http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/writers/marty_burns/11/28/first.month.report/2.html
Most surprising players
1. Carmelo Anthony: Everybody knew the Nuggets' forward could fill the basket, but not like this. The 6-8 forward leads the NBA in scoring at 31.1 points per game while helping Denver to an 8-4 record. 2. Carlos Boozer/Deron Williams: Boozer, a former All-Star who has battled injuries the past two seasons, is averaging 21.9 points while ranking second in the NBA in rebounds (12.5). Williams, a second-year point guard, is averaging 17.1 points, stands third in assists (9.0) and is shooting 48 percent from the field.
3. Kevin Martin: This 6-7 third-year swingman showed last year that he could handle a starter's role at shooting guard when he filled in for the injured Bonzi Wells. But the skinny King has emerged as a dominant player this season, averaging nearly 25 points and five assists per game.
4. Monta Ellis/Andris Biedrins: The young Warriors, given a chance to show their skills under Nelson, have responded big-time. Ellis, a second-year guard, is averaging 17.7 points. Biedrins, a 6-11 forward, is averaging 12.2 points and 10.1 boards and is tied for third in the league in blocks (2.9).
5. Andrew Bynum: Thrust into the starting lineup because of injuries to Mihm and Brown, the 19-year-old second-year pivot came up big for L.A. in the opening weeks. The 7-footer has struggled lately -- and he probably won't ever make L.A. fans forget Shaq -- but the Lakers are excited about his future.
Biggest duds
1. Ben Wallace: From his lackluster rebounding totals to his recent headband controversy with coach Scott Skiles, Big Ben isn't exactly endearing himself to Chicago fans. It's almost as if he was planted by the Pistons to wreck the Bulls' chemistry. With a four-year, $60 million contract, Wallace needs to do more.
2. Boris Diaw: Last year's Most Improved Player showed up a little pudgy and has yet to get himself in shape. When told during training camp that the French forward hadn't picked up a basketball all summer, D'Antoni quipped, "That didn't mean he had to pick up every croissant in France, did it?"
3. Stephon Marbury: With Larry Brown having been replaced on the bench by Isiah Thomas, the veteran point guard was supposed to return to his superstar role. Instead Marbury has struggled mightily, averaging just 10.1 points and 4.5 assists. Lately he's even been riding the pine in the fourth quarter.
4. Mike James: After signing a $25 million free-agent deal, the veteran point guard was supposed to provide the playmaker Kevin Garnett has lacked since the Sam Cassell trade. But James' scoring and assist totals are way down from a year ago, and he admits he's been "cheating the fans and organization."
5. Bonzi Wells: Speaking of cheating, this 6-5 bulldog showed up out of shape for Rockets camp and has barely been seen since signing as a free agent last summer. Houston still hopes Wells can be a dominant sixth man once he gets in proper condition, but so far he has done nothing.
Most surprising players
1. Carmelo Anthony: Everybody knew the Nuggets' forward could fill the basket, but not like this. The 6-8 forward leads the NBA in scoring at 31.1 points per game while helping Denver to an 8-4 record. 2. Carlos Boozer/Deron Williams: Boozer, a former All-Star who has battled injuries the past two seasons, is averaging 21.9 points while ranking second in the NBA in rebounds (12.5). Williams, a second-year point guard, is averaging 17.1 points, stands third in assists (9.0) and is shooting 48 percent from the field.
3. Kevin Martin: This 6-7 third-year swingman showed last year that he could handle a starter's role at shooting guard when he filled in for the injured Bonzi Wells. But the skinny King has emerged as a dominant player this season, averaging nearly 25 points and five assists per game.
4. Monta Ellis/Andris Biedrins: The young Warriors, given a chance to show their skills under Nelson, have responded big-time. Ellis, a second-year guard, is averaging 17.7 points. Biedrins, a 6-11 forward, is averaging 12.2 points and 10.1 boards and is tied for third in the league in blocks (2.9).
5. Andrew Bynum: Thrust into the starting lineup because of injuries to Mihm and Brown, the 19-year-old second-year pivot came up big for L.A. in the opening weeks. The 7-footer has struggled lately -- and he probably won't ever make L.A. fans forget Shaq -- but the Lakers are excited about his future.
Biggest duds
1. Ben Wallace: From his lackluster rebounding totals to his recent headband controversy with coach Scott Skiles, Big Ben isn't exactly endearing himself to Chicago fans. It's almost as if he was planted by the Pistons to wreck the Bulls' chemistry. With a four-year, $60 million contract, Wallace needs to do more.
2. Boris Diaw: Last year's Most Improved Player showed up a little pudgy and has yet to get himself in shape. When told during training camp that the French forward hadn't picked up a basketball all summer, D'Antoni quipped, "That didn't mean he had to pick up every croissant in France, did it?"
3. Stephon Marbury: With Larry Brown having been replaced on the bench by Isiah Thomas, the veteran point guard was supposed to return to his superstar role. Instead Marbury has struggled mightily, averaging just 10.1 points and 4.5 assists. Lately he's even been riding the pine in the fourth quarter.
4. Mike James: After signing a $25 million free-agent deal, the veteran point guard was supposed to provide the playmaker Kevin Garnett has lacked since the Sam Cassell trade. But James' scoring and assist totals are way down from a year ago, and he admits he's been "cheating the fans and organization."
5. Bonzi Wells: Speaking of cheating, this 6-5 bulldog showed up out of shape for Rockets camp and has barely been seen since signing as a free agent last summer. Houston still hopes Wells can be a dominant sixth man once he gets in proper condition, but so far he has done nothing.
