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Starting fives
With the NBA season beginning today, it's time for a forecast
By Martin McNeal - Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:00 am PST Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Story appeared in PROJECTS section, Page KINGS TIPOFF7
Five most underrated players
1. Gerald Wallace, Charlotte Bobcats, forward: If he starts making free throws and can stay healthy, he'll soon become an All-Star. Wallace gets it done defensively and is improving on offense.
2. Josh Howard, Dallas Mavericks, forward: Dallas' run to the NBA Finals last season gave him notice. He's a defender and facilitator first and a scorer second.
3. Udonis Haslem, Miami Heat, forward: He's stuck between Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade, but Haslem makes big plays and does the dirty work. Not bad for an undrafted player.
4. Gilbert Arenas, Washington Wizards, guard: A legitimate All-Star and one of the league's best players, he carries his team nightly.
5. Chris Kaman, Los Angeles Clippers, center: He probably gets more attention for his untamed hair than his play, but all he does is rebound, score in the low post and actually play like a center.
Five most overrated players
1. Tracy McGrady, Houston Rockets, guard: One of the NBA's most talented players will be overrated until his team wins a playoff series. Injuries clearly have hampered his efforts.
2. Chris Webber, Philadelphia 76ers, forward: A devastating knee injury has made him one of the league's most overpaid players ($20.7 million this season). Keep in mind, he could have taken the guaranteed money and retired with his injury long ago.
3. Baron Davis, Golden State Warriors, guard: He has far too much skill and talent to shoot below 40 percent in each of the past three seasons. He needs to work on his game and body and lead his team in the right direction.
4. Pau Gasól, Memphis Grizzlies, forward: He's in the same situation as McGrady, except Gasól has yet to lead his squad to a playoff victory after three consecutive first-round sweeps.
5. Stephon Marbury, New York Knicks, guard: He must display leadership. He's as talented as any guard but never has taken his game to another level.
Five coaches on the hot seat
1. Isiah Thomas, New York Knicks: Under the microscope only New York brings, a bad start might encourage Knicks ownership to make a move. Thomas has talent. Now he must craft a team.
2. Flip Saunders, Detroit Pistons: The 2003-04 NBA champions still have high expectations. Saunders is only in his second season with the team, but again, a bad start can leave a bad taste.
3. Sam Mitchell, Toronto Raptors: He has a new team president, Bryan Colangelo, and that's never a good thing combined with a young, inexperienced team.
4. Jeff Van Gundy, Houston Rockets: Injuries have led more than a few coaches to the firing line, and if Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming are hampered again, that might push Van Gundy over the edge.
5. Mike Woodson, Atlanta Hawks: There have been too many losses and high draft picks for Woodson not to be in danger. The Hawks may never overcome bypassing Chris Paul.
Five old faces in new places
1. Anthony Johnson, Dallas Mavericks, guard: The former Indiana guard can score, pass and defend. A better scorer than most realize, he will be dependable for coach Avery Johnson.
2. Tim Thomas, Los Angeles Clippers, forward: He comes over from Phoenix and should fit in well with coach Mike Dunleavy's talented crew. His skills are strong, but if only the guy could stay focused.
3. Ben Wallace, Chicago Bulls, center: Few bring more intensity, passion and toughness. If Wallace comes to grips with his limited offensive game, the former Piston is a great pickup.
4. Peja Stojakovic, New Orleans Hornets, forward: Playing alongside Chris Paul should ensure Stojakovic of countless wide-open shots. And he should be playing to prove his career is not declining after 1 1/2 seasons in Indiana.
5. P.J. Brown, Chicago Bulls, forward: He never has sought the limelight and always has contested shots in the past six seasons with the Hornets. No team has too many defenders or shot-blockers.
NBA's five most influential people
1. David Stern, commissioner: He represents the league's owners with a free hand and conscience. Challenging him is not wise.
2. Jerry Colangelo, Phoenix Suns, CEO: He has been around forever and now is in charge of the U.S. men's national team. His connections among owners run deep.
3. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers, forward: The league's most high-profile performer is young, talented and dynamic. His influence is strong but still in its infancy.
4. Jerry West, Memphis Grizzlies, president: Not only is he the silhouette dribbling the ball on the NBA logo, West has been one of the NBA's most successful front-office leaders.
5. Mark Cuban, Dallas Mavericks, owner: If anybody occasionally usurps Stern's power, it's the Mavericks' maverick owner with deep pockets and a flair for making himself impossible to ignore.
Five toughest arenas for a visiting team
1. Sacramento, Arco Arena: Nightly sellouts combined with an undying passion in a bandbox arena make for difficulties for the opposition -- or so it's said.
2. Miami, AmericanAirlines Arena: Miami Beach has many entertainment options. Toss in Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal.
3. Philadelphia, Wachovia Center: Philadelphia fans are some of the most vocal, derisive and aggressive in sports. Regardless of the score, there is little quiet time.
4. Los Angeles Lakers/Clippers, Staples Center: Considering this arena houses two playoff teams, it gets a nod, if you wait for everybody to arrive in the middle of the second quarter.
5. Utah, Delta Center: Near midcourt, there's a guy with a voice that won't quit. He's blessed with timing and biting humor and rarely fails to get a look from at least one player.
