of the Year, I think that he should share the honors with Atlanta's rookie sensation. Durant has averaged 22.1 PPG this month, and scored 37 points against Denver on the 6th. His 37 points is only the second most scored by a rookie this season, with the man you'll hear about next ahead of him.

Al Thornton, Los Angeles Clippers

Thornton had the best rookie performance this season when he scored 39 points against Memphis in March. He is second among rookies in scoring, and for some reason isn't getting any consideration for Rookie of the Year. Aside from Kevin Durant, Thornton has been the second best scoring rookie this season.

Luis Scola, Houston Rockets

Scola is probably considered the third best rookie under Kevin Durant and Al Horford. He has been impressive lately, scoring in double figures 16 of his last 21 games. Houston need someone down low when Yao Ming suffered an season-ending injury, and Scola has done a great job filling in. And during Houston's 22-game win streak, he averaged 11.4 PPG.

Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks

Durant and Horford have the two rookies everyone has narrowed down for Rookie of the Year. If were to ask me, I would tell both Horford and Durant should win Rookie of the Year. While Durant has produced the best numbers among rookies on a losing team, Horford has produced on a playoff bound team. Horford is fifth among rookies in scoring and is averaging close to a double-double. He has also had a double-double in four of his last six games.

Rookie of the Year: Kevin Durant and Al Horford

Honorable Mention

Sean Williams, New Jersey Nets

Carl Landry, Houston Rockets

Corey Brewer, Minnesota Timberwolves

Daequan Cook, Miami Heat

Jared Dudley, Charlotte Bobcats

Rookie of the Year Past Winners

2006-07 - Brandon Roy, Portland
2005-06 - Chris Paul, New Orleans/Oklahoma City
2004-05 - Emeka Okafor, Charlotte
2003-04 - LeBron James, Cleveland
2002-03 - Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix
2001-02 - Pau Gasol, Memphis
2000-01 - Mike Miller, Orlando
1999-00 - Elton Brand, Chicago (tie), Steve Francis, Houston
1998-99 - Vince Carter, Toronto
1997-98 - Tim Duncan, San Antonio
1996-97 - Allen Iverson, Philadelphia
1995-96 - Damon Stoudamire, Toronto
1994-95 - Grant Hill, Detroit (tie), Jason Kidd, Dallas
1993-94 - Chris Webber, Golden State
1992-93 - Shaquille O'Neal, Orlando
1991-92 - Larry Johnson, Charlotte
1990-91 - Derrick Coleman, New Jersey
1989-90 - David Robinson, San Antonio
1988-89 - Mitch Richmond, Golden State
1987-88 - Mark Jackson, New York
1986-87 - Chuck Person, Indiana
1985-86 - Patrick Ewing, New York
1984-85 - Michael Jordan, Chicago
1983-84 - Ralph Sampson, Houston
1982-83 - Terry Cummings, San Diego
1981-82 - Buck Williams, New Jersey
1980-81 - Darrell Griffith, Utah
1979-80 - Larry Bird, Boston
1978-79 - Phil Ford, Kansas City
1977-78 - Walter Davis, Phoenix
1976-77 - Adrian Dantley, Buffalo
1975-76 - Alvan Adams, Phoenix
1974-75 - Keith Wilkes, Golden State
1973-74 - Ernie DiGregorio, Buffalo
1972-73 - Bob McAdoo, Buffalo
1971-72 - Sidney Wicks, Portland
1970-71 - Dave Cowens, Boston (tie), Geoff Petrie, Portland
1969-70 - Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Milwaukee
1968-69 - Wes Unseld, Baltimore
1967-68 - Earl Monroe, Baltimore
1966-67 - Dave Bing, Detroit
1965-66 - Rick Barry, San Francisco
1964-65 - Willis Reed, New York
1963-64 - Jerry Lucas, Cincinnati
1962-63 - Terry Dischinger, Chicago
1961-62 - Walt Bellamy, Chicago
1960-61 - Oscar Robertson, Cincinnati
1959-60 - Wilt Chamberlain, Philadelphia
1958-59 - Elgin Baylor, Minneapolis
1957-58 - Woody Sauldsberry, Philadelphia
1956-57 - Tom Heinsohn, Boston
1955-56 - Maurice Stokes, Rochester
1954-55 - Bob Pettit, Milwaukee
1953-54 - Ray Felix, Baltimore
1952-53 - Don Meineke, Fort Wayne

