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10-28-2007, 01:59 PM
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/7...0813162&ATT=73
Preseason awards: King rising, 'Toine falling
Mike Kahn
FOXSports.com, Updated 28 minutes ago STORY TOOLS:
With the NBA regular season almost here, there's not much time to provide some perspective.
The official awards for the 2007-08 season won't be presented until the spring, but that doesn't stop us from presenting them in the preseason. And not just any old awards — we're talking about rewarding the great ones — and laying the flip side on those that deserve dubious labels as well.
Consequently, you'll be seeing Raef LaFrentz following LeBron James, and we'll be talking about Al Jefferson before we get to Chris Webber. Think about it, dwell on it if you so desire. It's time Hoopheads figure out which direction this season is headed, both north and south.
It just gets difficult at times to distinguish between the two in this era of parity.
With that being said, let's move on to the final look at those worthy of recognition good and bad before the ball goes up when it counts.
Most Valuable Player
LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
There isn't a player anywhere who means more to the present and future of a franchise than James. And that is the definition of an MVP in this case, particularly one who led a mediocre team to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. Regardless of how weak the East was last year, James rendered the Detroit Pistons helpless defensively — and that speaks volumes.
Also given consideration: Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics; Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs; and Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns.
Least valuable player
Raef Lafrentz, Portland Trail Blazers
Raef LaFrentz may start with Greg Oden out, but he certainly isn't valuable. (Melissa Majchrzak / Getty Images)
The Blazers must pay him $25 million over the next two seasons or buy him out. Either way, it's hard to fathom how this guy got so much money. Granted, it was the Celtics that paid him, but he's the Blazers' albatross now. Over the past four seasons, he has averaged 51 games, 21 minutes, hasn't averaged in double figures since 2002 and hasn't averaged more than 5.0 rebounds a game since 2002. At 6-foot-11 and with top draft choice Greg Oden out of the year, LaFrentz had better contribute something to the team this season. On paper, he's a shot-blocker and 3-point shooter. On the court ... nada.
Also given consideration: Jerome James, New York Knicks.
Coach of the year
Jerry Sloan, Utah Jazz
By all accounts, he should have won the award last year or any number of other years in his career. But coaching in the small market with his hardcore approach just doesn't turn on enough members of the media to jump on the bandwagon. Nonetheless, he is as respected by his peers as any coach in the game, and the Jazz will once again be contenders. If Andrei Kirilenko would grow up and play to his potential, they would be legit contenders to win the West.
Also given consideration: Rick Adelman, Houston Rockets; Mike D'Antoni, Phoenix Suns; Scott Skiles, Chicago Bulls; and Gregg Popovich, Spurs.
First coach fired
Maurice Cheeks, Philadelphia 76ers
It's sad but it appears to be true that as soon as the Sixers fall into an inevitable slide, Larry Brown will move from his cushy vice president of nothing position back to the bench. He didn't come there to take the job. Brown loves Cheeks, as does everybody. But Cheeks just keeps landing in untenable positions, so it's difficult to tell whether he can coach or not. He did fine in Portland with talent, and then was put in an impossible situation when upper management changed. He's in somewhat of the same situation now. But he's not alone. Somebody is going to take the fall for the horrible Atlanta Hawks organization, and coach Mike Woodson figures to be the easiest scapegoat. Sorry guys, but one of the early season raises will be to see who goes first — Cheeks or Woodson.
Best executive
Gregg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs
With all due respect to Spurs GM R.C. Buford, Pop put this concept of players together from the beginning, and they have stuck to the blueprint with four titles in nine years. They are eminently capable of getting one another. Somehow, someway, they just always find players to fit. It isn't 100 percent, but it's close enough, despite the international flavor that keeps coming in and different languages. Sure, having Tim Duncan makes it easier ... just not easy. Keep in mind, Tony Parker was the last pick of the first round in 2001 and Manu Ginobili was the 57th pick in 1999.
Also given consideration: Rod Thorn and Bryan Colangelo.
Worst executive
Danny Ferry, Cleveland Cavaliers
Coming off a trip to the Finals, it's hard to fathom that Ferry and the Cavs have stood pat when you consider they've been unable to sign either one of their restricted free agents — Anderson Varejao or Sasha Pavlovic — when both are key components. But really, it's all about putting good players around James, and an honest appraisal says he's put fair players around his prodigy. He dramatically overpaid Larry Hughes, Donyell Marshall and even Damon Jones, so they're hamstrung from having the money for the guys they really need. It was bad enough when they traded Ron Harper for Ferry years ago when they had championship aspirations, but if he ends up losing James because of his own ineptitude as a personnel man, he should be afraid. On his heels is perennial worst favorite: Kevin McHale.