Starting fives
With the NBA season beginning today, it's time for a forecast
By Martin McNeal - Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:00 am PST Tuesday, October 31, 2006
Story appeared in PROJECTS section, Page KINGS TIPOFF7
Five most underrated players
1. Gerald Wallace, Charlotte Bobcats, forward: If he starts making free throws and can stay healthy, he'll soon become an All-Star. Wallace gets it done defensively and is improving on offense.
2. Josh Howard, Dallas Mavericks, forward: Dallas' run to the NBA Finals last season gave him notice. He's a defender and facilitator first and a scorer second.
3. Udonis Haslem, Miami Heat, forward: He's stuck between Shaquille O'Neal and Dwyane Wade, but Haslem makes big plays and does the dirty work. Not bad for an undrafted player.
4. Gilbert Arenas, Washington Wizards, guard: A legitimate All-Star and one of the league's best players, he carries his team nightly.
5. Chris Kaman, Los Angeles Clippers, center: He probably gets more attention for his untamed hair than his play, but all he does is rebound, score in the low post and actually play like a center.
Five most overrated players
1. Tracy McGrady, Houston Rockets, guard: One of the NBA's most talented players will be overrated until his team wins a playoff series. Injuries clearly have hampered his efforts.
2. Chris Webber, Philadelphia 76ers, forward: A devastating knee injury has made him one of the league's most overpaid players ($20.7 million this season). Keep in mind, he could have taken the guaranteed money and retired with his injury long ago.
3. Baron Davis, Golden State Warriors, guard: He has far too much skill and talent to shoot below 40 percent in each of the past three seasons. He needs to work on his game and body and lead his team in the right direction.
4. Pau Gasól, Memphis Grizzlies, forward: He's in the same situation as McGrady, except Gasól has yet to lead his squad to a playoff victory after three consecutive first-round sweeps.
5. Stephon Marbury, New York Knicks, guard: He must display leadership. He's as talented as any guard but never has taken his game to another level.
Five coaches on the hot seat
1. Isiah Thomas, New York Knicks: Under the microscope only New York brings, a bad start might encourage Knicks ownership to make a move. Thomas has talent. Now he must craft a team.
2. Flip Saunders, Detroit Pistons: The 2003-04 NBA champions still have high expectations. Saunders is only in his second season with the team, but again, a bad start can leave a bad taste.
3. Sam Mitchell, Toronto Raptors: He has a new team president, Bryan Colangelo, and that's never a good thing combined with a young, inexperienced team.
4. Jeff Van Gundy, Houston Rockets: Injuries have led more than a few coaches to the firing line, and if Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming are hampered again, that might push Van Gundy over the edge.
5. Mike Woodson, Atlanta Hawks: There have been too many losses and high draft picks for Woodson not to be in danger. The Hawks may never overcome bypassing Chris Paul.
Five old faces in new places
1. Anthony Johnson, Dallas Mavericks, guard: The former Indiana guard can score, pass and defend. A better scorer than most realize, he will be dependable for coach Avery Johnson.
2. Tim Thomas, Los Angeles Clippers, forward: He comes over from Phoenix and should fit in well with coach Mike Dunleavy's talented crew. His skills are strong, but if only the guy could stay focused.
3. Ben Wallace, Chicago Bulls, center: Few bring more intensity, passion and toughness. If Wallace comes to grips with his limited offensive game, the former Piston is a great pickup.
4. Peja Stojakovic, New Orleans Hornets, forward: Playing alongside Chris Paul should ensure Stojakovic of countless wide-open shots. And he should be playing to prove his career is not declining after 1 1/2 seasons in Indiana.
5. P.J. Brown, Chicago Bulls, forward: He never has sought the limelight and always has contested shots in the past six seasons with the Hornets. No team has too many defenders or shot-blockers.
NBA's five most influential people
1. David Stern, commissioner: He represents the league's owners with a free hand and conscience. Challenging him is not wise.
2. Jerry Colangelo, Phoenix Suns, CEO: He has been around forever and now is in charge of the U.S. men's national team. His connections among owners run deep.
3. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers, forward: The league's most high-profile performer is young, talented and dynamic. His influence is strong but still in its infancy.
4. Jerry West, Memphis Grizzlies, president: Not only is he the silhouette dribbling the ball on the NBA logo, West has been one of the NBA's most successful front-office leaders.
5. Mark Cuban, Dallas Mavericks, owner: If anybody occasionally usurps Stern's power, it's the Mavericks' maverick owner with deep pockets and a flair for making himself impossible to ignore.
Five toughest arenas for a visiting team
1. Sacramento, Arco Arena: Nightly sellouts combined with an undying passion in a bandbox arena make for difficulties for the opposition -- or so it's said.
2. Miami, AmericanAirlines Arena: Miami Beach has many entertainment options. Toss in Dwyane Wade and Shaquille O'Neal.
3. Philadelphia, Wachovia Center: Philadelphia fans are some of the most vocal, derisive and aggressive in sports. Regardless of the score, there is little quiet time.
4. Los Angeles Lakers/Clippers, Staples Center: Considering this arena houses two playoff teams, it gets a nod, if you wait for everybody to arrive in the middle of the second quarter.
5. Utah, Delta Center: Near midcourt, there's a guy with a voice that won't quit. He's blessed with timing and biting humor and rarely fails to get a look from at least one player.
