Allanon
09-19-2008, 07:54 PM
These rankings are pretty good. Caron Butler should be in the top 5 instead of Richard Jefferson.
James is the best SF, will only get better
by Tim Povtak
http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/10984434
There isn't a position on the floor that LeBron James couldn't play better than most anyone else in the NBA.
No, he didn't win the Most Valuable Player award last season, but there is no one in the game today more versatile, more athletic, more focused and more dynamic than the star of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
At age 23, James this season is likely to take his rightful place as the best player in basketball, even if the Cavaliers falter around him. As good as he is now, he will continue to improve for several more seasons.
There is little he can't do with his combination of size, strength and quickness. The debate over who would be the No. 1-ranked small forward was no debate at all -- unless you wanted to change his position.
Here are the top 20 small forwards:
1. LeBron James, Cleveland: Leading the league is scoring (30 points per game) is an accomplishment in itself, but it's only part of his story. Doing it while also averaging 7.9 rebounds and 7.2 assists makes it phenomenal, which is what he is. If he opts to do it, James could become the first player since Oscar Robertson in 1962 to average a triple-double through a season. Now that would be entertainment.
2. Carmelo Anthony, Denver: He's more than a little flighty at times and might not have the leadership skills you want, but he has more than enough talent to star if the right pieces can be assembled around him. He might need to change environments to get past the first round, or he runs the risk of getting the Tracy McGrady reputation.
3. Paul Pierce, Boston: Lowest scoring output (19.6 ppg) since 2000 led to his finest moment when the Celtics won the NBA title. After years of shining individually, he tailored his game to fit with Kevin Garnett and formed the best forward tandem in the league. Can't wipe the smile off his face now as he tries for a repeat.
4. Ron Artest, Houston: You don't have to like him to like his game. He's a strange one, but his arrival in Houston could be the spark the Rockets need to get them out of the first round and salvage McGrady's reputation. He isn't what he once was, but Artest still can average 20 points and shut down the opposing small forward.
5. Richard Jefferson, Milwaukee: The change will do him good after some frustrating years in New Jersey. It won't be easy playing for coach Scott Skiles in Milwaukee, but the Bucks just might surprise people around the Eastern Conference. While Michael Redd hits the 3s, Jefferson should have room to slash toward the basket, getting his 20 points per game.
6. Corey Maggette, Golden State: Now that he has moved to the Warriors, he looks destined to be one of those consistent 20-point scorers who never gets the chance to play for a contender, leaving him without any playoff success. Too bad, because he's a nice guy and a reliable scorer.
7. Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia: He got the big contract extension he wanted this summer -- worth $80 million -- and it's a good thing for him because his production might go down now that Elton Brand will be getting the ball all the time around the basket. Going into his fifth season, Iggy does give the Sixers hope in the wide-open Eastern Conference.
8. Hedo Turkoglu, Orlando: He is coming off his breakout season -- 19.7 points per game, 5.7 rebounds and five assists -- and if he can repeat it, the Magic could become serious contenders in the East. He loved being the go-to guy when defenses overloaded on Dwight Howard inside. This is Turkoglu's contract year, so the pressure to shine will mount.
9. Shawn Marion, Miami: Carved his reputation in Phoenix when he played with Steve Nash, but he never sounded real happy there. He should have been because things will be tougher playing in Miami. Another guy in his contract year who will be trying to impress everyone, which might be a problem with the Heat.
10. Caron Butler, Washington: Trailed only LeBron James in minutes played (39.9 mpg), and he kept the Wizards afloat when Gilbert Arenas was out. He also struggled with injuries, but when healthy he was very, very good. Plays hard and is finally getting his due.
11. Danny Granger, Indiana: He is coming off a breakout season in which his scoring average jumped from 13.9 to 19.6 points. The Pacers believe he could become a future All-Star, and they are rebuilding around him. He should reach the 20-point average without a problem this season. If his defense also improves, the Pacers will be thrilled.
12. Josh Howard, Dallas: This guy is a knucklehead -- he's beginning to rival Artest in that category. The Mavs have tried to move him but have gotten no takers. No wonder. You can't debate his talents, but he lacks decent judgment -- as evidenced by the recently released online video in which he disrespected the national anthem. If the Mavs want to build a team with character, they have a real character in Howard.
13. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City: Hard to judge a guy on one season, but he has all the makings of a star. He got plenty of opportunity as a rookie, and those will continue this season. Don't be surprised if keeps putting up those 20-point averages every season. Just needs to learn the rest of the game.
14. Tayshaun Prince, Detroit: Hard to find fault in a guy with an NBA title under his belt. He has spent his career in a perfect spot, on a team that really has brought out his best. So long and rangy, he stays within himself and just helps the Pistons win big games. For a guy who came into the league as a 23rd pick, he has exceeded all expectations.
15. Mike Miller, Minnesota: Traded from one bad team (Memphis) to another, which is too bad because Miller could have been a real factor for a good team. He is proof that nice guys don't always get the breaks. Still a dangerous long-range shooter, Miller has trouble staying healthy.
16. Andrei Kirilenko, Utah: A versatile forward who doesn't mind staying in the background, but he needs to be more aggressive. He has the potential to put up considerably better statistics, but he just seems too passive at times. Utah really overpaid him, which makes him a salary-cap drain.
17. Luol Deng, Chicago: Finally got his big contract this summer, which was a little surprising after a disappointing season. The Bulls went into the tank because so many players were unhappy with their contract status during the season. Deng is expected to help lead the Bulls back into contention.
18. Gerald Wallace, Charlotte: Wallace got the contract he wanted last summer, but his season didn't go very well. Although he increased his scoring average, the Bobcats were woeful, making it look as if they overpaid him. Wallace must find a way to blend better with Jason Richardson on the perimeter.
19. Marvin Williams, Atlanta: Although he looked a little overmatched in his first two NBA seasons, Williams started showing the promise that made him the No. 2 pick of the 2005 draft. He is only 22. He is maturing both physically and mentally, so watch for another big jump in production this season.
20. Yi Jianlian, New Jersey: He had a tough first season in Milwaukee, where he didn't want to be, but his skills are real. He is the real deal, and he will begin to excel now. At his size (6-11, 240), he can do some pretty amazing things. Watch for his numbers to rise significantly in his second season.
James is the best SF, will only get better
by Tim Povtak
http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/10984434
There isn't a position on the floor that LeBron James couldn't play better than most anyone else in the NBA.
No, he didn't win the Most Valuable Player award last season, but there is no one in the game today more versatile, more athletic, more focused and more dynamic than the star of the Cleveland Cavaliers.
At age 23, James this season is likely to take his rightful place as the best player in basketball, even if the Cavaliers falter around him. As good as he is now, he will continue to improve for several more seasons.
There is little he can't do with his combination of size, strength and quickness. The debate over who would be the No. 1-ranked small forward was no debate at all -- unless you wanted to change his position.
Here are the top 20 small forwards:
1. LeBron James, Cleveland: Leading the league is scoring (30 points per game) is an accomplishment in itself, but it's only part of his story. Doing it while also averaging 7.9 rebounds and 7.2 assists makes it phenomenal, which is what he is. If he opts to do it, James could become the first player since Oscar Robertson in 1962 to average a triple-double through a season. Now that would be entertainment.
2. Carmelo Anthony, Denver: He's more than a little flighty at times and might not have the leadership skills you want, but he has more than enough talent to star if the right pieces can be assembled around him. He might need to change environments to get past the first round, or he runs the risk of getting the Tracy McGrady reputation.
3. Paul Pierce, Boston: Lowest scoring output (19.6 ppg) since 2000 led to his finest moment when the Celtics won the NBA title. After years of shining individually, he tailored his game to fit with Kevin Garnett and formed the best forward tandem in the league. Can't wipe the smile off his face now as he tries for a repeat.
4. Ron Artest, Houston: You don't have to like him to like his game. He's a strange one, but his arrival in Houston could be the spark the Rockets need to get them out of the first round and salvage McGrady's reputation. He isn't what he once was, but Artest still can average 20 points and shut down the opposing small forward.
5. Richard Jefferson, Milwaukee: The change will do him good after some frustrating years in New Jersey. It won't be easy playing for coach Scott Skiles in Milwaukee, but the Bucks just might surprise people around the Eastern Conference. While Michael Redd hits the 3s, Jefferson should have room to slash toward the basket, getting his 20 points per game.
