News broke that the Clippers are not paying fired GM/Coach Mike Dunleavy the money he is owed on his contract. I flippantly remarked that if the Clippers are that desperate for money, that I'd do the job for free. I did give it some thought, however, and decided these would be the five steps I'd take to return the Clippers to relevance, and at the very least, mediocrity (which is music to any Clipper fans' ears).
1. Trade Chris Kaman while his value is at an all-time high, and institute a running style.
Actually, this should have been done the minute he made the all-star team last season. His numbers were a huge fluke (padded by how many shots he took) and he will never repeat them on a winning team. His IQ is terrible on both ends, and the sooner they can get another player of value, the better. Blake Griffin will cut into Kaman's value immensely, and is a much better fit with Baron Davis. Kaman makes 23.5 million over the next two seasons, so his contract shouldn't be too big of an obstacle. A straight swap for Tyson Chandler might make sense for both parties.
More creative proposal: Kaman (2 yrs, 23M) for Stephen Jackson (3 yrs, 27.8M) & Nazr Mohammed (1 yr, 6.9M). Jax is re-united with Davis while Charlotte picks up a post player and saves some money.
2. Surround B-Diddy and B-Griffy with more shooters/athletes who compliment their athletic running style.
Eric Gordon is fine - you can equate him to a young Monta Ellis with 3pt range. But SF needs improvement. Travis Outlaw must be re-signed as he fits in well as the backup SF/PF, and should be better when fully healthy next season. I'm not sure I'd run with Rasual Butler again next season. Quentin Richardson will be a free agent and could be looking for a new home. Either way, the Clippers have five free agents to re-sign or replace (backup PG, backup SG, starting SF, backup SF, backup PF).
3. Re-sign Steve Blake.
Blake compliments Davis pretty well as a backup - of course, there's no shortage of other backups in the FA class if he decides to sign elsewhere. Blake is still the best available fit, and the only alternative I can think of would be Jason Williams, who isn't really an option since he decided he'd rather retire than play for the Clippers two years ago. Chris Duhon, perhaps?
4. Sign Rudy Gay to an absurd offer financial offer and wait for Memphis to match.
This is a win-win situation, as Gay fits with a running team very well, and is young enough to possibly be worth the money down the line. If Memphis matches, they're handcuffing themselves into a team that already missed the playoffs despite excellent health throughout the year.
4B. Sign David Lee. (both might be possible, I'm not familiar with LA's cap situation)
LOL at me now, but who else do you think will take the Clippers money? Bosh and Amare will not sign with the Clippers over Miami, NY, or their own respective teams. Start Lee at center and you have one of the league's most athletic frontlines, and a player whose proven he's an all-star in an uptempo system. Blake Griffin is actually a bit bigger than Lee at 6'10" and 250 lbs, and will also have DeAndre Jordan (6'11" and 250 and most importantly, a shotblocker) backing him up
5. Hire Mark Jackson to coach.
Better snatch him up before he joins the Nets. Jax has a solid repore with players and won't exactly need to be a masterful tactician on a running team... he's certainly a better fit than defensive minded guys like Avery or JVG... who are too reputable/smart to take a job with a low-class organization like the Clippers.
5B. Hire Larry Brown to coach, and have him teach me everything he knows.
That way when Brown moves on a year from now, I can begin my reign as GM/Coach. All kidding aside...
My projected lineup would be...
PG: Baron Davis (81), Steve Blake (65)
SG: Eric Gordon (72), Mardy Collins (62)
SF: Rudy Gay (76), Rasual Butler (65)
PF: Blake Griffin (77), Al Harrington (74)
C: Tyson Chandler (70), DeAndre Jordan (61)
My alternate lineup would be...
PG: Baron Davis (81), Steve Blake (65)
SG: Eric Gordon (72), Mardy Collins (62)
SF: Stephen Jackson (79), Rasual Butler (65)
PF: Blake Griffin (77), DeAndre Jordan (61)
C: David Lee (80), Nazr Mohammed (71)
Both are an improvement over last season's team, which was...
PG: Baron Davis (81), Steve Blake (65)
SG: Eric Gordon (72), Mardy Collins (62)
SF: Rasual Butler (65), Travis Outlaw (71)
PF: Drew Gooden (70), Craig Smith (70)
C: Chris Kaman (75), DeAndre Jordan (61)
So am I the town loon or what? What would you do to improve the Clippers?
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Real 2K Insider [04-22-10]
This will probably be my final "roster breakdown" for 2K10 as there won't be anything new for me to report aside from adding the minor players that make up the missing 9% of the roster.
I also adjusted the coach profiles again using end of season data, which should help make this my most realistic 2K effort yet.
This was a huge year for me considering 2K revamped it's rating system from 50-99 to 25-99 while adding many new attributes and tendencies. It's safe to say that 2K Sports won't be overhauling 2K11, so by getting all the work down now, much of my data should be able to make a smooth transition into next year's title.
That should give me more time to focus on team by team breakdowns, providing league analysis, and perhaps even focusing on MLB a bit as previously promised... It would also give me a great deal more free time in my every day life.
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The lastest Real 2K Insider roster has been uploaded to 2K Share! Download it now, and please feel free to leave your thoughts and feedback!
FILE NAME: Real 2K Insider [4-22-10]
GAMERTAG: Real 2K Insider
PLATFORM: Xbox 360
HIGHLIGHTS
90.6% of all active players in the NBA (387/427) have been edited!
All edited players updated monthly!
No missing players!
Accurate player positions, player roles, and rotations for all teams!
Accurate contracts for all edited players!
Updated shooting tendencies and accessories!
Updated coach profiles for all teams!
Revised speed and quickness ratings for bigmen!
Revised shoot off dribble and shoot in traffic for all players!
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PLAYER MOVEMENT
Marcus Camby signed a 2 year extension with the Blazers worth 21 million. His presence will take the pressure off Greg Oden and allow him to continue to develop on the bench. This also means the Blazers don't have to depend on Joel Przybilla having a full recovery - Przy re-injured himself slipping in the shower and was likely going to be a 3rd string center upon recovery anyway.
Bit players signed for the playoffs and summer league/training camp
Rob Kurz, Bulls: Stretch four and emergency option for a team lacking shooters
Oliver Lafayette, Celitcs: Third string PG will get a look over summer.
Tony Gaffney, Celtics: More frontcourt depth, see above.
Shavlik Randolph, Heat: 3rd string PF, nothing more, nothing less.
Coby Karl, Nuggets: Will stay with team so long as George Karl has cancer.
Brian Butch, Nuggets: More frontcourt depth.
Alexander Johnson, Rockets: Not sure he fits as Rockets are stacked at PF.
Dwayne Jones, Suns: One of D-League's best centers.
Mustafa Shakur, Thunder: Will take Kevin Ollie's place next season.
Greg Stiemsma, Wolves: Keep the centers coming until one actually works.
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INJURY REPORT
Jazz center Mehmet Okur ruptured his achilles during the first playoff game against the Nuggets. He had surgery and will be out until at least December - meaning he won't be ready for the outset of next season. This has HUGE ramifications for the Jazz both in the present and future. Not only must Utah rely on two raw backups (Kyrylo Fesenko and Kosta Koufos) in Okur's absence, but there is a possibility Okur may never be the same player again (this is the same injury that Elton Brand had with the Clippers, after all). What makes this an even tougher pill to swallow is the Jazz were likely looking to part ways with Carlos Boozer over the summer and will be seriously lacking depth up front. It's safe to say that owning NY's lottery pick (likely the 9th pick) could not have come at a more crucial time for the franchise.
Brandon Roy tore his meniscus right before the playoffs, and there have been varying reports on how soon he could return - some even project he could return towards the end of the first round if the Blazers make it that far.
Andrew Bogut suffered gruesome season ending injuries which put a damper on his season. The Bucks have no chance in the playoffs without him.
Andrew Bynum, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kenyon Martin returned from injury and returned to their respective team's starting lineups just in time for the playoffs.
Earl Barron signed with the Knicks and quickly found himself starting for the team down the stretch - his presence allowed David Lee to return to his natural PF.
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ROTATION UPDATES
Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili have switched roles since Parker's return from injury. Ginobili has been beasting in the starting lineup and has been a boon for both George Hill and Richard Jefferson. Parker meanwhile automatically becomes one of the league's top sixth men (if not the best).
Kyrylo Fesenko has taken Mehmet Okur's place in the Jazz starting lineup following Okur's injury.
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BIGGEST MOVERS
88/C - Tim Duncan (-3)
Duncan's shot blocking tailed off in the second half of the season, as he only had 39 blocks over his last 35 games (1.1 per game). This is also the 2nd straight season Duncan has blocked fewer than 4% of shots (3.7% last year, 3.5% this year, compared to his 4.5% career average), so it looks like the diminished shot blocking is here to stay.
84/PG - Russell Westbrook (+3)
Westbrook had an excellent sophomore season and showed he was more than the next Steve Francis - that he's going to be better. Westbrook had 38.6 AST% this season (7th in league), a vast improvement from last season's 27.5 AST% He's a better defender than Derrick Rose, and just as athletic. If he can fix his broken jumpshot, he'll be better than Rajon Rondo (which means, you guessed it, a bonafide star).
83/PF - Pau Gasol (-3)
Personally, I find it comical (as usual) that the 2K Insider RAISED Pau Gasol because he averaged 24 ppg during the month of April. OF COURSE HE DID! He was playing without Kobe and Bynum! All Gasol did was show us he's still a go-to scorer. I dropped Gasol because he was a softer defender this season - the Lakers are the greatest defensive team of all-time if you buy into 2K's defaults.
83/PG - Derrick Rose (+3)
Rose willed the Bulls into the playoffs by averaging 25 ppg during 8 April games. Rose struggled early in the season with an ankle injury, but turned it on after November and carried his overmatched team to the playoffs. Just imagine if his team had a 3pt shooter or a post presence...
77/PG - Stephen Curry (+3)
I've been calling Curry the next Mike Bibby for quite a while now, and he didn't disappoint, averaging 17.5 ppg and 5.9 apg for the league's most statistic enhancing team (any other team and that's 16 and 5 - still respectable numbers, especially for a 21 year old rookie). Curry shot the lights out from downtown this season, hitting 166 threes (6th) on a .437 percentage (7th). However, he's going to need to improve upon a 2:1 Assist to Turnover ratio if he's going to be a legit point guard in this league.
76/PF - Andray Blatche (+4)
Blatche thrived after the Wizards traded Antawn Jamison. He averaged 22.1 ppg, 8.3 rpg, and 3.6 apg after the all-star break. Going forward, he'll need to improve upon his rebounding, because it's unlikely that he'll ever be a #1 option on a playoff team (though he's certainly young enough to prove me wrong). Blatche is set to make 6.8 million dollars over the next two seasons - he is easily the best bargain in the entire league.
73/SF - Terrence Williams (+6)
Williams was abominable as a reserve for the first 4 months of the season, but got it going once the team gave him regular playing time down the stretch. He averaged 14-7-5 on 44% shooting across March and April, which is much more indicitive of the player he was touted to be on draft day than the player who shot an ugly 37% for much of the year.
72/PG - Rodrigue Beaubois (+4)
Beaubois had a solid rookie season and is a better overall player than JJ Barea. Look for him to steal Barea's job as Kidd's backup next training camp (if Barea is even with the team by then).
70/SF - Nicolas Batum (+3)
Batum shot the lights out in his 2nd season, increasing his TS% from .555 to .646. At just 21 years of age, he's one of the most promising young players in the NBA.
69/SG - Tracy McGrady (-6)
T-Mac was a shell of his former self and looked worse than Larry Hughes at times with the Knicks. He wants to latch onto a contender as a starter but an opportunity like that may not be available. It's conceivable that he's played his last game as he's mentioned retirement as an option if his knee doesn't fully recover.
69/PF - Jordan Hill (+3)
Hill showed he was at least a quality reserve with Houston, which begs the question: Why did the Knicks sign Jonathan Bender out of retirement to steal his minutes? Bender was brittle and unimpressive, while Knick fans never really had a chance to see what they had in the lottery pick they dumped in a cap clearing move.
68/SF - Reggie Williams (+4)
Williams showed that D-Leaguer's got talent, averaging 15 ppg on 49% shooting for Golden State's injury decimated team. To be quite honest, many more of these D-Leaguers would be getting called up if the NBA didn't have guaranteed contracts. It's a shame, because many of these guys are just making the jump to Europe because the D-League barely pays and full-time NBA gigs rarely present themselves.
64/PG - Shaun Livingston (+4)
Livingston averaged 11.2 ppg and 4.9 apg on 53% shooting as a starter with the Wizards. Washington didn't win many of those games, and those numbers aren't mindblowing for 30.7 mpg, but it's great to see Livingston is finally back after his career was derailed by injury. He'll make a fine reserve for some NBA team next season.
