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NBA

Your 2009 NBA Stat Line of The Year

By Matt Soldano

November 15, 2009, at 12:25 am

4 people had their say - chime in!

November 14, 2009: Milwaukee Bucks 129 – Golden State Warriors 125.

Brandon Jennings: 55 points (21-34 FG, 7-8 3PT, 6-8 FT) 5 rebounds 5 assists

While the rebounds and assists may seem average, this is a rookie point guard who just dropped double nickel! With every impressive game Jennings has, the NCAA cringes as more and more high school seniors will find overseas to be the more attractive route rather than college. Knicks fans are quiet tonight, as well they should be. Jordan Hill is showing some positive signs (in garbage time albeit).

Here’s to Brandon Jennings, your 2009-10 ROY.

NBA

Donnie Swings and Misses: Revisiting June’s Draft

By Matt Soldano

November 4, 2009, at 12:46 pm

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Despite the 2009-10 NBA Season being a week old, I have come to the decision that Donnie Walsh blew it in June’s Draft when he had the number eight overall pick. I understand that Walsh had his hands tied when Stephen Curry and Ricky Rubio were already picked but I still cannot come to terms as to why Donnie Walsh believed that with their lottery pick Jordan Hill was the best option.

In my mock drafts, specifically leading up to the actual night of, I pegged the Knicks selecting Hill only because of the admiration the organization had for the former Wildcat. It is obvious though that there were two players that Walsh should have selected two guys before the thought of Hill crossed their minds. Ty Lawson and more specifically, Brandon Jennings, fit the Knicks plans and design and unfortunately, Donnie swung and missed…big time.

Hill has played in one game this year and has played a grand total of two minutes. Now no one thought he would come in and be a rookie of the year caliber type of player but no one thought he would be this far behind in terms of getting up to NBA speed and development. Compare those stats to Ty Lawson of the Denver Nuggets who is currently averaging 9 points and 3 assists in a backup role to Chauncey Billups in less than 20 minutes of play. I always thought Lawson would be a guy who could perfectly fit the bill with D’Antoni’s run and gun style. He is averaging a 5:1 Assists/Turnover ratio. That is how you play point guard folks.

Without Blake Griffin, Brandon Jennings has stolen the spotlight for this year’s rookies putting up ridiculous numbers for the Milwaukee Bucks. With a line of 22 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists, Jennings has stolen the show and makes the departure of Ramon Sessions a forgotten thought. While he drew criticisms for leaving Arizona to play in Italy, Jennings has proven the inconsistency shown overseas was all a fluke, and his American game translates much better.

So where does Jordan Hill fit? Mike D’Antoni has already converted Wilson Chandler to the 4 to play similarly to Shawn Marion when D’Antoni was in Phoenix and he has David Lee at center. With Gallo and Al Harrington also being able to play the 3 and the 4, the need for Hill is perplexing. If Donnie Walsh felt there was a pressing need for a big man, why did he not draft Brook Lopez over Gallinari in 2008? Has Gallo proven anything in the NBA besides the fact that 75% of his shots this season have been 3 pointers? If I wanted that, give me Jason Kapono for a fraction of the money and draft Lopez.

The track record for Donnie Walsh’s draft picks have been less than impressive. Here are a list of the first round picks since Walsh began drafting with the Indiana Pacers.

The Good: Reggie Miller, Rik Smits, Al Harrington, Danny Granger,

The Bad: George McCloud, Dale Davis, Travis Best, Erick Dampier, Vonteego Cummings

The Ugly: Malik Sealy, Scott Haskin, Eric Piatkowski, Austin Croshere, Primoz Brezec, Fred Jones, David Harrison, Jonathan Bender, Shawne Williams

The names don’t lie. Walsh has put all of his chips onto the table by acquiring expiring contract after expiring contract. If Walsh is unable to land Lebron James, what will the reaction be then from Knicks fans? With no 2010 first round pick (which would have surely land them in the lottery) when can the Knicks address the point guard situation? Can Toney Douglas actually assume the full-time position next year? Doubt it. All Knicks fans can do now is watch Jordan Hill continually disappoint hopefuls by sitting on the bench while Brandon Jennings continues to soar in Wisconsin. Who knows, maybe he will start to take Packer fans minds off of Brett Favre.