Michael Whittenberg is a senior writer and NBA community leader for BleacherReport.com

NBA Roundtable: Award Winners

Michael Whittenberg — Mon, 07 Apr 2008 15:47:48 -0400

Getty Images

This has been one of the craziest NBA seasons in recent memory.

The race for the top spot in the Western Conference has been unreal, and one 50 win team will be left out of the playoffs.

Also, the race for the league's Most Valuable Player has been one to remember.

For the die-hard NBA fans, the debate for the league's MVP has been done time and time again this season.

But this time, not only will be debate the MVP—but the Coach of the Year, Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Player, Defensive Player of the Year and Sixth Man of the Year.

Plus, we will reveal our most surprising and most disappointing teams this season.

My usual favorites—Erick Blasco, Andrew Ungvari, Dave Metrick and Dave Finnochio took part in this discussion.

Now, onto the awards:

Most Valuable Player

Michael Whittenberg

Before I reveal my pick for MVP, I want to reveal my five finalists in no particular order.

Kevin Garnett, Chris Paul, Kobe Bryant, Dwight Howard and LeBron James were my five finalists.

We all know the race will probably go down to Paul and Bryant—which is why I chose Kobe Bryant for this year's most valuable player.

This was a tough decision—Bryant gets it simply because I think he is a better leader than CP3.

Not to say that Paul isn't a leader—but Bryant has impressed me how far he has come as a leader.

It was just six or seven years ago when people thought of him an arrogant ball hog—who just cared about scoring.

Don't believe me? Just find some old interview footage of Shaquille O'Neal.

Chris Paul's numbers (21.5 PPG and 11.5 APG) are more than impressive to because no point guard has averaged at least 20 and 10 since, well let's say it's been a while.

Kobe is "arguably" the league's best player, and finally has the team record to back it up.

And now that the Lakers are over 50 wins for the first time since Shaq's departure, Bryant will finally have a realistic chance to win it this year.

Erick Blasco

I must confess that I have no clue as what constitutes the Most Valuable Player in the NBA.

Is it the best player? The most important player to his team? The most spectacular player? The most complete player?

And how does someone define these traits?

That being said, I’ll give my definition a spin.

An MVP should be a dominant player that is the driving force of his team’s greatness.

An MVP should be able to enforce his skills against even the most skilled of opponents.

An MVP shouldn’t just be a player who plays at a high level, but one who has his team play at a high level because of him.

An MVP should only play for a team that has matched or exceeded expectations as MVP’s don’t disappoint. MVP’s should also only play on teams with exceptional records.

MVP’s should be able to dominate weaker teams because of their presence, and should be able to beat elite teams because of their tremendously talented and clutch play in close games.

Numbers should not matter in determining an MVP. Players are great on basketball courts, not stat sheets.

With that as criteria, my MVP goes to Paul Pierce.

Who cares if his numbers aren’t as spectacular as Kobe Bryant’s, or if he doesn’t appear on Sportscenter as often as Chris Paul has?

Pierce has elevated himself to becoming a go-to offensive force, and a defensive stopper as well.

Despite Kevin Garnett’s presence, it is Pierce who is the most dangerous in the Celtics offense because of his ability to drive and finish, drive and dish, elevate for jumpers, and make the correct pass.

With less scoring responsibility, Pierce has been able to play physical lock-down perimeter defense on any wing player he’s matched up with.

Plus, Pierce’s help defense has been one of the best in the league.

In two head-to-head match-ups with MVP-candidate Kobe Bryant, Pierce put up 20 points, nine assists, six rebounds, and four steals in his first match-up, and 33 points, three assists, eight rebounds, and three steals in his second.