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THE RATINGS
387/427 (.906) NBA players updated
(+/-) = Difference from 2K Sports roster
LW = Overall change from last week
WAITING FOR THE CALL
PG: Marcus Banks (64), Chris Quinn (59), Kevin Ollie (58)
SG: Corey Brewer (66), Nick Young (66), Quinton Ross (64)
SF: Ryan Gomes (66), Dominic McGuire (64), Trenton Hassell (62)
PF: Tyler Hansbrough (68), D.J. White (63), Fabricio Oberto (62)
C: Jeff Foster (67), Rasho Nesterovic (61), Primoz Brezec (60)
Rashidi's TOP 10
95 - LeBron James (SF/PF)
93 - Dwyane Wade (SG/PG)
93 - Chris Paul (PG) (INJURED) (LW: -1)
93 - Kobe Bryant (SG/SF) (LW: -2)
91 - Dwight Howard (C) (LW: +3)
89 - Deron Williams (PG)
88 - Kevin Durant (SF) (LW: +1)
88 - Tim Duncan (C) (+1) (LW: -3)
87 - Chris Bosh (PF/C)
86 - Carmelo Anthony (SF) (LW: -1)
86 - Brandon Roy (SG/SF) (INJURED) (LW: -1)
2K Sports TOP 10
97 - LeBron James (SF/PF)
96 - Kobe Bryant (SG/SF)
96 - Dwyane Wade (SG/PG)
95 - Chris Paul (PG)
92 - Deron Williams (PG)
91 - Carmelo Anthony (SF)
90 - Tim Duncan (PF/C)
88 - Kevin Durant (SF/PF)
88 - Dwight Howard (C)
88 - Pau Gasol (PF/C) (LW: +2)
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POINT GUARDS (81/84)
93 – Chris Paul (-2) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON) (LW: -1)
89 – Deron Williams (-3)
85 – Rajon Rondo (-1)
84 – Steve Nash (-1) (LW: +1)
84 - Russell Westbrook (0) (LW: +3)
83 – Derrick Rose (-2) (LW: +3)
81 – Gilbert Arenas (-4) (SUSPENDED, OUT FOR SEASON)
81 – Baron Davis (-1) (LW -1)
81 – Darren Collison (+1) (LW: +2)
80 – Chauncey Billups (-4)
79 – Tony Parker (-1)
79 – Aaron Brooks (-1) (LW: +1)
79 – Devin Harris (0) (LW: +1)
77 – Jason Kidd (-6) (LW: +1)
77 – Stephen Curry (-4) (LW: +3)
77 – Brandon Jennings (+1) (LW: +1)
76 – Raymond Felton (+2)
76 – Jonny Flynn (+1)
75 – Jameer Nelson (-1)
75 – Mo Williams (-1)
75 – Rodney Stuckey (0)
75 – Nate Robinson (-2) (LW: -2)
75 – Kyle Lowry (-1)
74 – Andre Miller (-3)
74 – Luke Ridnour (+1) (LW: +1)
74 – Louis Williams (0)
74 – Toney Douglas (+2) (LW: +2)
74 – Ty Lawson (-2) (LW: -1)
73 – Michael Conley (-1) (LW: +2)
73 – T.J. Ford (+1)
73 – Will Bynum (+1)
72 – Jarrett Jack (+2)
72 – Mario Chalmers (+1)
72 – Rodrigue Beaubois (+2) (LW: +4)
71 – Jose Calderon (-1)
71 – George Hill (-4) (LW: +3)
71 – Keyon Dooling (+1)
71 – Rafer Alston (-3) (SUSPENDED, OUT FOR SEASON)
70 – Mike Bibby (-4)
70 – Beno Udrih (+2) (LW: +1)
70 – Jrue Holiday (-2) (LW: +2)
70 – Goran Dragic (+2) (LW: +1)
70 – Jason Williams (0)
70 – Jose Barea (+1) (LW: +1)
69 – Earl Watson (+4)
69 – Randy Foye (0) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON) (LW: +1)
69 – Earl Boykins (+3) (LW: -1)
69 – Chris Duhon (-2)
69 – Sergio Rodriguez (+8)
69 – Sebastian Telfair (+2)
68 – Carlos Arroyo (+3)
68 – Ramon Sessions (-2)
68 – D.J. Augustin (-1) (LW: +1)
68 – Eric Maynor (0)
67 – C.J. Watson (-2)
67 – Jordan Farmar (-1)
67 - Ronnie Price (+2) (LW: NEW)
67 – Sundiata Gaines (+1) (LW: +1)
66 – Jeff Teague (+1)
65 – Steve Blake (-4)
65 – Marcus Williams (+4) (LW: NEW)
65 – Jamaal Tinsley (-2) (LW: +2)
64 – Shaun Livingston (+1) (LW: +4)
64 – Eddie House (+1) (LW: -2)
64 – Jannero Pargo (+1)
64 – Anthony Johnson (+3)
63 – Derek Fisher (-8) (LW: -2)
63 – A.J. Price (+8)
62 – Patrick Mills (-6) (D-LEAGUE)
61 – Daniel Gibson (0)
61 – Bobby Brown (+3)
61 – Acie Law (0)
61 – Lester Hudson (-1)
61 – Cedric Jackson (CAP)
61 – Mustafa Shakur (CAP) (D-LEAGUE) (LW: -3)
60 – Anthony Carter (+2)
60 – Chucky Atkins (0) (LW: NEW)
60 – Oliver Lafayette (CAP) (LW: NEW)
60 – Kenny Hasbrouck (CAP)
59 – Royal Ivey (+4)
59 – Travis Diener (+1) (LW: NEW)
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SHOOTING GUARDS 66/72
93 – Dwyane Wade (-3)
92 - Kobe Bryant (-4) (LW: -2)
86 – Brandon Roy (-1) (INJURED) (LW: -1)
84 – Joe Johnson (-4) (LW: -1)
82 – Manu Ginobili (-4) (LW: +1)
81 – Tyreke Evans (-1) (LW: +2)
80 – Monta Ellis (-4)
79 – Stephen Jackson (-4)
77 – Kevin Martin (-2)
77 – Vince Carter (-4)
76 – Jason Terry (-1)
75 – John Salmons (+1) (LW: +2)
75 – Ben Gordon (-1)
75 – Leandro Barbosa (+1) (LW: +1)
75 – James Harden (+1) (LW: -1)
75 – Delonte West (+2)
74 – Ray Allen (-4) (LW: -1)
74 – O.J. Mayo (-6) (LW: -1)
74 – Kirk Hinrich (-1)
74 – Jamal Crawford (-1) (LW: +1)
74 – Allen Iverson (-7) (PERSONAL, OUT FOR SEASON)
73 – Richard Hamilton (-2) (INJURED)
72 – Jason Richardson (-1) (LW: -1)
72 – Eric Gordon (-2)
72 – J.R. Smith (+2)
72 – Shannon Brown (-2) (LW: -1)
71 – Jerryd Bayless (+3)
71 – Larry Hughes (-1) (LW: -1)
70 – Ronnie Brewer (0) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON) (LW: +1)
70 – Flip Murray (+4)
70 – Francisco Garcia (+2)
69 – Arron Afflalo (+3) (LW: +1)
69 – Marcus Thornton (0)
69 – Tracy McGrady (-4) (LW: -6)
69 – Willie Green (0)
69 – Luther Head (+5) (LW: NEW)
68 – Mike Miller (-3)
68 – Courtney Lee (+1)
68 – Michael Redd (-7) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
67 – Anthony Parker (-2)
67 – Thabo Sefolosha (+1)
67 – Rudy Fernandez (-1) (LW: -3)
67 – Tony Allen (+1)
67 - Roger Mason (-1) (LW: -1)
67 – Charlie Bell (+1)
66 – Wesley Matthews (+3) (LW: +3)
66 – J.J. Redick (+3) (LW: +1)
66 – Sasha Vujacic (0) (INJURED)
65 – Brandon Rush (0) (LW: NEW)
65 – Sonny Weems (+4)
65 – Demar DeRozan (0)
65 – Bill Walker (-1)
65 – Devin Brown (+5)
64 – Marco Belinelli (-1)
64 – Jerry Stackhouse (-2)
64 – Garrett Temple (+1)
63 – Coby Karl (+6)
62 – Mardy Collins (+6)
62 – Jermaine Taylor (-1) (LW: NEW)
62 – Danny Green (-2)
60 – Morris Peterson (+4) (LW: +1)
60 – Daequan Cook (0)
60 – Jodie Meeks (+1)
60 – DeShawn Stevenson (-8) (LW: -2)
60 – Mario West (+2)
58 – Gerald Henderson (-9) (LW: NEW)
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SMALL FORWARDS (76/85)
95 – LeBron James (-1)
88 – Kevin Durant (0) (LW: +1)
86 – Carmelo Anthony (-5) (LW: -1)
82 – Gerald Wallace (-1)
81 – Danny Granger (-2)
80 – Andre Iguodala (-4)
79 – Paul Pierce (-4) (LW: -2)
77 – Andrei Kirilenko (+2)
77 – Caron Butler (-4) (LW: +1)
76 – Rudy Gay (-4) (LW: -1)
76 – Ron Artest (-4) (LW: -2)
75 – Luol Deng (-1)
75 – Tayshaun Prince (-1)
75 – Trevor Ariza (-3)
74 – Grant Hill (-2)
74 – Dahntay Jones (0) (LW: +1)
73 – Shawn Marion (-4) (LW: -1)
73 – Carlos Delfino (+6) (LW: +2)
73 – Josh Howard (+2) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
73 – Shane Battier (-2) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
73 – Terrence Williams (+1) (LW: +6)
72 – Hedo Turkoglu (-1)
72 – Matt Barnes (+1) (LW: +3)
72 – Jared Dudley (+1)
72 - Kelenna Azubuike (+1) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
71 – Richard Jefferson (-2) (LW: -1)
71 – Mickael Pietrus (0)
70 – Nicolas Batum (+1) (LW: +3)
70 – Danilo Gallinari (-1) (LW: +1)
70 – Travis Outlaw (+1) (LW: -1)
69 – Quentin Richardson (-2) (LW: +1)
68 – Marvin Williams (+2)
68 – Andres Nocioni (-1)
68 – Omri Casspi (+3) (LW: -1)
68 – Jonas Jerebko (+2) (LW: +2)
68 – Reggie Williams (+2) (LW: +4)
68 – Jamario Moon (+2)
68 – Dorell Wright (+4)
68 – Chase Budinger (-3) (LW: +2)
68 – Chris Douglas-Roberts (-3)
68 – Stephen Graham (+12) (LW: NEW)
67 – Martell Webster (-1) (LW: -1)
67 – Jarvis Hayes (-1)
67 – Al Thornton (-1) (LW: -1)
67 – Maurice Evans (0)
67 – Joey Graham (-2)
67 – Marquis Daniels (+3) (LW: -1)
66 – Mike Dunleavy (+2) (LW: -1)
66 – C.J. Miles (+8)
66 – Anthony Morrow (+1)
66 – Antoine Wright (+3) (LW: +1)
65 – Rasual Butler (+4)
65 – James Posey (-5) (LW: -2)
65 – Sam Young (-1)
65 – James Johnson (+2)
65 – Luke Walton (-1) (LW: -2)
64 – Keith Bogans (-2) (LW: +1)
64 – Donte Greene (+2)
64 – Kyle Korver (+2)
64 – Joe Alexander (+4)
64 – Cartier Martin (0)
63 – Jawad Williams (+4)
63 - Rodney Carney (+3)
63 – Michael Finley (-4) (LW: +1)
62 - Peja Stojakovic (+1) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
62 – Julian Wright (-1)
62 – Derrick Brown (-6) (LW: -1)
62 – Jonathan Bender (+2) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
62 – Othyus Jeffers (CAP)
61 – J.R. Giddens (+4) (LW: +1)
61 – Earl Clark (-3)
60 – DeMarre Carroll (0) (LW: NEW)
59 – Jason Kapono (+2) (LW: -1)
59 – Devean George (-2)
58 – Matt Carroll (+4) (LW: NEW)
55 – Adam Morrison (+1) (LW: -1)
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POWER FORWARDS 83/91
87 – Chris Bosh (0)
83 – Pau Gasol (-5) (LW: -3)
83 – Amare Stoudemire (-4) (LW: +1)
83 – Carlos Boozer (-2)
83 – Josh Smith (-1)
82 – Dirk Nowitzki (-2) (LW: -1)
80 – Al Jefferson (0)
79 – Kevin Garnett (-1) (LW: -1)
78 – Zach Randolph (-2)
77 – Luis Scola (0)
77 – Lamar Odom (-2) (LW: +2)
77 – Kevin Love (+3)
77 – Blake Griffin (0) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
76 – LaMarcus Aldridge (-1)
76 – Carl Landry (+1)
76 – Corey Maggette (-1)
76 – David West (+1)
76 – Andray Blatche (+4) (LW: +4)
76 – Tyrus Thomas (+4)
75 – Kenyon Martin (-2)
74 – Elton Brand (0)
74 – Wilson Chandler (+1) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
74 – Al Harrington (0) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
74 – Michael Beasley (-1)
74 – Jeff Green (-3) (LW: -2)
74 – Paul Millsap (0)
73 – Antawn Jamison (-4)
73 – Troy Murphy (+1) (LW: +1)
73 - Jason Maxiell (+1) (LW: +3)
72 – Udonis Haslem (+1) (LW: NEW)
72 – Anderson Varejao (+3)
71 – Rashard Lewis (-4) (LW: -2)
71 – Serge Ibaka (+6) (LW: +6)
71 – Ersan Ilyasova (+8)
70 – Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (0)
70 – Boris Diaw (0)
70 – Drew Gooden (+4)
70 – Craig Smith (+8)
70 – Thaddeus Young (-1) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
70 – Brandon Bass (+2)
70 – Leon Powe (+4) (LW: -2)
70 - Louis Amundson (+4)
69 – Taj Gibson (-1)
69 – Hakim Warrick (+4)
69 – Charlie Villanueva (-2) (LW: -1)
69 – Amir Johnson (+5)
69 – Jordan Hill (-1) (LW: +3)
68 – Kris Humphries (+3)
68 – Dante Cunningham (+6) (LW: +3)
67 – Yi Jianlian (0)
67 – Ryan Anderson (+5) (LW: +1)
67 – Jared Jeffries (+4) (INJURED)
67 – Shelden Williams (+6) (LW: -1)
67 – Renaldo Balkman (0) (INJURED)
67 – Brandan Wright (+2) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
66 – Antonio McDyess (-3) (-1)
66 – Glen Davis (+3) (LW: -1)
66 – Reggie Evans (+2)
66 – Chris Wilcox (+3) (INJURED)
65 – Darius Songaila (+3)
64 – Anthony Tolliver (+3) (LW: +2)
64 – James Singleton (+4)
64 – Jon Brockman (+10)
64 – Joe Smith (+2)
64 – Darrell Arthur (-1) (LW: NEW)
63 – Matt Bonner (+5)
63 – Tim Thomas (+4) (PERSONAL, OUT FOR SEASON) (LW: +1)
63 – Jeff Pendergraph (0) (LW: +1)
63 – Mike Harris (CAP) (D-LEAGUE)
63 – Alexander Johnson (CAP) (LW: NEW)
62 – Eduardo Najera (-1) (LW: -1)
61 – Josh Boone (+4)
61 – Bobby Simmons (-1)
61 – Jason Smith (+4)
59 - Josh Powell (-6) (LW: -4)
59 – Vladimir Radmanovic (+5) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
59 – Malik Allen (+1)
59 – Taylor Griffin (-3) (D-LEAGUE)
57 – Rob Kurz (+4) (LW: NEW)
56 – Brian Cardinal (0) (LW: NEW)
53 – Brian Scalabrine (+9)
52 – Alexis Ajinca (+9) (INJURED, D-LEAGUE)
48 – Steve Novak (+3)
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CENTERS 81/95
91 – Dwight Howard (+2) (LW: +1)
88 – Tim Duncan (+1) (LW: -3)
85 – Yao Ming (+2) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
81 - Andrew Bogut (-1) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON) (LW: +1)
81 – Greg Oden (+6) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
80 – David Lee (-2)
79 – Al Horford (-1)
79 – Shaquille O’Neal (+2)
78 – Emeka Okafor (-1)
77 – Andrew Bynum (0)
77 – Marcus Camby (0) (LW: -1)
77 – Brook Lopez (-3)
77 – Joakim Noah (+4)
77 – Jermaine O’Neal (0)
77 – Kendrick Perkins (+5) (LW: -1)
76 – Marc Gasol (-1) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
76 – Nene (+1) (LW: -2)
75 – Chris Kaman (-3) (LW: -2)
74 – Roy Hibbert (+2)
74 – DeJuan Blair (+5)
74 – Marcin Gortat (+4) (LW: +2)
73 – Samuel Dalembert (+3)