Best rookie
Kevin Durant, Seattle SuperSonics
If he gets hurt or struggles dramatically, it will have proven to be the most over-hyped draft in NBA history. Since top overall pick Greg Oden is out for the year after microfracture knee surgery, there's no choice but Durant, who was the best freshman college basketball player since Lew Alcindor. He moves like Tracy McGrady, but plays bigger. And yet, he is just 19 and very skinny. On such a young team with nobody to take their share of the load, it could be rough. Nonetheless, he is incredibly gifted. Should Durant suffer, Al Horford (Atlanta) and Corey Brewer (Minnesota) will both have ample opportunity to excel on bad teams.
Most overrated rookie
Yi Jianlian, Milwaukee Bucks
There are so many conflicting stories about this guy — his age, whether he wanted to play for the Bucks or not, and just how focused he is on the game rather than being an international folk hero. He is very skinny for a 7-footer and there is a lot of question what position he can actually play. It will be interesting to see how much he plays, let alone contributes as the Bucks attempt to hang in the playoff race. Also worthy of watching is Sacramento's first pick Spencer Hawes, who, at 19, is already on his fourth knee surgery.
Best defensive player
Bruce Bowen, San Antonio Spurs
Everybody but the Spurs hates him, so isn't that enough credibility to last a career? He is constantly accused of cheap shots, and often during the season players will come after him for elbows or stepping into their shots — a move that frequently causes rolled ankles for the shooter. All that aside, he is the classic perimeter defender, all arms, legs and hands, and he has a lot to do with the defensive success the Spurs have had, having won three of the last five NBA titles. Kobe Bryant may very well be the best pure defensive player, but he isn't as consistent on the defensive end because so much is asked of him offensively. Tim Duncan is also consistently dominant inside on defense, which is the primary reason the Spurs have been so exceptional.
Worst defensive player
Antoine Walker, Minnesota Timberwolves
Even if he were in good physical condition, Walker couldn't guard anybody — make that wouldn't guard anybody. It's hard to fathom why Pat Riley wanted him in Miami in the first place, but not as difficult to figure out how Riley unloaded him on McHale and the Wolves. A wasted talent along the inflated lines of John "Hot Lunch" Williams, he isn't worth the $9 million or so he'll be paid despite giving them some semblance of scoring up front, and as a veteran he'll be a negative influence on the younger players.
Most improved player
Al Jefferson, Minnesota Timberwolves
We'll throw McHale a bone for being such a good guy to deal with as a player, although he'd better hope Jefferson takes a step into stardom after giving up Garnett to the Celtics with Jefferson as the centerpiece in return. He's a broadly built tough guy inside with touch. The thought here, of course, is that McHale can tutor him with the intricacies of the inside game. He's still raw having come right out of high school, but the size and talent are obvious. With Oden not playing this season, this could also be a great opportunity for LaMarcus Aldridge to establish himself in Portland as one of the bright young post players in the game. Danny Granger is a guy to keep an eye on at Indiana and Charlotte's young point guard, Raymond Felton, is on the brink of special things, too.
Most deteriorated player
Chris Webber
There is no team designated to Webber at the moment because he is not under contract with anyone. There have been rumblings about him signing here and there with a contender, but the reality is that he hobbled around the court all of last season for the Pistons, however effective he may have been on the offensive end. He has no lateral movement, so he can't guard anybody. He can get up in the air, but it couldn't be called an actual jump. His decline from microfracture surgery seems more apparent than any other player of his magnitude. In other words, he looks closer to 44 than 34. Also fitting into the category is Theo Ratliff. Also falling off the face of the court is Peja Stojakovic.
Best sixth man
Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs
It seems as if everyone has finally conceded the Spurs are a much better team when Ginobili comes off the bench, at least that's what the 2007 title seemed to prove. He has been up and down the past two seasons, but he is the difference-maker for this team. When he is on they don't lose because he's so tough in all aspects of the game. He's a 6-6 guard who is so clutch and makes his teammates better. There really is nobody else like him in the NBA. Phoenix's Leandro Barbosa won the award last season and could win it again this time around with his extraordinary speed, hands and scoring ability, but Ginobili has the rings.
Worst starter
Reggie Evans, Philadelphia 76ers
Let's start off by saying Evans is ferocious on the boards and annoying as can be on defense, but incessant foul trouble and his delusional tendency to believe he has offensive skills negates the aforementioned positives. He's great to put in a game that's out of control when a coach needs a wrecking ball to shake things up, but to start him is a move of desperation.
