Bleacher Report - Articles by Richard Le

The NBA's Top Five Centers

Richard Le — Tue, 12 Aug 2008 21:51:04 -0400

The primary role of an NBA center, in short, is to dominate the paint.

Be it with interior defense, low post offense, or shot blocking prowess, a center has to be able to enforce his will down on the block. Centers are bruisers down low, and are most dangerous when equipped with a short jumper to diversify their game.

It is very popular among rebuilding teams over the years to build their squad around a big man. Big men can range from enforcers in the paint to do-everything superstars. A center, though ordinarily not thought of as very versatile, can either be the final jigsaw to a nearly completed puzzle, or the largest hole in the middle.

*Note: Maybe I should have called this the top six centers in the NBA, because there are two players at the third spot who I think, at this point in their careers, are equally effective, albeit in different ways.

5. Tyson Chandler

Before people start giving me the "Chris Paul is the only reason Tyson Chandler is even productive," let's analyze all the pluses he adds to his team.

Tyson Chandler is a durable and hard-working player who is still improving his game. I don't care which point guard he plays with, averaging twelve and twelve during the '07-08 season is nothing to sneeze at.

Chandler is a good rebounder for his size, but his athleticism and still-peaking abilities show that he has the potential to be the best rebounder in the league.

He is tall and athletic enough that when you throw a lob pass near the rim, more often than not he can stuff it down for you. He is a solid interior defender but needs to work a little more on his shot blocking.

Prior to his NBA days, Tyson was touted as the first seven-footer with point guard handles. Although those dreams were folly, his ball-handling skills are nothing to scoff at. He is a highly-productive center averaging only one-and-a-half turnovers per game over his career.

Tyson Chandler is an efficient and polished player with raw potential that has not yet been realized. Alongside David West and Chris Paul, the Hornets' dynamic trio is still getting better every season—and the sky's the limit.

Career Stats: 8 points, 9 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, 1.6 turnovers

4. Chris Kaman

Chris Kaman is not a flashy player. He doesn't have a signature move, nor much of a mean streak. Kaman is, and will be, a very productive center that does everything a coach wants in a center for a very long time.

He is a instinctual rebounder that grabs boards using his size and girth to muscle the opposition. He is developing in the low post, and should be a respected threat in the paint regardless of who's guarding him.

His solid stat line of sixteen points and thirteen rebounds was the result of a cool down towards the end of the season. The start of the season saw flashes of greatness and proof that if Kaman keeps his focus, he can become a twenty and ten player.

Chris Kaman had a breakout season in every statistical category, blocks not withstanding. He was a top-ten shot blocker, averaging almost three blocks for the season while proving he is a worthy interior defender. Kaman is a prototypical center in that he does everything that defines that position—and he does it very well.

Career Stats: 10 points, 8 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, 2 turnovers

3. Marcus Camby/Rasheed Wallace

First off, I'm going to start with Rasheed Wallace. In my article Rasheed Wallace: What Could Have Been, I outline Rasheed's skills and my opinion on how he utilizes them.

The argument I make for this power forward to be included in this center list is that he played center for the Pistons during the '07-08 season, and should merit inclusion because of that. Plus, I did not include him in my power forward, and I believe he deserves some recognition.

Marcus Camby is in the third spot because he is a defensive terror. Though not an exceptional one-on-one interior defender, he is solid in that area, and is a terrific roamer who plays very good help defense and protects the paint with his exceptional shot blocking.

Even in his thirties, Camby is one of the best rebounders in the game. He has a high basketball IQ on the defensive end, and knows how to position himself to get boards and make outlet passes. He is a low-turnover center as well, though that could be from his lack of offensive touches.

Though he isn't a productive offensive post player, he has a solid midrange jump shot that he can utilize when teams underestimate him. He has All-Star caliber defensive capabilities and his contributions to his team are predominantly on the defensive end.

Marcus Camby Career Stats: 11 points, 10 rebounds, 2.6 blocks, 1.5 turnovers

Rasheed Wallace Career Stats: 15 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block.

2. Yao Ming

Yao Ming is a finesse center. Not known for his power, Yao has very good hands for a center, and often uses his height and good footwork to compliment his solid offensive arsenal.

Yao is a twenty and ten center and is one of the best scorers in the league. The one knock in his game is his softness, which carries into every aspect of his skill set.

Though twenty and ten is exceptional, and a hallmark of the greatest big men in the league's history, Yao is 7'6"—and barely getting ten rebounds is not going to cut it. He made strides this past season by averaging almost eleven rebounds, but his softness caused him to miss a large chunk of the season due to injury.

I think that Yao Ming's injuries and softness are not entirely his fault. It is hard to carry his large frame up and down the floor every night, year in and year out—even during the summers as he trains with the Chinese National team—and be expected to be as durable as other premier big men.

Coming in from the international game, Yao made a quick transition, averaging over eighty games a season for his first three seasons before the wear and tear of the league caught up with him.

I believe that with a full summer of rest—this summer notwithstanding, as he is most likely re-aggravating his injuries playing in the Olympics—Yao can play a solid amount of games, and prove he is one of the best centers in the league.

