Power Forwards in the NBA are freaks of nature. Their giant, explosively skilled athletes that control the paint with their scoring and defense. Their play can impact a game on multiple levels, from hitting 3's to blocking shots. These guys are super athletic rim rockers who make embarrassing their opponents a daily habit.
1. Dirk Nowitzki - This guy keeps getting better and better. Hes the premier power forward today as his shooting level is on par with all time greats regardless of position. He takes advantage of his size and picks his spots on the floor to destroy opponents. His 24.1 ppg and 7.4 rpg are impressive, but I like his 54 fg%, 40 3pt fg% and 88 ft%. Those are awesome shooting % for anyone.
2. Pau Gasol - He is the smoothest post player in the league. He isnt the strongest, but skill wise his post play is unequaled. His BBall IQ is on par with his skill which makes him a nightmare to try and contain. 18.9 ppg and 11 rpg are the nuts and bolts of what he brings you. He's the perfect robin to Kobe's batman.
3. Kevin Garnett - He's not the same 20-10 KG that we grew to love in Minny, but hes a better player overall. His defensive level of intinsity and the way he pushes his teammates to be better is the stuff legends are made of. 15 ppg and 9.5 rpg is gravy on top of the intangibles.
4. Amare Stoudemire - The Knicks are back and Amare is the reason why. His scoring has never been questioned as his 26.3 ppg isnt the eye raiser. Its his 2.2 bpg that show he's taking his game to the next level committment wise. If the Knicks are going to keep winning, Amare is going to get serious MVP consideration.
5. Kevin Love - I dont care about Minnesotas record. This throwback player gets it done in a big way. His 20.8 ppg and league leading 15.5 rpg show that his game is on point every night. If his post play wasn't enough, throw in his 43% 3 pt shooting and you see how he can attack defenses on every level.
Honorable Mention - Tim Duncan, Blake Griffin, Chris Bosh, Jeff Green, LaMarcus Aldridge.
Thursday, December 30, 2010
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
Chiefs Grab the Torch
The Kansas City Chiefs are your 2010 AFC West Champions. The Chiefs have won ugly (think Cleveland) and they've won pretty (think ST Louis). They've done it with a dominating ground game and an opportunistic defense. They have the discipline, hunger and belief that their not done yet. You know what? I believe they aren't done yet too.
The Chiefs ended San Diego's strangle hold on the division by opening up the 2010 season with a win and continuing to win even when they shoulda lost. Everybody kept waiting for them to fall apart, for their youth and inexperience to take over and close games to turn into losses. Well it never happened. They won despite all odds.
They have a few players who used this season to finally display the talents we all knew they had (think Dwayne Bowe and Derrick Johnson). We had players settle in to new positions and thrive now that they're comfortable (think Tamba Hali and Glenn Dorsey). We had players show they were capable of being the best at their position (think Matt Cassel, Jamal Charles and Brandon Flowers). We had a Rookies prove they deserved to be drafted (think Tony Moeaki, Javier Arenas, Dexter McCluster and Kendrick Lewis).
The 2010 Chiefs got contributions from everywhere. The Players and the Coaches all did what they had to do week in and week out to give the team a chance to win. Fortunately they won enough to grab the torch from San Diego and show they're going to be division players for the forseable future!
The Chiefs ended San Diego's strangle hold on the division by opening up the 2010 season with a win and continuing to win even when they shoulda lost. Everybody kept waiting for them to fall apart, for their youth and inexperience to take over and close games to turn into losses. Well it never happened. They won despite all odds.
They have a few players who used this season to finally display the talents we all knew they had (think Dwayne Bowe and Derrick Johnson). We had players settle in to new positions and thrive now that they're comfortable (think Tamba Hali and Glenn Dorsey). We had players show they were capable of being the best at their position (think Matt Cassel, Jamal Charles and Brandon Flowers). We had a Rookies prove they deserved to be drafted (think Tony Moeaki, Javier Arenas, Dexter McCluster and Kendrick Lewis).
The 2010 Chiefs got contributions from everywhere. The Players and the Coaches all did what they had to do week in and week out to give the team a chance to win. Fortunately they won enough to grab the torch from San Diego and show they're going to be division players for the forseable future!