This showed that Pierce was able to dominate a number of different ways: By taking charge with scoring, and also by being a facilitator. By controlling the boards, and by being a defensive presence.

Meanwhile, in those two games, MVP-candidate Kobe Bryant shot 15-46, less than 33%.

MVP’s don’t shoot 33% against the best competition. Kobe didn’t record a single steal, had only three assists in each game, and most importantly, lost both games by 13 and 19 points.

Pierce also excelled against Chris Paul’s Hornets, going off for a combined 27.5 points, with 20-22 from the free throw line, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists.

His individual defense held Peja Stojakovic to 7-27 shooting, and his help defense kept Paul from going completely bananas (20.5 PPG, 8.5 AST, 1.5 TO). The Celtics lost a close game in New Orleans 113-106, while the Celtics blew the Hornets off the court in Boston 112-92.

Let’s also not forget that Shane Battier locked up Kobe Bryant to 11-33 shooting during Houston’s 22-game winning streak, and his Rockets scored double digit wins over the Hornets twice over the same stretch.

The one player Battier wasn’t able to stop was Paul Pierce, as Pierce’s offense got the best of Battier’s defense during Boston’s streak-snapping blowout win over the Rockets.

With that evidence, Pierce takes the award for this season’s MVP.

Dave Metrick

Winner: Kobe Bryant

He’s the best player in the league on a Laker team that may still end up with the best record in the west.

Plus, he’s sure to land the “he’s the best player and probably should’ve won this before” votes.

All that being said, it would be hard to argue against Chris Paul if he wins it.

Andrew Ungvari

Chris Paul.

That's the pick right now.

Back in February I mentioned that the best player on the team that finishes with the top-seed in the west deserved the MVP.

I'm hearing everybody else in the media saying the same thing these days. Looking at the Hornets remaining schedule, I think they'll finish first.

Paul has been fantastic this year. I picked him as my first-half MVP but never thought he'd keep up the same pace over the course of an entire season.

Not only did he do it but he did it against a much more difficult second-half schedule.

Do I think he'll win it? Absolutely not.

I'd be the house that Kobe gets it because the media feels it's his turn. Kobe's had an amazing season.

But if you look at the Laker's record without Bynum or Gasol in their lineup they're a .500 team.

For every impressive victory they've had at Dallas or at Utah without Gasol or Bynum, there's a home loss to Charlotte or Memphis to negate it.

Here's how I think the voting will go: Kobe Bryant, Chris Paul, LeBron James, Kevin Garnett and Amare Stoudemire.

Dave Finocchio

Chris Paul's assist to turnover ratio is 4.6. In Steve Nash's best year, his assist to turnover ratio was 3.5.

Paul is leading his team is scoring with 21.5 points per game, he leads the league in assists and steals (with 11.5 and 2.7, respectively) and his team is going to win the deepest conference in the history of the NBA.

Paul does whatever his team needs him to do in every given moment to give them the best chance to win each game. No one has been more valuable to his team this year.

He's the MVP, and it's not even close.

Coach of the Year

Whittenberg: Byron Scott gets my vote.

Yes, Doc Rivers' Celtics have had the biggest turnaround in NBA history, but I find New Orleans turnaround better considering they didn't add three All-Stars to the team.

I totally respect Rivers because it took some work to get his players to gel in his system.

The Hornets won 39 games last season, and have 54 as of today.

Not only that—but the Hornets are first place in one of the Western Conference's toughest divisions.

Chris Paul may get all the credit—but Scott has played a vital role as well.

Blasco: This award has to go to Doc Rivers.

He's instilled a completely unselfish mindset in all of his players, he's coached up all of Boston's kids, his game planning and in-game adjustments have been on-point, his Celtics are the best defensive team in the league, his Celtics are the most physical team in the league, and all of his players have played hard on ever single play this season.

No team is more prepared going in to the postseason than Rivers' Celtics.