Career Stats: 19 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2.6 turnovers

1. Dwight Howard

Dwight Howard has no definable weakness, other than his free-throw shooting, in his game. He is a monster rebounder, and a terror in the paint on both ends of the floor.

One can say that Dwight needs to improve his low-post moves, and that is absolutely true—but if averaging twenty points mostly on dunks and short-range bank shots and hooks is a weakness, I can't wait to see Dwight dominate once he rectifies that.

Howard is a prolific shot blocker, interior defender, and dunk artist. There is no big man in the league that can dominate a game on both ends of the floor as well as he can.

And the scary thing is, Howard is still very raw. His stat-sheet stuffing and emphatic dunks and blocks are the result of pure athleticism. Once he refines his game and polishes his post moves, Dwight Howard could become a more versatile version of Shaq.

Though no center will likely ever be athletic as the Orlando Magic era Shaquille O'Neal, Dwight Howard is right up there, and can potentially be more dangerous than Shaq down the stretch if he develops solid fundamentals in the low post.

Another knock on his game, though this weakness applies to many other elite players in the league, is his high turnover-per-game statistic—almost three per game for his career.

Howard is the best center in the league, and the margin isn't even close, yet he is still developing his game and has yet to find a true identity on offense.

Once he develops a few dependable moves and continues to dominate both ends of the floor, there's no reason he can't be included in the top-five centers of all time debate by the end of his career.

Career Stats: 16 points, 12 rebounds, 1.7 blocks, 1 steal, 2.93 turnovers

The NBA's Top Five Power Forwards

Richard Le — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 15:34:19 -0400

Power forwards are the enforcers of the NBA. They usually play the opposite side of the paint of the centers, but are also known to be quite versatile. The best big men in the league average about twenty points and ten rebounds.

The debate about the top five power forwards is one of the most argued, right up there with the LeBron verses Kobe topic. While there is no real right and wrong when comparing elite players, there seems to be a core group of players who seem to make the best case for the top five power forwards.

5. Chris Bosh

Chris Bosh, the face of the Toronto Raptors, is known for his small forward like versatility. He is a prototypical power forward rebounder averaging between 7.4 and 10.7 rebounds throughout his five-year career thus far. Chris Bosh is a potent scorer with superior athleticism and ball handling for a big man.

He can take it to the rack and play the perimeter very well against other bigs, and has a repertoire of reliable moves in the low post. Chris Bosh is known to be unselfish and passes well out of double teams. Only twenty-four years old, Chris Bosh has yet to peak, and he's already a solid twenty-and-ten player who's best years are yet to come. Though not a superior interior defender like some other elite power forwards, Bosh is an above average defender who can block shots should the occasion arise.

Career Averages: 19 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and one block.

4. Amare Stoudemire

Amare Stoudemire is a monster. He is a beast on the offensive end of the floor. His knee injury did not seem to slow him down in slightest, and actually helped him develop a very dependable mid-range jumper to complement his torrid inside game.

Amare is a slam dunk artist able to get to the rim and finish with a ferocity not seen since Vince Carter's Raptor days. Though not known for his fundamental low post moves, Amare is a dominant scorer with a skill set that is very similar to Lebron James.

Amare put up huge numbers while playing out of position as a center, but with the addition of Shaquille O'Neal, Amare averaged a tremendous 29 points and nine rebounds for the remainder of the season. When Amare plays power forward for the full duration of a season, he is one of the most dominating players in the NBA.

Career Averages: 21 points, nine rebounds, one assist, one steal, and 1.6 blocks.

3. Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowitzki, alongside underachiever Rasheed Wallace, has the most versatile skill set for a power forward. He is one of the best shooters in the NBA, surprising considering power forwards are supposed to be bullies in the paint rather than sharp-shooters on the perimeter.

Don't take his shooting to mean he is one dimensional, like Andrea Bargnani. Dirk Nowitzki can play the low post just as well as other solid power forwards in the NBA. With a turn around fade-away jump shot that is almost impossible to stop, Dirk can go from premier shooter to dependable post player any possession.

Though not known as a top interior defender, he makes up for it by being a low turnover, offensive nightmare. With a career average of 1.9 turnovers, Dirk Nowitzki is one of the most efficient players in the NBA. Want proof? His spectacular play won him the 2006/2007 MVP through his stellar contributions to the 67-win Dallas Maverick squad.

Career Averages: 22 points, 8.6 rebounds, .379 3P%, .870FT%, .471FG%

2. Kevin Garnett

Kevin Garnett is one of the most emotional and intense players in the NBA. He is one of the best interior defenders in the league. He is a horse that plays with 100% effort every game. KG has one of the best and most efficient mid-range jump shots in the NBA and is a terror on the low block. His variation of the "Dream Shake" is but a few of the moves he employs in the post.

Garnett can run the floor and finish with ferocity. He can play like a small forward and drive in and finish, or he can play like a five and terrorize opponents in the paint on both ends of the floor, though he feels just right setting up on the outside for one of his money mid-range J's. On top of that, Kevin Garnett is possibly the best passing power forward in the NBA today, with a career assist average that rivals those of elite shooting guards and small forwards. When Kevin Garnett is on his game he is impossible to guard.