72 – Mehmet Okur (-3) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
72 – Brendan Haywood (0)
72 – Ben Wallace (-3)
72 – Marreese Speights (0)
72 – Anthony Randolph (+1) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
71 – Andris Biedrins (0) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON) (LW: -1)
71 – Andrea Bargnani (-3)
71 – Jason Thompson (-1)
71 – Nazr Mohammed (+6)
71 – Chris Andersen (+3)
70 – Erick Dampier (+9) (LW: -1)
70 – Rasheed Wallace (-3) (LW: -3)
70 – Tyson Chandler (+4) (LW: +2)
69 – Robin Lopez (+4) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
69 – Joel Przybilla (+2) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
69 – Zydrunas Ilgauskas (-1) (LW: -2)
69 - Ronny Turiaf (+2) (LW: +1)
68 – J.J. Hickson (+2)
68 – Chuck Hayes (-1)
67 – Spencer Hawes (+1) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
67 – Kurt Thomas (-1)
67 – Zaza Pachulia (+2)
66 – Hasheem Thabeet (+7) (LW: +2)
65 – Nenad Krstic (+5) (LW: +1)
65 – Hamed Haddadi (+10) (LW: NEW)
65 – Joey Dorsey (0)
64 – Brad Miller (-2)
64 – Nick Collison (0) (LW: NEW)
64 – Channing Frye (0)
64 – Kwame Brown (0)
63 – Darko Milicic (+5)
63 – Earl Barron (CAP) (LW: NEW)
63 – Juwan Howard (+5)
63 – David Andersen (+5)
63 – Aaron Gray (0)
62 – Theo Ratliff (+2)
62 – DJ Mbenga (+10) (INJURED) (LW: +1)
61 – JaVale McGee (+1)
61 – Johan Petro (+4)
61 – Dan Gadzuric (0) (LW: NEW)
61 – Chris Richard (+3) (LW: +3)
61 – Kosta Koufos (+2) (LW: NEW)
61 – Tony Gaffney (CAP) (LW: NEW)
61 – Greg Stiemsma (CAP) (LW: NEW)
60 – DeAndre Jordan (+5) (LW: -1)
60 – Solomon Jones (+6)
60 – Etan Thomas (-2) (LW: -3)
60 – Eddy Curry (-4) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
59 – Chris Hunter (-1)
59 – Kyrylo Fesenko (+13) (LW: NEW)
59 – Brian Skinner (+1)
59 – DeSagana Diop (+1) (LW: NEW)
59 – Adonal Foyle (+1) (LW: +1)
58 – Brian Butch (CAP) (LW: NEW)
58 – Francisco Elson (-4)
57 – Steven Hunter (0) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON) (LW: NEW)
56 – Randolph Morris (+6)
52 – Jason Collins (0)
51 – Jarron Collins (+3)
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Thoughts? Suggestions? Complaints? Leave a comment, or send an email to thereal2kinsider@gmail.com
I also adjusted the coach profiles again using end of season data, which should help make this my most realistic 2K effort yet.
This was a huge year for me considering 2K revamped it's rating system from 50-99 to 25-99 while adding many new attributes and tendencies. It's safe to say that 2K Sports won't be overhauling 2K11, so by getting all the work down now, much of my data should be able to make a smooth transition into next year's title.
That should give me more time to focus on team by team breakdowns, providing league analysis, and perhaps even focusing on MLB a bit as previously promised... It would also give me a great deal more free time in my every day life.
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The lastest Real 2K Insider roster has been uploaded to 2K Share! Download it now, and please feel free to leave your thoughts and feedback!
FILE NAME: Real 2K Insider [4-22-10]
GAMERTAG: Real 2K Insider
PLATFORM: Xbox 360
HIGHLIGHTS
90.6% of all active players in the NBA (387/427) have been edited!
All edited players updated monthly!
No missing players!
Accurate player positions, player roles, and rotations for all teams!
Accurate contracts for all edited players!
Updated shooting tendencies and accessories!
Updated coach profiles for all teams!
Revised speed and quickness ratings for bigmen!
Revised shoot off dribble and shoot in traffic for all players!
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PLAYER MOVEMENT
Marcus Camby signed a 2 year extension with the Blazers worth 21 million. His presence will take the pressure off Greg Oden and allow him to continue to develop on the bench. This also means the Blazers don't have to depend on Joel Przybilla having a full recovery - Przy re-injured himself slipping in the shower and was likely going to be a 3rd string center upon recovery anyway.
Bit players signed for the playoffs and summer league/training camp
Rob Kurz, Bulls: Stretch four and emergency option for a team lacking shooters
Oliver Lafayette, Celitcs: Third string PG will get a look over summer.
Tony Gaffney, Celtics: More frontcourt depth, see above.
Shavlik Randolph, Heat: 3rd string PF, nothing more, nothing less.
Coby Karl, Nuggets: Will stay with team so long as George Karl has cancer.
Brian Butch, Nuggets: More frontcourt depth.
Alexander Johnson, Rockets: Not sure he fits as Rockets are stacked at PF.
Dwayne Jones, Suns: One of D-League's best centers.
Mustafa Shakur, Thunder: Will take Kevin Ollie's place next season.
Greg Stiemsma, Wolves: Keep the centers coming until one actually works.
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INJURY REPORT
Jazz center Mehmet Okur ruptured his achilles during the first playoff game against the Nuggets. He had surgery and will be out until at least December - meaning he won't be ready for the outset of next season. This has HUGE ramifications for the Jazz both in the present and future. Not only must Utah rely on two raw backups (Kyrylo Fesenko and Kosta Koufos) in Okur's absence, but there is a possibility Okur may never be the same player again (this is the same injury that Elton Brand had with the Clippers, after all). What makes this an even tougher pill to swallow is the Jazz were likely looking to part ways with Carlos Boozer over the summer and will be seriously lacking depth up front. It's safe to say that owning NY's lottery pick (likely the 9th pick) could not have come at a more crucial time for the franchise.
Brandon Roy tore his meniscus right before the playoffs, and there have been varying reports on how soon he could return - some even project he could return towards the end of the first round if the Blazers make it that far.
Andrew Bogut suffered gruesome season ending injuries which put a damper on his season. The Bucks have no chance in the playoffs without him.
Andrew Bynum, Shaquille O'Neal, and Kenyon Martin returned from injury and returned to their respective team's starting lineups just in time for the playoffs.
Earl Barron signed with the Knicks and quickly found himself starting for the team down the stretch - his presence allowed David Lee to return to his natural PF.
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ROTATION UPDATES
Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili have switched roles since Parker's return from injury. Ginobili has been beasting in the starting lineup and has been a boon for both George Hill and Richard Jefferson. Parker meanwhile automatically becomes one of the league's top sixth men (if not the best).
Kyrylo Fesenko has taken Mehmet Okur's place in the Jazz starting lineup following Okur's injury.
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BIGGEST MOVERS
88/C - Tim Duncan (-3)
Duncan's shot blocking tailed off in the second half of the season, as he only had 39 blocks over his last 35 games (1.1 per game). This is also the 2nd straight season Duncan has blocked fewer than 4% of shots (3.7% last year, 3.5% this year, compared to his 4.5% career average), so it looks like the diminished shot blocking is here to stay.
84/PG - Russell Westbrook (+3)
Westbrook had an excellent sophomore season and showed he was more than the next Steve Francis - that he's going to be better. Westbrook had 38.6 AST% this season (7th in league), a vast improvement from last season's 27.5 AST% He's a better defender than Derrick Rose, and just as athletic. If he can fix his broken jumpshot, he'll be better than Rajon Rondo (which means, you guessed it, a bonafide star).
83/PF - Pau Gasol (-3)
Personally, I find it comical (as usual) that the 2K Insider RAISED Pau Gasol because he averaged 24 ppg during the month of April. OF COURSE HE DID! He was playing without Kobe and Bynum! All Gasol did was show us he's still a go-to scorer. I dropped Gasol because he was a softer defender this season - the Lakers are the greatest defensive team of all-time if you buy into 2K's defaults.
83/PG - Derrick Rose (+3)
Rose willed the Bulls into the playoffs by averaging 25 ppg during 8 April games. Rose struggled early in the season with an ankle injury, but turned it on after November and carried his overmatched team to the playoffs. Just imagine if his team had a 3pt shooter or a post presence...
77/PG - Stephen Curry (+3)
I've been calling Curry the next Mike Bibby for quite a while now, and he didn't disappoint, averaging 17.5 ppg and 5.9 apg for the league's most statistic enhancing team (any other team and that's 16 and 5 - still respectable numbers, especially for a 21 year old rookie). Curry shot the lights out from downtown this season, hitting 166 threes (6th) on a .437 percentage (7th). However, he's going to need to improve upon a 2:1 Assist to Turnover ratio if he's going to be a legit point guard in this league.
76/PF - Andray Blatche (+4)
Blatche thrived after the Wizards traded Antawn Jamison. He averaged 22.1 ppg, 8.3 rpg, and 3.6 apg after the all-star break. Going forward, he'll need to improve upon his rebounding, because it's unlikely that he'll ever be a #1 option on a playoff team (though he's certainly young enough to prove me wrong). Blatche is set to make 6.8 million dollars over the next two seasons - he is easily the best bargain in the entire league.
73/SF - Terrence Williams (+6)
Williams was abominable as a reserve for the first 4 months of the season, but got it going once the team gave him regular playing time down the stretch. He averaged 14-7-5 on 44% shooting across March and April, which is much more indicitive of the player he was touted to be on draft day than the player who shot an ugly 37% for much of the year.
72/PG - Rodrigue Beaubois (+4)
Beaubois had a solid rookie season and is a better overall player than JJ Barea. Look for him to steal Barea's job as Kidd's backup next training camp (if Barea is even with the team by then).
70/SF - Nicolas Batum (+3)
Batum shot the lights out in his 2nd season, increasing his TS% from .555 to .646. At just 21 years of age, he's one of the most promising young players in the NBA.
69/SG - Tracy McGrady (-6)
T-Mac was a shell of his former self and looked worse than Larry Hughes at times with the Knicks. He wants to latch onto a contender as a starter but an opportunity like that may not be available. It's conceivable that he's played his last game as he's mentioned retirement as an option if his knee doesn't fully recover.
69/PF - Jordan Hill (+3)
Hill showed he was at least a quality reserve with Houston, which begs the question: Why did the Knicks sign Jonathan Bender out of retirement to steal his minutes? Bender was brittle and unimpressive, while Knick fans never really had a chance to see what they had in the lottery pick they dumped in a cap clearing move.
68/SF - Reggie Williams (+4)
Williams showed that D-Leaguer's got talent, averaging 15 ppg on 49% shooting for Golden State's injury decimated team. To be quite honest, many more of these D-Leaguers would be getting called up if the NBA didn't have guaranteed contracts. It's a shame, because many of these guys are just making the jump to Europe because the D-League barely pays and full-time NBA gigs rarely present themselves.
64/PG - Shaun Livingston (+4)
Livingston averaged 11.2 ppg and 4.9 apg on 53% shooting as a starter with the Wizards. Washington didn't win many of those games, and those numbers aren't mindblowing for 30.7 mpg, but it's great to see Livingston is finally back after his career was derailed by injury. He'll make a fine reserve for some NBA team next season.
