Friday November 7 2008 – 2:05pm Eastern
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
Last year, I voted for Al Horford. And he should have won it.
With no disrespect intended to Kevin Durant – who had a magnificent season – Horford’s contributions were for a PLAYOFF team. That should count for much more than some guy who lights it up on a terrible team (Seattle last year).
He JUST missed out (by 0.3 rebounds) of averaging a double-double in his rookie season (9.7 REB, 10.1). That’s outstanding!
And that doesn’t take into consideration his 50 FG%, 31+ minutes each night, and the fact that he played in 81 of 82 games.
Durant’s 20.3 PPG and 4.4 REB were nice, but if I had to do it all over again, I’d still give my vote to Horford. He was a key piece in a team that came *this close* to knocking off the Boston Celtics in the first round.
This year, Horford will have to raise his game to another level, playing undersized at the 5 on many nights. But his athleticism and tenacity should be a major asset and his role in the middle gives Mike Woodson a ton of flexibility and versatility with his starting unit.
IS PORTLAND WATCHING?
I think the Blazers will – eventually – have to do what the Hawks did …
Add a veteran or two.
It’s great to have a ton of young talent … but you need some vets to be the “glue guys” on your team.
Experience matters. And a team with too many young players doesn’t have enough experience to win – and go far – on a consistent basis.
Atlanta made at least one move – in picking up Mike Bibby – and I think the Blazers will eventually have to dangle one or two of their MANY young studs to acquire some savvy, experience, and overall leadership.
Of course, it’s gotta be the “right guy”. You can’t have a vet come into a young team and play a selfish game. Perhaps that’s why point guards are sometimes the easiest fit in the kind of scenario I’m discussing.
JOE THE PRO
Yes, it’s early … but take a look at what Joe Johnson is doing through his first 3 games this season:
NBA Leaders – Points Per Game:
Tony Parker – 33.3
Joe Johnson – 28.0
Tim Duncan – 27.0
Chris Bosh – 26.0
LeBron James – 25.8
In addition to his 28.0 PPG, Johnson is averaging:
- 5.7 REB
- 3.7 ASST
- 54.7 FG%
- 37.3 MIN
HAWKS SOARING?
Atlanta’s record by year:
2004-05 13-69
2005-06 26-56
2006-07 30-52
2007-08 37-45
2008-09 3-0
E. Smith
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do you see atlanta going to playoffs this year
- ginomassariYes, I do Gino. They’re a very good team. Nice depth.
- E. SmithWell E since u brought it up do you think A.P. Can pull some of those guys away. He is not getting any younger and I think you should always have good young talent. I’d be surprised if Graham finds a place in Europe next year.
- Andre from B- townPortland is stacked at every position in their starting 5…which one of those studs would you dangle? Why not let them grow together for a couple of years?
- ThomasSimply put Andre … no. I don’t think AP would be enough
- E. SmithThomas – young talent is fine. But experience counts too. Plus, if that talent gets better (as they should) they’ll eventually need to get paid too. And you can’t have that many contracts locked up.
I’m not saying “fire sale”; I’m not even necessarily saying make trades NOW. But at some point there’ll be a deal coming that tweaks that team and adds some vet experience and savvy
- E. SmithI hate Al Horford. As a T.J Fan I always will. I know everyone says it wasn’t his fault and all of that but I think it was a dumb rookie move.
But you had a vote Eric and it is yours to use as you see fit. I know he is a talented player I just have major personal Bias.
Anyway it is all good. least you would have voted for Brandon Roy for Rookie of the Year and not Andrea Bargnani Right?
Have a great game with Mr.Jones and stay well on the road.
- James BorbathEric, what are your thoughts on Sam Mitchell? I was surprised to see him back this year, and will even more surprised to see him around after Christmas. I’m sorry, but he is an awful coach. I don’t know where to begin? Philosophy? Matching up? Intensity? Substitutions? Defense? One thing I do like is the Offense he runs, it’s spectacular really, but that’s about it. Am I the only one who see things this way?
- JamieHey, all I gotta say is delfino. This team may take a step back this year even with O’Neal. Raptors have no one to replace delfino.
- Rob from brantfordTrade Proposal:
Jamario is not a starter… it’s plain to see…we get killed at the forward position…we need harrington. The Atlanta game showed huge weakness. Comon E what you think??
Let’s trade for Al Harrintgon. He is not happy in Golden State so much so that Don Nelson is looking to trade him. In the interest of developing Brandan Wright, Harrington is now on the bench. You can’t tell me you would rather see Harrington starting in front of Jamario Moon. Our weakness is on the wings and although harrington is a Power Forward think of the mismatches that could be created if he played SF…I think this is a slam dunk. Who you trade for him is colangelos job, but there are alot of peices. Kapono, Moon, Graham any of them could go
- George PDid you see the last play by bargnani. He is the raptors future pf and now is the time to deal bosh for a sg that can put the team on his back when he needs too. Andrea needs the ball more than any other player on the team.
- Rob from brantfordBosh 4 wade would be a deal straight up.
- Rob from brantfordrob, you are insane. why is jamario moon in the lineup? he should be struggling to crack and nba roster. he has oodles of potential due to his athletic ability, but not a clue how to use it. maybe he needs someone to coach him. wink wink.
- Jamie