doughboy90650
Fisher for 3 ??? BANG
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Yahoo's 30-21
30. Reggie Williams(notes), Golden State Warriors (last year: unranked)
Never heard of the guy? That's fine, though if he continues scoring at the rate we saw from him last season and during the summer league, this 30th ranking is going to look awfully silly in a year's time. He might be a product of Don Nelson's system, but even adjusted for pace, Williams' numbers last season (15 points and 4.6 rebounds in 32.6 minutes per game) fleshed out quite well. He turns 24 in September, he hit nearly half his shots from the field last season and the burly scorer hustles like mad. Though he played only 24 games last season in his rookie year, he's worth watching during 2010-11.
29. Grant Hill(notes), Phoenix Suns (last year: 23rd)
The wily veteran is all about intangibles at this point. Solid help defense, the nice entry pass that doesn't result in an assist, screen-setting in transition and the occasional interior finish. Grant's not hurting the Suns by playing big minutes, but there's a reason you'll see four Phoenix small forwards on this list alone, two of which were acquired this offseason.
28. Carlos Delfino(notes), Milwaukee Bucks (last year: unranked)
He may have flown under your radar, but Bucks coach Scott Skiles loved what Delfino brought to the table last season. Two clichés in one opening sentence, nice.
Delfino can hit the corner three, get to the line occasionally (which, on the Bucks, is badly needed), play great defense and rebound the ball. He's an all-around athletic small forward who is in his prime. Other youngsters might topple him in the coming years, but for 2010-11, Delfino gets a mention.
27. Omri Casspi(notes), Sacramento Kings (last year: unranked)
He's such an exciting player that Casspi runs the risk of being overrated. Nevertheless, averaging about 15 points and 6.5 rebounds per 36 minutes is fine work for someone who didn't turn 22 until two months after his season ended. And with Casspi's athleticism and shooting (36.9 percent from long range, as he acclimated to the NBA line), he doesn't have to turn into the next Andres Nocioni(notes).
He just has to be the first Omri. /pounds heart with fist.
26. Mickael Pietrus(notes), Orlando Magic (last year: 29th, but at shooting guard)
He adamantly refuses to drive the ball even when his up-fakes from behind the arc send a defender into the front row, but man can this guy defend. Not a lockdown Bruce Bowen(notes)-type, but enough of a staunch defender and shooter to earn a starting slot on a great team and a spot on this list. Pietrus' shot selection stinks, and he does have the skills to work toward becoming a better all-around player, but, for now, this is enough.
25. Jared Dudley(notes), Phoenix Suns (last year: unranked)
I still feel a bit odd ranking Dudley as a small forward, but between his shooting from long range (46 percent last season, 42 percent on the career) and terrible rebounding numbers (even for a small forward), I suppose Jared is best suited for this position. Dudley does a fine job defending wing players and he's sort of rounded into a modern-day Derrick McKey. Twitter account and all.
24. Shane Battier(notes), Houston Rockets (last year: 17th)
Battier's defense fell off last season, there's no denying that. But as it's been for years, if you isolate on Shane from possession to possession, on either end, it's a fascinating watch. He's the guy at work who takes a lesser of the two remaining donuts because he knows Steve from accounting is on his way up, and how much that chocolate cake donut would make Steve's day. He's the guy who grabs two carts along the way while returning his cart to the corral. He's the guy who signals early to let the driver at the intersection know it's OK to pull out ahead of him. He's just a considerate, thoughtful player that will no doubt find a way to make it work in Trevor Ariza's(notes) absence this season.
23. Hedo Turkoglu(notes), Phoenix Suns (last year: 10th)
Hedo and the Toronto Raptors would like to forget last season, which is why we'll pretend it never happened and picture him in an Orlando uniform.
And, really, it hardly matters as if 2009-10 actually happened or not. Because while Turkoglu's drop-off wasn't really commensurate with the sort of play we'd seen from him in his career, his latter turn with Orlando was criminally overrated, and what we saw in Toronto last year (11 points, about nine combined rebounds/assists, 41 percent shooting, bad D) wasn't far off in Hedo's future anyway.
