Rummpd
01-11-2005, 09:17 PM
'S WONDERFUL, 'S MARVELOUS
Posted by Rob Peterson on Jan. 11, 2005 3 p.m. ET
IT'S THE 19TH LETTER OF THE ALPHABET
Super. Sonics. Sharp. Spurs. Stellar. Suns.
As you can see, this Click and Roll, with a nod to its Tin Pan Alley title and Sesame Street inspiration, is sponsored by the letter "S," the letters "NBA" and the number "3" as in three of the four NBA teams whose nicknames begin with an "S" are three of the best teams in the NBA.
While we've talked about the Suns and the SuperSonics in the past (and will continue to do so later in the column), we're also gonna send some love to the Spurs. (Sorry, Sixers supporters. We'll get back to you when your squad squeezes past the positive side of .500 again.)
What makes them so special beside the fact all three lead their respective divisions by at least four games?
Is it that the Spurs lead the league in point differential at +11.38 points per game? Or that the Suns lead the league in scoring at a retina-singing 109.7 points per game? Or that Seattle has beaten San Antonio twice this season, and has topped the East's best, Miami, twice in one week?
Yes, yes and yes.
As for the Spurs, it's time people start to notice that despite not making the scoreboard go TILT! every night (still averaging a respectable 97.3 points per game, 13th in the league), the Spurs and their coterie of young international stars play some of the most exciting ball in the league.
-- [NBA.com]
What? The Spurs' ball movement to the tune of 6.61 more assists per game than their opponents doesn't get you excited? How about being in the top five in 3-point percentage (.366)? And what's more exciting than seeing a team bring out the opponent's best every ... single ... night.
-- [San Antonio Express-News Reg. req'd.]
For example, check out how Utah, which had lost nine straight, played its best game in three weeks and snapped out of its funk with a last-second win over the Spurs.
-- [NBA.com]
Why wouldn't you want to watch a team that has a superstar, yet continues to find exciting young players (Ever seen Manu Ginobili slash to the hoop or Tony Parker push the break?) to expertly complement him and coach Gregg Popovich's system? Did you know Tim Duncan is only averaging 34.9 minutes per game? Think he'll be fresh for the NBA Playoffs?
But don't just take it from me. Listen to those who know, like Nuggets assistant Bill Branch.
-- [San Antonio Express-News Reg. req'd.]
"For one thing they've got the biggest playbook in the entire league," Branch told the San Antonio Express-News. "But they're also running more and using a lot of motion (offense). And they're just so deep."
Still, the Spurs realize good isn't always good enough. They're not looking at the NBA Finals right now and one report had them trying to pry away a young Bull.
-- [The Oregonian, Chicago Tribune Reg. req'd.]
Another team that's taking no bull is the Sonics, whom, as I mentioned before, have swatted the Spurs and Heat twice each this season. And this was a team that lost their opener by 30 to the Clippers.
-- [Seattle P-I]
Right now, for the Sonics, it's about togetherness.
-- [Seattle P-I]
That, and they've found a measure of toughness in Danny Fortson, who won't back down from even the most daunting of assignments.
-- [Seattle Times]
Then, there are the Suns, who continue to impress. In becoming the first team to 30 wins this season, they surpassed their win total for all of 2003-04. And if you haven't seen them play, for shame! (No, really, I'm admonishing you. For shame!)
In a 108-91 win against the Clippers in L.A. on Jan. 8, the Suns had 49 points with seven minutes left in the second quarter. Bless their hearts. Any decent open shot they take -- and often make -- without hesitation. Most point guards take some time to learn their teammates' tendencies. Steve Nash already knows where his teammates like to catch the ball and when.
-- [Orange County Register, Reg. req'd.]
He has the Suns running like the NBA's Secretariat: "...moving like a TRE-mendous machine." One of the beneficiaries is Amaré Stoudemire, who seemingly always has an open lane to traverse and then levitate above. In his 50-point game against the Trail Blazers, 14 of Stoudemire's field goals were dunks.
And while we're on that topic, does anyone throw it down harder than Amaré? Anyone? It looks as if he has a grudge against the rim itself.
But I digress. It's no surprise, however, that Phoenix fans are loving it.
-- [Arizona Republic]
In the meantime, the Suns get to test their mettle against another "S" -- Shaq -- Tuesday night in Phoenix (9 p.m. ET, NBA TV). In Arizona, they're already thinking of tonight's game as a June preview.
-- [Arizona Republic]
And who can blame them?
MOBLEY MOVING
This Sacramento writer thinks Kings GM Geoff Petrie pulled off another winner by acquiring Cuttino Mobley and Michael Bradley from Orlando for Doug Christie.
-- [Sacramento Bee]
Magic point guard Steve Francis, who shared the backcourt with Mobley for all of his first five (and part of his sixth) seasons, was more than stunned by the trade.