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THE RATINGS
387/427 (.906) NBA players updated
(+/-) = Difference from 2K Sports roster
LW = Overall change from last week
WAITING FOR THE CALL
PG: Marcus Banks (64), Chris Quinn (59), Kevin Ollie (58)
SG: Corey Brewer (66), Nick Young (66), Quinton Ross (64)
SF: Ryan Gomes (66), Dominic McGuire (64), Trenton Hassell (62)
PF: Tyler Hansbrough (68), D.J. White (63), Fabricio Oberto (62)
C: Jeff Foster (67), Rasho Nesterovic (61), Primoz Brezec (60)
Rashidi's TOP 10
95 - LeBron James (SF/PF)
93 - Dwyane Wade (SG/PG)
93 - Chris Paul (PG) (INJURED) (LW: -1)
93 - Kobe Bryant (SG/SF) (LW: -2)
91 - Dwight Howard (C) (LW: +3)
89 - Deron Williams (PG)
88 - Kevin Durant (SF) (LW: +1)
88 - Tim Duncan (C) (+1) (LW: -3)
87 - Chris Bosh (PF/C)
86 - Carmelo Anthony (SF) (LW: -1)
86 - Brandon Roy (SG/SF) (INJURED) (LW: -1)
2K Sports TOP 10
97 - LeBron James (SF/PF)
96 - Kobe Bryant (SG/SF)
96 - Dwyane Wade (SG/PG)
95 - Chris Paul (PG)
92 - Deron Williams (PG)
91 - Carmelo Anthony (SF)
90 - Tim Duncan (PF/C)
88 - Kevin Durant (SF/PF)
88 - Dwight Howard (C)
88 - Pau Gasol (PF/C) (LW: +2)
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POINT GUARDS (81/84)
93 – Chris Paul (-2) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON) (LW: -1)
89 – Deron Williams (-3)
85 – Rajon Rondo (-1)
84 – Steve Nash (-1) (LW: +1)
84 - Russell Westbrook (0) (LW: +3)
83 – Derrick Rose (-2) (LW: +3)
81 – Gilbert Arenas (-4) (SUSPENDED, OUT FOR SEASON)
81 – Baron Davis (-1) (LW -1)
81 – Darren Collison (+1) (LW: +2)
80 – Chauncey Billups (-4)
79 – Tony Parker (-1)
79 – Aaron Brooks (-1) (LW: +1)
79 – Devin Harris (0) (LW: +1)
77 – Jason Kidd (-6) (LW: +1)
77 – Stephen Curry (-4) (LW: +3)
77 – Brandon Jennings (+1) (LW: +1)
76 – Raymond Felton (+2)
76 – Jonny Flynn (+1)
75 – Jameer Nelson (-1)
75 – Mo Williams (-1)
75 – Rodney Stuckey (0)
75 – Nate Robinson (-2) (LW: -2)
75 – Kyle Lowry (-1)
74 – Andre Miller (-3)
74 – Luke Ridnour (+1) (LW: +1)
74 – Louis Williams (0)
74 – Toney Douglas (+2) (LW: +2)
74 – Ty Lawson (-2) (LW: -1)
73 – Michael Conley (-1) (LW: +2)
73 – T.J. Ford (+1)
73 – Will Bynum (+1)
72 – Jarrett Jack (+2)
72 – Mario Chalmers (+1)
72 – Rodrigue Beaubois (+2) (LW: +4)
71 – Jose Calderon (-1)
71 – George Hill (-4) (LW: +3)
71 – Keyon Dooling (+1)
71 – Rafer Alston (-3) (SUSPENDED, OUT FOR SEASON)
70 – Mike Bibby (-4)
70 – Beno Udrih (+2) (LW: +1)
70 – Jrue Holiday (-2) (LW: +2)
70 – Goran Dragic (+2) (LW: +1)
70 – Jason Williams (0)
70 – Jose Barea (+1) (LW: +1)
69 – Earl Watson (+4)
69 – Randy Foye (0) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON) (LW: +1)
69 – Earl Boykins (+3) (LW: -1)
69 – Chris Duhon (-2)
69 – Sergio Rodriguez (+8)
69 – Sebastian Telfair (+2)
68 – Carlos Arroyo (+3)
68 – Ramon Sessions (-2)
68 – D.J. Augustin (-1) (LW: +1)
68 – Eric Maynor (0)
67 – C.J. Watson (-2)
67 – Jordan Farmar (-1)
67 - Ronnie Price (+2) (LW: NEW)
67 – Sundiata Gaines (+1) (LW: +1)
66 – Jeff Teague (+1)
65 – Steve Blake (-4)
65 – Marcus Williams (+4) (LW: NEW)
65 – Jamaal Tinsley (-2) (LW: +2)
64 – Shaun Livingston (+1) (LW: +4)
64 – Eddie House (+1) (LW: -2)
64 – Jannero Pargo (+1)
64 – Anthony Johnson (+3)
63 – Derek Fisher (-8) (LW: -2)
63 – A.J. Price (+8)
62 – Patrick Mills (-6) (D-LEAGUE)
61 – Daniel Gibson (0)
61 – Bobby Brown (+3)
61 – Acie Law (0)
61 – Lester Hudson (-1)
61 – Cedric Jackson (CAP)
61 – Mustafa Shakur (CAP) (D-LEAGUE) (LW: -3)
60 – Anthony Carter (+2)
60 – Chucky Atkins (0) (LW: NEW)
60 – Oliver Lafayette (CAP) (LW: NEW)
60 – Kenny Hasbrouck (CAP)
59 – Royal Ivey (+4)
59 – Travis Diener (+1) (LW: NEW)
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SHOOTING GUARDS 66/72
93 – Dwyane Wade (-3)
92 - Kobe Bryant (-4) (LW: -2)
86 – Brandon Roy (-1) (INJURED) (LW: -1)
84 – Joe Johnson (-4) (LW: -1)
82 – Manu Ginobili (-4) (LW: +1)
81 – Tyreke Evans (-1) (LW: +2)
80 – Monta Ellis (-4)
79 – Stephen Jackson (-4)
77 – Kevin Martin (-2)
77 – Vince Carter (-4)
76 – Jason Terry (-1)
75 – John Salmons (+1) (LW: +2)
75 – Ben Gordon (-1)
75 – Leandro Barbosa (+1) (LW: +1)
75 – James Harden (+1) (LW: -1)
75 – Delonte West (+2)
74 – Ray Allen (-4) (LW: -1)
74 – O.J. Mayo (-6) (LW: -1)
74 – Kirk Hinrich (-1)
74 – Jamal Crawford (-1) (LW: +1)
74 – Allen Iverson (-7) (PERSONAL, OUT FOR SEASON)
73 – Richard Hamilton (-2) (INJURED)
72 – Jason Richardson (-1) (LW: -1)
72 – Eric Gordon (-2)
72 – J.R. Smith (+2)
72 – Shannon Brown (-2) (LW: -1)
71 – Jerryd Bayless (+3)
71 – Larry Hughes (-1) (LW: -1)
70 – Ronnie Brewer (0) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON) (LW: +1)
70 – Flip Murray (+4)
70 – Francisco Garcia (+2)
69 – Arron Afflalo (+3) (LW: +1)
69 – Marcus Thornton (0)
69 – Tracy McGrady (-4) (LW: -6)
69 – Willie Green (0)
69 – Luther Head (+5) (LW: NEW)
68 – Mike Miller (-3)
68 – Courtney Lee (+1)
68 – Michael Redd (-7) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
67 – Anthony Parker (-2)
67 – Thabo Sefolosha (+1)
67 – Rudy Fernandez (-1) (LW: -3)
67 – Tony Allen (+1)
67 - Roger Mason (-1) (LW: -1)
67 – Charlie Bell (+1)
66 – Wesley Matthews (+3) (LW: +3)
66 – J.J. Redick (+3) (LW: +1)
66 – Sasha Vujacic (0) (INJURED)
65 – Brandon Rush (0) (LW: NEW)
65 – Sonny Weems (+4)
65 – Demar DeRozan (0)
65 – Bill Walker (-1)
65 – Devin Brown (+5)
64 – Marco Belinelli (-1)
64 – Jerry Stackhouse (-2)
64 – Garrett Temple (+1)
63 – Coby Karl (+6)
62 – Mardy Collins (+6)
62 – Jermaine Taylor (-1) (LW: NEW)
62 – Danny Green (-2)
60 – Morris Peterson (+4) (LW: +1)
60 – Daequan Cook (0)
60 – Jodie Meeks (+1)
60 – DeShawn Stevenson (-8) (LW: -2)
60 – Mario West (+2)
58 – Gerald Henderson (-9) (LW: NEW)
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SMALL FORWARDS (76/85)
95 – LeBron James (-1)
88 – Kevin Durant (0) (LW: +1)
86 – Carmelo Anthony (-5) (LW: -1)
82 – Gerald Wallace (-1)
81 – Danny Granger (-2)
80 – Andre Iguodala (-4)
79 – Paul Pierce (-4) (LW: -2)
77 – Andrei Kirilenko (+2)
77 – Caron Butler (-4) (LW: +1)
76 – Rudy Gay (-4) (LW: -1)
76 – Ron Artest (-4) (LW: -2)
75 – Luol Deng (-1)
75 – Tayshaun Prince (-1)
75 – Trevor Ariza (-3)
74 – Grant Hill (-2)
74 – Dahntay Jones (0) (LW: +1)
73 – Shawn Marion (-4) (LW: -1)
73 – Carlos Delfino (+6) (LW: +2)
73 – Josh Howard (+2) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
73 – Shane Battier (-2) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
73 – Terrence Williams (+1) (LW: +6)
72 – Hedo Turkoglu (-1)
72 – Matt Barnes (+1) (LW: +3)
72 – Jared Dudley (+1)
72 - Kelenna Azubuike (+1) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
71 – Richard Jefferson (-2) (LW: -1)
71 – Mickael Pietrus (0)
70 – Nicolas Batum (+1) (LW: +3)
70 – Danilo Gallinari (-1) (LW: +1)
70 – Travis Outlaw (+1) (LW: -1)
69 – Quentin Richardson (-2) (LW: +1)
68 – Marvin Williams (+2)
68 – Andres Nocioni (-1)
68 – Omri Casspi (+3) (LW: -1)
68 – Jonas Jerebko (+2) (LW: +2)
68 – Reggie Williams (+2) (LW: +4)
68 – Jamario Moon (+2)
68 – Dorell Wright (+4)
68 – Chase Budinger (-3) (LW: +2)
68 – Chris Douglas-Roberts (-3)
68 – Stephen Graham (+12) (LW: NEW)
67 – Martell Webster (-1) (LW: -1)
67 – Jarvis Hayes (-1)
67 – Al Thornton (-1) (LW: -1)
67 – Maurice Evans (0)
67 – Joey Graham (-2)
67 – Marquis Daniels (+3) (LW: -1)
66 – Mike Dunleavy (+2) (LW: -1)
66 – C.J. Miles (+8)
66 – Anthony Morrow (+1)
66 – Antoine Wright (+3) (LW: +1)
65 – Rasual Butler (+4)
65 – James Posey (-5) (LW: -2)
65 – Sam Young (-1)
65 – James Johnson (+2)
65 – Luke Walton (-1) (LW: -2)
64 – Keith Bogans (-2) (LW: +1)
64 – Donte Greene (+2)
64 – Kyle Korver (+2)
64 – Joe Alexander (+4)
64 – Cartier Martin (0)
63 – Jawad Williams (+4)
63 - Rodney Carney (+3)
63 – Michael Finley (-4) (LW: +1)
62 - Peja Stojakovic (+1) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
62 – Julian Wright (-1)
62 – Derrick Brown (-6) (LW: -1)
62 – Jonathan Bender (+2) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
62 – Othyus Jeffers (CAP)
61 – J.R. Giddens (+4) (LW: +1)
61 – Earl Clark (-3)
60 – DeMarre Carroll (0) (LW: NEW)
59 – Jason Kapono (+2) (LW: -1)
59 – Devean George (-2)
58 – Matt Carroll (+4) (LW: NEW)
55 – Adam Morrison (+1) (LW: -1)
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POWER FORWARDS 83/91
87 – Chris Bosh (0)
83 – Pau Gasol (-5) (LW: -3)
83 – Amare Stoudemire (-4) (LW: +1)
83 – Carlos Boozer (-2)
83 – Josh Smith (-1)
82 – Dirk Nowitzki (-2) (LW: -1)
80 – Al Jefferson (0)
79 – Kevin Garnett (-1) (LW: -1)
78 – Zach Randolph (-2)
77 – Luis Scola (0)
77 – Lamar Odom (-2) (LW: +2)
77 – Kevin Love (+3)
77 – Blake Griffin (0) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
76 – LaMarcus Aldridge (-1)
76 – Carl Landry (+1)
76 – Corey Maggette (-1)
76 – David West (+1)
76 – Andray Blatche (+4) (LW: +4)
76 – Tyrus Thomas (+4)
75 – Kenyon Martin (-2)
74 – Elton Brand (0)
74 – Wilson Chandler (+1) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
74 – Al Harrington (0) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
74 – Michael Beasley (-1)
74 – Jeff Green (-3) (LW: -2)
74 – Paul Millsap (0)
73 – Antawn Jamison (-4)
73 – Troy Murphy (+1) (LW: +1)
73 - Jason Maxiell (+1) (LW: +3)
72 – Udonis Haslem (+1) (LW: NEW)
72 – Anderson Varejao (+3)
71 – Rashard Lewis (-4) (LW: -2)
71 – Serge Ibaka (+6) (LW: +6)
71 – Ersan Ilyasova (+8)
70 – Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (0)
70 – Boris Diaw (0)
70 – Drew Gooden (+4)
70 – Craig Smith (+8)
70 – Thaddeus Young (-1) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
70 – Brandon Bass (+2)
70 – Leon Powe (+4) (LW: -2)
70 - Louis Amundson (+4)
69 – Taj Gibson (-1)
69 – Hakim Warrick (+4)
69 – Charlie Villanueva (-2) (LW: -1)
69 – Amir Johnson (+5)
69 – Jordan Hill (-1) (LW: +3)
68 – Kris Humphries (+3)
68 – Dante Cunningham (+6) (LW: +3)
67 – Yi Jianlian (0)
67 – Ryan Anderson (+5) (LW: +1)
67 – Jared Jeffries (+4) (INJURED)
67 – Shelden Williams (+6) (LW: -1)
67 – Renaldo Balkman (0) (INJURED)
67 – Brandan Wright (+2) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
66 – Antonio McDyess (-3) (-1)
66 – Glen Davis (+3) (LW: -1)
66 – Reggie Evans (+2)
66 – Chris Wilcox (+3) (INJURED)
65 – Darius Songaila (+3)
64 – Anthony Tolliver (+3) (LW: +2)
64 – James Singleton (+4)
64 – Jon Brockman (+10)
64 – Joe Smith (+2)
64 – Darrell Arthur (-1) (LW: NEW)
63 – Matt Bonner (+5)
63 – Tim Thomas (+4) (PERSONAL, OUT FOR SEASON) (LW: +1)
63 – Jeff Pendergraph (0) (LW: +1)
63 – Mike Harris (CAP) (D-LEAGUE)
63 – Alexander Johnson (CAP) (LW: NEW)
62 – Eduardo Najera (-1) (LW: -1)
61 – Josh Boone (+4)
61 – Bobby Simmons (-1)
61 – Jason Smith (+4)
59 - Josh Powell (-6) (LW: -4)
59 – Vladimir Radmanovic (+5) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
59 – Malik Allen (+1)
59 – Taylor Griffin (-3) (D-LEAGUE)
57 – Rob Kurz (+4) (LW: NEW)
56 – Brian Cardinal (0) (LW: NEW)
53 – Brian Scalabrine (+9)
52 – Alexis Ajinca (+9) (INJURED, D-LEAGUE)
48 – Steve Novak (+3)
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CENTERS 81/95
91 – Dwight Howard (+2) (LW: +1)
88 – Tim Duncan (+1) (LW: -3)
85 – Yao Ming (+2) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
81 - Andrew Bogut (-1) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON) (LW: +1)
81 – Greg Oden (+6) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
80 – David Lee (-2)
79 – Al Horford (-1)
79 – Shaquille O’Neal (+2)
78 – Emeka Okafor (-1)
77 – Andrew Bynum (0)
77 – Marcus Camby (0) (LW: -1)
77 – Brook Lopez (-3)
77 – Joakim Noah (+4)
77 – Jermaine O’Neal (0)
77 – Kendrick Perkins (+5) (LW: -1)