Saturday, December 25, 2010
2010-2011 Top 5 NBA Small Forwards
THis Christmas Im giving everyone the treat of another NBA top 5 by position blog! Today Ill be giving you the small forwards who are having a sensational year and really helping their teams win.
Small Forwards - Think versatility, production from multiple spots on the courts. Depended upon to make the smart and tough play. SF in the NBA can do everything and usually they do it among the best in the game.
1. Lebron James - The most productive player in the game today. He scores, dishes out assists and rebounds. His defense is among the best you'll see from a perimeter player and his chase down blocks are always eye catching. His Numbers are down only to his lofty standards, but 24.7 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 7.1 apg is not a "down" year for anyone else.
2. Kevin Durant - This 22 year old scoring champ is going to collect a lot of awards in his career. He's the corerstone of the OKC Thunders franchise and makes them a must see team every night. His 27.5 ppg leads the league and his also pulling in 6.6 rpg while handing out 3 apg. Throw in a block and a steal and you see how this guy helps his team out everywhere on the court.
3. Carmelo Anthony - Melo gets some negative publicity these days, but it is having zero effect on his game. Hes scoring 24 ppg and collecting 8.3 rpg. He's matchup nightmare as he has bullish size and figure skater agility. One of the more consistent players in the league, and really loves the big game moments.
4. Paul Pierce - 12 years Paul has been schooling people on the fundamentals. Hes an old school player meaning he might not be crazy athletic, but hes smart, knows how to get his shots and constantly makes you pay for mistakes. His 18.2 ppg lead a veteran Boston club and his 5 rpg and 3 apg are solid. He's as clutch as they come and if theres a game winner to be made, Paul Pierce will make it.
5. Luol Deng - Luol gets the nod over Granger and Gay because and the Bulls are winning. Luol has started every game this year and played at a very high rate. His scoring (17.7 ppg) has dipped a little since Boozer came back, but as a third option thats a really high mark. 6 rpg and 3 apg just show how versatile he is.
Honorable Mention - Rudy Gay, Danny Granger, Wilson Chandler, Ron Artest, Trevor Ariza
Small Forwards - Think versatility, production from multiple spots on the courts. Depended upon to make the smart and tough play. SF in the NBA can do everything and usually they do it among the best in the game.
1. Lebron James - The most productive player in the game today. He scores, dishes out assists and rebounds. His defense is among the best you'll see from a perimeter player and his chase down blocks are always eye catching. His Numbers are down only to his lofty standards, but 24.7 ppg, 6.5 rpg and 7.1 apg is not a "down" year for anyone else.
2. Kevin Durant - This 22 year old scoring champ is going to collect a lot of awards in his career. He's the corerstone of the OKC Thunders franchise and makes them a must see team every night. His 27.5 ppg leads the league and his also pulling in 6.6 rpg while handing out 3 apg. Throw in a block and a steal and you see how this guy helps his team out everywhere on the court.
3. Carmelo Anthony - Melo gets some negative publicity these days, but it is having zero effect on his game. Hes scoring 24 ppg and collecting 8.3 rpg. He's matchup nightmare as he has bullish size and figure skater agility. One of the more consistent players in the league, and really loves the big game moments.
4. Paul Pierce - 12 years Paul has been schooling people on the fundamentals. Hes an old school player meaning he might not be crazy athletic, but hes smart, knows how to get his shots and constantly makes you pay for mistakes. His 18.2 ppg lead a veteran Boston club and his 5 rpg and 3 apg are solid. He's as clutch as they come and if theres a game winner to be made, Paul Pierce will make it.
5. Luol Deng - Luol gets the nod over Granger and Gay because and the Bulls are winning. Luol has started every game this year and played at a very high rate. His scoring (17.7 ppg) has dipped a little since Boozer came back, but as a third option thats a really high mark. 6 rpg and 3 apg just show how versatile he is.
Honorable Mention - Rudy Gay, Danny Granger, Wilson Chandler, Ron Artest, Trevor Ariza
Thursday, December 23, 2010
2010-2011 Top 5 NBA Shooting Guards
This is a continuation of my 2010-2011 NBA top 5 by position thus far in the season. As stated a few teams and players are off to sizzling starts and Im identifying the guys who are having the most impact from their position.