NBA

Thoughts From Wednesday Night in the NBA

By Matt Soldano

October 29, 2009, at 2:22 pm

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With most teams having played their first game of the season, here are a couple things that stuck out in my opinion from each game and which player stood out to me from each team (negatively or positively)

Atlanta Hawks 120, Indiana Pacers 109 – Josh Smith 18 points, 8 assists, 5 stls – Danny Granger 31 pts, 4 rebounds.

I think this is the beginning to a huge season for Josh Smith and he can finish as a top 10 fantasy player. I was surprised how long Indiana was in the game but I guess that’s what happens when you make 10 three’s and shoot over 53%.

Orlando Magic 120, Philadelphia 76ers 106 – Dwight Howard 21 points, 15 rebounds – Elton Brand 8 points, 6 rebounds.

So far, same old Brand as he cannot get accustomed to Philly’s run and gun style. An awful second quarter in which the Sixers were outscored by 21 put them in a hole they could never get out of.

Toronto Raptors 101, Cleveland Cavaliers 91 – Andrea Bargnani 28 points, 5 rebounds – Lebron James 23 points, 11 rebounds, 12 assists.

Two games in and the King already has one triple double however, the Cavs also have two losses. Right now the Cavs are looking sluggish on both sides and Lebron is not getting any help from the supporting cast. Barganani was a huge matchup problem that Cleveland had no answer for.

Boston Celtics 92, Charlotte Bobcats 59 – Shelden Williams 12 points and 9 rebounds – Gerald Wallace 10 points and 12 rebounds.

Congrats Charlotte! You managed to get in the record books on Day One for the lowest amount of points on opening night in the shot clock era. The Bobcats managed to shoot just 31% went 0-10 from downtown and shot 52% from the charity stripe. Wow. Kudos to Boston for shutting them down but in the words of Ed Lover, “C’mon Son!”

Miami Heat 115, New York Knicks 93 – Jermaine O’Neal 22 points and 12 rebounds – Danilo Gallinari 22 points (7-13 3PT).

For the Heat, it is real nice to see O’Neal get off to a start as he was such a disappointment last year and has been for the past few years. O’Neal is going to be a key for the Heat to win a playoff series. For the Knicks, Gallo did drop 20+ but I have a problem with how he got them. He took one two point shot! If Gallo is going to be this type of player, give me Jason Kapono for less money and I would have drafted Eric Gordon with the 6th overall pick.

Minnesota Timberwolves 95, New Jersey Nets 93 – Johnny Flynn 18 points and 4 rebounds – Terrence Williams 15 points 10 rebounds.

Flynn absolutely tore ish up in the 4th quarter scoring 13 of his 18 points and leading a Timberwolves comeback. I really enjoyed watch Flynn play in his first game and is my runner-up for ROY if Harden doesn’t play as much as I think. Williams was one of three Nets to record double doubles (Lopez and Yi) but his was most surprising. He got his minutes once Jarvis Hayes went out with a hamstring injury and obviously made the most of it.

San Antonio Spurs 113, New Orleans Hornets 96 – Dejuan Blair 14 points and 11 rebounds – Chris Paul 26 points and 9 assists.

Looks like I was right about Blair (hah Nick Malone!) He would have played more if he didn’t commit 4 fouls but in 23 minutes, Blair had a double double and in 6 minutes, he had 6 boards. He put up better numbers than Tim Duncan and will be an absolute force. For the Hornets, my oh my, they look awful. Chris Paul is looking for the closest escape route and its no where in sight right now. As Max Caster put it brilliantly last night on Off the Glass, “Anytime your team needs Stephen Jackson to stay in the playoff race, you know your team sucks.”

Oklahoma City Thunder 102, Sacramento Kings 89 – Kevin Durant 25 points and 11 rebounds – Kevin Martin 27 points (5-19 shooting, 14-14 FT).