76 – Marc Gasol (-1) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
76 – Nene (+1) (LW: -2)
75 – Chris Kaman (-3) (LW: -2)
74 – Roy Hibbert (+2)
74 – DeJuan Blair (+5)
74 – Marcin Gortat (+4) (LW: +2)
73 – Samuel Dalembert (+3)
72 – Mehmet Okur (-3) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
72 – Brendan Haywood (0)
72 – Ben Wallace (-3)
72 – Marreese Speights (0)
72 – Anthony Randolph (+1) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
71 – Andris Biedrins (0) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON) (LW: -1)
71 – Andrea Bargnani (-3)
71 – Jason Thompson (-1)
71 – Nazr Mohammed (+6)
71 – Chris Andersen (+3)
70 – Erick Dampier (+9) (LW: -1)
70 – Rasheed Wallace (-3) (LW: -3)
70 – Tyson Chandler (+4) (LW: +2)
69 – Robin Lopez (+4) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
69 – Joel Przybilla (+2) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
69 – Zydrunas Ilgauskas (-1) (LW: -2)
69 - Ronny Turiaf (+2) (LW: +1)
68 – J.J. Hickson (+2)
68 – Chuck Hayes (-1)
67 – Spencer Hawes (+1) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
67 – Kurt Thomas (-1)
67 – Zaza Pachulia (+2)
66 – Hasheem Thabeet (+7) (LW: +2)
65 – Nenad Krstic (+5) (LW: +1)
65 – Hamed Haddadi (+10) (LW: NEW)
65 – Joey Dorsey (0)
64 – Brad Miller (-2)
64 – Nick Collison (0) (LW: NEW)
64 – Channing Frye (0)
64 – Kwame Brown (0)
63 – Darko Milicic (+5)
63 – Earl Barron (CAP) (LW: NEW)
63 – Juwan Howard (+5)
63 – David Andersen (+5)
63 – Aaron Gray (0)
62 – Theo Ratliff (+2)
62 – DJ Mbenga (+10) (INJURED) (LW: +1)
61 – JaVale McGee (+1)
61 – Johan Petro (+4)
61 – Dan Gadzuric (0) (LW: NEW)
61 – Chris Richard (+3) (LW: +3)
61 – Kosta Koufos (+2) (LW: NEW)
61 – Tony Gaffney (CAP) (LW: NEW)
61 – Greg Stiemsma (CAP) (LW: NEW)
60 – DeAndre Jordan (+5) (LW: -1)
60 – Solomon Jones (+6)
60 – Etan Thomas (-2) (LW: -3)
60 – Eddy Curry (-4) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON)
59 – Chris Hunter (-1)
59 – Kyrylo Fesenko (+13) (LW: NEW)
59 – Brian Skinner (+1)
59 – DeSagana Diop (+1) (LW: NEW)
59 – Adonal Foyle (+1) (LW: +1)
58 – Brian Butch (CAP) (LW: NEW)
58 – Francisco Elson (-4)
57 – Steven Hunter (0) (INJURED, OUT FOR SEASON) (LW: NEW)
56 – Randolph Morris (+6)
52 – Jason Collins (0)
51 – Jarron Collins (+3)
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Thoughts? Suggestions? Complaints? Leave a comment, or send an email to thereal2kinsider@gmail.com
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Top 25 NBA players of 2010 (firing back at Eddie Johnson)
Eddie Johnson is arrogant, ignorant, biased, and obsessed with how great the NBA was in 1988 (when defense consisted of grabbing on to your opponent and holding on for dear life). He recently wrote an article listing what he believes to be the top 25 players in the NBA. I obviously disagreed with his list, and wrote a rebuttal based on my 2K10 roster (which sadly, make infinitely more sense than this self-proclaimed expert's opinion). .
You can read his article here (hey look, a free plug!)
http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/johnson/2010/04/15/the-new-top-25/
Eddie Johnson's top 25
1. LeBron James
2. Kobe Bryant
3. Dwyane Wade
4. Kevin Durant
5. Dwight Howard
6. Amare Stoudemire
7. Dirk Nowitzki
8. Carmelo Anthony
9. Deron Williams
10. Steve Nash
11. Chris Paul
12. Pau Gasol
13. Tim Duncan
14. Chris Bosh
15. Brandon Roy
16. Joe Johnson
17. Jason Kidd
18. Rajon Rondo
19. Gerald Wallace
20. Chauncey Billups
21. Tony Parker
22. Paul Pierce
23. Kevin Garnett
24. Derrick Rose
25. Josh Smith
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Rashidi’s Top 25 as per his NBA 2K10 Playoff Roster (which can be downloaded via 2K Share on XBox 360)
95 – LeBron James (SF)
93 – Dwyane Wade (SG)
93 – Chris Paul (PG)
92 - Kobe Bryant (SG)
91 – Dwight Howard (C)
89 – Deron Williams (PG)
88 – Kevin Durant (SF)
88 – Tim Duncan (C)
87 – Chris Bosh (PF)
86 – Carmelo Anthony (SF)
86 – Brandon Roy (SG)
85 – Yao Ming (C)
85 – Rajon Rondo (PG)
84 – Steve Nash (PG)
84 – Joe Johnson (SG)
84 - Russell Westbrook (PG)
83 – Pau Gasol (PF)
83 – Amare Stoudemire (PF)
83 – Carlos Boozer (PF)
83 – Josh Smith (PF)
83 – Derrick Rose (PG)
82 – Dirk Nowitzki (PF)
82 – Manu Ginobili (SG)
82 – Gerald Wallace (SF)
81 - Andrew Bogut (C)
1. LeBron James - such an easy call even Eddie Johnson can’t screw that one up.
2. Dwyane Wade - I get that Eddie is scared to knock Kobe off his pedestal as #2 until the Lakers lose in the playoffs, but Dwyane Wade passed him last season and hasn’t looked back. Wade is unstoppable, and it will be scary to see what happens when Miami surrounds him with top tier talent next season (read: not a 30 yr old Jermaine O’Neal, a 20 yr old Zach Randolph, a random corner shooter, and a backup PG).
3. Chris Paul - CP3 is the best PG in the league even when he's not healthy.
4. Kobe Bryant - The Lakers on the other hand are winning because they are blessed with two all-star caliber bigmen, not because Kobe is doing everything himself. Yeah, he hit all those game winners, but in years past his team would have had the lead and not heroics. Give Gasol and Bynum to D-Wade and they’re the most dominant force in the league. Even Artest is basically Q-Rich with all-defense. Give Kobe the supporting cast Wade has and they’re fighting Oklahoma for the 8th seed.
5. Dwight Howard - is the defensive player of the year once again, but until he gets a legit post up game, learns how to find his teammates like Duncan, and stops turning the ball over so much, he’s hit his ceiling. That said, it is a bit scary that he still has so much room to grow.
6. Deron Williams - Deron is the de facto #2 PG which ain’t a bad thing. Sorry, but CP3 would be doing backflips if he had Carlos Boozer, Andrei Kirilenko, and Paul Millsap (instead of David West, Peja Stojakovic, and Darius Songaila).
7. Kevin Durant - Durant is obviously a great scorer (which Eddie Johnson loves more than anything in the world - else he'd have put him behind Dwight Howard) but does he make his teammates better? Answer: No, not really. Give him a few years before you crown him #4 in the freakin world.
8. Tim Duncan - Only an idiot would think Tim Duncan has regressed when he’s put up the same exact production three years in a row. A hobbled Tony Parker is all that kept the Spurs from being #1 in the west. What sane man would actually take Tim Duncan over Amare freakin Stoudemire?
9. Chris Bosh - Unlike Amare, Bosh can actually rebound the basketball (while still scoring at a high rate, imagine that!), which is why he’s the league’s top PF (presuming of course, that you’re not actually counting Tim Duncan as one).
10. Carmelo Anthony - Melo’s a good scorer, but he was obviously a bit overrated in most circles given the Durant-mania that everyone has right now.
11. Brandon Roy - Roy was good, but he wasn’t as great as he was this season. Going forward, I’d be concerned about his knees as he continues to have surgery on them. He has the skill level to deal with any athletic decline but it’s something to watch nonetheless.
12. Yao Ming - That’’s right, Yao Ming is still in the league! He’s a dominant offensive force when healthy and until he shows us he’s lost it, he needs to be on a top 25 list.
13. Rajon Rondo - Rondo is basically the leader of the Celtics now on the court, and is making a lot of his 2008 critics look stupid along the way.
14. Steve Nash - Nash is still Nash, which was somewhat unexpected for a 35 year old - though Nash never had any athleticism to rely on in the first place, so a big drop wasn’t to be expected anyway. He could play to 40 without a dropoff just as John Stockton did, provided he starts getting his minutes limited. The Suns are the top offensive team in the league (by quite a bit, in fact) but they are also (EASILY) the worst defensive team in the playoffs. Part of that falls on Nash, and always will so long as he’s the head of the team’s defensive attack.
15. Joe Johnson - JJ’s as versatile as they come. He isn’t an elite scorer, but he’s good enough to get by as a #1, sets his teammates up, and plays exceptional defense. He is the closest thing to Scottie Pippen you’re going to find in today’s league (and no, I’m not saying he’s as good as Pippen - else he’d rank 5th instead of 15th).
16. Russell Westbrook - Westbrook transformed into a solid PG after having a Steve Francis-type rookie year that had me pessimistic on his future (Steve Francis comparisons are NEVER a good thing for a PG). His A/T ratio improved dramatically from 1.58 in 2009 to 2.43 in 2010. His athletic talents and defense are a big reason why Oklahoma improved by 20+ wins. If he can actually learn how to score the ball efficiently, he’s a top 10 player. If he doesn’t, but continues to improve his defense, we’re talkin Gary Payton that can throw it down.
17. Pau Gasol - Gasol is just as good as Bosh offensively, but he’s not a great rebounder. That’s okay though - I and everyone else in the world not named Eddie Johnson would still rather have Gasol over Amare Stoudemire.
18. Amare Stoudemire - Speak o the devil himself! Amare didn’t start caring about the season until the trade deadline passed. Imagine where they’d be if he weren’t dogging it the first 50 games?
19. Carlos Boozer - Booze is just as good a scorer as the other PFs on this list, and he’s probably the best rebounder too. It’s a shame that he’s undersized and can’t block a shot. Btw, unlike other PFs on this list COUGHamareCOUGH I give him credit for being a professional during his contract year and not dogging it.
20. Josh Smith - Atlanta’s improvement this season stems from J-Smoove’s improvement on the offensive end. Less threes. More dunks. Solid formula for success. His elite shot blocking also returned from a one year hiatus (stemming from an 09 injury).
21. Derrick Rose - I know ya’ll are probably complaining that Rose should be higher than Westbrook, but until the man can have an impact on the defensive end, that’s not happening. (Just imagine how good the Thunder would be if Joakim Noah shored up the team defense instead of Nenad Krstic!). Regardless, Rose had a great year, and was nowhere close to a disappointment… I wonder where I read such a stupid statement…
22. Dirk Nowitzki - Frankly, Dirk has been playing with stacked teams for the last decade and hasn’t gotten it done. You know what that means ladies and gentlemen? THAT THE DUDE IS OVERRATED! His rebounding has declined the last 4 years, and at age 31, that’s not gonna change. His defense is still suspect. Yes, he can shoot it, and he’s the greatest 7 foot shooter in world history (a fact that probably makes Eddie Johnson shoot himself at night, if ya get what i’m sayin), but there’s more to this game than putting the ball in the basket. For instance: Being seven feet tall AND BEING ABLE TO PLAY CENTER(!!!!) without getting killed by an 8th seed team lead by a certain point guard (don’t look up).
23. Manu Ginobili - Ginobili rarely gets respect from anyone except Spurs fans, but the fact is he is one of the league’s elite players whether he’s starting or coming off the bench. His averages as a starter this season: 21.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 5.4 apg… in only 30.7 mpg. Compare this to Joe Johnson: 21.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.8 apg… in 38.7 mpg. You’ll notice that Eddie Johnson left Manu off his list, and with good reason - he’s an idiot Suns homer who hates the Spurs.
