from fox sports,
None of the teams in this division can play acceptable defense. And that's why none of them have a chance to mount a serious challenge to displace Miami as the NBA champions.
Golden State Warriors
Baron Davis should enjoy playing under Don Nelson ... for now. (Rocky Widner/NBAE / Getty Images)
The guards: Baron Davis is still selfish, willful, and clueless in the clutch, but he'll enjoy playing under the laissez-faire management of Don Nelson. But, later rather than sooner, Davis's gargantuan ego will even turn Nellie against him. Jason Richardson is the real deal, a powerhouse scorer who will eventually become frustrated with Davis' dominating the ball. Keith McLeod is a shooter but not a shot-maker. Only one year removed from high school, Monta Ellis has the talent to someday be a difference-maker — but not yet.
The forwards: Mickel Pietrus is an erratic, undisciplined shooter and ball-handler. He's fortunate that discipline is featured in Nellie's play book. Mike Dunleavy at power forward? Sure he'll get his share of uncontested perimeter shots, and he'll be able to run himself into layups. But he won't rebound or defend, and he'll certainly lead the league in bruises. Ike Diogu is uncomfortable in an up-and-down game and won't be much of a factor.
The centers: Like Dunleavy, Troy Murphy will take advantage of his edge in quickness and mobility to find plenty of makeable shots against his larger, stronger opponents. Defensively, however, Murphy will be routinely chumped. Andris Biedrins can make layups, rebound some, hustle and run, but can't sink free throws, and can't avoid making elementary mistakes at both ends. Adonal Foyle is finally where he belongs — on the bench.
The outlook: Even though the Warriors' bench is among the shortest in the league, Nellie Ball will work for a while, especially against opponents who haven't enough time to prepare themselves. But the intra-divisional rivals will soon get used to Nellie's gimmickry. A pertinent factoid here is that Nelson's teams have an abysmal 4-16 record in conference finals. Familiarity breeds defeat.
Los Angeles Clippers
The guards: Despite his brain lock in Game 7 vs. the Suns, Sam Cassell still needs to be the Clips' money man. That's why Shaun Livingston has to refine his game and give the 37-year-old Cassell enough time off for Sam the Man to have relatively fresh legs for the playoffs. Cuttino Mobley is a gunner without a conscience who needs to shoot a high percentage to justify his ball-time. Quentin Ross is the only guard who can play acceptable defense.
The forwards: Corey Maggette remains the team's most well-balanced player, extremely capable on both ends of the floor and at all stations in between. Elton Brand has evolved into a potent scorer from the high- and low-post, yet his passing out of double-teams still needs work. What Tim Thomas takes on offense, he freely yields on defense.
The centers: Chris Kaman lacks the athleticism and the versatility to compete on equal terms against the elite teams. Zeljko Rebraca is little more than an earnest banger.
The outlook: The absence of consistent defense puts the Clippers just about where they were last season: Contending for a 50-win season, and unable to get past the second round of the playoffs.
Los Angeles Lakers
For the Lakers to reach their full potential, Kobe Bryant needs to become more of a team player. (Noah Graham/NBAE / Getty Images)
The guards: Smush Parker hits an occasional trey and is effective in an open field. Otherwise, his defense stinks, and he makes too many mistakes. Shammond Williams looks to score. Sasha Vujacic is defenseless and misses too many open 3-balls. Look for Maurice Evans to eventually harness his incredible athleticism and be a big surprise.
Then there's Kobe Bryant, who still seems to be vying with Phil Jackson for control of the team. At his best, Kobe is the best non-center in the league (because he's capable of playing much better defense than either LBJ or D-Wade, even though he hasn't exercised this capability in three or four years). At his worst, he inexplicably vanishes — as he did in Game 7 vs. Phoenix. For the Lakers to move to the next level, Bryant needs to make a full and sincere commitment to being the best team player he can be.
The forwards: Vladimir Radmanovich needs to shoot over 40 percent from beyond the arc to compensate for his atrocious defense. Luke Walton is smart enough, but not quick enough to be consistent at either end of the floor. Lamar Odom needs to master the intricacies of the triangle and not depend on isos for his scoring. Brian Cook can shoot. Period. Ron Turiaf hustles and fouls.
The centers: It's imperative for Kwame Brown to become a force in the middle. His post-up defense is more than acceptable, but his offense remains stiff and uncertain. Whereas Chris Mihm plays passable defense against every other Western Conference big man except Tim Duncan, he can only score with a right-handed jump-hook. Both bigs have bad hands.
The outlook: The Lakers can be the surprise team in the West if: Somebody can develop sufficiently to replace Parker. Odom learns the offense. V-Rad shoots the lights out. Kobe finally agrees to go with the flow. Brown picks up where he left off last season. Jackson can somehow get this group to play a modicum of defense.