Metrick: Byron Scott

His Hornets are on the verge of finishing first in a Western Conference that's stacked like a Russ Meyer movie.

And he's putting this together with inexperienced youth and cast-offs.

Ungvari: Byron Scott

Scott has done a terrific job in New Orleans.

There are other coaches that I think who are as deserving but this year's award will go to Scott as the MVP voter's way of saying "Sorry we didn't give the MVP to your boy, Chris Paul.

But here's some hardware for yourself to help you get over it.

He managed to avoid the late-season collapses of the previous two years.

Even though the Hornets had devastating injuries to blame for those, Scott managed to give the team an identity and make them popular in the Crescent City.

The team is selling tickets and is no longer the first-round pushover that other teams in the west may have anticipated.

The Coach of the Year award is probably the least important award.

If you don't believe me, then please tell me who won the award each of the last three years.

Finocchio: What Nate McMillan instilled in his young Trailblazers this season will pay dividends for years to come.

Even though they ran out of steam, to play at such a high level, with consistent discipline, against this Western Conference was incredible. He's my guy.

Honorable Mention: Reggie Theus, Stan van Gundy

Rookie of the Year

For the first time since 2000 when both Elton Brand and Steve Francis won it, I think both Kevin Durant and Al Horford should share co-honors this year.

I think Durant should win it simply because of his numbers he has put up on offense. (20.0 PPG)

He team is so bad, but he most likely will win the award because of the reason stated above.

Al Horford should win it because he is averaging close to a double-double, and his team is in playoff contention.

Blasco: Al Horford's tough rebounding has been a key factor in Atlanta's playoff chase.

Kevin Durant’s volume scoring hasn’t made an impact in the win column.

Metrick: Kevin Durant

His stats are certainly impressive.

But when you consider he's putting up these numbers on a horrific team that has virtually no other offensive options, they're freakin' awesome.

Ungvari: Al Horford

If numbers don't lie, then you have to give the award to Horford.

He's shooting close to 50% and averaging close to 10 points, 10 boards and one block per game.

He's had 20 games this year where he's had at least 13 rebounds but more importantly, the Hawks have already won five more games than they won all of last year and appear headed to the playoffs.

Kevin Durant is averaging 20 points per game but he's doing it on 17 shots per game.

He's shooting less than 43 percent on the season and only about 28 percent from downtown.

I think Durant has really come one during these last few weeks but I think that Horford has been more impressive. He looks like a seasoned veteran out there while Durant still looks like a rookie.

Luis Scola made a case during the Rockets' winning streak but that balloon popped over the team's last ten games.

Finocchio: As much as I appreciate Kevin Durant keeping my Warriors hopes alive last night, his season was hardly rookie of the year material.

He has this in common with every other rookie in the 2007-08 class.

I officially abstain, as there is no worthy recipient for this award.

Most Improved Player

Whittenberg: If it were possible to give it to a player twice, I would give it to Monta Ellis.

But since it's not, Rajon Rondo gets my vote.

Everyone is saying Hedo Turkoglu should win it, but it's really no shocker that his numbers have gone up this season.

He's averaged double figures since the 04-05 season, and last season was his first season starting every game he played.

The reasoning may not satisfy some, especially you Orlando and Hedo fans—but I'm sticking to it.

I like Rondo because his game has improved, despite having to play with three All-Stars.

To be be honest, I really didn't think Rondo was going to be a good player in the pros.

And I definitely thought he wasn't ready for the NBA when he left Kentucky.

He proved me wrong, and he even has a chance to win an NBA title this season.

Rudy Gay would have got my vote, but he plays for one of the league's worst teams.

Blasco: Hedo Turkoglu has always been a nice player, but his new-found athleticism and confidence has been stunning.

Hedo is asked to do everything for the Magic and rarely has he disappointed.

Metrick: Rudy Gay

I must admit, I haven’t seen a lot of Grizzlies games this season (has anyone?), but the numbers are solid.

He's improved in just about every statistical category and his scoring has jumped from 11 points a game to 20.