24. Gerald Wallace - G-Force improved his game and took the Bobcats to the playoffs. That’s a pretty generic statement and you already knew that. You know who didn’t take thier game to another level? Andre Iguodala & Danny Granger. That’s why they’re sitting at home right now and Wallace isn’t.
25. Andrew Bogut - Bogut deserves the lionshare of the credit for helping the Bucks get to the playoffs. He was the top defensive player on the top defensive team, as well as their featured post scorer on the offensive end. It's a shame his season ended the way it did, but here's hoping he has a full recovery.
Now, on to the players on Eddie's list that I left off: Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Jason Kidd, Tony Parker, and Chauncey Billups.
Pierce and KG play for a stacked team and would be so screwed if either had to carry a team as they did in their younger years.
Ditto for Jason Kidd.
Tony Parker last season would have been somewhere around 11-15 and was easily the #3 PG in the league, but hasn’t been himself at all this season. As stated in the Duncan section, a healthy Parker is all that prevented the Spurs from being the 1st or 2nd best team in the west.
Billups is a good player and a godsend for the Nuggets offense (probably even more important than Melo in this regard, since he makes Nene, K-Mart, and Birdman dangerous), but his defense hasn’t been “good” since Ben Wallace was watching his back. The Nuggets were 16th in defense, which was the 2nd worst mark by a playoff team (Suns were 23rd… the Pacers were the only non-playoff team in the top 16 btw). He does hurt them in this regard, but I don’t think anyone will complain so long as he’s manning the league’s #3 offense (i mean, he’s not a D-killer like Nash, just not as skilled on the offensive end either).
You can read his article here (hey look, a free plug!)
http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/johnson/2010/04/15/the-new-top-25/
Eddie Johnson's top 25
1. LeBron James
2. Kobe Bryant
3. Dwyane Wade
4. Kevin Durant
5. Dwight Howard
6. Amare Stoudemire
7. Dirk Nowitzki
8. Carmelo Anthony
9. Deron Williams
10. Steve Nash
11. Chris Paul
12. Pau Gasol
13. Tim Duncan
14. Chris Bosh
15. Brandon Roy
16. Joe Johnson
17. Jason Kidd
18. Rajon Rondo
19. Gerald Wallace
20. Chauncey Billups
21. Tony Parker
22. Paul Pierce
23. Kevin Garnett
24. Derrick Rose
25. Josh Smith
-----------------------------------------------------
Rashidi’s Top 25 as per his NBA 2K10 Playoff Roster (which can be downloaded via 2K Share on XBox 360)
95 – LeBron James (SF)
93 – Dwyane Wade (SG)
93 – Chris Paul (PG)
92 - Kobe Bryant (SG)
91 – Dwight Howard (C)
89 – Deron Williams (PG)
88 – Kevin Durant (SF)
88 – Tim Duncan (C)
87 – Chris Bosh (PF)
86 – Carmelo Anthony (SF)
86 – Brandon Roy (SG)
85 – Yao Ming (C)
85 – Rajon Rondo (PG)
84 – Steve Nash (PG)
84 – Joe Johnson (SG)
84 - Russell Westbrook (PG)
83 – Pau Gasol (PF)
83 – Amare Stoudemire (PF)
83 – Carlos Boozer (PF)
83 – Josh Smith (PF)
83 – Derrick Rose (PG)
82 – Dirk Nowitzki (PF)
82 – Manu Ginobili (SG)
82 – Gerald Wallace (SF)
81 - Andrew Bogut (C)
1. LeBron James - such an easy call even Eddie Johnson can’t screw that one up.
2. Dwyane Wade - I get that Eddie is scared to knock Kobe off his pedestal as #2 until the Lakers lose in the playoffs, but Dwyane Wade passed him last season and hasn’t looked back. Wade is unstoppable, and it will be scary to see what happens when Miami surrounds him with top tier talent next season (read: not a 30 yr old Jermaine O’Neal, a 20 yr old Zach Randolph, a random corner shooter, and a backup PG).
3. Chris Paul - CP3 is the best PG in the league even when he's not healthy.
4. Kobe Bryant - The Lakers on the other hand are winning because they are blessed with two all-star caliber bigmen, not because Kobe is doing everything himself. Yeah, he hit all those game winners, but in years past his team would have had the lead and not heroics. Give Gasol and Bynum to D-Wade and they’re the most dominant force in the league. Even Artest is basically Q-Rich with all-defense. Give Kobe the supporting cast Wade has and they’re fighting Oklahoma for the 8th seed.
5. Dwight Howard - is the defensive player of the year once again, but until he gets a legit post up game, learns how to find his teammates like Duncan, and stops turning the ball over so much, he’s hit his ceiling. That said, it is a bit scary that he still has so much room to grow.
6. Deron Williams - Deron is the de facto #2 PG which ain’t a bad thing. Sorry, but CP3 would be doing backflips if he had Carlos Boozer, Andrei Kirilenko, and Paul Millsap (instead of David West, Peja Stojakovic, and Darius Songaila).
7. Kevin Durant - Durant is obviously a great scorer (which Eddie Johnson loves more than anything in the world - else he'd have put him behind Dwight Howard) but does he make his teammates better? Answer: No, not really. Give him a few years before you crown him #4 in the freakin world.
8. Tim Duncan - Only an idiot would think Tim Duncan has regressed when he’s put up the same exact production three years in a row. A hobbled Tony Parker is all that kept the Spurs from being #1 in the west. What sane man would actually take Tim Duncan over Amare freakin Stoudemire?
9. Chris Bosh - Unlike Amare, Bosh can actually rebound the basketball (while still scoring at a high rate, imagine that!), which is why he’s the league’s top PF (presuming of course, that you’re not actually counting Tim Duncan as one).
10. Carmelo Anthony - Melo’s a good scorer, but he was obviously a bit overrated in most circles given the Durant-mania that everyone has right now.
11. Brandon Roy - Roy was good, but he wasn’t as great as he was this season. Going forward, I’d be concerned about his knees as he continues to have surgery on them. He has the skill level to deal with any athletic decline but it’s something to watch nonetheless.
12. Yao Ming - That’’s right, Yao Ming is still in the league! He’s a dominant offensive force when healthy and until he shows us he’s lost it, he needs to be on a top 25 list.
13. Rajon Rondo - Rondo is basically the leader of the Celtics now on the court, and is making a lot of his 2008 critics look stupid along the way.
14. Steve Nash - Nash is still Nash, which was somewhat unexpected for a 35 year old - though Nash never had any athleticism to rely on in the first place, so a big drop wasn’t to be expected anyway. He could play to 40 without a dropoff just as John Stockton did, provided he starts getting his minutes limited. The Suns are the top offensive team in the league (by quite a bit, in fact) but they are also (EASILY) the worst defensive team in the playoffs. Part of that falls on Nash, and always will so long as he’s the head of the team’s defensive attack.
15. Joe Johnson - JJ’s as versatile as they come. He isn’t an elite scorer, but he’s good enough to get by as a #1, sets his teammates up, and plays exceptional defense. He is the closest thing to Scottie Pippen you’re going to find in today’s league (and no, I’m not saying he’s as good as Pippen - else he’d rank 5th instead of 15th).
16. Russell Westbrook - Westbrook transformed into a solid PG after having a Steve Francis-type rookie year that had me pessimistic on his future (Steve Francis comparisons are NEVER a good thing for a PG). His A/T ratio improved dramatically from 1.58 in 2009 to 2.43 in 2010. His athletic talents and defense are a big reason why Oklahoma improved by 20+ wins. If he can actually learn how to score the ball efficiently, he’s a top 10 player. If he doesn’t, but continues to improve his defense, we’re talkin Gary Payton that can throw it down.
17. Pau Gasol - Gasol is just as good as Bosh offensively, but he’s not a great rebounder. That’s okay though - I and everyone else in the world not named Eddie Johnson would still rather have Gasol over Amare Stoudemire.
18. Amare Stoudemire - Speak o the devil himself! Amare didn’t start caring about the season until the trade deadline passed. Imagine where they’d be if he weren’t dogging it the first 50 games?
19. Carlos Boozer - Booze is just as good a scorer as the other PFs on this list, and he’s probably the best rebounder too. It’s a shame that he’s undersized and can’t block a shot. Btw, unlike other PFs on this list COUGHamareCOUGH I give him credit for being a professional during his contract year and not dogging it.
20. Josh Smith - Atlanta’s improvement this season stems from J-Smoove’s improvement on the offensive end. Less threes. More dunks. Solid formula for success. His elite shot blocking also returned from a one year hiatus (stemming from an 09 injury).
21. Derrick Rose - I know ya’ll are probably complaining that Rose should be higher than Westbrook, but until the man can have an impact on the defensive end, that’s not happening. (Just imagine how good the Thunder would be if Joakim Noah shored up the team defense instead of Nenad Krstic!). Regardless, Rose had a great year, and was nowhere close to a disappointment… I wonder where I read such a stupid statement…
22. Dirk Nowitzki - Frankly, Dirk has been playing with stacked teams for the last decade and hasn’t gotten it done. You know what that means ladies and gentlemen? THAT THE DUDE IS OVERRATED! His rebounding has declined the last 4 years, and at age 31, that’s not gonna change. His defense is still suspect. Yes, he can shoot it, and he’s the greatest 7 foot shooter in world history (a fact that probably makes Eddie Johnson shoot himself at night, if ya get what i’m sayin), but there’s more to this game than putting the ball in the basket. For instance: Being seven feet tall AND BEING ABLE TO PLAY CENTER(!!!!) without getting killed by an 8th seed team lead by a certain point guard (don’t look up).
23. Manu Ginobili - Ginobili rarely gets respect from anyone except Spurs fans, but the fact is he is one of the league’s elite players whether he’s starting or coming off the bench. His averages as a starter this season: 21.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg, 5.4 apg… in only 30.7 mpg. Compare this to Joe Johnson: 21.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 4.8 apg… in 38.7 mpg. You’ll notice that Eddie Johnson left Manu off his list, and with good reason - he’s an idiot Suns homer who hates the Spurs.
24. Gerald Wallace - G-Force improved his game and took the Bobcats to the playoffs. That’s a pretty generic statement and you already knew that. You know who didn’t take thier game to another level? Andre Iguodala & Danny Granger. That’s why they’re sitting at home right now and Wallace isn’t.
25. Andrew Bogut - Bogut deserves the lionshare of the credit for helping the Bucks get to the playoffs. He was the top defensive player on the top defensive team, as well as their featured post scorer on the offensive end. It's a shame his season ended the way it did, but here's hoping he has a full recovery.
Now, on to the players on Eddie's list that I left off: Paul Pierce, Kevin Garnett, Jason Kidd, Tony Parker, and Chauncey Billups.
Pierce and KG play for a stacked team and would be so screwed if either had to carry a team as they did in their younger years.
Ditto for Jason Kidd.
Tony Parker last season would have been somewhere around 11-15 and was easily the #3 PG in the league, but hasn’t been himself at all this season. As stated in the Duncan section, a healthy Parker is all that prevented the Spurs from being the 1st or 2nd best team in the west.
Billups is a good player and a godsend for the Nuggets offense (probably even more important than Melo in this regard, since he makes Nene, K-Mart, and Birdman dangerous), but his defense hasn’t been “good” since Ben Wallace was watching his back. The Nuggets were 16th in defense, which was the 2nd worst mark by a playoff team (Suns were 23rd… the Pacers were the only non-playoff team in the top 16 btw). He does hurt them in this regard, but I don’t think anyone will complain so long as he’s manning the league’s #3 offense (i mean, he’s not a D-killer like Nash, just not as skilled on the offensive end either).
Saturday, April 17, 2010
2010 NBA Playoff Preview - First Round
EASTERN CONFERENCE
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Cavaliers (61-21) vs. Bulls (41-41)
SRS: 6.27 (2nd) - -1.83 (18th)
ORTG: 111.2 (6th) - 103.5 (27th)
DRTG: 104.1 (7th) - 105.3 (11th)
PER Matchups
C: Shaquille O'Neal (17.9) - Joakim Noah (17.9)
PF: Antawn Jamison (16.7) - Taj Gibson (13.8)
SF: LeBron James (31.1) - Luol Deng (16.1)
SG: Anthony Parker (9.9) - Kirk Hinrich (11.6)
PG: Mo Williams (16.1) - Derrick Rose (18.6)
The Bulls obviously have no chance. Vinny Del Negro has done a solid job despite a very controversial season, and the team did well to make it this far. I for one am slightly disappointed the Raptors didn't make it, if only because I want to see LeBron average 40-10-10 for a playoff series. Unlike the Raptors, the Bulls are a respectable defensive team (so no legendary series' for LeBron), but they are inccredibly putrid offensively (give the ball to Rose and hope for the best) and have absolutely no chance of beating the Cavs in a 7 game series. Because the Cavs are working Shaquille O'Neal back into the mix, these games will be glorified practice sessions for the Cavs as they get prepared for the Celtics and Magic.
PREDICTION: Cavaliers in 4 games
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Magic (59-23) vs. Bobcats (44-38)
SRS: 7.12 (1st) - 1.30 (15th)
ORTG: 111.4 (4th) - 104.4 (24th)
DRTG: 103.3 (3rd) - 102.8 (1st)
PER Matchups
C: Dwight Howard (24.0) - Theo Ratliff (11.0)
PF: Rashard Lewis (14.0) - Boris Diaw (12.8)
SF: Matt Barnes (13.6) - Gerald Wallace (18.3)
SG: Vince Carter (17.1) - Stephen Jackson (15.7)
PG: Jameer Nelson (15.5) - Raymond Felton (15.2)
The Magic have advantages at 4 out of 5 positions, not to mention the deepest bench in the league. The Bobcats might have the best defense in the league, but their offense is not going to overcome Orlando's #3 ranked defense, and as such, they will be lucky to win one game.