22. Josh Childress(notes), Phoenix Suns (last year: unranked)
This seems like a bit of a jump, and in a way it is, I guess. Childress hasn't played in the NBA for the last two years, preferring to spend his time with a team in Greece. Before then, he was merely an above-average small forward for the Hawks and now he's playing on a Suns team that is loaded (clearly, according to this list) with small forwards. So why this high? Because he's an efficient, sturdy scorer who can hit threes on the break, he'll defend and rebound well, and he turned only 27 two months ago.
21. Marvin Williams(notes), Atlanta Hawks (last year: 12th)
There are some nights where Williams will play much better than those who are listed ahead of him in these particular rankings, but overall he just doesn't stand out. Doesn't do anything spectacularly nor poorly, and is quite replaceable. Just right in the middle of everything, a Milford Man through and through. Appreciate his production, though. And his taciturn tone.
Enjoy your weekend. Thank you for reading.
Yahoo's 20-11
20. Wilson Chandler(notes), New York Knicks (last year: 25th)
I don't think anyone could ever accuse me of being Chandler's biggest fan. I think he plays on a bad team (or, at least, what was a bad team), takes a lot of bad shots spread out over the big minutes that he's afforded in a up-tempo offense and pumps up his per-game scoring totals as a result. And yet, 15 points and five rebounds last year in just under 36 minutes per game on 48 percent shooting. So I have to put him somewhere.
19. Shawn Marion(notes), Dallas Mavericks (last year: 23rd, but as a power forward)
Marion's contributions fell off significantly for the second straight season, so maybe this ranking is a little optimistic. He turned 32 last May, his rebounding numbers are starting to look rather ordinary and the once-passable 3-point shooter failed to hit one in every five long-range bombs he tossed up last season. Marion might be able to sustain or possibly improve a bit in 2010-11, but the bigger money is on him getting much, much worse.
18. Trevor Ariza(notes), New Orleans Hornets (last year: 16th)
To these eyes, no player in this league came close to chucking as many egregious forces as Ariza did last season, and that's even counting players who worked for the Golden State Warriors. Yes, Houston's poor offense demanded that he let fly, but Ariza was just a black hole for the Rockets last season, something we're hoping he completely cleans himself of with the Hornets.
17. Travis Outlaw(notes), New Jersey Nets (last year: 20th)
I like Travis. I think he's a good go-to option offensively. He hits clutch shots, he can be counted on to attempt a good shot with that length of his, and I'm hoping Avery Johnson recognizes what he can do in New Jersey, rather than letting what he can't do alter the amount of shots and minutes he'll be allowed. Something to consider: Travis won't even turn 26 until next month.
16. Richard Jefferson(notes), San Antonio Spurs (last year: ninth)
Something in me really, really wants to rank Jefferson higher. To recognize that the Spurs are looking at him as their best chance to try for one more title in the Tim Duncan(notes) era. To see that his gifts are really well-suited for San Antonio's schemes on both ends of the court, despite Jefferson looking terribly out of place last season. And yet, even considering the offseason tutelage from coach Gregg Popovich and the "it-can't-get-worse-than-last-season" scenario, I have to pull back with this ranking. Few small forwards will be more pivotal than Jefferson this season, but coming off that miserable 2009-10? Sixteenth sounds about right.
15. Ron Artest(notes), Los Angeles Lakers (last year: 13th)
It's hard to believe that Ron Ron has actually fallen a few places on this list, especially coming off a season where he seemed to do just about everything right (in relative terms, of course), and also because a big part of me feels like a No. 15 ranking is almost too optimistic. But Ron's getting it together, he'll have a starting slot on a team that everyone should still consider the championship favorites for a while (unless the Heat win 33 of their first 34 games), his backup (Matt Barnes(notes)) nearly made this list and his second year within the triangle could produce great things.
14. Tayshaun Prince(notes), Detroit Pistons (last year: 21st)
This could be a huge stretch for Prince, but a good part of this ranking is spurred on by the way he finished the season. Prince averaged well over 15 points per game in the season's last three months, shooting a good percentage and bringing the usual stout D. He also hit around 40 percent of his 3-pointers during that run, and that's a good thing, because the Pistons badly need to cash in on Prince's talents in a trade while he's still productive.
13. Nicolas Batum(notes), Portland Trail Blazers (last year: 30th)
Before you accuse me of getting a bit batty with Nic, understand that this 21-year-old made 41 percent of his 3-pointers last season, coming through with double-figure scoring despite playing just half a game. Toss in the kid's good defense and (hopeful) ability to develop an NBA-level in-between game, and you could have a real comer for 2010-11.