Most underrated player
Mike Miller, Memphis Grizzlies
Although he made Team USA, Miller's all-around skills have been virtually lost in Memphis. At 6-8, he has great ballhandling and passing skills, shot better than 40 percent from 3-point range and nearly 80 percent from the free-throw line, while averaging 5.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists. In many ways, he has become the player that Mike Dunleavy was supposed to be.
Most overrated player
Jermaine O'Neal, Indiana Pacers
J-O's numbers are still solid although injuries have limited him the past four years, but he is still treated as a superstar when he is not. He has been less inclined to go inside in recent years, instead settling for jumpers. He can hit them, but the Pacers need his presence as a post player if they're going to get back into the fray in the Eastern Conference. They would have been better off trading him to get more pieces to reconstruct. It sure is a lot different with Larry Bird calling the shots instead of Donnie Walsh.
Surprise team
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies will be much better this season with rookie coach Marc Iavaroni, and a healthy crew to start with for a change. Memphis will be the third team in three years for the 7-1 Darko Milicic, and easily his best opportunity to succeed next to Pau Gasol. And whereas talented Mike Miller didn't have a healthy starting point guard next to him last season, they now have Damon Stoudamire back to go along with tenacious Kyle Lowry and young lottery pick Mike Conley. They're very young, so they're not going anywhere in the West. But they're also interesting and will cause damage to other teams when they're not paying attention.
Disappointing team
Houston Rockets
Yeah, the Rockets ... again. New coach Rick Adelman will help their offense and relieve a lot of the pressure that the far more intense Jeff Van Gundy laid on them. So that should help. But they have to have somebody besides Tracy McGrady to be reliable with the ball because he attracts so much attention. If you are counting on the likes of Rafer Alston and Steve Francis to do the right thing with the ball, you're asking for trouble. More than anything else, they're just not as good as the other top teams in the West. Now if they were in the East ... well, they wouldn't be Houston, would they?
All-NBA first team
F-Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics
F-LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
C-Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
G-Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
G-Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
All-NBA overrated team
F-Jermaine O'Neal, Indiana Pacers
F-Al Harrington, Golden State Warriors
C-Eddy Curry, New York Knicks
G-Jason Terry, Dallas Mavericks
G-Rafer Alston, Houston Rockets
Preseason awards: King rising, 'Toine falling
Mike Kahn
FOXSports.com, Updated 28 minutes ago STORY TOOLS:
With the NBA regular season almost here, there's not much time to provide some perspective.
The official awards for the 2007-08 season won't be presented until the spring, but that doesn't stop us from presenting them in the preseason. And not just any old awards — we're talking about rewarding the great ones — and laying the flip side on those that deserve dubious labels as well.
Consequently, you'll be seeing Raef LaFrentz following LeBron James, and we'll be talking about Al Jefferson before we get to Chris Webber. Think about it, dwell on it if you so desire. It's time Hoopheads figure out which direction this season is headed, both north and south.
It just gets difficult at times to distinguish between the two in this era of parity.
With that being said, let's move on to the final look at those worthy of recognition good and bad before the ball goes up when it counts.
Most Valuable Player
LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
There isn't a player anywhere who means more to the present and future of a franchise than James. And that is the definition of an MVP in this case, particularly one who led a mediocre team to the NBA Finals for the first time in franchise history. Regardless of how weak the East was last year, James rendered the Detroit Pistons helpless defensively — and that speaks volumes.
Also given consideration: Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics; Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs; and Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns.
Least valuable player
Raef Lafrentz, Portland Trail Blazers
Raef LaFrentz may start with Greg Oden out, but he certainly isn't valuable. (Melissa Majchrzak / Getty Images)
The Blazers must pay him $25 million over the next two seasons or buy him out. Either way, it's hard to fathom how this guy got so much money. Granted, it was the Celtics that paid him, but he's the Blazers' albatross now. Over the past four seasons, he has averaged 51 games, 21 minutes, hasn't averaged in double figures since 2002 and hasn't averaged more than 5.0 rebounds a game since 2002. At 6-foot-11 and with top draft choice Greg Oden out of the year, LaFrentz had better contribute something to the team this season. On paper, he's a shot-blocker and 3-point shooter. On the court ... nada.
Also given consideration: Jerome James, New York Knicks.
Coach of the year
Jerry Sloan, Utah Jazz
By all accounts, he should have won the award last year or any number of other years in his career. But coaching in the small market with his hardcore approach just doesn't turn on enough members of the media to jump on the bandwagon. Nonetheless, he is as respected by his peers as any coach in the game, and the Jazz will once again be contenders. If Andrei Kirilenko would grow up and play to his potential, they would be legit contenders to win the West.