-- [Boston Globe]
Meanwhile, Mobley had an idea as to why he was shipped across the continent.
-- [Sacramento Bee]
And while we're intrigued as to how this trade will translate on the court, we're also interested in seeing how the trade affects this proposed TV show.
-- [Sacramento Bee]
STAT'S INCREDIBLE!
Saber-metrics for hoops? It's possible, as some hoops nuts like Dean Oliver, now a full-time employee of the Sonics, have gone beyond the classic stats of points, rebounds and assists to try to figure out what makes a team tick.
-- [Seattle P-I, New York Times, Reg. req'd]
For instance, in the Times article, despite the overall classic stats being nearly the same, one of the reasons the Sonics beat the Heat in Miami was because Danny Fortson was more efficient on the offensive glass than any player on the floor.
We (meaning the NBA) also ventured into this territory with our efficiency stat. As you can see, some of the league's best players are also the most efficient.
-- [NBA.com]
TIP-INS
Remember Shawn Respert? Seems that Respert suffered from cancer when he played in the league and decided "play through it" as he said on ESPN News Monday afternoon. Respert is now the Rice University basketball's director of operations.
-- [Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel]
Remember Joe Forte? By playing in the D-League, he's trying to make it so you remember him differently.
-- [Washington Post, Reg. req'd.]
Keep an eye on this guy.
-- [Boston Herald]
Every Jazz fan is looking forward to Saturday ... maybe.
-- [Salt Lake Tribune]
It's good to be a Grizzly (or is that Grizzlie?) again.
-- [Memphis Commercial-Appeal, Reg. req'd]
THE GREAT DEBATE
Think you're interested in who's the best point guard in the NBA? Oh, I would say so ... to the tune of 1,141 e-mails about the subject. That's a ton, and while a few questioned my sanity for having the temerity to even ask such a question, none of them said that I stink (for which I thank you).
OK, one did.
Frank in San Antonio took offense, so to speak with our listing of a second-year point from the Windy City.
"Billups and Tony Parker -- the last two point guards to win a ring. How dare you jerks (emphasis mine) put Kirk Hinrich on your list and not even mention Parker?"
Click and Roll sez: "Frank, frankly I'm insulted. I'm the only jerk, singular, around here. I don't need help. Heh."
Then again, with volume, there's no way we could print all of them, but, from A.I. to T.P. (no, I didn't "forget" him last week, I was just throwing out names) we bring you the best letters making their point about their favorite point guards.
http://aol.nba.com/features/clickandroll.html
Posted by Rob Peterson on Jan. 11, 2005 3 p.m. ET
IT'S THE 19TH LETTER OF THE ALPHABET
Super. Sonics. Sharp. Spurs. Stellar. Suns.
As you can see, this Click and Roll, with a nod to its Tin Pan Alley title and Sesame Street inspiration, is sponsored by the letter "S," the letters "NBA" and the number "3" as in three of the four NBA teams whose nicknames begin with an "S" are three of the best teams in the NBA.
While we've talked about the Suns and the SuperSonics in the past (and will continue to do so later in the column), we're also gonna send some love to the Spurs. (Sorry, Sixers supporters. We'll get back to you when your squad squeezes past the positive side of .500 again.)
What makes them so special beside the fact all three lead their respective divisions by at least four games?
Is it that the Spurs lead the league in point differential at +11.38 points per game? Or that the Suns lead the league in scoring at a retina-singing 109.7 points per game? Or that Seattle has beaten San Antonio twice this season, and has topped the East's best, Miami, twice in one week?
Yes, yes and yes.
As for the Spurs, it's time people start to notice that despite not making the scoreboard go TILT! every night (still averaging a respectable 97.3 points per game, 13th in the league), the Spurs and their coterie of young international stars play some of the most exciting ball in the league.
-- [NBA.com]
What? The Spurs' ball movement to the tune of 6.61 more assists per game than their opponents doesn't get you excited? How about being in the top five in 3-point percentage (.366)? And what's more exciting than seeing a team bring out the opponent's best every ... single ... night.
-- [San Antonio Express-News Reg. req'd.]
For example, check out how Utah, which had lost nine straight, played its best game in three weeks and snapped out of its funk with a last-second win over the Spurs.
-- [NBA.com]
Why wouldn't you want to watch a team that has a superstar, yet continues to find exciting young players (Ever seen Manu Ginobili slash to the hoop or Tony Parker push the break?) to expertly complement him and coach Gregg Popovich's system? Did you know Tim Duncan is only averaging 34.9 minutes per game? Think he'll be fresh for the NBA Playoffs?
But don't just take it from me. Listen to those who know, like Nuggets assistant Bill Branch.
-- [San Antonio Express-News Reg. req'd.]
"For one thing they've got the biggest playbook in the entire league," Branch told the San Antonio Express-News. "But they're also running more and using a lot of motion (offense). And they're just so deep."