Phoenix Suns
Steve Nash definitely makes the Suns' offense go, but his defense could use some work. (Ethan Miller / Getty Images)
The guards: Steve Nash is the best playmaker in the NBA, but takes a beating on defense, and likewise gets worn down when the Suns have to play halfcourt basketball. If Marcus Banks can ever learn the system, he'll be a dynamo. Raja Bell is the only adequate perimeter defender. Leandro Barbosa may be the only player in the league who can outrun Banks. Both Bell and Barbosa must shoot well for the Suns to beat the league's best.
The forwards: Boris Diaw has developed into a dangerous scorer from the high-post. Shawn Marion is still a monstrously talented player, but he needs more touches. James Jones can't finish and can't defend. Kurt Thomas is a terrific post defender and mid-range jump-shooter, but he can neither run nor avoid committing silly fouls.
The center: Pat Burke is a plodder. Amare Stoudemire will suffer all season long for his foolish attempts at premature comebacks last season and over the summer. Even when he's healthy, Stoudemire has no idea how to play the game.
The outlook: If Stoudemire is in, the Suns will continue to field the NBA's most dynamic offense. Also, it will be up to Stoudemire to provide the bulk of the Suns' scoring whenever their fast break is unavailable. Even so, the team defense is atrocious, and Mike D'Antoni's shoot-'em-style is spectacularly ill-suited to succeed deep into the playoffs.
Sacramento Kings
The guards: Mike Bibby plays too many minutes, takes too many shots, and lacks the athleticism to play adequate defense. Kevin Martin is on his way to becoming an All-Star. John Salmons can play three positions with equal aplomb — shooting, handling, driving (right) with energy, and even playing some defense. A perfect all-around backup.
The forwards: Ron Artest is a premier defender against shooting guards, small forwards, and even some power forwards. If his scoring (especially his outside shooting) is erratic, he always plays hard. If he can keep his focus, keep his yap shut, and avoid on-and off-court tantrums, Artest can lead the Kings deep into the playoffs. Francisco Garcia is a high-flyer who needs to become a more reliable shooter. Kenny Thomas is a strong-armed scorer, while Shareef Abdur-Rahim is all finesse. If they can possibly learn to coexist within the limits of the available playing time, they'll provide considerable flexibility (not to mention matchup advantages). Too bad neither can defend.
The centers: Brad Miller can pass and shoot from the high-post, grab uncontested rebounds, and do nothing else. Vitaly Potapenko hit score on jump hooks and knock people down.
The outlook: Martin and Garcia are the future. Bibby is the present. Miller, Abdur-Rahim and Thomas represent the past. And Artest is either a dream come true or a nightmare. If everything works out right, and Eric Musselboy's over-the-top intensity doesn't drive his players to rebellion, then the Kings might still be playing come May.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/6075072
None of the teams in this division can play acceptable defense. And that's why none of them have a chance to mount a serious challenge to displace Miami as the NBA champions.
Golden State Warriors
The guards: Baron Davis is still selfish, willful, and clueless in the clutch, but he'll enjoy playing under the laissez-faire management of Don Nelson. But, later rather than sooner, Davis's gargantuan ego will even turn Nellie against him. Jason Richardson is the real deal, a powerhouse scorer who will eventually become frustrated with Davis' dominating the ball. Keith McLeod is a shooter but not a shot-maker. Only one year removed from high school, Monta Ellis has the talent to someday be a difference-maker — but not yet.
The forwards: Mickel Pietrus is an erratic, undisciplined shooter and ball-handler. He's fortunate that discipline is featured in Nellie's play book. Mike Dunleavy at power forward? Sure he'll get his share of uncontested perimeter shots, and he'll be able to run himself into layups. But he won't rebound or defend, and he'll certainly lead the league in bruises. Ike Diogu is uncomfortable in an up-and-down game and won't be much of a factor.
The centers: Like Dunleavy, Troy Murphy will take advantage of his edge in quickness and mobility to find plenty of makeable shots against his larger, stronger opponents. Defensively, however, Murphy will be routinely chumped. Andris Biedrins can make layups, rebound some, hustle and run, but can't sink free throws, and can't avoid making elementary mistakes at both ends. Adonal Foyle is finally where he belongs — on the bench.
The outlook: Even though the Warriors' bench is among the shortest in the league, Nellie Ball will work for a while, especially against opponents who haven't enough time to prepare themselves. But the intra-divisional rivals will soon get used to Nellie's gimmickry. A pertinent factoid here is that Nelson's teams have an abysmal 4-16 record in conference finals. Familiarity breeds defeat.
Los Angeles Clippers
The guards: Despite his brain lock in Game 7 vs. the Suns, Sam Cassell still needs to be the Clips' money man. That's why Shaun Livingston has to refine his game and give the 37-year-old Cassell enough time off for Sam the Man to have relatively fresh legs for the playoffs. Cuttino Mobley is a gunner without a conscience who needs to shoot a high percentage to justify his ball-time. Quentin Ross is the only guard who can play acceptable defense.