Career Averages: 20 points, 11 rebounds, 4.4 assists, 1.4 steals, 1.6 blocks.

1. Tim Duncan

Move over Sasha, Tim Duncan is the real "Machine". This man is a twenty-and-ten given, averaging that amount since his rookie season. The only two seasons he did not average twenty-and-ten ('05-'06 eighteen and eleven and '07-'08) sandwiches another twenty-and-ten year, meaning Tim Duncan is barely slowing down despite his age.

This man is the prototypical power forward, a player after which all power forwards should model their game. An above average but not spectacular athlete, Tim Duncan gets it done by being the most fundamentally polished player in the NBA. His post game is one of, if not the best and most effective, the largest offensive repertoires in the entire league. He is an enforcer down low and is one of the best defensive big men. He is an exceptional rebounder and fearsome shot blocker.

Tim Duncan has a trusty bank shot from mid-range that is almost as consistent as KG's jumper, and if left open can shoot the three. An All-Star game staple, Tim Duncan is a role model to fans, players, and teammates because of his soft-spoken, lead-by-example attitude.

Tim Duncan is, and will be, the most dominant power forward for at least a few more years. And even when he declines, he'll still be one of the more productive big's in the league until his retirement, because with practice, athleticism may fade, but fundamentals never do.

Career Averages: 22 points, 12 rebounds, three assists, 2.4 blocks.

Hardest Omission from the List: Elton Brand

Like Tim Duncan, Elton Brand has been a twenty and ten player since his rookie season and has been for the majority of his nine-year career. He was the face of the Clippers and a selfless player who plays with his heart ripped out and placed on center court.

Like Charles Barkley, the fact that he puts up monstrous numbers despite his small stature makes him a worthy addition to any top five list. I feel that he and Chris Bosh are interchangeable in this list. Chris Bosh does not average as much statistically because he rose from role player to superstar, boosting his career averages every year while Elton Brand came in as one of the best forwards in the league right from the start.

Elton Brand has already peaked, in my opinion, while Chris is still on the rise. If the debate is on impact, the highest win total for both players' teams with them as the foundation is forty-seven.

Career Averages: 20 points, 10 rebounds, 2.7 assists, two blocks.

The NBA's Top Five Small Forwards

Richard Le — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 10:42:00 -0400

The small forward position is one that stresses versatility. Relied on to rebound the ball, score, and defend against multiple positions. Reliable small forwards are often tasked with shouldering the offensive load or becoming lock down defenders against the opposing team's best player; some small forwards are assigned to both tasks.

The NBA is host to a myriad of talented small forwards able to play more than just their designated position; but there are five small forwards who shine above the rest...

5. Shawn Marion

Often asked to play the power forward position, Shawn Marion is one of, if not the best, versatile defenders in the league. He can guard much larger men so effectively it cannot be termed much of a mismatch despite his 6'7" height. Shawn Marion is also a ferocious rebounder for his size, with a career average of 10.1 rebounds a game.

On the flip side of his defensive talents, Shawn Marion is a monster on the offensive end. Shawn can shoot the ball all the way out to the three-point line but is a monster capable of finishing strong at the rim.

When he is the number one option on offense, combined with his defense, Shawn is capable of putting up monster numbers. (2005-'06 Season Averages: 22 points and 12 rebounds.)

Career Averages: 18 points, 10 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block.

4. Tracy McGrady

Tracy McGrady, though taken by the injury bug because of the nature of his explosive game, is still one of the premier athletes in the NBA. Averaging 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists the past season; Tracy McGrady proved he is still capable of stuffing the stat sheet and taking over games.

Tracy is an adequate defender but it's on the offensive side that Tracy McGrady shines. An adept passer and is one of the better play makers among small forwards. Tracy McGrady has a deadly jump shot, though his three-point percentage has dropped to an unreliable percentage (.292).

McGrady is at his best when he attacks the basket. He is almost impossible to guard and will drive in and get the easy two or go to the line. Like Dwyane Wade, the driving nature of T-Mac's game has caused a myriad of back injuries piling up over the years. Though now more of a jump shooter, T-Mac still knows when his team needs him and is more than capable of shouldering the offensive load.

Career Averages: 22 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block.

3. Carmelo Anthony

It was hard to place 'Melo over T-Mac, but at this point in his career, Tracy McGrady isn't as durable or explosive as Carmelo. Carmelo Anthony had no real weakness coming out of college, and it showed in his extensive skill set. Carmelo has a solid mid-range shot and is reliable shooting the three (.354).

Carmelo can play the post game as well, if not better than most of the three men in the league. Anthony's size means he can bully his way into the paint and grab a decent amount of rebounds. Like Tracy, 'Melo is at his best when attacking the rim hard and finishing strong or drawing a foul.

Unlike T-Mac, Carmelo's game isn't as polished due to his youth, but in a couple of seasons, if 'Melo works on his range and free throw percentage (.796), he can take another step towards super stardom. All he needs is a little more focus and determination.

Career Averages: 24 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal.

2. Paul Pierce

The self dubbed "best player in the game," Paul Pierce has the skill set to back up his statement. Though, at this point in this career, Paul isn't the best player in the league, he is right up there in the upper echelon. Though his stats during the '07-'08 season don't tell the whole story, Paul Pierce is a ferocious rebounder for his position and has a career six rebound per game average.