Shooting Guards. A shooting guard in the NBA is, for the most part, the player who dominates on the offensive end. The top shooting guards are able to handle scoring loads and defensive assignments other players are simply not able to do. They have inside/outside games and can take over a game on either end of the court. These players are my favorite to watch cause they contribute in a variety of ways.
1. Kobe Bryant - The Lakers guard is the second best shooting guard ever and its not even close. He has 5 rings and is in position to collect number 6. He scores at will from all over the court and is also the best on ball defender in the game today. He's having a typical Kobe season, scoring 25.7 ppg while dishing out 4.7 apg and collecting 5.3 rpg. Simply put he does everything and he does it on a consistent basis.
2. Manu Ginobili - Manu is one of the most exciting players to watch. He's constant energy and plays with no fear. He's averaging 19.8 ppg and handing out 4.9 apg and even that doesn't tell the whole story. If his team needs a play, Manu is the guy they call on, regardless of what it is or how unlikely it might be to make.
3. Dwayne Wade - Dwayne is a dynamic baller on par with the games best. His skill is only matched by his determination and will to succeed. He has the ability to take over games or a finals series (2006 anybody?). His stats have went down since joing forces with LBJ, but 23.5 ppg and 4.5 apg is among the games best.
4. Kevin Martin - This SG doesn't get near the pub he deserves. He's a scorer and can put the ball in the hole regardless of where he is on the floor. His 23.6 ppg is great, but his 44% 3 point shooting is among the games elite.
5. Eric Gordon - This 21 year old ball of thunder was the best 3 point shooter on the U.S. National team this past summer, but he doesn't camp out behind the arch and will rise up and dunk on anybody. He's averaging 23.7 ppg and 4.6 apg and will continue to be a force for the LA Clippers for a long time.
Honorable Mention - Monta Ellis, Ray Allen, Jason Richardson, Gilbert Arenas, Joe Johnson
Shooting Guards. A shooting guard in the NBA is, for the most part, the player who dominates on the offensive end. The top shooting guards are able to handle scoring loads and defensive assignments other players are simply not able to do. They have inside/outside games and can take over a game on either end of the court. These players are my favorite to watch cause they contribute in a variety of ways.
1. Kobe Bryant - The Lakers guard is the second best shooting guard ever and its not even close. He has 5 rings and is in position to collect number 6. He scores at will from all over the court and is also the best on ball defender in the game today. He's having a typical Kobe season, scoring 25.7 ppg while dishing out 4.7 apg and collecting 5.3 rpg. Simply put he does everything and he does it on a consistent basis.
2. Manu Ginobili - Manu is one of the most exciting players to watch. He's constant energy and plays with no fear. He's averaging 19.8 ppg and handing out 4.9 apg and even that doesn't tell the whole story. If his team needs a play, Manu is the guy they call on, regardless of what it is or how unlikely it might be to make.
3. Dwayne Wade - Dwayne is a dynamic baller on par with the games best. His skill is only matched by his determination and will to succeed. He has the ability to take over games or a finals series (2006 anybody?). His stats have went down since joing forces with LBJ, but 23.5 ppg and 4.5 apg is among the games best.
4. Kevin Martin - This SG doesn't get near the pub he deserves. He's a scorer and can put the ball in the hole regardless of where he is on the floor. His 23.6 ppg is great, but his 44% 3 point shooting is among the games elite.
5. Eric Gordon - This 21 year old ball of thunder was the best 3 point shooter on the U.S. National team this past summer, but he doesn't camp out behind the arch and will rise up and dunk on anybody. He's averaging 23.7 ppg and 4.6 apg and will continue to be a force for the LA Clippers for a long time.
Honorable Mention - Monta Ellis, Ray Allen, Jason Richardson, Gilbert Arenas, Joe Johnson
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
2010-2011 NBA Top 5 Ppoint Guards
The NBA Season is off to a great start. Several teams have stepped up to be serious title contenders and several players have had great seasons thus far. This is my Top 5 players by position this year. This is not a popularity vote or a career achievement vote. This is strictly based on what Ive seen from these positions for this season.