12. Caron Butler(notes), Dallas Mavericks (last year: sixth)
Butler's game is often so overrated, that I don't want to overcompensate and drop him too far in this list, but it was a little tempting. Caron averaged 15.6 points last season, but he has to take a few shots (13.6 a game) on his way to that total, his defense is rather middling at this point and he's not much for contributing in other areas. He's OK, mind you, and it's good to see him starting on a Mavericks team that could use his services, but he's not the final piece of a championship puzzle, as some in the media touted him last season.
Also, his game is more forward-y than guard-like, so he goes here.
11. Corey Maggette(notes), Milwaukee Bucks (last year: 15th)
Corey always makes it all about Corey, we know. The guy looks for his own shot and little else every time down court, and then he sort of blacks out until his team gets the ball again.
But maybe this could change in 2010-11.
On a team coached by Scott Skiles, a team so desperately in need of what Corey brings (quick scoring and trips to the free-throw line), perhaps Maggette can get it all together. Can score in a fashion that helps teams win, rather than just looking like some sort of mid-round steal in a fantasy draft. Perhaps he can be this year's Zach Randolph(notes).
Not the loftiest of ambitions, I'm aware, but still worth shooting for. No pun intended.
Yahoo's 10-1
11. Danilo Gallinari(notes), New York Knicks (last year: unranked)
New York's brightest and bestest (until Amar'e Stoudemire(notes) came along) wasn't even close to being ranked last year after he struggled through a gimpy rookie season. While I have some issues regarding his shot selection and overall play during his second year, I can't discount someone at this age (he turned 22 a few weeks ago) scoring this much (about 15 a game). The guy has major holes in every other area of his game, and averaging six 3-point attempts per 33 minutes of play last season is out and out wrong, but there's potential here if Danilo wants to put in the work.
10. Rudy Gay(notes), Memphis Grizzlies (last year: 18th)
Believe me, I'm with you.
Gay didn't deserve the contract he just signed, he's certainly not twice the player that he was last season (in jumping from 18th to 10th), and there's always a sound chance the Grizzlies forward will fall off a bit now that he's secured his massive contract. Considering how stagnant his career has been of late (and that's putting it nicely; his career-year, thus far, was in 2007-08, and he's fallen off in the two seasons since), it wouldn't be a surprise.
But he can play. He can score, shoot a passable-enough percentage and pile up buckets without having many plays called for him. I'm not going to demean what he can do just because others have overrated him and forgotten about what he can't do.
9. Andrei Kirilenko(notes), Utah Jazz (last year: 24th, but as a power forward)
Does A.K. seem a bit high? Of course he does. But unlike some of the guys ranked just below him - your Gays, Gallinaris and Maggettes - Kirilenko consistently does it all. Everything. Plus defense, too, Rudy, Corey and Danilo. You know, half the game?
Sure, those 5X5 days have passed, but Kirilenko runs things on a level that doesn't lend itself to too many big stats these days. He's got a little Bobby Gross in him now, setting screens, making entry passes or setting up the big man at the high post who will then toss the assist that makes it to the box score. Along with 12 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.6 combined blocks/steals in only 29 minutes a game.
And with Carlos Boozer(notes) moving on and replacement-of-sorts Al Jefferson(notes) possibly seeing more time at center than anywhere else, A.K. could have plenty of minutes sent his way in 2010-11. Remember, this is what the list is based around - who will have the best year in 2010-11.
8. Luol Deng(notes), Chicago Bulls (last year: 19th)
After a year or two in the wilderness, Luol finally got his wits about him in 2009-10, averaging 17.6 points and 7.3 rebounds alongside his typically sound defense. Deng also chipped in about a steal and block per game, and this is important: Luol came in at under two turnovers a game for the sixth time in a six-year career. I understand that his midrange, rarely dribbling game doesn't see him taking many chances, but to be able to field a solid-scoring forward for nearly 38 minutes a game and see him turn the ball over just 1.9 times per? Good stuff.
7. Paul Pierce(notes), Boston Celtics (last year: fifth)
Paul's best days are clearly behind him. He can still load up and take the Celtics' offense on his back for long stretches, but it's not a given or something to be consistently relied upon.