Also given consideration: Rick Adelman, Houston Rockets; Mike D'Antoni, Phoenix Suns; Scott Skiles, Chicago Bulls; and Gregg Popovich, Spurs.
First coach fired
Maurice Cheeks, Philadelphia 76ers
It's sad but it appears to be true that as soon as the Sixers fall into an inevitable slide, Larry Brown will move from his cushy vice president of nothing position back to the bench. He didn't come there to take the job. Brown loves Cheeks, as does everybody. But Cheeks just keeps landing in untenable positions, so it's difficult to tell whether he can coach or not. He did fine in Portland with talent, and then was put in an impossible situation when upper management changed. He's in somewhat of the same situation now. But he's not alone. Somebody is going to take the fall for the horrible Atlanta Hawks organization, and coach Mike Woodson figures to be the easiest scapegoat. Sorry guys, but one of the early season raises will be to see who goes first — Cheeks or Woodson.
Best executive
Gregg Popovich, San Antonio Spurs
With all due respect to Spurs GM R.C. Buford, Pop put this concept of players together from the beginning, and they have stuck to the blueprint with four titles in nine years. They are eminently capable of getting one another. Somehow, someway, they just always find players to fit. It isn't 100 percent, but it's close enough, despite the international flavor that keeps coming in and different languages. Sure, having Tim Duncan makes it easier ... just not easy. Keep in mind, Tony Parker was the last pick of the first round in 2001 and Manu Ginobili was the 57th pick in 1999.
Also given consideration: Rod Thorn and Bryan Colangelo.
Worst executive
Danny Ferry, Cleveland Cavaliers
Coming off a trip to the Finals, it's hard to fathom that Ferry and the Cavs have stood pat when you consider they've been unable to sign either one of their restricted free agents — Anderson Varejao or Sasha Pavlovic — when both are key components. But really, it's all about putting good players around James, and an honest appraisal says he's put fair players around his prodigy. He dramatically overpaid Larry Hughes, Donyell Marshall and even Damon Jones, so they're hamstrung from having the money for the guys they really need. It was bad enough when they traded Ron Harper for Ferry years ago when they had championship aspirations, but if he ends up losing James because of his own ineptitude as a personnel man, he should be afraid. On his heels is perennial worst favorite: Kevin McHale.
Best rookie
Kevin Durant, Seattle SuperSonics
If he gets hurt or struggles dramatically, it will have proven to be the most over-hyped draft in NBA history. Since top overall pick Greg Oden is out for the year after microfracture knee surgery, there's no choice but Durant, who was the best freshman college basketball player since Lew Alcindor. He moves like Tracy McGrady, but plays bigger. And yet, he is just 19 and very skinny. On such a young team with nobody to take their share of the load, it could be rough. Nonetheless, he is incredibly gifted. Should Durant suffer, Al Horford (Atlanta) and Corey Brewer (Minnesota) will both have ample opportunity to excel on bad teams.
Most overrated rookie
Yi Jianlian, Milwaukee Bucks
There are so many conflicting stories about this guy — his age, whether he wanted to play for the Bucks or not, and just how focused he is on the game rather than being an international folk hero. He is very skinny for a 7-footer and there is a lot of question what position he can actually play. It will be interesting to see how much he plays, let alone contributes as the Bucks attempt to hang in the playoff race. Also worthy of watching is Sacramento's first pick Spencer Hawes, who, at 19, is already on his fourth knee surgery.
Best defensive player
Bruce Bowen, San Antonio Spurs
Everybody but the Spurs hates him, so isn't that enough credibility to last a career? He is constantly accused of cheap shots, and often during the season players will come after him for elbows or stepping into their shots — a move that frequently causes rolled ankles for the shooter. All that aside, he is the classic perimeter defender, all arms, legs and hands, and he has a lot to do with the defensive success the Spurs have had, having won three of the last five NBA titles. Kobe Bryant may very well be the best pure defensive player, but he isn't as consistent on the defensive end because so much is asked of him offensively. Tim Duncan is also consistently dominant inside on defense, which is the primary reason the Spurs have been so exceptional.
Worst defensive player
Antoine Walker, Minnesota Timberwolves
Even if he were in good physical condition, Walker couldn't guard anybody — make that wouldn't guard anybody. It's hard to fathom why Pat Riley wanted him in Miami in the first place, but not as difficult to figure out how Riley unloaded him on McHale and the Wolves. A wasted talent along the inflated lines of John "Hot Lunch" Williams, he isn't worth the $9 million or so he'll be paid despite giving them some semblance of scoring up front, and as a veteran he'll be a negative influence on the younger players.
