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2005 Kings Preview: Fine fives
Western Conference
By Martin McNeal -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Tuesday, November 1, 2005
Martin McNeal scrambles all the names in the NBA and makes sense of them with some insightful five-man lists. Have a look:
TOP FIVE COACHES
1. Gregg Popovich, Spurs
His three rings since '99 speak for themselves.
2. George Karl, Nuggets
Perhaps the most versatile of all coaches.
3. Phil Jackson, Lakers
Nine championship rings in 1.4. seasons count for something.
4. Rick Adelman, Kings
All the guy does is win - 708 victories and counting.
5. Jerry Sloan, Jazz
His 94.3. victories are second to Larry Brown's 987 among active coaches.
Honorable mention: Mike D'Antoni, Phoenix Suns.
PRESSURE PLAYERS
1. Robert Horry, Spurs
He's the guy I'd put my money on to make an open shot.
2. Kobe Bryant, Lakers
The league's best one-on-one player has done it on every stage.
3. Steve Nash, Suns
NBA's best decision-maker/shooter.
4. Ray Allen, SuperSonics
He can score off the dribble or by the jump shot.
5. Tim Duncan, Spurs
In the post, he's the best ... except while at the free-throw line.
Honorable mention: Mike Bibby, Kings.
DEFENDERS
1. Bruce Bowen, Spurs
The NBA's most annoying defensive pest.
2. Raja Bell, Suns
Plays great position defense against point guards and shooting guards.
3. Kevin Garnett, T-wolves
When not scoring, he steals, blocks shots and rebounds.
4. Tim Duncan, Spurs
Solid across the board; five-time All-Defensive team selection.
5. Andrei Kirilenko, Jazz
Long, athletic, quick and has hops.
Honorable mention: P.J. Brown, New Orleans Hornets.
BALLHANDLERS/PASSERS
1.. Steve Nash, SunsNobody creates better; can pass with both hands.
2.. Baron Davis, Warriors
League's best ballhandler and passes with variety.
3.. Andre Miller, Nuggets
Handles ball well enough to break down most and is unselfish.
4.. Rafer Alston, Rockets
Ballhandling ranks with Davis' and can pass with anyone.
5.. Mike Bibby, Kings
Two-guard front takes ball out of his hands, but he can get others shots.
Honorable mention: Earl Boykins, Denver Nuggets.
ROOKIES TO WATCH
1. Deron Williams, Jazz
Out of Illinois, he'll be as steady as a rookie can be.
2. Hakim Warrick, Grizzlies
Syracuse product has ridiculous ups and soft mid-range jumper.
3. Rashad McCants, T-wolves
Former North Carolina star is a scorer and T-wolves need one.
4. Ike Diogu, Warriors
Golden State needs former Arizona State star's toughness inside.
5. Francisco García, Kings
Needs a semblance of conscience, but can play all phases.
Honorable mention: Luther Head, Houston Rockets.
2005 Kings Preview: Fine fives
Western Conference
By Martin McNeal -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PST Tuesday, November 1, 2005
Martin McNeal scrambles all the names in the NBA and makes sense of them with some insightful five-man lists. Have a look:
TOP FIVE COACHES
1. Gregg Popovich, Spurs
His three rings since '99 speak for themselves.
2. George Karl, Nuggets
Perhaps the most versatile of all coaches.
3. Phil Jackson, Lakers
Nine championship rings in 1.4. seasons count for something.
4. Rick Adelman, Kings
All the guy does is win - 708 victories and counting.
5. Jerry Sloan, Jazz
His 94.3. victories are second to Larry Brown's 987 among active coaches.
Honorable mention: Mike D'Antoni, Phoenix Suns.
PRESSURE PLAYERS
1. Robert Horry, Spurs
He's the guy I'd put my money on to make an open shot.
2. Kobe Bryant, Lakers
The league's best one-on-one player has done it on every stage.
3. Steve Nash, Suns
NBA's best decision-maker/shooter.
4. Ray Allen, SuperSonics
He can score off the dribble or by the jump shot.
5. Tim Duncan, Spurs
In the post, he's the best ... except while at the free-throw line.
Honorable mention: Mike Bibby, Kings.
DEFENDERS
1. Bruce Bowen, Spurs
The NBA's most annoying defensive pest.
2. Raja Bell, Suns
Plays great position defense against point guards and shooting guards.
3. Kevin Garnett, T-wolves
When not scoring, he steals, blocks shots and rebounds.
4. Tim Duncan, Spurs
Solid across the board; five-time All-Defensive team selection.
5. Andrei Kirilenko, Jazz
Long, athletic, quick and has hops.
Honorable mention: P.J. Brown, New Orleans Hornets.
BALLHANDLERS/PASSERS
1.. Steve Nash, SunsNobody creates better; can pass with both hands.
2.. Baron Davis, Warriors
League's best ballhandler and passes with variety.
3.. Andre Miller, Nuggets
Handles ball well enough to break down most and is unselfish.
4.. Rafer Alston, Rockets
Ballhandling ranks with Davis' and can pass with anyone.
5.. Mike Bibby, Kings
Two-guard front takes ball out of his hands, but he can get others shots.
Honorable mention: Earl Boykins, Denver Nuggets.
ROOKIES TO WATCH
1. Deron Williams, Jazz
Out of Illinois, he'll be as steady as a rookie can be.
2. Hakim Warrick, Grizzlies
Syracuse product has ridiculous ups and soft mid-range jumper.
3. Rashad McCants, T-wolves
Former North Carolina star is a scorer and T-wolves need one.
4. Ike Diogu, Warriors
Golden State needs former Arizona State star's toughness inside.
5. Francisco García, Kings
Needs a semblance of conscience, but can play all phases.
Honorable mention: Luther Head, Houston Rockets.