He'll turn 33 in training camp, but he also posted a career high in overall shooting percentage (47.2 percent) and 3-point percentage (41.4) last season, on his way to 18.5 points per game. Same thing goes for his work (85.2 percent) at the line. His rebounds fell last year, but so did his turnovers, the mark of a player growing more efficient as he moves along. This is pretty cool.
If he all but sustains that next season? Then he's ranked too low.
6. Danny Granger(notes), Indiana Pacers (last year: fourth)
Indiana's go-to guy slipped a bit in 2009-10, dropping his points-per-game average down nearly two ticks and shooting the worst percentage of his NBA career. The good end to that is Danny still dropped over 24 points a game, and that at age 27 upon entering October's training camp, he'll be just about ready to enter his prime. Now all he needs is some help. Lots of it.
5. Andre Iguodala(notes), Philadelphia 76ers (last year: eighth, but at shooting guard)
Entering 2010-11, with Doug Collins at the helm of the Sixers, there's a very good chance A.I. could really burn up a few box scores.
You see, Doug likes it when one guy dominates the ball. He's the guy that put Michael Jordan at point guard, and had him averaging eight assists a game one year. He's the guy that ran the same screen-and-roll for Grant Hill(notes) to make decisions, consistently, from 1995-97. He'll have plays galore, but there will always be one guy initiating everything. I don't know if this is a good or bad thing; Collins' Bulls and Pistons teams were always a step behind the championship contenders, but it should help A.I.'s fantasy ranking, at the very least.
4. Gerald Wallace(notes), Charlotte Bobcats (last year: seventh)
Defense is half the game, and though Wallace's roaming instincts were reined in a smidge last season, it's that work on the other side of the ball that has this man as a top five player at his position.
The stuff that shows up in your morning paper doesn't hurt his case, either. He averaged 18.2 points and 10 rebounds last season, with 2.6 combined blocks and steals and two assists per game. Alongside right-there defense.
I would have no problem and am not trying to draw attention nor hits (you've already clicked on the darn thing) in flipping him with Carmelo Anthony(notes) on more than a few nights. Anthony's offense is as good as Wallace's D, but Wallace's offense is so, so much better than Carmelo's defense.
3. Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets (last year: third)
As expected, Anthony bounced back from a relatively poor 2008-09 to drop over 28 points a game last season. And while 28.2 points per game, compiled in a pretty efficient turn, is to be celebrated and compensated for, that's just about all there is to Carmelo. Those 28 a game. Little in the way of defense, rebounding, playmaking or work off the ball. I'm not going to blame Carmelo for Denver's inability to make it out of the Western bracket year after year, but to group him in with the James-Wade-Kobe-Paul-KD crowd is just laughable.
2. Kevin Durant(notes), Oklahoma City Thunder (last year: second)
I got a bit of stick for ranking Durant ahead of Carmelo last year, but the kid came through as expected, and it doesn't look nearly as off this time around.
Over 30 points a game on nearly 48 percent shooting for Durant last season, at age 21. Ridiculous. He averaged 7.6 rebounds, 2.4 combined steals and blocks and 2.8 assists. He got to the line a league-leading 10.2 times per contest, something that is absolutely killer for teams that struggle to score. Putting teams in the penalty, allowing someone like Nick Collison(notes) to earn a cheap two points for getting hacked on a tip-in attempt is huge. And that's all on Durant.
And he doesn't turn 22 until five weeks from now.
1. Bitch Made(notes), Miami Heat (last year: first)
By now we know what we're dealing with, with LeBron.
The guy is lost. We probably would be too had we had the same upbringing, the same things whispered in our ear and/or shouted on cable TV before we could legally drive. But that doesn't mean we can't criticize him time and again for appearing - what should the catch-all word of the day be for LeBron today? - clueless. Over and over again.
But he's also the best player in the game. Others are more accomplished, because others have had better teams. Others have been more tactful, classier, smarter and worked harder. But in the end, all these mitigating factors don't take enough away for us not to accurately describe LeBron James as, far and away, the best player in pro basketball.
And, certainly, the best player at his position.
He is the best player in the game. And still bitch made. Nice to see Gerald Wallace get some run.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ba...t=An_ZJIIEzJlZepq4_Pw6HwO8vLYF?urn=nba-264568