Point Guard: Spearheads teams offense, sets tempo offensively and defensively, sets teammates up for scoring opportunites and breaks down his man to get into the paint at will.
1. Rajon Rondo - He isn't the most popular Celtic, but this guy is a wizard with the ball. Leads NBA in assists at 13.8 per game. Last guy to average 14 apg? John Stockton in 89-90 and 90-91. Rajon is no slouch on defense as his 2.4 steals per game are currently 3rd in the league.
2. Chris Paul - Chris is playing near his peak. I say near because his numbers are below his career averages, but his influence on his teammates has been better then ever. He's 4th in assists at 9.7 per game and his thievery is the best in the NBA at 2.8 steals per game.
3. Derrick Rose - Derrick has had to carry the load for the Bulls this year with first Boozer and now Noah out with injuries. His 24.2 ppg lead all PG's and his 8.6 apg are a career high. This 3rd year pro is only getting better as his often criticized 3 point shot is finding the net at 42%, making him truely unguardable.
Derron Williams - D-Will is having a career year so far for the Jazz. His 22.3 ppg is a career high and his 9.7 apg is around his career mark. He has lead Utah to some serious comeback victories and in the process earned his team a reputation for playing for 48 min every game.
Raymond Felton - Talk about career changing. Raymond got out of Larry Browns bogged down system and into Mike D'Antoni's high octane system and is having the type of year many experts didnt know he was capable of having. Leads New Yorks surprising playoff push with 18.4 ppg and 9 apg.
Honorable Mention : Steve Nash, Russell Westbrook, Tony Parker, John Wall, Jason Kidd.
Point Guard: Spearheads teams offense, sets tempo offensively and defensively, sets teammates up for scoring opportunites and breaks down his man to get into the paint at will.
1. Rajon Rondo - He isn't the most popular Celtic, but this guy is a wizard with the ball. Leads NBA in assists at 13.8 per game. Last guy to average 14 apg? John Stockton in 89-90 and 90-91. Rajon is no slouch on defense as his 2.4 steals per game are currently 3rd in the league.
2. Chris Paul - Chris is playing near his peak. I say near because his numbers are below his career averages, but his influence on his teammates has been better then ever. He's 4th in assists at 9.7 per game and his thievery is the best in the NBA at 2.8 steals per game.
3. Derrick Rose - Derrick has had to carry the load for the Bulls this year with first Boozer and now Noah out with injuries. His 24.2 ppg lead all PG's and his 8.6 apg are a career high. This 3rd year pro is only getting better as his often criticized 3 point shot is finding the net at 42%, making him truely unguardable.
Derron Williams - D-Will is having a career year so far for the Jazz. His 22.3 ppg is a career high and his 9.7 apg is around his career mark. He has lead Utah to some serious comeback victories and in the process earned his team a reputation for playing for 48 min every game.
Raymond Felton - Talk about career changing. Raymond got out of Larry Browns bogged down system and into Mike D'Antoni's high octane system and is having the type of year many experts didnt know he was capable of having. Leads New Yorks surprising playoff push with 18.4 ppg and 9 apg.
Honorable Mention : Steve Nash, Russell Westbrook, Tony Parker, John Wall, Jason Kidd.
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Break from football - Lets talk College Hoops!
Well it's time to talk a little hoops as the college season is in full force. I have had time to digest what is happening around the country in what is shaping up to be a great college season. Here are a few thoughts of mine from the early season.
Duke took a major blow in losing Kyrie Irving for what might be the rest of the year. For those of you who think this will take them out of the hunt, go back and re-evaluate things. Irving is sensational and gave Duke a tremendous advantage at the point guard slot, but losing him doesn't diminish the other players Duke has. Id argue that losing a post player would hurt them much more as Duke has a bunch of depth on the perimeter. Nolan Smith can lead this team and Curry and Dawkins can fill in his scoring role. Duke will be there in the end, but they aren't the unbeatable force they were 2 weeks ago.
Ohio State isn't getting enough love. The Buckeyes have everything you need to cut down the nets in April and are my early year pick to get it done. They have Leadership in 5th year senior David Lighty, a huge post player in Sullinger and awesome cohesiveness. I really enjoy watching them play as they get up on you defensively and really execute on the offensive team. Thad Matta has been close before, losing in 2007 to Florida, but this year he has what it takes to finally gt it done.