Durant is off to a solid start and put all the negative talk about how he has a career -7 when he is on the floor by posting a +17. Take that haters! Russell Westbrook continues to impress by posting 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 13 assists. The key stat: 2 turnovers. However, they were playing the Kings, and let’s not forget that. Tyreke Evans really struggled in his debut shooting 5-16, kudos to Russ’ for that shutdown D. Long long season for Sacramento follows…

Detroit Pistons 96, Memphis Grizzlies 74 – Ben Gordon 22 points off the bench – O.J. Mayo 9 points (2-12 shooting) 6 rebounds.

While Gordon looked great the Pistons other prized free agent, Charlie Villaneuava did not, scoring just 7 points. Rumors are swirling that the Pistons are looking hard in trading Rip Hamilton so we will keep our eyes on that. The Grizz were just as unimpressive as the Bobcats because they do have scorers who just flat-out were terrible last night. Those die-hard Grizzlies fans are praying for an Iverson sighting, and that can never be a good thing. Stick to BBQ and not basketball, Memphis.

Denver Nuggets 114, Utah Jazz 105 – Carmelo Anthony 30 points 8 rebounds – Deron Williams 28 points and 13 assists.

One of the more entertaining games of the night as both teams went back and forth and some of the game’s elite talent battled it out for 48 minutes. In the end, Williams could not get enough help from his sidekick in Carlos Boozer, just 12 points, than Melo got with his in Chauncey Billups who dropped 25. Also, big ups to Ty Lawson dropping 17 and six dimes in his debut. Here’s to UNC!

Houston Rockets 108, Golden State Warriors 107 – Trevor Ariza 25 points, 5 rebounds – Stephen Curry 14 points, 7 assists, 4 stls.

I hate Don Nelson, officially. Why the hell does Ronny Turiaf start ahead of Anthony Randolph? Can someone please tell me?!? Other than that, Curry scored the team’s final six points to keep the game close but the Rockets made some big stops at the end and pulled out with the win.

Phoenix Suns 109, Los Angeles Clippers 107 – Steve Nash 24 points, 8 assists – Baron Davis 12 points (4-11), 12 assists.

Through two games Davis is shooting 5-21, a stretch that must get turned around especially without Blake Griffin. Nash’s game winning lay-up with 5 seconds was the difference maker as Eric Gordon couldn’t connect on the buzzer beater three.

NBA

2009-10 NBA Season Predictions and Preview

By Matt Soldano

October 25, 2009, at 1:37 am

2 people had their say - chime in!

The basketball season is less than a week away and no one is more pumped than this guy. With all the players movement in the off-season we are surely going to have a memorable NBA year. With that being said, here is how I see all the teams being placed come playoff time…

Eastern Conference:

1. Boston Celtics, 63-19: Sheed’s going to have his moments where he makes the Celtics seem like a team in distress and out of sync. However, with a healthy Kevin Garnett the team’s overall play will hide any mini blowups. X-Factor: Rajon Rondo, coming off a huge Bulls and playoff series, he is bound to keep on impressing.

2. Cleveland Cavaliers, 60-22: Does Shaq make this team better? Absolutely. Does he make them title favorites? No. With that being said, Lebron is going to get his and if Mo Williams can find any sort of a shooting stroke their chances of reaching the Finals will be strong. X Factor: Shaquille O’Neal. Bron-Bron got his wish and that is to finally play with a star. However this star is fragile and can break down at anytime.

3. Orlando Magic, 59-23: We are finally going to see if Vince Carter is the bonafide star that many think he is. I think he is a better all around player than Hedo Turkoglu but can he mesh with Dwight and Rashard Lewis the biggest question. X Factor: Jameer Nelson. He seems to be getting lost in the shuffle of the roster. If the Magic have Nelson fully healthy against the Lakers, how different is the series?

4. Atlanta Hawks, 48-34: The Hawks continue to be a team with young talent who are looking to take the next step. Last year, they finally won a playoff series and with the same roster plus Jamal Crawford, they are positioning themselves for another solid season. X Factor: Josh Smith. “Smoove” as Defranco calls him, fills up the box score night in and night out and is the biggest matchup problem on the team.