6. Corey Maggette, Golden State: Now that he has moved to the Warriors, he looks destined to be one of those consistent 20-point scorers who never gets the chance to play for a contender, leaving him without any playoff success. Too bad, because he's a nice guy and a reliable scorer.
7. Andre Iguodala, Philadelphia: He got the big contract extension he wanted this summer -- worth $80 million -- and it's a good thing for him because his production might go down now that Elton Brand will be getting the ball all the time around the basket. Going into his fifth season, Iggy does give the Sixers hope in the wide-open Eastern Conference.
8. Hedo Turkoglu, Orlando: He is coming off his breakout season -- 19.7 points per game, 5.7 rebounds and five assists -- and if he can repeat it, the Magic could become serious contenders in the East. He loved being the go-to guy when defenses overloaded on Dwight Howard inside. This is Turkoglu's contract year, so the pressure to shine will mount.
9. Shawn Marion, Miami: Carved his reputation in Phoenix when he played with Steve Nash, but he never sounded real happy there. He should have been because things will be tougher playing in Miami. Another guy in his contract year who will be trying to impress everyone, which might be a problem with the Heat.
10. Caron Butler, Washington: Trailed only LeBron James in minutes played (39.9 mpg), and he kept the Wizards afloat when Gilbert Arenas was out. He also struggled with injuries, but when healthy he was very, very good. Plays hard and is finally getting his due.
11. Danny Granger, Indiana: He is coming off a breakout season in which his scoring average jumped from 13.9 to 19.6 points. The Pacers believe he could become a future All-Star, and they are rebuilding around him. He should reach the 20-point average without a problem this season. If his defense also improves, the Pacers will be thrilled.
12. Josh Howard, Dallas: This guy is a knucklehead -- he's beginning to rival Artest in that category. The Mavs have tried to move him but have gotten no takers. No wonder. You can't debate his talents, but he lacks decent judgment -- as evidenced by the recently released online video in which he disrespected the national anthem. If the Mavs want to build a team with character, they have a real character in Howard.
13. Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City: Hard to judge a guy on one season, but he has all the makings of a star. He got plenty of opportunity as a rookie, and those will continue this season. Don't be surprised if keeps putting up those 20-point averages every season. Just needs to learn the rest of the game.
14. Tayshaun Prince, Detroit: Hard to find fault in a guy with an NBA title under his belt. He has spent his career in a perfect spot, on a team that really has brought out his best. So long and rangy, he stays within himself and just helps the Pistons win big games. For a guy who came into the league as a 23rd pick, he has exceeded all expectations.
15. Mike Miller, Minnesota: Traded from one bad team (Memphis) to another, which is too bad because Miller could have been a real factor for a good team. He is proof that nice guys don't always get the breaks. Still a dangerous long-range shooter, Miller has trouble staying healthy.
16. Andrei Kirilenko, Utah: A versatile forward who doesn't mind staying in the background, but he needs to be more aggressive. He has the potential to put up considerably better statistics, but he just seems too passive at times. Utah really overpaid him, which makes him a salary-cap drain.
17. Luol Deng, Chicago: Finally got his big contract this summer, which was a little surprising after a disappointing season. The Bulls went into the tank because so many players were unhappy with their contract status during the season. Deng is expected to help lead the Bulls back into contention.
18. Gerald Wallace, Charlotte: Wallace got the contract he wanted last summer, but his season didn't go very well. Although he increased his scoring average, the Bobcats were woeful, making it look as if they overpaid him. Wallace must find a way to blend better with Jason Richardson on the perimeter.
19. Marvin Williams, Atlanta: Although he looked a little overmatched in his first two NBA seasons, Williams started showing the promise that made him the No. 2 pick of the 2005 draft. He is only 22. He is maturing both physically and mentally, so watch for another big jump in production this season.
20. Yi Jianlian, New Jersey: He had a tough first season in Milwaukee, where he didn't want to be, but his skills are real. He is the real deal, and he will begin to excel now. At his size (6-11, 240), he can do some pretty amazing things. Watch for his numbers to rise significantly in his second season.