Kansas is better than last year and its not even close. Last years team depended too much on Sherron Collins and his inconsistent play. Sure, Sherron was a competitor and really elevated his game at times, but he also never learned to defer to the hot hand and always seemed to play to "get his". This years Kansas team plays together and plays really hard. Adding Selby to the lineup isnt fair to the rest of the country. With the Morris twins holding down the paint and a bundle of shooters around the perimeter Kansas can attack defenses on every level.
North Carolina isn't going to the NIT, but they aren't back on top yet either. UNC came into the year with high expectations and they still should. It takes time for a team to gel, especially one with 1 transfer senior and a butt load of freshman and sophmores learning how to play together. They need to move the ball better to create easier looks and shots simply have to go in. I think they're on the right path as long as they learn from mistakes and continue to get better at execution. This team is a year away, and if they are lucky and get everyone back, watch out.
Kemba Walker is playing out of his mind. Its been a long time coming for this junior point guard. He came to UCONN with grat expectation and is finally living up to his high school reputation. Im happy for him and I think he can take UCONN on a great journey the rest of the year. If he continues to get help from his young supporting cast, he'll give them a chance in every game.
Charles Jenkins is a senior guard at Hofstra University and is really a very underrated player nationally. Hes 6'3 and averages roughly 25ppg. If this guy was 2-3 inches taller he would be talked about as a lottery. In any case he will play NBA ball and he will have a long career. Nothing is more valuable to any team than a go-to scorer.
Kansas State is really struggling to put the ball in the hole and it starts and ends with Jacob Pullen. In games he has struggled KSU has been terrible. They arent a efficient defensively as last year so they really need him to play well.
Heres to hoping this year ends how it has started. Theres a lot of unpredictability in college hoops. These are 18-22 year old kids and its hard to predict how pressure is going to affect them. The stars will shine in the end and it might not be who we thought it would be.
Duke took a major blow in losing Kyrie Irving for what might be the rest of the year. For those of you who think this will take them out of the hunt, go back and re-evaluate things. Irving is sensational and gave Duke a tremendous advantage at the point guard slot, but losing him doesn't diminish the other players Duke has. Id argue that losing a post player would hurt them much more as Duke has a bunch of depth on the perimeter. Nolan Smith can lead this team and Curry and Dawkins can fill in his scoring role. Duke will be there in the end, but they aren't the unbeatable force they were 2 weeks ago.
Ohio State isn't getting enough love. The Buckeyes have everything you need to cut down the nets in April and are my early year pick to get it done. They have Leadership in 5th year senior David Lighty, a huge post player in Sullinger and awesome cohesiveness. I really enjoy watching them play as they get up on you defensively and really execute on the offensive team. Thad Matta has been close before, losing in 2007 to Florida, but this year he has what it takes to finally gt it done.
Kansas is better than last year and its not even close. Last years team depended too much on Sherron Collins and his inconsistent play. Sure, Sherron was a competitor and really elevated his game at times, but he also never learned to defer to the hot hand and always seemed to play to "get his". This years Kansas team plays together and plays really hard. Adding Selby to the lineup isnt fair to the rest of the country. With the Morris twins holding down the paint and a bundle of shooters around the perimeter Kansas can attack defenses on every level.
North Carolina isn't going to the NIT, but they aren't back on top yet either. UNC came into the year with high expectations and they still should. It takes time for a team to gel, especially one with 1 transfer senior and a butt load of freshman and sophmores learning how to play together. They need to move the ball better to create easier looks and shots simply have to go in. I think they're on the right path as long as they learn from mistakes and continue to get better at execution. This team is a year away, and if they are lucky and get everyone back, watch out.
Kemba Walker is playing out of his mind. Its been a long time coming for this junior point guard. He came to UCONN with grat expectation and is finally living up to his high school reputation. Im happy for him and I think he can take UCONN on a great journey the rest of the year. If he continues to get help from his young supporting cast, he'll give them a chance in every game.