Paul is also a gifted passer and an underrated defender. Though Paul is able to contribute in every way during a game, his main contributions are still on the offensive end, where Paul is considered to be one of the best one on one players in the league.

He is a clutch performer who is able to hit the big shot. He has a solid three-point shot and, though not as explosive as some of the other premier small forwards, has the ability to take it into the paint and finish at will.

Career Averages: 23 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 1.6 steals.

1. LeBron James

Not only is LeBron James the best small forward in the NBA, he is the best player in the NBA. A lot of people are saying that Kobe Bryant is the best player, but I believe the issue is still up for debate. LeBron can do everything on the basketball court, but he's not a jack of all trades, master of none. He is a jack of all trades, master of all.

Averaging almost eight assists on the season, LeBron proved he is one of the best play makers in the league. With an average of seven rebounds a game, LeBron proved he knows how to use his size and strength to secure the boards. LeBron James is bar-none the best finisher in the league. Move over Kobe, because this man knows how to finish games.

Leader in points scored in the fourth quarter? Check. NBA Scoring Champion? Check. Gave the Celtics a much harder time then the reigning MVP? Check. LeBron James, if he could acquire a reliable three-point shot, could become one of the best all around players of all time.

Career Averages: 27 points, 7 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 2 steals.

The Three Eras of the Toronto Raptors

Richard Le — Fri, 01 Aug 2008 06:09:08 -0400

The Toronto Raptors, the only current Canadian basketball team, have had a short but storied history.

Steadfast and loyal, Raptors fans have been through thick and thin for a franchise that seems on the cusp of becoming playoff contenders. The new Jermaine O'Neal-Chris Bosh' tandem could be the wave that pushes the Raptors over the edge—or the weight that sends them crashing down like Vince Carter did.

With Raptors fans, including myself, brimming with anticipation, it's a good time to look back at the three major eras the Raptors have been through:

1. The Beginning

On September 30, 1993, alongside the Vancouver Grizzlies, the Toronto Raptors were unveiled as the twenty-eighth NBA franchise. The name "Raptors" was chosen due to the popularity of the movie Jurassic Park.

On May 15, 1994, Isiah Thomas was named general manager. He named former Pistons assistant Brendan Malone as the first head coach of the Raptors.

In the Expansion Draft, the Raptors picked some solid players—including a marquee name in BJ Armstrong. However, Armstrong refused to play for the Raptors, and was traded for Carlos Rogers and Victor Alexander.

With the seventh pick in the 1995 NBA draft, the Raptors selected their first face of the franchise—Damon Stoudamire.

Many expansion teams struggle mightily during their first few seasons, and the Raptors were no exception. Finishing with twenty-one wins, the Raptors had a few positive moments in the course of season. They were one of the few teams to beat the Michael Jordan-led Chicago Bulls, and Damon Stoudamire averaged nineteen points and nine assists to claim the Rookie of the Year award.

With the second pick in the 1996 Draft, the Raptors selected future Defensive Player of the Year Marcus Camby.

The following season, Toronto won thirty games. Damon Stoudamire showed great strides, averaging about twenty points and eight assists in his sophomore season. The Raptors showed great potential and seemed to be on the rise.

The Raptors looked to be ready to take the next step and contend for a playoff spot during the '97-98 season, but Toronto took their first step backwards. With the resignation of Isiah Thomas, Damon Stoudamire demanded a trade.

Stoudamire, Carlos Rogers, and Walt Williams were traded for Kenny Anderson, Alvin Williams, Gart Trent, two first-round draft picks, a second-round draft pick, and cash considerations.

The Raptors were back to square one—rebuilding. They finished the season with the worst record in the franchise's short history, 16-65. On June 25, 1998, the Raptors traded center Marcus Camby for veteran enforcer Charles Oakley to bring some credibility back to the team.

Then, later that summer, in a trade that included draft pick Antawn Jamison, the Raptors received one of the greatest players in franchise history.

2. The Vince Carter Era

Following the draft, the Raptors had a solid corps surrounding UNC standout Vince Carter. One of the key role players on this new team was rookie standout Tracy McGrady, who would form a potent one-two punch with Carter, his cousin. The Raptors finished a mediocre 23-59, but were on the right path.

The 1999-2000 Toronto Raptors Roster

	Antonio Davis C	206	104	32	1968	7	45-90
34	Charles Oakley PF	206	111	37	1963	15	9-85
15	Vince Carter SF	201	98	23	1977	2	5-98
1	Tracy McGrady SG - SF	203	95	21	1979	3	9-97
13	Doug Christie SG - PG	198	93	30	1970	8	17-92

42	Kevin Willis F - C	213	111	38	1962	15	11-84
30	Dell Curry SG	196	93	36	1964	14	15-86
20	Alvin Williams PG	196	84	26	1974	3	48-97
7	Dee Brown PG	188	93	32	1968	10	19-90
14	Muggsy Bogues PG	160	64	35	1965	13	12-87

25	Aleksandar Radojevic C	221	111	24	1976	1	12-99
4	Michael Stewart C	208	104	25	1975	3	-
12	John Thomas PF	206	120	25	1975	3	25-97
22	Sean Marks PF	208	113	25	1975	2	44-98
3	Haywoode Workman PG

The '99-'00 season was a breakout year for this young franchise. With a formidable veteran front court playing alongside the Carter-McGrady tandem, the Raptors finished 45-37 and made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.