Still, the Spurs realize good isn't always good enough. They're not looking at the NBA Finals right now and one report had them trying to pry away a young Bull.
-- [The Oregonian, Chicago Tribune Reg. req'd.]
Another team that's taking no bull is the Sonics, whom, as I mentioned before, have swatted the Spurs and Heat twice each this season. And this was a team that lost their opener by 30 to the Clippers.
-- [Seattle P-I]
Right now, for the Sonics, it's about togetherness.
-- [Seattle P-I]
That, and they've found a measure of toughness in Danny Fortson, who won't back down from even the most daunting of assignments.
-- [Seattle Times]
Then, there are the Suns, who continue to impress. In becoming the first team to 30 wins this season, they surpassed their win total for all of 2003-04. And if you haven't seen them play, for shame! (No, really, I'm admonishing you. For shame!)
In a 108-91 win against the Clippers in L.A. on Jan. 8, the Suns had 49 points with seven minutes left in the second quarter. Bless their hearts. Any decent open shot they take -- and often make -- without hesitation. Most point guards take some time to learn their teammates' tendencies. Steve Nash already knows where his teammates like to catch the ball and when.
-- [Orange County Register, Reg. req'd.]
He has the Suns running like the NBA's Secretariat: "...moving like a TRE-mendous machine." One of the beneficiaries is Amaré Stoudemire, who seemingly always has an open lane to traverse and then levitate above. In his 50-point game against the Trail Blazers, 14 of Stoudemire's field goals were dunks.
And while we're on that topic, does anyone throw it down harder than Amaré? Anyone? It looks as if he has a grudge against the rim itself.
But I digress. It's no surprise, however, that Phoenix fans are loving it.
-- [Arizona Republic]
In the meantime, the Suns get to test their mettle against another "S" -- Shaq -- Tuesday night in Phoenix (9 p.m. ET, NBA TV). In Arizona, they're already thinking of tonight's game as a June preview.
-- [Arizona Republic]
And who can blame them?
MOBLEY MOVING
This Sacramento writer thinks Kings GM Geoff Petrie pulled off another winner by acquiring Cuttino Mobley and Michael Bradley from Orlando for Doug Christie.
-- [Sacramento Bee]
Magic point guard Steve Francis, who shared the backcourt with Mobley for all of his first five (and part of his sixth) seasons, was more than stunned by the trade.
-- [Boston Globe]
Meanwhile, Mobley had an idea as to why he was shipped across the continent.
-- [Sacramento Bee]
And while we're intrigued as to how this trade will translate on the court, we're also interested in seeing how the trade affects this proposed TV show.
-- [Sacramento Bee]
STAT'S INCREDIBLE!
Saber-metrics for hoops? It's possible, as some hoops nuts like Dean Oliver, now a full-time employee of the Sonics, have gone beyond the classic stats of points, rebounds and assists to try to figure out what makes a team tick.
-- [Seattle P-I, New York Times, Reg. req'd]
For instance, in the Times article, despite the overall classic stats being nearly the same, one of the reasons the Sonics beat the Heat in Miami was because Danny Fortson was more efficient on the offensive glass than any player on the floor.
We (meaning the NBA) also ventured into this territory with our efficiency stat. As you can see, some of the league's best players are also the most efficient.
-- [NBA.com]
TIP-INS
Remember Shawn Respert? Seems that Respert suffered from cancer when he played in the league and decided "play through it" as he said on ESPN News Monday afternoon. Respert is now the Rice University basketball's director of operations.
-- [Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel]
Remember Joe Forte? By playing in the D-League, he's trying to make it so you remember him differently.
-- [Washington Post, Reg. req'd.]
Keep an eye on this guy.
-- [Boston Herald]
Every Jazz fan is looking forward to Saturday ... maybe.
-- [Salt Lake Tribune]
It's good to be a Grizzly (or is that Grizzlie?) again.
-- [Memphis Commercial-Appeal, Reg. req'd]
THE GREAT DEBATE
Think you're interested in who's the best point guard in the NBA? Oh, I would say so ... to the tune of 1,141 e-mails about the subject. That's a ton, and while a few questioned my sanity for having the temerity to even ask such a question, none of them said that I stink (for which I thank you).
OK, one did.
Frank in San Antonio took offense, so to speak with our listing of a second-year point from the Windy City.
"Billups and Tony Parker -- the last two point guards to win a ring. How dare you jerks (emphasis mine) put Kirk Hinrich on your list and not even mention Parker?"
Click and Roll sez: "Frank, frankly I'm insulted. I'm the only jerk, singular, around here. I don't need help. Heh."
Then again, with volume, there's no way we could print all of them, but, from A.I. to T.P. (no, I didn't "forget" him last week, I was just throwing out names) we bring you the best letters making their point about their favorite point guards.
http://aol.nba.com/features/clickandroll.html