5. Washington Wizards, 46-36: If this team is healthy, they are very dangerous. Already they are starting without Antwan Jamison who will miss three to five weeks with a shoulder injury. I love the depth on this team and think they are a team that can make some noise. X-Factor: Easy, Gilbert Arenas. He is a top 10 scorer who can take over the game at any time. The Wizards will go as far as he can take them.

6. Miami Heat, 43-39: Top to bottom this team has the weakest roster out all the teams I have making the playoffs. However, they have Dwayne Wade who can single handily bring any squad into late April. This team is a much improved Michael Beasley away from making even more noise. X-Factor: Michael Beasley. Is he a 20-10 type of player? I’ll be cheering hard for Beasley this year after his rehab stint over the off-season as he tries to reach that sort of potential.

7. Philadelphia 76ers, 42-40: Not many teams play the way Philly does with their athletic up-tempo type of offense. Lou Williams and Thaddeus Young are two players who continue to improve and recently received extensions. X-Factor: Elton Brand. Last year, before he got hurt, Brand had no place on this offense as he could not fit into the up-tempo type of play. This year, Jordan will continue to run but will incorporate Brand nicely and I expect a bounce back year.

8. Detroit Pistons, 42-40: Ben Gordon and Charlie Villaneuava are two of the biggest signings of the off-season. The big question: Can Gordon coincide with Rip Hamilton? He will start as the 6th Man, a role he is used to from Chicago. If the Pistons can maximize the talent out of Jason Maxiell and Rodney Stuckey they could be setting themselves up nicely. X Factor: Charlie Villaneuava. His partner in the starting front line is Kwame Brown. Enough said…

9. Chicago Bulls, 41-41: Talk about a team blowing it big time. I cannot believe the Bulls made little to no effort in trying to resign Ben Gordon in the off-season. I see no one on this team that can match what Gordon did for this team. Derrick Rose will continue to be great but I have major questions about Luol Deng’s health and their front court (Tyrus, I’m looking at you…) X-Factor: Joakim Noah. He showed me something against the Celtics and if Tyrus can’t play consistently on a night to night basis maybe Noah can.

10. Toronto Raptors, 39-43: They’re close, but not close enough. Hedo Turkoglu improves the team but his deficiencies on defense will be exploited as he no longer has Dwight Howard to back him up. After Chris Bosh, does this team have another solid scorer that can consistently score at least 15 points? X-Factor: Andrea Bargnani. He might be the guy who can average 15 points but I fear that Hedo is going to take away some of his shots. Despite being a 7-footer, he spends a lot of his time on the perimeter, a spot similar to another foreign dude on the team.

11. Charlotte Bobcats, 37-45: I think this team made a huge mistake not going after Allen Iverson in the off-season. They could have used his offense…big time. The Bobcats have talent but the problem is they won’t be able to score. Larry Brown’s coaching will make up for some of their flaws on offense and he can get the most out of his point guards and especially Gerald Wallace. X-Factor: Tyson Chandler. He is not the same type of player on offense as Emeka Okafor but he can hold his own on defense. Will he be on the court though or will he be hindered by injuries?

12. New York Knicks, 34-48: A slight upgrade from last year in terms of record. It’s not that the Knicks have a roster worth 2 more wins, it is just the entire Eastern Conference really improved. This is the last year before the big 2010 frenzy so we’ll see how impressive these guys can be for upcoming free agents. I’m saying Bosh and Joe Johnson in the big city…X-Factor: Danilo Gallinari. Yes, I know, I’ve hated this dude on the radio constantly but the truth is, he needs to have a big year for the Knicks for them to stay competitive. He had a major up and down pre-season but now he has to put it together.

13. Indiana Pacers, 29-53: Danny Granger, Troy Murphy, Danny Granger, Troy Murphy, Danny Granger, Troy Murphy, Danny Granger, Troy Murphy, Danny Granger, Troy Murphy, Danny Granger, Troy Murphy, Danny Granger, Troy Murphy, Ghost of Roy Hibbert. Is there anyone else on this team? X-Factor: Roy Hibbert. I just want to make sure he still has a pulse.