Charles Jenkins is a senior guard at Hofstra University and is really a very underrated player nationally. Hes 6'3 and averages roughly 25ppg. If this guy was 2-3 inches taller he would be talked about as a lottery. In any case he will play NBA ball and he will have a long career. Nothing is more valuable to any team than a go-to scorer.
Kansas State is really struggling to put the ball in the hole and it starts and ends with Jacob Pullen. In games he has struggled KSU has been terrible. They arent a efficient defensively as last year so they really need him to play well.
Heres to hoping this year ends how it has started. Theres a lot of unpredictability in college hoops. These are 18-22 year old kids and its hard to predict how pressure is going to affect them. The stars will shine in the end and it might not be who we thought it would be.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Chiefs VS St. Louis Post Game
The Kansas City Chiefs (9-5) drove down 1-70 and put a beating on the St. Louis Rams (6-8) to keep their playoff dreams alive and well. Kansas City won the Govenors Cup and are still undefeated against the Rams in St Louis.
Matt Cassel is now a living legend. Cassel showed his worth on Sunday and to the Chiefs that worth is priceless. Cassel completed 15-29 passes for 184 yards. He threw a TD and an INT. Pretty? No. But Cassels performance showed the organization, his teammates and the fans how much he is invested in this team and how badly he wants to win. He is a Chief and, by all accounts, proud of it.
Running game found its footing. A week after being held to 48 yards rushing against San Diego. The Chiefs got physical and looked like the NFL's leading rushing team. The Chiefs rang up 210 yards on 42 carries for a 5.0 yards average. Charles continues to prove he's the most explosive back in the league as he gained 126 yards on 11 carries. This is becoming routine as he's been carving up defenses this way all year. Jones had 62 yards, Cassel had 17 and Battle chipped in 9. If the Chiefs continue to do this they will be playing well into January.
Defense clamped down. The Defense needed a consistent game to build off of and Sunday was the perfect starting point. The Rams couldn't find a rhythm in the air or on the ground. The Chiefs were all over the field, harrassing Bradford into completing just 21-43 passes for 181 yards and 2 INT's. Gilberry came up with 3 sacks, but the whole Chiefs defense bottled up the rookie and forced errant throws that the secondary continually batted to the turf. Up front the Rams had zero running lanes as Pro Bowler Steven Jackson was held to 67 yards on 19 carries. This is the type of team effort the Chiefs need going forward.
The Chiefs control their own destiny which is where a team wants to be this time of year. There are only 2 games left and both are at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs need to build off this game and continue to pound the ball and play hard-nosed, smart football. This is not a team anyone wants to see in the playoffs.
Matt Cassel is now a living legend. Cassel showed his worth on Sunday and to the Chiefs that worth is priceless. Cassel completed 15-29 passes for 184 yards. He threw a TD and an INT. Pretty? No. But Cassels performance showed the organization, his teammates and the fans how much he is invested in this team and how badly he wants to win. He is a Chief and, by all accounts, proud of it.
Running game found its footing. A week after being held to 48 yards rushing against San Diego. The Chiefs got physical and looked like the NFL's leading rushing team. The Chiefs rang up 210 yards on 42 carries for a 5.0 yards average. Charles continues to prove he's the most explosive back in the league as he gained 126 yards on 11 carries. This is becoming routine as he's been carving up defenses this way all year. Jones had 62 yards, Cassel had 17 and Battle chipped in 9. If the Chiefs continue to do this they will be playing well into January.
Defense clamped down. The Defense needed a consistent game to build off of and Sunday was the perfect starting point. The Rams couldn't find a rhythm in the air or on the ground. The Chiefs were all over the field, harrassing Bradford into completing just 21-43 passes for 181 yards and 2 INT's. Gilberry came up with 3 sacks, but the whole Chiefs defense bottled up the rookie and forced errant throws that the secondary continually batted to the turf. Up front the Rams had zero running lanes as Pro Bowler Steven Jackson was held to 67 yards on 19 carries. This is the type of team effort the Chiefs need going forward.
The Chiefs control their own destiny which is where a team wants to be this time of year. There are only 2 games left and both are at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs need to build off this game and continue to pound the ball and play hard-nosed, smart football. This is not a team anyone wants to see in the playoffs.
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