Kris Humphries: 5 Reasons the Nets Forward Should Make the All-Defensive Team
All fear “The Incredible Hump.”
In his seventh year in the league, Kris Humphries put all his talents together en route to a breakout season.
Though Humphries excelled on the offensive glass, he played just as well defensively.
New Jersey Nets coach Avery Johnson believes that Humphries would be the prime candidate for the NBA’s Most Improved Player, if the Nets were a .500 team.
Johnson also feels that Humphries should be considered for the NBA All-Defensive Team.
He’s a free agent after this season, and the Nets will do everything to bring back their high-energy power forward.
Here are five reasons Humphries should earn a spot on the All-Defensive Team.
5. Defensive Rebounding
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Kris Humphries has been a dominant presence on both the offensive and defensive glass.
He’ averaged 7.4 defensive rebounds per game.
Keep in mind that Humphries has only started 44 of the 74 games he’s until he was included in the Deron Williams trade.
Humphries rose up above would-be offensive rebounders to quell his opponents’ opportunities for second shot chances.
There weren’t too many nights this season in which Humphries pulled down less than 10 boards.
4. Emphatic Blocks
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Who said bi-racial men can’t jump?
Kris Humphries used his athletic ability to elevate off the floor in not only pulling down rebounds but also blocking shots.
He averaged 1.1 blocks per game this year, but the timeliness of his blocks was most important.
Humphries seemed to come up with a huge block in huge situations.
His emphatic blocks would serve as an energy boost for the Nets if they were behind or help bury a team if they were ahead—more so the former than the latter.
3. Consistency
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Kris Humphries was easily the most consistent player on the Nets this season.
Each night, it was basically guaranteed that he would put up 10-15 points and pull down 10-15 rebounds while also turning in a high-energy performance.
Humphries never took a night off, despite the struggles the Nets had this season in winning games.
Due to his style of play, he often fought through bangs and bruises, but he still turned in a consistent performance each night.
Consistency on the defensive end is rare, since many players consume themselves with scoring. However, Humphries defies the mold of today’s typical NBA player.
2. Intensity
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Kris Humphries is one intense human being, and it shows with his play on the court.
He’s always involved in the action, whether he’s ripping down rebounds, blocking shots or throwing down monster dunks.
On defense, he’s not afraid to take a charge in order to cause a turnover.
Though he often winds up on the floor, it’s a sign that he gives 110 percent effort every play and will get dirty for the good of the team.
1. Nets Receive Some Recognition
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Though the Nets will improve by at least 12 games this year over last year, the team will still find itself toward the cellar in the Eastern Conference.
With some smart free agent signings and draft picks, New Jersey is on the verge of becoming a playoff contender.
If Kris Humphries is selected to the NBA All-Defensive Team, it will alert the league that the Nets shouldn’t be taken lightly, especially if Humphries re-signs with New Jersey—which appears very likely.
As the team prepares for its move to Brooklyn after next season, Humphries will look to play a role in bringing winning basketball back to New York—sorry Knicks’ fans.
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