14. New Jersey Nets, 26- 56: The Nets have real solid pieces with Devin Harris and Brook Lopez. The problem is, what do they have after that? Hopefully an up and coming Chris Douglas-Roberts and a lottery pick in Terrence Williams who can see an increased role on a bad team. X-Factor: CDR. I’m on the bandwagon. He had a real solid pre-season and could be your starting small forward shortly.

15. Milwaukee Bucks, 20-62: What a tough off-season for the Bucks. Losing Ramon Sessions, Richard Jefferson, and Chuck Villaneuava and receiving absolutely nothing. That’s gotta put you last in the conference. X-Factor: Brandon Jennings. He is the only guy worth watching. Period.

Western Conference:

1. Los Angeles Lakers, 65-17: I maintain the fact that the Lakers are a better team with Artest and not Ariza. With that being said, there are two things to watch this year. Can Artest fit and can Bynum hold up? If those two things happen, the Lakers are the easy favorites to contend. Kobe is going to be Kobe and this could be his most defining season if he can keep the team together. Odom is a newlywed and we all get to see Kim Kardashian courtside on Tuesday night. (Two thumbs WAYY up) X-Factor: Ron Artest. Close second is Bynum but the Lakers proved they can win a title without literally nothing from their center. Artest can derail this team very quickly and everyone is waiting for it to happen.

2. San Antonio Spurs, 60-22: The team with the best off-season should be in for a very impressive season. With Richard Jefferson, the Spurs are a younger more athletic team and that will help when they face teams like Portland, Denver, and Dallas. DeJuan Blair continues to impress so far. X-Factor: Tim Duncan. I think he has one more year in him where he can put up great numbers. He has the supporting cast to do so but the Spurs are the most fragile team out there.

3. Portland Trail Blazers, 53-29: Andre Miller right now is not happy after losing his starting position to Steve Blake but they paid him starter’s money in the off-season and I think he will regain his spot. Aldridge is paid so does not have to pout any longer and Brandon Roy is a top 10 player in the league. Portland is also one of the deepest teams in the West. X-Factor: Greg Oden. Had a resurgent pre-season and is determined to start over Joel Pryzbilla. If Oden is fully healthy, Portland is one of the teams that can match the Lakers’ height.

4. Denver Nuggets, 51-31: Carmelo Anthony matured into an elite superstar last season and it was not because of the scorer but by the overall talent he possessed. Chauncey Billups is getting older though and they may have to adjust their up and down style. Also, with J.R. Smith moving into the starting lineup, who can provide the scoring off the bench? Depth is their biggest question. X-Factor: Chauncey Billups. I just have a feeling that this could be a down year for Billups where he burns out at the end.

5. Dallas Mavericks, 50-32: I love what Dallas did this off-season. After losing out to Marcin Gortat, the Mavs knew they had to make a splash and they did so by acquiring Shawn Marion to play small forward. At the end of games, few teams can match Kidd, Howard, Marion, Dirk, and Jason Terry. I expect Dallas to make noise this season and win a round or two in the playoffs. Also, don’t count out the boy, “Roddy Buckets” (Rodrigue Beaubois). X-Factor: Josh Howard. Dirk and Marion can coincide on the court but how will Howard respond. He is a guy who can average 20 points but will see less production with Marion involved. Can he sacrifice the stats for wins?

6. Utah Jazz, 48-34: For a while I had the Hornets here, but I decided on the Jazz. Deron Williams is as good as they come at the point guard position and the Jazz keeping Paul Millsap not only gives them insurance to Boozer but a favorite for sixth man of the year. If the Jazz can find some sort of road consistency they will push 50+ wins. X-Factor: Carlos Boozer. If Boozer stays healthy, the Jazz can realistically pull an upset in the first round. The problem is, he probably won’t and the Jazz are looking at another first round exit.