PREDICTION: Magic in 4 games
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Hawks (53-29) vs. Bucks (46-36)
SRS: 4.44 (7th) - 1.38 (14th)
ORTG: 111.9 (2nd) - 104.9 (23rd)
DRTG: 106.7 (13th) - 103.1 (2nd)
PER Matchups
C: Al Horford (19.4) - Kurt Thomas (9.9)
PF: Josh Smith (21.0) - Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (11.8)
SF: Marvin Williams (13.0) - Carlos Delfino (12.9)
SG: Joe Johnson (19.3) - John Salmons (17.6)
PG: Mike Bibby (12.7) - Brandon Jennings (14.5)
The Hawks should have a relatively easy series (for once),as the Bucks are missing Andrew Bogut (as big of an all-star snub as Josh Smith, btw). Atlanta's offense is just too good, and the Bucks won't have enough of their own to support their still credible defense. You know it's bad when your top player is actually Luke Ridnour (17.7 PER off the bench), but the Hawks even have an answer for him with probable 2010 Sixth Man award winner Jamal Crawford (18.4 PER off the bench). Either way, Atlanta's young and improved frontline should dominate this series.
PREDICTION: Hawks in 4 games
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Celtics (50-32) vs. Heat (47-35)
SRS: 3.37 (10th) - 2.00 (13th)
ORTG: 107.7 (15th) - 106.6 (19th)
DRTG: 103.8 (5th) - 104.1 (6th)
PER Matchups
C: Kendrick Perkins (15.0) vs. Jermaine O'Neal (17.9)
PF: Kevin Garnett (19.4) vs. Michael Beasley (16.1)
SF: Paul Pierce (18.2) vs. Quentin Richardson (12.9)
SG: Ray Allen (15.2) vs. Dwyane Wade (28.0)
PG: Rajon Rondo (19.1) vs. Carlos Arroyo (12.3)
This will be a close series as both teams are excellent defensive teams but only average offensively. Many critics are thoroughly roasting Boston right now and predicting a first round exit. I still know better; they're the freakin Celtics! Miami is hardly great shakes themselves as they were floating from 5th to 9th place all season, and would have been the 6th seed if Andrew Bogut didn't get hurt. Dwyane Wade might be the best player in this series, but he will essentially be one man fighting against a great defensive team. O'Neal, Beasley, and Udonis Haslem will be limited by the defense of Perkins, Garnett, and Rasheed Wallace. KG may have lost a step, but it is difficult to imagine him losing his matchup to a one-dimensional black hole (Beasley), and we can probably expect to see a little more Udonis Haslem in this series... Meanwhile, Rondo and Pierce's advantages at their positions should easily make up for the difference between Ray Allen and Dwyane Wade.
Thus it looks like another first round exit for the Heat. Fortunately, with all their cap room, it should be the last one for a long time. Boston on the other hand will continue to fight father time and will need to make some difficult decisions going forward if they wish to remain in contention.
PREDICTION: Celtics in 6 games
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WESTERN CONFERENCE
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Lakers (57-25) vs. Thunder (50-32)
SRS: 4.78 (5th) - 3.55 (9th)
ORTG: 108.8 (11th) - 108.3 (12th)
DRTG: 103.7 (4th) - 104.6 (9th)
PER Matchups
C: Andrew Bynum (20.2) - Nenad Krstic (13.7)
PF: Pau Gasol (22.9) - Jeff Green (13.8)
SF: Ron Artest (12.1) - Kevin Durant (26.2)
SG: Kobe Bryant (21.9) - Thabo Sefolosha (9.8)
PG: Derek Fisher (9.3) - Russell Westbrook (17.8)
Ultimately, Durant and Kobe should cancel each other out. What this series comes down to is the Lakers are just too big up front for the Thunder. LA has three all-star caliber players and Oklahoma only has one, even if he is a top 3 NBA talent right now. Dwyane Wade faces a similar struggle out east, and Durant's road will be even tougher given the quality of his opponent. The Lakers will take this series, but Durant should be able steal a game (or even two) with his offensive prowess.
PREDICTION: Lakers in 5 games
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Mavericks (55-27) vs. Spurs (50-32)
SRS: 2.67 (12th) - 5.07 (4th)
ORTG: 109.2 (10th) - 110.0 (9th)
DRTG: 106.3 (12th) - 104.5 (8th)
PER Matchups
C: Erick Dampier (14.0) - Tim Duncan (24.7)
PF: Dirk Nowitzki (22.9) - Antonio McDyess (12.2)
SF: Shawn Marion (14.7) - Richard Jefferson (13.1)
SG: Caron Butler (14.2) - Manu Ginobili (22.5)
PG: Jason Kidd (17.2) - George Hill (14.9)
Going by the numbers, Dallas is not a worthy #2 seed and a prime candidate to be upset by the Spurs. However, the numbers are misleading for both teams, and we're going to have to dig a little deeper.
Dallas started the season with Josh Howard on the shelf, and he was never quite himself this season when healthy. Dallas flipped him at the all-star break for Caron Butler, a move that can be regarded as an upgrade. Butler and Howard combined for only 58 games for Dallas, which means there were 24 games where Dallas was throwing extra minutes at JJ Barea or rookie Rodrigue Beaubois. That hurts Dallas' numbers.
The Spurs, however, are not without thier variables either. Tony Parker missed 26 games and struggled throughout the year with a heel injury. He recently returned as the team's sixth man, a role he could thrive in just as Manu has all these years. The Spurs also made it a point to rest Tim Duncan (and the other Spurs starters) in preperation for the playoffs. Duncan will surely be playing 5-10 more minutes per game in the playoffs, and that certainly affects the Spurs' numbers.
Ultimately, what I think this series will come down to is that the Mavericks have home court advantage, and the Spurs still don't have anyone that can guard Dirk Nowitzki. Dallas on the other hand picked up Brendan Haywood who can match up with Duncan better than Dampier ever could. The Spurs also have some injury concerns (Hill and Parker) and that could play a factor in a long series - not to mention they won't get to torch Jason Kidd as badly as they normally would.
Whatever the case may be, this will easily be the most interesting and competitive playoff series of the first round.
PREDICTION: Mavericks in 7 games
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Suns (54-28) vs. Blazers (50-32)
SRS: 4.68 (6th) - 3.18 (11th)
ORTG: 115.3 (1st) - 110.8 (7th)
DRTG: 110.2 (23rd) - 107.1 (15th)
PER Matchups
C: Jarron Collins (3.8) - Marcus Camby (17.0)
PF: Amare Stoudemire (22.6) - LaMarcus Aldridge (18.2)
SF: Grant Hill (14.0) - Nicolas Batum (17.3)
SG: Jason Richardson (16.6) - Rudy Fernandez (13.1)
PG: Steve Nash (21.6) - Andre Miller (18.1)
In a season where the Blazers had their entire season marred by injuries, it only makes sense that their best player (Brandon Roy, 21.3 PER)would tear his meniscus right before the playoffs. With Roy, the Blazers likely would have advanced over these defenseless Suns. Without him, they will struggle to take advantage while also having to deal with the NBA's top offense on the other end. Don't expect to see much of Jarron Collins btw Blazer fans, the majority of the center minutes will go to Channing Frye (15.0 PER). The Suns have a deeper bench and will be running the Blazers into the ground without much opposition (as the Blazers are only an average defensive team themselves, Marcus Camby heroics notwithstanding). I'll say the Blazers steal a game though based on the merits of how bad the Suns are defensively.
PREDICTION: Suns in 5 games
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Nuggets (53-29) vs. Jazz (53-29)
SRS: 4.15 (8th) - 5.33 (3rd)
ORTG: 111.8 (3rd) - 110.7 (8th)
DRTG: 107.5 (16th) - 105.0 (10th)
PER Matchups
C: Nene (18.9) - Mehmet Okur (15.6)
PF: Kenyon Martin (13.4) - Carlos Boozer (21.3)
SF: Carmelo Anthony (22.2) - C.J. Miles (10.3)
SG: Arron Afflalo (10.8) - Wesley Matthews (12.3)
PG: Chauncey Billups (20.2) - Deron Williams (20.6)
Here we have yet another playoff series ruined by injury. Andrei Kirilenko (18.2 PER, and the team's best defensive player) will miss the entire first round, and that leaves the Jazz incredibly thin on the wing. The Jazz were destroyed by the Nuggets and Carmelo Anthony (33 ppg on 60 FG%) during the regular season (their only win coming when Melo was out of the lineup), and he should have a field day against Miles, Matthews, Kyle Korver, Othyus Jeffers, the kitchen sink, and whatever else Jerry Sloan can find to throw at him. Utah will need career performances from Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer to take advantage of Denver's average defense if they want to have any hope of overcoming the odds.
PREDICTION: Nuggets in 5 games
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For those of you who actually managed to get through all that, go download my playoff roster, which I just uploaded to 2K Share (Xbox 360)! A full breakdown on that will come tomorrow.
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Cavaliers (61-21) vs. Bulls (41-41)
SRS: 6.27 (2nd) - -1.83 (18th)
ORTG: 111.2 (6th) - 103.5 (27th)
DRTG: 104.1 (7th) - 105.3 (11th)
PER Matchups
C: Shaquille O'Neal (17.9) - Joakim Noah (17.9)
PF: Antawn Jamison (16.7) - Taj Gibson (13.8)
SF: LeBron James (31.1) - Luol Deng (16.1)
SG: Anthony Parker (9.9) - Kirk Hinrich (11.6)
PG: Mo Williams (16.1) - Derrick Rose (18.6)
The Bulls obviously have no chance. Vinny Del Negro has done a solid job despite a very controversial season, and the team did well to make it this far. I for one am slightly disappointed the Raptors didn't make it, if only because I want to see LeBron average 40-10-10 for a playoff series. Unlike the Raptors, the Bulls are a respectable defensive team (so no legendary series' for LeBron), but they are inccredibly putrid offensively (give the ball to Rose and hope for the best) and have absolutely no chance of beating the Cavs in a 7 game series. Because the Cavs are working Shaquille O'Neal back into the mix, these games will be glorified practice sessions for the Cavs as they get prepared for the Celtics and Magic.
PREDICTION: Cavaliers in 4 games
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Magic (59-23) vs. Bobcats (44-38)
SRS: 7.12 (1st) - 1.30 (15th)
ORTG: 111.4 (4th) - 104.4 (24th)
DRTG: 103.3 (3rd) - 102.8 (1st)
PER Matchups
C: Dwight Howard (24.0) - Theo Ratliff (11.0)
PF: Rashard Lewis (14.0) - Boris Diaw (12.8)
SF: Matt Barnes (13.6) - Gerald Wallace (18.3)
SG: Vince Carter (17.1) - Stephen Jackson (15.7)
PG: Jameer Nelson (15.5) - Raymond Felton (15.2)
The Magic have advantages at 4 out of 5 positions, not to mention the deepest bench in the league. The Bobcats might have the best defense in the league, but their offense is not going to overcome Orlando's #3 ranked defense, and as such, they will be lucky to win one game.
PREDICTION: Magic in 4 games
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Hawks (53-29) vs. Bucks (46-36)
SRS: 4.44 (7th) - 1.38 (14th)
ORTG: 111.9 (2nd) - 104.9 (23rd)
DRTG: 106.7 (13th) - 103.1 (2nd)
PER Matchups
C: Al Horford (19.4) - Kurt Thomas (9.9)
PF: Josh Smith (21.0) - Luc Richard Mbah a Moute (11.8)
SF: Marvin Williams (13.0) - Carlos Delfino (12.9)
SG: Joe Johnson (19.3) - John Salmons (17.6)
PG: Mike Bibby (12.7) - Brandon Jennings (14.5)
The Hawks should have a relatively easy series (for once),as the Bucks are missing Andrew Bogut (as big of an all-star snub as Josh Smith, btw). Atlanta's offense is just too good, and the Bucks won't have enough of their own to support their still credible defense. You know it's bad when your top player is actually Luke Ridnour (17.7 PER off the bench), but the Hawks even have an answer for him with probable 2010 Sixth Man award winner Jamal Crawford (18.4 PER off the bench). Either way, Atlanta's young and improved frontline should dominate this series.
PREDICTION: Hawks in 4 games
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Celtics (50-32) vs. Heat (47-35)
SRS: 3.37 (10th) - 2.00 (13th)
ORTG: 107.7 (15th) - 106.6 (19th)
DRTG: 103.8 (5th) - 104.1 (6th)
PER Matchups
C: Kendrick Perkins (15.0) vs. Jermaine O'Neal (17.9)
PF: Kevin Garnett (19.4) vs. Michael Beasley (16.1)
SF: Paul Pierce (18.2) vs. Quentin Richardson (12.9)
SG: Ray Allen (15.2) vs. Dwyane Wade (28.0)
PG: Rajon Rondo (19.1) vs. Carlos Arroyo (12.3)
This will be a close series as both teams are excellent defensive teams but only average offensively. Many critics are thoroughly roasting Boston right now and predicting a first round exit. I still know better; they're the freakin Celtics! Miami is hardly great shakes themselves as they were floating from 5th to 9th place all season, and would have been the 6th seed if Andrew Bogut didn't get hurt. Dwyane Wade might be the best player in this series, but he will essentially be one man fighting against a great defensive team. O'Neal, Beasley, and Udonis Haslem will be limited by the defense of Perkins, Garnett, and Rasheed Wallace. KG may have lost a step, but it is difficult to imagine him losing his matchup to a one-dimensional black hole (Beasley), and we can probably expect to see a little more Udonis Haslem in this series... Meanwhile, Rondo and Pierce's advantages at their positions should easily make up for the difference between Ray Allen and Dwyane Wade.
Thus it looks like another first round exit for the Heat. Fortunately, with all their cap room, it should be the last one for a long time. Boston on the other hand will continue to fight father time and will need to make some difficult decisions going forward if they wish to remain in contention.