The Raptors were swept by the Knicks—but for the first time since the Damon Stoudamire days, the Raptors seemed on the cusp of regular playoff contention.

In the '00-01 season, the Raptors looked to be in contention to win the East. Beating their proverbial vulture—the New York Knicks—in five games, the Raptors went up against MVP Allen Iverson and his 76ers. Toronto stayed competitive, and took the MVP to seven games, almost claiming the series via a Vince Carter in-and-out jump-shot miss.

For the next two seasons, the Raptors constantly revamped the team, which led to another rebuilding phase and a very unhappy superstar. Not pleased with the constant losing, Vince Carter did not give it his all, and soon garnered the animosity of fans, management, and teammates.

The franchise seemed to be a mess, especially when Vince Carter was traded to the Nets during the middle of the '04-'05 season. All seemed dark in the tunnel, except for one bright light—a young and extremely talented forward taken in 2003, one of the deepest drafts in NBA history.

3. The Chris Bosh Era

At the start of the '05-'06 season, Bosh was not surrounded by much talent. Thus, the Raptors struggled mightily, starting the season with a nine-game losing streak.

Player	GP	GS	MPG	FG%	3P%	FT%	RPG	APG	SPG	BPG	PPG
Araujo, Rafael Rafael Araújo	52	34	11.6	.366	.000	.536	2.8	.3	.46	.12	2.3
Barrett, Andre Andre Barrett*	17	0	15.4	.361	.154	.667	1.3	2.9	.59	.00	4.6
Bonner, Matt Matt Bonner	78	6	21.9	.448	.420	.829	3.6	.7	.63	.40	7.5
Bosh, Chris Chris Bosh	70	70	39.3	.505	.000	.816	9.2	2.6	.71	1.13	22.5
Calderon, Jose José Calderón	64	11	23.2	.423	.163	.848	2.2	4.5	.66	.06	5.5
Davis, Antonio Antonio Davis*	8	8	23.9	.452	.000	.350	4.5	.9	.38	.13	4.4
Graham, Joey Joey Graham	80	24	19.8	.478	.333	.812	3.1	.8	.46	.16	6.7
James, Mike Mike James	79	79	37.0	.469	.442	.837	3.3	5.8	.91	.04	20.3
Martin, Darrick Darrick Martin	40	0	8.5	.351	.400	.750	.5	1.4	.43	.00	2.6
Peterson, Morris Morris Peterson	82	77	38.3	.436	.395	.820	4.6	2.3	1.27	.18	16.8
Sow, Pape Pape Sow	42	25	14.0	.431	.000	.719	3.5	.2	.50	.45	3.5
Villanueva, Charlie Charlie Villanueva	81	36	29.1	.463	.327	.706	6.4	1.1	.74	.78	13.0
Williams, Alvin Alvin Williams	1	0	10.0	.000	.000	.500	3.0	.0	.00	.00	1.0
Williams, Eric Eric Williams	28	11	12.6	.387	.278	.737	1.8	.5	.25	.07	3.3
Woods, Loren Loren Woods	27	4	12.0	.475	.000	.429	4.1	.1	.33	.85	2.3

The Raptors seemed to be an ever-rebuilding team. All seemed lost—until a midseason firing of GM Rob Babcock lead to the hiring of highly regarded GM, Bryan Colangelo.

Bryan Colangelo is a winner. He built the Suns into contenders, and wanted to do the same to the Raptors. He did not want to wait, and he refused to do so.

The Raptors had the number-one pick in 2006, and drafted a talented but raw big man who played more like a three despite his height. Truly, Andrea Bargnani was the only true project on this team, because they established themselves as staples in the Eastern Conference the following season.

Bringing in a host of new players, the fresh new Raptors surprised the league by going from lottery-bound losers in 2006 to a fourth seed and home court advantage in the first round of the playoffs in 2007.

They won their first division title, and took the veteran New Jersey Nets to six games, the final of which came down to the last possession.

NUM	PLAYER	POS	HT	WT	DOB	FROM	YRS
7	Andrea Bargnani	F	7-0	250	10/26/1985	Italy	R
4	Chris Bosh	F	6-10	230	03/24/1984	Georgia Tech	3
8	Jose Calderon	G	6-3	210	09/28/1981	Spain	1
3	Juan Dixon	G	6-3	164	10/09/1978	Maryland	4
11	T.J. Ford	G	6-0	165	03/24/1983	Texas	2
15	Jorge Garbajosa	F	6-9	245	12/19/1977	Spain	R
14	Joey Graham	F	6-7	225	06/11/1982	Oklahoma State	1
43	Kris Humphries	F	6-9	235	02/06/1985	Minnesota	2
6	Luke Jackson	F-G	6-7	215	11/06/1981	Oregon	2
2	Darrick Martin	G	5-11	170	03/06/1971	UCLA	11
12	Rasho Nesterovic	C	7-0	255	05/30/1976	Slovenia	8
18	Anthony Parker	G-F	6-6	215	06/19/1975	Bradley	3
24	Morris Peterson	G-F	6-7	220	08/26/1977	Michigan State	6
10	Uros Slokar	F	6-10	238	05/14/1983	Slovenia	R
9	Pape Sow	F	6-10	250	11/22/1981	Cal State-Fullerton	2

The 2007-08 season was a small step backwards for the Raptors. Finishing right at the .500 mark, there were chemistry and injury problems plaguing the Raps throughout the season.