7. New Orleans Hornets, 44-38: Day by day, the Hornets front office is absolutely crushing this team around Chris Paul. I like the Okafor trade but now he does not even want to get on the court and the teammates are getting pissed at him, claiming he is no longer injured. I do not have the same confidence in David West as I once did and their depth is absolutely putrid. X-Factor: Julian Wright/Peja/Mo Pete. Can one of these guys step up for once? Really, anytime now…

8. Oklahoma City Thunder, 41-41: Hey, I can dream, can’t I? The thing is, the “Zombies” as Bill Simmons calls them, do not have that much of an outside chance at making the playoffs. With Kevin Durant winning a scoring title this year (yep, mark it) and Russell Westbrook, Jeff Green, and James Harden as ROY (yep, mark it) the Thunder need just some sort of production from their front-court. Also, the end of their schedule compares favorably to teams like Phoenix and the Clips. X-Factor: Nenad Kristic. Just give me 12 and 8, man…

9. Phoenix Suns, 40-42: Nash is older and Amare is durability issue every time he runs up and down the court. Also, the Suns bench is absolutely dreadful with only Captain Barbosa to get excited about. The Suns will score but Coach Gentry just won’t get them to defend, and the West can score. X-Factor: Amare Stoudemire. Looking for a big deal in the summer, I expect him to have a big season if he can remain healthy.

10. Los Angeles Clippers, 37-45: The Clips are right there. They have the talent to make the playoffs this year. But like I told WCWP’s Max Caster this past week: As long as Mike Dunleavy is their coach, they won’t make the playoffs. Book it. X-Factor: Baron Davis. Davis is coming into the regular season in reportedly, the best shape of his career. He has always been a big point guard but this year he needs to stay healthy to prove my theory wrong.

11. Houston Rockets, 36-46: If Rick Adelman can get this team to the playoffs he not only deserves to be the unanimous coach of the year, but should be given the key to the city. Here is their projected starting lineup: Aaron Brooks, Trevor Ariza, Shane Battier, Carl Landry, Luis Scola. It’s gonna be tough and I do not think it will happen, but I will not be shocked if they can get it done and play into late April. X-Factor: Luis Scola. Look for him to have a big year with Yao out. I’m thinking 16 points and 10 rebounds…

12. Golden State Warriors, 32-50: On paper, Monta Ellis, Stephen Jackson, Stephen Curry, and Andris Biedrins looks like a solid core. However, this team is just absolutely nuts with Don Nelson and Jackson wanting out. Ellis is happy one day and pissed the other. Anthony Randolph, one of my favorites, is going to have a monster season on a terrible team. I always feel bad for those guys. X-Factor: Anthony Randolph. Read above.

13. Memphis Grizzlies, 25- 57: Again, a ton of talent but only one ball. Iverson is coming off the bench but his presence is just going to stunt the progress of Mike Conley and O.J. Mayo. Rudy Gay is sure to be gone after this year and could become the most attractive trade piece in February. Not to mention this team has Zach Randolph. WTF, Chris Wallace?? X-Factor: Allen Iverson. How badly will this signing look come December. When they are 7-25, he is going to be crying to get out.

14. Minnesota Timberwolves, 22-60: Kevin Love’s injury really hurts as he won’t be back until December. I love Johnny Flynn but I wonder how well he can do this season with Ramon Sessions. If Al Jefferson can stay healthy, he will be your starting center for the West in the All-Star Game. X-Factor: Al Jefferson. Knee injury cut his season short last year after averaging 23 and 11. He has not even reached his potential yet…

15. Sacramento Kings, 15-67: And we have reached the worst team in the NBA. Tyreke Evans will have his impressive moments but he is a tweener between point guard and shooting guard. Kevin Martin can score but that’s it. Jason Thompson is also a decent piece but is over-looked. X-Factor: Spencer Hawes. He along with Thompson needs to improve after a solid season. His play will not make a ton of difference but can give King fans something to look forward to. Probably not…

Conference Finals: Boston over Cleveland

Los Angeles over Portland

Finals: Los Angeles over Boston

Quick Awards:

MVP = Kobe Bryant

Rookie of the Year = James Harden

Most Improved = Anthony Randolph

Sixth Man = Ben Gordon

Coach = Scott Brooks

NBA

Iverson: I Am Signing With Memphis

By Matt Soldano

September 9, 2009, at 11:26 am

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According to Allen Iverson’s Twitter account, the biggest name left on the free agent market has chosen a team. AI had this to say on his account:

“God chose Memphis as the place that I will continue my career. I met with Mr. Heinsley, Chris Wallace, and my next head coach Lionel Hollins. I feel that they are committed to developing a winner and I know that I can help them accomplish that. I feel that I can trust them.”