Ungvari: Rudy Gay

At first I was going to go with Dwight Howard or Al Jefferson but then I realized that both have shown enough promise over the last couple years that their improvement isn't all that surprising.

I'm giving it to Gay by a nose over his fellow sophomore, LaMarcus Aldridge. Both guys have had leap years in terms of improvement but Gay's is more surprising.

After watching him at UCONN and then in his rookie year in Memphis I never believed Gay's heart was in the game.

I thought that he was going to be a lot like Tim Thomas--all the physical tools but no passion for the game. Gay proved me wrong this year.

He also proved it to management because they felt confident enough in his ability to be a franchise player that they traded their star player for cap space.

There were stretches of games where he was able to take over.

Take last week's game against the Lakers. Grizzlies' management would probably have preferred to lose the game but Gay scored 28 points, had 7 boards, 4 assists and 3 blocked shots in a Grizzlies' victory at Staples Center.

And like Durant, he’s not getting a lot of help.

Finocchio: Monta Ellis, again, in a landslide.

In terms of marginal improvement, there's just no way that anyone who got better than Ellis this season.

He's moved from "talented but wilts under pressure" to "All-Star gamer with unlimited upside." Not bad...

Honorable Mention: Rudy Gay, Rajon Rondo

Defensive Player of the Year

Whittenberg: His team as a whole plays horrible defense, but Marcus Camby gets my vote for his individual effort.

Camby is averaging 3.7 blocks per game along with 10.3 defensive boards per game.

Blasco: Bruce Bowen appears to have slipped a notch this season, and the Denver Nuggets are too poor defensively for Marcus Camby to gain any real consideration.

Shane Battier has played man-sized defense every game this year, and his professionalism and toughness have rubbed off on his teammates.

It's Battier’s defense tenfold over Tracy McGrady’s offense, as the Rockets’ MVP.

Metrick: Marcus Camby

Okay, admittedly, he’s on one of the worst defensive teams in the league.

But imagine where the Nuggets would be without him.

He's a great defensive rebounder and he's swatting away just under four shots a game.

It's a crime that this guy hasn’t been on the All-Star team in the last two seasons.

Ungvari: Kevin Garnett

Contrary to what Shaquille O'Neal believes, KG was the best defensive player in basketball this year.

He not only did it with rebounds and blocked shots but he quarterbacked the NBA's best defensive unit.

His tenacity and intensity on defense became contagious.

Consider this award the voter's way of saying

"Sorry we pretended that you didn't exist in the MVP voting after the All-Star break but you already won one. Here's something you could put next to it. I know it's not the same thing but we don't want you to think we forgot about you."

You can make the case for Marcus Camby every year.

But Camby's numbers are overly-impressive because he's a one-man team on defense that's expected to do everything for his team.

I'm sorry but you can't give the Defensive Player of the Year award to a guy on a defense that bad.

Finocchio: Dwight Howard made the most impact on the defensive end of any player in the league. He's an imposing shot blocking presence, and he simply does not allow second chances via offensive boards.

Honorable Mention: Kevin Garnett

Sixth Man of the Year

Whittenberg: Manu Ginobli

The man has only started 23 games, so technically he is a sixth man.

He plays 31 minutes per game, comes in halfway through the first quarter, and plays more minutes the starting shooting guard, Michael Finley.

But with that said, he's a sixth man, like it or not.

He averages 19 PPG and in my opinion, has been the this Spurs MVP this season. No disrespect Tim Duncan.

Blasco: It isn't really fair because he's a superstar coming off the bench, but Manu Ginobli is the sixth man of the year.

Ginobli does it all: shoot, drive, pass, defend, take extra steps on the way to the basket, and, most importantly, win.

Metrick: Manu Ginobli

It pains me to give Manu his due because there's something wildly irritating about him.

And I think Coach Popovich purposely doesn’t start him so he'll win this stupid award.

Horrible. But… you can’t argue with the numbers.