The start of the season saw two double=digit wins in the first three games. A trouncing of the Nets and a solid win over the Sixers proved that the Raptors had what it took to take the next step.

Their third game against the Celtics was one of the best regular-season games in the NBA. The Celtics managed to squeeze out a three point victory because of a last-second shot by Ray Allen, when the game was on the cusp of going into double overtime. The Raptors could have had a chance to end the game before the first overtime if Carlos Delfino had known they had a remaining timeout in the last few seconds to reset their offense.

After the impressive start, the Raptors started to have numerous injuries to key players like TJ Ford, Chris Bosh, and Jorge Garbajosa. Unlike the previous season, the Raptors could not keep up with other teams without their key players, and started losing a lot of games.

Even after most of their players returned from injuries, a point guard controversy between Ford and Jose Calderon tore the Raptors apart, and the underachieving Raptors stumbled into the playoffs as the sixth seed. Playing against a team—the Orlando Magic—the Raptors had beaten in the regular season when on their game, Toronto was trounced in five.

Fearing a repeat of the chemistry problems, Bryan Colangelo orchestrated a trade to rectify the point-guard glut and bring in a man to solve the Raptors' key problems—rebounding and interior defense.

The Raptors traded TJ Ford, Rasho Nesterovic, Maceo Baston, and a first-round draft pick for a player they felt could team up with Chris Bosh to form one of the most potent front courts in the East. (See the article The Toronto Raptors: Jermaine O'Neal Deal Analysis.)

The Chris Bosh/Jermaine O'Neal Era:

8	Hassan Adams	F	6-4	220	06/20/1984	Arizona	1
7	Andrea Bargnani	C-F	7-0	250	10/26/1985	Italy	2
4	Chris Bosh	F	6-10	230	03/24/1984	Georgia Tech	5
1	Primoz Brezec (FA)	C	7-1	255	10/02/1979	Slovenia	7
8	Jose Calderon	G	6-3	210	09/28/1981	Spain	3
20	Carlos Delfino (FA)	G	6-6	230	08/29/1982	Argentina	4
14	Joey Graham	F	6-7	225	06/11/1982	Oklahoma State	3
43	Kris Humphries	F	6-9	235	02/06/1985	Minnesota	4
	Nathan Jawai	F	6-10	280	10/10/1986	Midland Coll. TX (J.C.)	R
24	Jason Kapono	F	6-8	215	02/04/1981	UCLA	5
33	Jamario Moon	F	6-8	205	06/13/1980	Meridian CC (MS)	1
	Jermaine O'Neal	F-C	6-11	260	10/13/1978	Eau Claire HS (SC)	12
18	Anthony Parker	G-F	6-6	215	06/19/1975	Bradley	5
	Willie Solomon	G	6-1	185	07/20/1978	Clemson	1
	Roko Ukic	G	6-5	183	05/12/1984	Croatia	R

Grant Hill: Untapped Potential

Richard Le — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 10:56:32 -0400

Remember the Jordan comparisons?

Grant Hill came into the league with a truck full of hype and expectations. In an era where the media eagerly searched for the next Jordan to replace his "Airness" when the time came, Grant Hill was the forerunner.

He won two national championships in '91 and '92 as a member of the Duke Blue Devils, while often leading his team in all the major categories. He was among the few to have his number retired after his stint with Duke. He won an ACC Player of the Year award and the Henry Iba Corinthian Award in 1993 as the top defensive player in college hoops.

Did Grant Hill fulfill the hype?

- Drafted third by the Detroit Pistons in 1994, Grant Hill came in hyped as the next Jordan and heralded as the best all around player in the draft.

- He averaged a balanced twenty points, six rebounds, and five assists and was named co-ROY alongside sure fire hall of famer, Jason Kidd.

- Spurred on by his fabulous play, fans voted for Grant Hill in torrents for the All-Star game, resulting in him becoming the first rookie to receive the most votes for an All-Star game.

Grant Hill earned a reputation as one of the best players in the Motor City's history.

Did Grant Hill receive the many single player awards and recognitions that Jordan received?

- From '96-'00, Grant Hill was a member of either the All-NBA First or Second team.

- In the '95-'96 season, Grant Hill proved his versatility by earning the most triple-doubles in the league, 10.

- Like Jordan, Grant Hill is also a gold medalist, winning the prize in the '96 Olympics in Atlanta.

Grant's potential cumulated in one of his best statistical seasons in the 1999-'00 season, averaging twenty-six points on a 49 percent field goal percentage, seven rebounds, and five assists. The sky was the limit for Jordan's heir apparent. Then it all came crashing down.