The forwards: Corey Maggette remains the team's most well-balanced player, extremely capable on both ends of the floor and at all stations in between. Elton Brand has evolved into a potent scorer from the high- and low-post, yet his passing out of double-teams still needs work. What Tim Thomas takes on offense, he freely yields on defense.
The centers: Chris Kaman lacks the athleticism and the versatility to compete on equal terms against the elite teams. Zeljko Rebraca is little more than an earnest banger.
The outlook: The absence of consistent defense puts the Clippers just about where they were last season: Contending for a 50-win season, and unable to get past the second round of the playoffs.
Los Angeles Lakers
The guards: Smush Parker hits an occasional trey and is effective in an open field. Otherwise, his defense stinks, and he makes too many mistakes. Shammond Williams looks to score. Sasha Vujacic is defenseless and misses too many open 3-balls. Look for Maurice Evans to eventually harness his incredible athleticism and be a big surprise.
Then there's Kobe Bryant, who still seems to be vying with Phil Jackson for control of the team. At his best, Kobe is the best non-center in the league (because he's capable of playing much better defense than either LBJ or D-Wade, even though he hasn't exercised this capability in three or four years). At his worst, he inexplicably vanishes — as he did in Game 7 vs. Phoenix. For the Lakers to move to the next level, Bryant needs to make a full and sincere commitment to being the best team player he can be.
The forwards: Vladimir Radmanovich needs to shoot over 40 percent from beyond the arc to compensate for his atrocious defense. Luke Walton is smart enough, but not quick enough to be consistent at either end of the floor. Lamar Odom needs to master the intricacies of the triangle and not depend on isos for his scoring. Brian Cook can shoot. Period. Ron Turiaf hustles and fouls.
The centers: It's imperative for Kwame Brown to become a force in the middle. His post-up defense is more than acceptable, but his offense remains stiff and uncertain. Whereas Chris Mihm plays passable defense against every other Western Conference big man except Tim Duncan, he can only score with a right-handed jump-hook. Both bigs have bad hands.
The outlook: The Lakers can be the surprise team in the West if: Somebody can develop sufficiently to replace Parker. Odom learns the offense. V-Rad shoots the lights out. Kobe finally agrees to go with the flow. Brown picks up where he left off last season. Jackson can somehow get this group to play a modicum of defense.
Phoenix Suns
The guards: Steve Nash is the best playmaker in the NBA, but takes a beating on defense, and likewise gets worn down when the Suns have to play halfcourt basketball. If Marcus Banks can ever learn the system, he'll be a dynamo. Raja Bell is the only adequate perimeter defender. Leandro Barbosa may be the only player in the league who can outrun Banks. Both Bell and Barbosa must shoot well for the Suns to beat the league's best.
The forwards: Boris Diaw has developed into a dangerous scorer from the high-post. Shawn Marion is still a monstrously talented player, but he needs more touches. James Jones can't finish and can't defend. Kurt Thomas is a terrific post defender and mid-range jump-shooter, but he can neither run nor avoid committing silly fouls.
The center: Pat Burke is a plodder. Amare Stoudemire will suffer all season long for his foolish attempts at premature comebacks last season and over the summer. Even when he's healthy, Stoudemire has no idea how to play the game.
The outlook: If Stoudemire is in, the Suns will continue to field the NBA's most dynamic offense. Also, it will be up to Stoudemire to provide the bulk of the Suns' scoring whenever their fast break is unavailable. Even so, the team defense is atrocious, and Mike D'Antoni's shoot-'em-style is spectacularly ill-suited to succeed deep into the playoffs.
Sacramento Kings
The guards: Mike Bibby plays too many minutes, takes too many shots, and lacks the athleticism to play adequate defense. Kevin Martin is on his way to becoming an All-Star. John Salmons can play three positions with equal aplomb — shooting, handling, driving (right) with energy, and even playing some defense. A perfect all-around backup.
The forwards: Ron Artest is a premier defender against shooting guards, small forwards, and even some power forwards. If his scoring (especially his outside shooting) is erratic, he always plays hard. If he can keep his focus, keep his yap shut, and avoid on-and off-court tantrums, Artest can lead the Kings deep into the playoffs. Francisco Garcia is a high-flyer who needs to become a more reliable shooter. Kenny Thomas is a strong-armed scorer, while Shareef Abdur-Rahim is all finesse. If they can possibly learn to coexist within the limits of the available playing time, they'll provide considerable flexibility (not to mention matchup advantages). Too bad neither can defend.
The centers: Brad Miller can pass and shoot from the high-post, grab uncontested rebounds, and do nothing else. Vitaly Potapenko hit score on jump hooks and knock people down.
The outlook: Martin and Garcia are the future. Bibby is the present. Miller, Abdur-Rahim and Thomas represent the past. And Artest is either a dream come true or a nightmare. If everything works out right, and Eric Musselboy's over-the-top intensity doesn't drive his players to rebellion, then the Kings might still be playing come May.
http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/6075072
