Some bits and pieces from here:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/ian_thomsen/04/13/awards/index.html
Eye of the beholder award: Philadelphia spent $43 million to buy out Webber's contract, and the 76ers played better without him. The Pistons then paid a meager $650,000 to make Webber their starting center, and they're hoping to win the East because of him.
Most surprising performance by an unheard-of star: Kevin Martin, Kings.
While Mike Bibby and Artest struggled, the third-year guard became an efficient 20-point scorer.
Three disappointing teams not from Tennessee
1. New Jersey Nets: Something beyond injuries is amiss with this group.
2. Indiana Pacers: Should this team be blown up?
3. Sacramento Kings: Rick Adelman turned out to be pretty good
Three bad stories
1. Ron Artest's domestic violence arrest: Trouble follows him relentlessly.
2. Carmelo Anthony's suspension for fighting: He could've had a terrific season.
3. Bonzi Wells' underachieving year: A free agent without instincts for self-preservation.
All-Black Ink Team
Among the top 30 scorers in the NBA (as of Thursday morning), only three -- Rashard Lewis, Ben Gordon and Kevin Martin -- do not have a contract that will eventually pay them $10 million per year. Here are the top values among veterans who have moved beyond their rookie contract:
Player Current Salary Status After '06-07
Chris Webber, Pistons $650,000 *Free agent
Rashard Lewis, Sonics $8.4MFree agent **
Ron Artest, Kings $7.5M 2 years left ($18.8M)
Maurice Williams, Bucks $1.9M Free agent
Chauncey Billups, Pistons $6.3M Free agent
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/writers/ian_thomsen/04/13/awards/index.html
Eye of the beholder award: Philadelphia spent $43 million to buy out Webber's contract, and the 76ers played better without him. The Pistons then paid a meager $650,000 to make Webber their starting center, and they're hoping to win the East because of him.
Most surprising performance by an unheard-of star: Kevin Martin, Kings.
While Mike Bibby and Artest struggled, the third-year guard became an efficient 20-point scorer.
Three disappointing teams not from Tennessee
1. New Jersey Nets: Something beyond injuries is amiss with this group.
2. Indiana Pacers: Should this team be blown up?
3. Sacramento Kings: Rick Adelman turned out to be pretty good
Three bad stories
1. Ron Artest's domestic violence arrest: Trouble follows him relentlessly.
2. Carmelo Anthony's suspension for fighting: He could've had a terrific season.
3. Bonzi Wells' underachieving year: A free agent without instincts for self-preservation.
All-Black Ink Team
Among the top 30 scorers in the NBA (as of Thursday morning), only three -- Rashard Lewis, Ben Gordon and Kevin Martin -- do not have a contract that will eventually pay them $10 million per year. Here are the top values among veterans who have moved beyond their rookie contract:
Player Current Salary Status After '06-07
Chris Webber, Pistons $650,000 *Free agent
Rashard Lewis, Sonics $8.4MFree agent **
Ron Artest, Kings $7.5M 2 years left ($18.8M)
Maurice Williams, Bucks $1.9M Free agent
Chauncey Billups, Pistons $6.3M Free agent
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