Before his mass of injuries occurred, there was one knock on his career that would make him forever inferior to Jordan, but a problem he could rectify should he fully discover and utilize his massive amount of talent. Grant did not push his team anywhere near as far as Jordan did. Grant was not a champion. No heir of his "Airness" could truly be the heir without a ring.

Grant Hill sought to rectify this problem going into the 2000 NBA Playoffs. Hill struggled to play through a series in which his team got swept because of an ankle injury. The injury got worse as Grant tried to push himself to prove his critics wrong. If Grant had one thing that was unlike Jordan, it was conditioning.

After this season, Grant got traded to the Orlando Magic and played a limited amount of games in every season since. Grant Hill's first six years showed great strides, but from '00 to '07, he was a wreck. Injuries limited him so that even when he returned, he was never the same dynamic star he was with the Pistons. Grant Hill's career is a prime example of tremendous talent ruined by brutal injuries.

The full extent of Hill's potential has never been shown. Could he have been Top 50 great? Maybe. Would he have won a championship by now? Maybe. But one thing's for sure. If he wins a championship with the Phoenix Suns, Grant Hill will have bragging rights for the one thing he's been ever since his high school days.

A Champion.

Rasheed Wallace: What Could Have Been

Richard Le — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 08:48:43 -0400

Rasheed Wallace is a player with one of the best all around skill sets in the NBA. He has the ability to post up and is considered one of the best post players in the NBA. He has the ability to stretch the floor with a reliable three point shot. His mid-range jump shot can be deadly from anywhere on the floor, especially when utilized as the patented turn around jumper off the glass that 'Sheed employs to near perfection. He is a ferocious blocker and a decent rebounder and in his prime was considered one of the more athletic players in the NBA.

With a skill set like that, it is hard to believe that Rasheed boasts only modest career averages of fifteen points, seven rebounds, two assists, and one block. Rasheed's best statistical season was with the Blazers in his prime, an impressive yet not mind blowing stat line of nineteen points and eight rebounds. Rasheed, with the ability to get twenty and ten easy has never averaged that amount in his career. This leads one to ponder: did Rasheed Wallace really really realize his potential?

In the twilight years of his career, has Rasheed played to the best of his abilities? I believe the following two points are the reasons that Rasheed has never become one of the best players in the NBA like his abilities demanded he be.

1. Emotions

Many of the elite players, though not all (see Tim Duncan), are very intense, emotional players. Kevin Garnett, Allen Iverson, and Kobe Bryant are three players who have one or the other. Kevin Garnett is as intense as it comes and a very 'outspoken' player while AI and Bryant are very intense and have two of the most killer instincts in the NBA.

Rasheed Wallace may be even more emotional and intense than Kevin Garnett. The reason Rasheed has not been able harness these two powerful attributes is because he expresses them in the wrong way. How many times have we seen Rasheed get into a hot streak and then hurt his own team by drawing a technical foul? For many seasons, Rasheed has lead the league in technical fouls. In high school, he was the first player to have been ejected from the McDonald's All-Star game.

Though his emotions and intensity are harnessed the wrong way, there have been cases where he has spurred his team to victory and gained the motivational props that follow. Sometimes Rasheed's technicals fire his team up and lead to a trouncing of the opposition. When the Pistons won a championship, Rasheed further motivated his team to reach Game 7 of the Finals the next season by giving the team a championship mindset (ex. purchasing world heavyweight championship belts for every member of the team.).

Yes, Rasheed is as an emotional and intense player, and has helped the teams he played for greatly, but he has never been able to take the next step and go from an All-Star to a superstar.

2. Work Ethic/Killer Instinct

Many times during Rasheed's career, announcers, sports analysts, and critics questioned 'Sheed's drive and work ethic. Some labeled him overrated and more of a troublemaker than a star in the league. Less so during his Blazer years but more so during his Piston years, Rasheed was known to be arrogant and coast through games against teams he felt were no where near as talented as the Pistons, with dire results(see 2006/2007 Eastern Conference Finals).

Charles Barkley has famously stated that if Rasheed had the killer instinct like players such as Kobe and Michael Jordan, Rasheed could have been one of the best players in NBA history.

Rasheed is, bar-none, the most versatile offensive player in the Eastern Conference, if not the entire league. An elite post player who's also an above average perimeter player combined with a hard-to-match defensive tenacity? It's hard to imagine that type of player to not be in the top ten players in league history. Michael Jordan had a similar skill set (ultimate scorer, great defender, money jump shot, elite post up game); Magic Johnson had a similar skill set; it's hard to imagine Rasheed, when his career is over, not to have him mentioned in the same breath as these great players.

Well imagine no longer. Rasheed will never be mentioned in the same breath as MJx2. Rasheed may go down in history as the biggest underachiever the league has ever seen, even if he's won a championship ring.

Was Shaquille O'Neal a Good Deal for the Phoenix Suns?

Richard Le — Wed, 30 Jul 2008 05:42:52 -0400

Back in February, Shaquille O'Neal debuted with, at the time, one of the elite Western Conference powerhouses, the Phoenix Suns.