Ungvari: Leandro Barbosa

I can't give it to Manu Ginobli when he plays more minutes per game than Michael Finley does every night.

It's kind of a joke that Finley only starts because his ego can't fathom coming off the bench.

Barbosa is a killer. He's become the Suns' go-to guy when they need a big three-pointer and he's so difficult to defend.

He deservedly won the award last year and his numbers this year are almost identical.

On any other team, except maybe the Warriors, he's useless. But on this team he's more valuable than anyone except Amare Stoudemire or Steve Nash.

Finocchio: They may as well rename this the Manu Ginobli award, as he's probably the best sixth man in league history.

20 points, 5 rounds and 5 assists in 30 minutes a night off the bench.

Does any other top 15 player in the league come off the bench? No.

So it's an easy award to give out.

Most Surprising Team

Whittenberg: I'm going with the Boston Celtics

I picked New Orleans and Portland the first half of the season, but I'm going with the C's the second half.

We all knew that Ray Allen and Kevin Garnett would help the Celtics make a turnaround, but not like this.

Boston has 61 wins and have home court advantage throughout the playoffs.

Not only that, but they have also beat all of the Western Conference's best teams at least once.

That there tells me they are for real and ready to make a fun to the Finals.

Blasco: While there have been a number of positive surprises this season, the Boston Celtics take the cake.

I wasn't sure their role players would be the right mix, I wasn't confident they’d stay healthy, I wasn't sure if they'd be a good defensive team, and I wasn't sure if Doc Rivers was the right man for the job.

Instead, the Celtics have gelled together and have played beautiful basketball from the season’s opening tip to the present.

Metrick: New Orleans Hornets

Going into the season, NBA fans knew the Hornets would be good.

We just didn’t think they'd be this good.

And anyone who says they foresaw them winning the west is lying.

Ungvari: Orlando Magic

They got a new coach who was the team's second choice, lost Grant Hill, had no first-round pick, got no contribution from last year's number one pick, and way overpaid for Rashard Lewis.

Despite all of that, they've already won 7 more games than they did all of last year and have been locked into the third spot in the east for a few months.

Stellar play from Hedo Turkoglu and the still-improving Dwight Howard have made them the league's biggest surprise.

Finocchio: The Houston Rockets won 22 games in a row this season. This was downright shocking.

Most Disappointing Team

Whittenberg: This is a no brainer.

It has to be the Miami Heat. No one expected them to stink this bad.

I myself picked them to make one more run back to the Eastern Conference Finals this season, but they won't even make the playoffs.

Only nine wins the first half of the season, and I would be shocked if they don't get the top pick in the NBA Draft.

Blasco: Even with Shaq on the decline, the Heat still had Dwayne Wade and were supposed to be respectable in the Eastern Conference.

I mean, they did win a championship 22 months ago, right?

Instead, the Heat have played infinitely putrid basketball.

The veterans have broken down, the youngsters haven’t developed, and Ricky Davis is their lone consistent scoring threat.

There are disappointments and then there are abominations. The Heat fit the latter.

Metrick: Chicago Bulls

This was supposed to be the Eastern Conference team of the future.

It was supposed to use its abundance of young talent to work a deal for Gasol or Garnett or Kobe.

Those deals never happened. Instead, they Bulls floundered all season, then finally pulled the trigger on a trade that brought them Larry Hughes and Drew Gooden. Whoops.

Ungvari: Miami Heat

Even before all the injuries, the Heat stunk.

Still not two years removed from winning the NBA title, you'd expect more from a team with Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal.

How far the Heat have fallen will depend on whether or not they end up with Michael Beasley or Derrick Rose.

Without one of the top two picks in the draft, the Heat could be looking at a long rebuilding project that could lead to Wade leaving town for something better.

Finocchio: The Dallas Mavericks backed up a 67 win season with a first round playoff exit and a dismal regular season.

But nothing could have been more disappointing than forfeiting future point guard extraordinaire Devin Harris for another first round playoff exit with Jason Kidd.

How far the mighty have fallen.