The deal is said to be worth for one year for worth $3.5 million, much less than the near $21 mill he was earning last season. Here is my take: Who would have thought one of the smallest markets in the NBA and in all of professional sports would house O.J. Mayo, Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, and now A.I. Although Iverson is a household name who has earned his spot in the Hall of Fame once his career is finished, I cannot come to grips with where he fits in the Grizz system. Does Lionel Hollins play Iverson at the point and take rising young guard Mike Conley off the bench or vice versa? How will there be any ball movement when you have three pair of hands that belong to Rudy Gay, Zach Randolph, and Iverson? And how long will the whole “I’m going to be a good guy and lead by example” charade last by Iverson.

Let’s face the facts, there were four teams throughout this entire offseason that were linked in some sort of way to Iverson. The Miami Heat, New York Knicks, Charlotte Bobcats, and of course, the Memphis Grizzlies. The reason why Iverson took so long to sign was because he was holding out hope that one of those teams would offer Iverson somewhat of an appropriate contract. If I had to pick one team that would have been the best fit it would definitely be the Bobcats because of head coach Larry Brown and his ability to coach Iverson. I am not so sure if Lionel Hollins can last a full 82 games.

To me, Iverson is still a guy who can score the ball and put up 20+ points per game. Assuming the Grizz put out a starting five of Iverson, Mayo, Gay, Randolph, and Thabeet on opening night with Conley and Marc Gasol coming off the bench, this team is primed to win 30 games. In a tough Western Conference and too many players to share one basketball, Iverson might have wanted to just take a discount and wait for an offer from either of the Eastern Conference teams.

NBA

Knicks Should Look at Bowen

By Max Caster

August 1, 2009, at 10:48 pm

One comment so far

Bruce Bowen was just released by the Milwaukee Bucks. He fell victim to a bad team making a move purely for salary cap space. Now it’s being said that the 37-year old swingman will most likely not go back to San Antonio — the place where Bowen made his name known. Now he’s a free agent, waiting for any offers to roll in.

The New York Knicks have an abundance of forwards, most notably, Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler. Those two youngsters will no doubt get the most minutes. Al Harrington and Larry Hughes will get time there too. But what that group lacks is lockdown defense and a championship pedigree.

Bruce Bowen

As a team moving forward, the Knicks aren’t expected to make any huge jumps in the standings within the next two years. The group of young players hasn’t proven itself yet. Hell, we don’t even know if it’s complete with David Lee still out on the market. But even with Lee, the group would improve immeasurably if Bruce Bowen was part of the team. Having that stable veteran with 3 NBA titles under his belt will make an impression upon the kids.

Bowen clearly didn’t make his name as the leading scorer. His career-best is 8.2 points per game. But — as cliche as it sounds — he did all the little things. Hard work, diligence and intelligence are evident in Bowen’s game. He can stress the significance of team basketball displayed in San Antonio. He’d be like an extra coach. New York doesn’t have that type of presence on their roster — not since the exit of Malik Rose.

The other thing Bowen brings is a ruthless, underhanded nature. He’s not the most athletic player, but Bruce Bowen always ends up guarding the Kobe Bryant’s and Carmelo Anthony’s of the NBA. Why? Because he plays semi-dirty, pesky defense and is known to slip in some blows now and again.

I hearken back to the series against New Orleans where Bowen threw a forearm shot to the injured back of David West. That knocked West out of the game and helped the Spurs win the series. That type of attitude is reminiscent of the Knicks teams of the 90’s.

I’m not suggesting that Bruce Bowen alone would bring a title to NY, but it’s a step in the right direction. I wouldn’t recommend signing him to anything more than a 2-year deal worth very little money. But an off-season with Bowen, David Lee and Ramon Sessions all signed would make the Knicks more appealing to upcoming free agents.

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