PREDICTION: Celtics in 6 games
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WESTERN CONFERENCE
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Lakers (57-25) vs. Thunder (50-32)
SRS: 4.78 (5th) - 3.55 (9th)
ORTG: 108.8 (11th) - 108.3 (12th)
DRTG: 103.7 (4th) - 104.6 (9th)
PER Matchups
C: Andrew Bynum (20.2) - Nenad Krstic (13.7)
PF: Pau Gasol (22.9) - Jeff Green (13.8)
SF: Ron Artest (12.1) - Kevin Durant (26.2)
SG: Kobe Bryant (21.9) - Thabo Sefolosha (9.8)
PG: Derek Fisher (9.3) - Russell Westbrook (17.8)
Ultimately, Durant and Kobe should cancel each other out. What this series comes down to is the Lakers are just too big up front for the Thunder. LA has three all-star caliber players and Oklahoma only has one, even if he is a top 3 NBA talent right now. Dwyane Wade faces a similar struggle out east, and Durant's road will be even tougher given the quality of his opponent. The Lakers will take this series, but Durant should be able steal a game (or even two) with his offensive prowess.
PREDICTION: Lakers in 5 games
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Mavericks (55-27) vs. Spurs (50-32)
SRS: 2.67 (12th) - 5.07 (4th)
ORTG: 109.2 (10th) - 110.0 (9th)
DRTG: 106.3 (12th) - 104.5 (8th)
PER Matchups
C: Erick Dampier (14.0) - Tim Duncan (24.7)
PF: Dirk Nowitzki (22.9) - Antonio McDyess (12.2)
SF: Shawn Marion (14.7) - Richard Jefferson (13.1)
SG: Caron Butler (14.2) - Manu Ginobili (22.5)
PG: Jason Kidd (17.2) - George Hill (14.9)
Going by the numbers, Dallas is not a worthy #2 seed and a prime candidate to be upset by the Spurs. However, the numbers are misleading for both teams, and we're going to have to dig a little deeper.
Dallas started the season with Josh Howard on the shelf, and he was never quite himself this season when healthy. Dallas flipped him at the all-star break for Caron Butler, a move that can be regarded as an upgrade. Butler and Howard combined for only 58 games for Dallas, which means there were 24 games where Dallas was throwing extra minutes at JJ Barea or rookie Rodrigue Beaubois. That hurts Dallas' numbers.
The Spurs, however, are not without thier variables either. Tony Parker missed 26 games and struggled throughout the year with a heel injury. He recently returned as the team's sixth man, a role he could thrive in just as Manu has all these years. The Spurs also made it a point to rest Tim Duncan (and the other Spurs starters) in preperation for the playoffs. Duncan will surely be playing 5-10 more minutes per game in the playoffs, and that certainly affects the Spurs' numbers.
Ultimately, what I think this series will come down to is that the Mavericks have home court advantage, and the Spurs still don't have anyone that can guard Dirk Nowitzki. Dallas on the other hand picked up Brendan Haywood who can match up with Duncan better than Dampier ever could. The Spurs also have some injury concerns (Hill and Parker) and that could play a factor in a long series - not to mention they won't get to torch Jason Kidd as badly as they normally would.
Whatever the case may be, this will easily be the most interesting and competitive playoff series of the first round.
PREDICTION: Mavericks in 7 games
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Suns (54-28) vs. Blazers (50-32)
SRS: 4.68 (6th) - 3.18 (11th)
ORTG: 115.3 (1st) - 110.8 (7th)
DRTG: 110.2 (23rd) - 107.1 (15th)
PER Matchups
C: Jarron Collins (3.8) - Marcus Camby (17.0)
PF: Amare Stoudemire (22.6) - LaMarcus Aldridge (18.2)
SF: Grant Hill (14.0) - Nicolas Batum (17.3)
SG: Jason Richardson (16.6) - Rudy Fernandez (13.1)
PG: Steve Nash (21.6) - Andre Miller (18.1)
In a season where the Blazers had their entire season marred by injuries, it only makes sense that their best player (Brandon Roy, 21.3 PER)would tear his meniscus right before the playoffs. With Roy, the Blazers likely would have advanced over these defenseless Suns. Without him, they will struggle to take advantage while also having to deal with the NBA's top offense on the other end. Don't expect to see much of Jarron Collins btw Blazer fans, the majority of the center minutes will go to Channing Frye (15.0 PER). The Suns have a deeper bench and will be running the Blazers into the ground without much opposition (as the Blazers are only an average defensive team themselves, Marcus Camby heroics notwithstanding). I'll say the Blazers steal a game though based on the merits of how bad the Suns are defensively.
PREDICTION: Suns in 5 games
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Nuggets (53-29) vs. Jazz (53-29)
SRS: 4.15 (8th) - 5.33 (3rd)
ORTG: 111.8 (3rd) - 110.7 (8th)
DRTG: 107.5 (16th) - 105.0 (10th)
PER Matchups
C: Nene (18.9) - Mehmet Okur (15.6)
PF: Kenyon Martin (13.4) - Carlos Boozer (21.3)
SF: Carmelo Anthony (22.2) - C.J. Miles (10.3)
SG: Arron Afflalo (10.8) - Wesley Matthews (12.3)
PG: Chauncey Billups (20.2) - Deron Williams (20.6)
Here we have yet another playoff series ruined by injury. Andrei Kirilenko (18.2 PER, and the team's best defensive player) will miss the entire first round, and that leaves the Jazz incredibly thin on the wing. The Jazz were destroyed by the Nuggets and Carmelo Anthony (33 ppg on 60 FG%) during the regular season (their only win coming when Melo was out of the lineup), and he should have a field day against Miles, Matthews, Kyle Korver, Othyus Jeffers, the kitchen sink, and whatever else Jerry Sloan can find to throw at him. Utah will need career performances from Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer to take advantage of Denver's average defense if they want to have any hope of overcoming the odds.
PREDICTION: Nuggets in 5 games
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For those of you who actually managed to get through all that, go download my playoff roster, which I just uploaded to 2K Share (Xbox 360)! A full breakdown on that will come tomorrow.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Lakers vs Celtics: Foul Drawing Issues
I ran another simulation, this time with LA vs Boston. I edited Draw Foul and Commit Foul tendencies for all players (most of these being increases) in an effort to generate some more realistic FT attempts. Instead, I got an infuriating result.
Pts-Reb-Ast-Stl-Blk
LAKERS
Andrew Bynum: 19-9-1-1-0 (9-11 FG, 1-2 FT) - 34 mins
Pau Gasol: 16-14-2-2-4 (7-10 FG, 2-4 FT) - 40 mins, 3 TO
Ron Artest: 9-1-3-5-1 (4-13 FG, 1-7 3PT) - 43 mins, 3 TO
Kobe Bryant: 39-3-3-0-0 (19-31 FG, 1-4 3PT, 0-0 FT) - 43 mins
Derek Fisher: 2-3-7-0-0 (1-8 FG, 0-5 3PT) - 38 mins
BENCH
Brown: 4-0-0-0-0 (3-7 FG, 2-4 3PT, 1-1 FT) - 12 mins
Farmar: 9-0-3-0-0 (1-3 FG, 2-2 FT) - 17 mins
Walton: 2-0-0-0-1 (1-1 FG) - 6 mins
No free throws for Kobe Bryant in an OT game against one of the top fouling teams in the league? It's simply ridiculous.
What makes this so infuriating is Kobe saw the biggest increase in "Foul Draw" of any player on either team. I raised him from 56 to 82 before the game. He has a 97 Shot Tendency, and took 31 shots in an OT game. He didn't go to the line a single time. WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO DO?????
I am very adamant about using 2K's default sliders with my ratings, so changing foul sliders is not my solution.
This should have been a 45-50 point game for Kobe. Kobe draws fouls on 13% of his shots in real life. He should have been fouled 4 times, not including non-shooting fouls that send him to the line.
CELTICS
Kendrick Perkins: 9-13-4-1-0 (4-9 FG, 1-2 FT) - 36 mins
Kevin Garnett: 21-15-1-1-0 (9-16 FG, 3-3 FT) - 40 mins
Paul Pierce: 16-4-8-0-1 (7-15 FG, 1-3 3PT, 1-2 FT) - 43 mins, 8 TO
Ray Allen: 23-0-1-1-0 (9-16 FG, 2-7 3PT, 3-3 FT) - 41 mins
Rajon Rondo: 12-1-9-2-0 (6-12 FG, 0-3 3PT) - 41 mins, 4 TO
BENCH
Rasheed Wallace: 2-3-2-1-0 (1-1 FG) - 18 mins
Glen Davis: 4-2-1-2-0 (2-4 FG) - 14 mins
Tony Allen: 4-0-1-0-0 (2-3 FG) - 13 mins
Nate Robinson: 8-0-2-0-0 (3-7 FG, 1-3 3PT, 1-1 FT) - 13 mins
Michael Finley: 0-1-1-0-0 (0-3 FG, 0-2 3PT) - 11 mins
The Celtics commited a grand total of 5 fouls through 5 periods. WHAT THE ****. Two fouls for Sheed, 1 foul each for Perkins, Rondo, and Finley. No fouls for the big three.
Just so you guys don't think I'm crazy
COMMIT FOUL
Davis: 62 (down from 84)
Wallace: 56 (up from 49)
T.Allen: 55 (down from 62)
Perkins: 48 (down from 63)
Robinson: 47 (down from 50)
Garnett: 40 (up from 34)
Pierce: 40 (up from 33)
Rondo: 35
R.Allen: 34 (up from 22)
Finley: 28 (up from 7)
Of the Celtics top 6 players, four had their rating raised, one stayed the same, and only one saw a decrease.
DRAW FOUL
Bryant: 82 (up from 56)
Gasol: 70
Bynum: 61 (down from 91)
Odom: 41 (down from 73)
Artest: 39 (down from 45)
Brown: 39 (up from 14)
Farmar: 35 (down from 38)
Fisher: 30 (up from 25)
Walton: 17 (down from 32)
The funny thing is Brown and Farmar pale in comparison to Kobe yet they drew 2 fouls on 10 FGA (20% Foul Draw). Gasol got fouled twice on 10 shots (20%). Kobe did not get fouled once and took 31 shots and that is just god-damn mind boggling.
For once, I am at a loss. If you've got anything, let me know. My stats are all realistic aside from not enough fouls.
Pts-Reb-Ast-Stl-Blk
LAKERS
Andrew Bynum: 19-9-1-1-0 (9-11 FG, 1-2 FT) - 34 mins
Pau Gasol: 16-14-2-2-4 (7-10 FG, 2-4 FT) - 40 mins, 3 TO
Ron Artest: 9-1-3-5-1 (4-13 FG, 1-7 3PT) - 43 mins, 3 TO
Kobe Bryant: 39-3-3-0-0 (19-31 FG, 1-4 3PT, 0-0 FT) - 43 mins
Derek Fisher: 2-3-7-0-0 (1-8 FG, 0-5 3PT) - 38 mins
BENCH
Brown: 4-0-0-0-0 (3-7 FG, 2-4 3PT, 1-1 FT) - 12 mins
Farmar: 9-0-3-0-0 (1-3 FG, 2-2 FT) - 17 mins
Walton: 2-0-0-0-1 (1-1 FG) - 6 mins
No free throws for Kobe Bryant in an OT game against one of the top fouling teams in the league? It's simply ridiculous.
What makes this so infuriating is Kobe saw the biggest increase in "Foul Draw" of any player on either team. I raised him from 56 to 82 before the game. He has a 97 Shot Tendency, and took 31 shots in an OT game. He didn't go to the line a single time. WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO DO?????
I am very adamant about using 2K's default sliders with my ratings, so changing foul sliders is not my solution.
This should have been a 45-50 point game for Kobe. Kobe draws fouls on 13% of his shots in real life. He should have been fouled 4 times, not including non-shooting fouls that send him to the line.
CELTICS
Kendrick Perkins: 9-13-4-1-0 (4-9 FG, 1-2 FT) - 36 mins
Kevin Garnett: 21-15-1-1-0 (9-16 FG, 3-3 FT) - 40 mins
Paul Pierce: 16-4-8-0-1 (7-15 FG, 1-3 3PT, 1-2 FT) - 43 mins, 8 TO
Ray Allen: 23-0-1-1-0 (9-16 FG, 2-7 3PT, 3-3 FT) - 41 mins
Rajon Rondo: 12-1-9-2-0 (6-12 FG, 0-3 3PT) - 41 mins, 4 TO
BENCH
Rasheed Wallace: 2-3-2-1-0 (1-1 FG) - 18 mins
Glen Davis: 4-2-1-2-0 (2-4 FG) - 14 mins
Tony Allen: 4-0-1-0-0 (2-3 FG) - 13 mins
Nate Robinson: 8-0-2-0-0 (3-7 FG, 1-3 3PT, 1-1 FT) - 13 mins
Michael Finley: 0-1-1-0-0 (0-3 FG, 0-2 3PT) - 11 mins
The Celtics commited a grand total of 5 fouls through 5 periods. WHAT THE ****. Two fouls for Sheed, 1 foul each for Perkins, Rondo, and Finley. No fouls for the big three.
Just so you guys don't think I'm crazy
COMMIT FOUL
Davis: 62 (down from 84)
Wallace: 56 (up from 49)
T.Allen: 55 (down from 62)
Perkins: 48 (down from 63)
Robinson: 47 (down from 50)
Garnett: 40 (up from 34)
Pierce: 40 (up from 33)
Rondo: 35
R.Allen: 34 (up from 22)
Finley: 28 (up from 7)
Of the Celtics top 6 players, four had their rating raised, one stayed the same, and only one saw a decrease.
DRAW FOUL
Bryant: 82 (up from 56)
Gasol: 70
Bynum: 61 (down from 91)
Odom: 41 (down from 73)
Artest: 39 (down from 45)
Brown: 39 (up from 14)
Farmar: 35 (down from 38)
Fisher: 30 (up from 25)
Walton: 17 (down from 32)
The funny thing is Brown and Farmar pale in comparison to Kobe yet they drew 2 fouls on 10 FGA (20% Foul Draw). Gasol got fouled twice on 10 shots (20%). Kobe did not get fouled once and took 31 shots and that is just god-damn mind boggling.
For once, I am at a loss. If you've got anything, let me know. My stats are all realistic aside from not enough fouls.
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