The plan was supposed to be foolproof—move a disgruntled All-Star for a proven winner whose won a championship for every team he's been traded to.

Looking at his career stats, one couldn't help but feel that he is the missing piece to an already-dominant Western Conference Team.

Yet this facade was easily proved wrong, and the championship dreams of the city were crushed in an increasingly-easy five games by the Spurs. The series was supposed to be a battle, but turned out to be a clinic.

This proves that either Shaq never really got in tune with the system of the Suns, or, like most believe, Phoenix gave up a lot more then they gained with this monster trade.

Negatives

At the end of last season, the Suns gave up their primary "big man" defender in Kurt Thomas to try and get under the salary cap. Those attempts are all but destroyed with the trade for Shaquille O'Neal.

The Suns also gave up their glue man in Shawn Marion. Shawn was the one who covered up the holes in their system. He is almost as reliable as Amare on the break, he plays out of position yet makes it seem like it's not much of a disadvantage, and he's one of the best offensive and defensive players on the team, if not the league.

Marion fit well into the offense, because he can finish strong at the rim, yet has range all the way out to the three-point line. Though he was disgruntled, Shawn still came out every night and proved that he was among the elite forwards in the league.

The Suns showed in the series against the Spurs that their pick-and-roll defense is very poor. Shaq is too slow at this point in his career—and it showed when Tony Parker and Tim Duncan, in essence, ended the Suns' season with their well-calculated offense, which centered on the pick and roll during that specific series.

Though these negatives took a heavy toll of the Phoenix Suns this season, some do believe that the Suns can still compete for a championship next year. If training camp goes according to plan, expect a different-looking Suns team to make a splash in a very competitive Western Conference.

Positives

Shaquille O'Neal fills the paint. Even though he is not an exceptional defender, his size merits him great rebounding prowess. His size also makes many believe he is an above-average post defender. These two abilities fill two of the Suns greatest needs—interior defense and rebounding.

Perhaps the greatest upside to this deal is the newfound flexibility to play Amare at the four. In terms of athleticism, Amare is perhaps the most dominant power forward in the game today.

Since Amare is no longer responsible for defending centers larger then him, he can exert his will on the offense. And Amare is almost impossible to guard off the pick and roll.

The Toronto Raptors: Jermaine O'Neal Deal Analysis

Richard Le — Tue, 29 Jul 2008 11:17:08 -0400

In my opinion, this deal greatly benefits the Raptors in various cases. Sure, the Raptors give up an injury prone, up-and-comer in TJ Ford, a solid contributer in Rasho, a bench warmer in Maceo Bastion, and a 7-2 athletic centre in Hibbert, but they got back an underrated post defender, shot blocker, and a highly rated offensive post player in Jermaine O'Neal (when healthy).

If Jermaine is healthy, the Raptors, in essence, have traded a ball controlling, speedy point guard, a role player, and two unproven big men for an All-Star without giving too many solid contributers in the scheme of their offense while improving their interior defense.

Positives:

—The presence of Jermaine O'Neal should reduce the double teams on Chris Bosh and allow him to beat his man via his many offensive skills.

—Jermaine compliments Bosh nicely because Bosh, though an exceptional low post player, prefers to play the perimeter, drive and draw the foul, and play facing the basket while Jermaine has the same skill set and has agreed to compliment Bosh's game, which translates to him posting up on the low block frequently.

—Sam Mitchell has said that when the ball goes up the court it will fall in the hands of Jermaine and Bosh to set up the offense. With the attention teams will be giving these two great players, there will be better shots for premier shooters like Parker and Kapono.

—The Raptors correct two major weaknesses in the previously mentioned interior defense and, as importantly, rebounding.

Contrary to the heralded "Twin Tower" potential in these two All-Stars, there are also quite a few negatives to this trade.

Negatives:

—Point Guard depth is in question. Roko Ukic is a solid European player but there is question of whether he can run the point and keep the offense fluid when Calderon goes to the bench for rest.

—Depth in general is in question. By trading away two key rotation players, a back up bench warmer in Maceo Baston, and what could have been a rotation center in Hibbert, there is question of the drop off level when the Raptor draws on their bench.

(This problem can be slightly rectified if Kapono and Andrea Bargnani realize their potential somewhat.)

—If the Raptors did not trade for O'Neal and a key player like Ford or Bosh got injured, the team, though not anywhere near competitive as a playoff team, would still be a relevant team with a chance to win "Leastern Conference" games if they kept their focus.

In this case, if Jermaine or Bosh gets injured there is a gaping hole at the forward positions. If Bargnani doesn't show up like he didn't last season, the Raptors are in huge trouble when one of the "Twin Towers" goes down.

The potential starting line up without Bosh would be Jermaine at center, Bargnani (Who proved last year that his post game, rebounding, and defence in general need a HUGE upgrade) at power forward, Kapono or Moon at the three, and Parker and Calderon as the guards.

If O'Neal is injured, Bosh or Bargnani would have to play center and that would cause match up problems as well. Plus, with one of the "Twin Towers" out, the Raptors will be forced to play small ball and become a jump shooting team, which will cause them to lose games to many of the half court teams in the NBA.