http://www.sacbee.com/content/sports/story/13798526p-14640082c.html
2005 Kings Preview: Fine fives
Eastern 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. Larry Brown, Knicks
He's the only one with a ring, and he has seen it all.
2 Rick Carlisle, Pacers
Showed his skill last season when talent was snatched via injury/suspension.
3 Stan Van Gundy, Heat
His championship-contending team defends with passion.
4 Eddie Jordan, Wizards
He's a taskmaster, and his teams execute.
5 Scott Skiles, BullsHe's aggressive and confident, and so are his squads.
Honorable mention: Flip Saunders, Detroit Pistons.
PRESSURE PLAYERS
1. Allen Iverson, 76ers
Puts his team on his back and delivers at money time.
2. Shaquille O'Neal, Heat
Teams send the kitchen sink, and still he comes through.
3. Chauncey Billups, Pistons
Can score inside or out and loves to take big shots.
4. LeBron James, Cavaliers
Already has reached this status and turns 21 on Dec. 30.
5. Dwyane Wade, Heat
Showed desire and ability to score in clutch.
Honorable mention: Jermaine O'Neal, Indiana Pacers.
DEFENDERS
1. Ron Artest, Pacers
The NBA's best and most versatile defender.
2. Ben Wallace, Pistons
Nobody defends as aggressively as this big man.
3. Jason Kidd, Nets
If he's healthy, he plays passing lanes exceptionally well.
4. Tayshaun Prince, PistonsLack of strength is lone weakness.
5. Eric Snow, CavaliersTough, physical and stays in front of his man.
Honorable mention: James Posey, Miami Heat.
BALLHANDLERS/PASSERS
1. Jason Kidd, Nets
He runs the fast break with flair and without peer.
2 Jason Williams, Heat
No team will pressure the Heat this season with his ballhandling and vision.
3. Chauncey Billups, Pistons
He's strong, creative and quick, and generally makes excellent decisions.
4. T.J. Ford, Bucks
He's a true point guard, and his speed and quickness make him difficult to cover.
5. Stephon Marbury, Knicks
Like Billups, he brings strength but can handle the ball as well as anyone.
Honorable mention: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers.
ROOKIES TO WATCH
1. Danny Granger, Pacers
New Mexico product is mature and talented.
He'll fit in with this talented team.
2. Charlie Villenueva, Raptors
Very talented even if he was drafted higher (No. 7) out of UConn than needed.
3. Andrew Bogut, Bucks
Great hands and passing ability combined with his shot and fundamentals.
4. Raymond Felton, Hornets
Former North Carolina star will learn from veteran Brevin Knight.
5. Salim Stoudamire, HawksHe's a little cat with a huge amount of quickness and deep shooting ability. Honorable mention: Orien Greene, Boston Celtics.
2005 Kings Preview: Fine fives
Eastern 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. Larry Brown, Knicks
He's the only one with a ring, and he has seen it all.
2 Rick Carlisle, Pacers
Showed his skill last season when talent was snatched via injury/suspension.
3 Stan Van Gundy, Heat
His championship-contending team defends with passion.
4 Eddie Jordan, Wizards
He's a taskmaster, and his teams execute.
5 Scott Skiles, BullsHe's aggressive and confident, and so are his squads.
Honorable mention: Flip Saunders, Detroit Pistons.
PRESSURE PLAYERS
1. Allen Iverson, 76ers
Puts his team on his back and delivers at money time.
2. Shaquille O'Neal, Heat
Teams send the kitchen sink, and still he comes through.
3. Chauncey Billups, Pistons
Can score inside or out and loves to take big shots.
4. LeBron James, Cavaliers
Already has reached this status and turns 21 on Dec. 30.
5. Dwyane Wade, Heat
Showed desire and ability to score in clutch.
Honorable mention: Jermaine O'Neal, Indiana Pacers.
DEFENDERS
1. Ron Artest, Pacers
The NBA's best and most versatile defender.
2. Ben Wallace, Pistons
Nobody defends as aggressively as this big man.
3. Jason Kidd, Nets
If he's healthy, he plays passing lanes exceptionally well.
4. Tayshaun Prince, PistonsLack of strength is lone weakness.
5. Eric Snow, CavaliersTough, physical and stays in front of his man.
Honorable mention: James Posey, Miami Heat.
BALLHANDLERS/PASSERS
1. Jason Kidd, Nets
He runs the fast break with flair and without peer.
2 Jason Williams, Heat
No team will pressure the Heat this season with his ballhandling and vision.
3. Chauncey Billups, Pistons
He's strong, creative and quick, and generally makes excellent decisions.
4. T.J. Ford, Bucks
He's a true point guard, and his speed and quickness make him difficult to cover.
5. Stephon Marbury, Knicks
Like Billups, he brings strength but can handle the ball as well as anyone.
Honorable mention: LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers.
ROOKIES TO WATCH
1. Danny Granger, Pacers
New Mexico product is mature and talented.
He'll fit in with this talented team.
2. Charlie Villenueva, Raptors
Very talented even if he was drafted higher (No. 7) out of UConn than needed.
3. Andrew Bogut, Bucks
Great hands and passing ability combined with his shot and fundamentals.
4. Raymond Felton, Hornets
Former North Carolina star will learn from veteran Brevin Knight.
5. Salim Stoudamire, HawksHe's a little cat with a huge amount of quickness and deep shooting ability. Honorable mention: Orien Greene, Boston Celtics.