Most improved player
Al Jefferson, Minnesota Timberwolves
We'll throw McHale a bone for being such a good guy to deal with as a player, although he'd better hope Jefferson takes a step into stardom after giving up Garnett to the Celtics with Jefferson as the centerpiece in return. He's a broadly built tough guy inside with touch. The thought here, of course, is that McHale can tutor him with the intricacies of the inside game. He's still raw having come right out of high school, but the size and talent are obvious. With Oden not playing this season, this could also be a great opportunity for LaMarcus Aldridge to establish himself in Portland as one of the bright young post players in the game. Danny Granger is a guy to keep an eye on at Indiana and Charlotte's young point guard, Raymond Felton, is on the brink of special things, too.
Most deteriorated player
Chris Webber
There is no team designated to Webber at the moment because he is not under contract with anyone. There have been rumblings about him signing here and there with a contender, but the reality is that he hobbled around the court all of last season for the Pistons, however effective he may have been on the offensive end. He has no lateral movement, so he can't guard anybody. He can get up in the air, but it couldn't be called an actual jump. His decline from microfracture surgery seems more apparent than any other player of his magnitude. In other words, he looks closer to 44 than 34. Also fitting into the category is Theo Ratliff. Also falling off the face of the court is Peja Stojakovic.
Best sixth man
Manu Ginobili, San Antonio Spurs
It seems as if everyone has finally conceded the Spurs are a much better team when Ginobili comes off the bench, at least that's what the 2007 title seemed to prove. He has been up and down the past two seasons, but he is the difference-maker for this team. When he is on they don't lose because he's so tough in all aspects of the game. He's a 6-6 guard who is so clutch and makes his teammates better. There really is nobody else like him in the NBA. Phoenix's Leandro Barbosa won the award last season and could win it again this time around with his extraordinary speed, hands and scoring ability, but Ginobili has the rings.
Worst starter
Reggie Evans, Philadelphia 76ers
Let's start off by saying Evans is ferocious on the boards and annoying as can be on defense, but incessant foul trouble and his delusional tendency to believe he has offensive skills negates the aforementioned positives. He's great to put in a game that's out of control when a coach needs a wrecking ball to shake things up, but to start him is a move of desperation.
Most underrated player
Mike Miller, Memphis Grizzlies
Although he made Team USA, Miller's all-around skills have been virtually lost in Memphis. At 6-8, he has great ballhandling and passing skills, shot better than 40 percent from 3-point range and nearly 80 percent from the free-throw line, while averaging 5.4 rebounds and 4.3 assists. In many ways, he has become the player that Mike Dunleavy was supposed to be.
Most overrated player
Jermaine O'Neal, Indiana Pacers
J-O's numbers are still solid although injuries have limited him the past four years, but he is still treated as a superstar when he is not. He has been less inclined to go inside in recent years, instead settling for jumpers. He can hit them, but the Pacers need his presence as a post player if they're going to get back into the fray in the Eastern Conference. They would have been better off trading him to get more pieces to reconstruct. It sure is a lot different with Larry Bird calling the shots instead of Donnie Walsh.
Surprise team
Memphis Grizzlies
The Grizzlies will be much better this season with rookie coach Marc Iavaroni, and a healthy crew to start with for a change. Memphis will be the third team in three years for the 7-1 Darko Milicic, and easily his best opportunity to succeed next to Pau Gasol. And whereas talented Mike Miller didn't have a healthy starting point guard next to him last season, they now have Damon Stoudamire back to go along with tenacious Kyle Lowry and young lottery pick Mike Conley. They're very young, so they're not going anywhere in the West. But they're also interesting and will cause damage to other teams when they're not paying attention.
Disappointing team
Houston Rockets
Yeah, the Rockets ... again. New coach Rick Adelman will help their offense and relieve a lot of the pressure that the far more intense Jeff Van Gundy laid on them. So that should help. But they have to have somebody besides Tracy McGrady to be reliable with the ball because he attracts so much attention. If you are counting on the likes of Rafer Alston and Steve Francis to do the right thing with the ball, you're asking for trouble. More than anything else, they're just not as good as the other top teams in the West. Now if they were in the East ... well, they wouldn't be Houston, would they?
All-NBA first team
F-Kevin Garnett, Boston Celtics
F-LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers
C-Tim Duncan, San Antonio Spurs
G-Kobe Bryant, Los Angeles Lakers
G-Steve Nash, Phoenix Suns
All-NBA overrated team
F-Jermaine O'Neal, Indiana Pacers
F-Al Harrington, Golden State Warriors
C-Eddy Curry, New York Knicks
G-Jason Terry, Dallas Mavericks
G-Rafer Alston, Houston Rockets