Positional Rankings: Small forwards
By Tony Mejia
CBS SportsLine.com Staff Writer[font=Arial, Helvetica]
The free-agent market is dwindling and training camp remains weeks away, and even though we're as giddy as everyone else that football is back, there is still the matter of satisfying our audience's never-ending hoop jones.
What can stimulate and inspire debate during the dog days of summer? What can keep conversation and interest in the game becoming as flat as LeBron James' jumper looked during Sunday night's Hurricane Relief game?
Over the next six Tuesdays, CBS SportsLine will unveil the top 20 players at each position, culminating with an overall Top 50 list that will no doubt have message boards filled and my inbox overflowing with hate mail.
The first position we'll examine is perhaps the deepest, with nearly half the field having logged All-Star credentials. Let the countdown, and conversations, begin:
1. Tracy McGrady, Houston: Not that the top 10 names on this list aren't all uniquely blessed, but T-Mac is currently the most gifted and developed of the group. This is a guy who can drain 40-foot jumpers like water, get to the rim at will and finish at his whim. He has been doing all that over the past few seasons, but last year, becoming the leader of the Rockets under demanding Jeff Van Gundy, he grew into a complete player. For maybe the first time in his career, he cut no corners on defense, which wasn't hard to notice when he frustrated Dirk Nowitzki into poor outing after poor outing in the first round of the playoffs. Yes, he's failed to win a series, with his teams blowing substantial leads in his past two appearances, but to point the finger at him is not only short-sighted, it's far-fetched. Expect him to help push Yao Ming into the next stage of his development while guiding the Rockets to heights that haven't been reached since the days of "Dream." Houston is his town now, and he represents it well.
2. LeBron James, Cleveland: Undoubtedly, the "King" will eventually claim his throne as the best at his position and the most superior performer in the game, but right now, he's still 20 (won't be 21 until Dec. 30) and has yet to reach the playoffs. Similar to McGrady, that's not his fault, but facts are facts, and until he proves himself on the league's big stage, the top spot can't be bestowed upon him. This is the year we'll see him blossom, armed with a truly dangerous supporting cast for the first time and two years of excellence under his belt. He's the truth, no question about it, and eventually we'll see him routinely rack up triple-doubles in addition to his ever-lasting presence on nightly highlight films. He's the new generation's Michael Jordan/Magic Johnson, and you'll find few in the league who would disagree. Let's not forget though, he's still in a developmental stage, fighting his way through the grind and improving to get that "J" down consistently. Hey, it took M.J. a while to perfect his craft, too.
3. Andrei Kirilenko, Utah: Nowitzki is phenomenal, Manu has rings and a unique flair, but the league's top international is the "Russian Rocket," a super-freak the NBA hasn't seen the likes of. It's rare to see a wing have such an impact defensively, not by shadowing a man but by altering shots, doing so with a sick combination of a ridiculously long frame and remarkable instincts. He's why, if healthy, the Jazz will get back to the playoffs, thanks to his ability to help mask the holes in their perimeter defense. Only 24, he's yet to grasp a mastery of the game on the offensive end, but consider the fact he's averaged more than two blocks a game through his career and take into account Utah's freefall in his absence last season, and his value becomes undeniable. His 3-point shooting percentage has improved every year, and once he makes the perimeter shot a weapon, he'll be unstoppable.
4. Shawn Marion, Phoenix: His disappearance in the latter stages of last season's playoffs put a damper on a phenomenal All-Star season, but his value remains unquestioned. For starters, he played out of position all year, lined up at power forward despite standing barely 6-7. That hasn't stopped him from consistently averaging more than nine boards per game throughout his career, utilizing crazy hops and a strong instinct to work his way into position. With the departure of Quentin Richardson and the acquisition of Kurt Thomas, he'll get to man his natural position and should be dominant. Even his jumper, not the prettiest thing to look at, has developed into a dependable weapon, making him a matchup nightmare.
5. Paul Pierce, Boston: With four consecutive All-Star berths under his belt, it's hard to say he's disrespected, but you know he's not one of the first names that rolls off your tongue when discussing the league's standout performers. A natural scorer, he gets a bad rap for losing his head with teammates and refs, but you never have to question where his heart is. Because of his shortcomings on defense, it's hard to label him a complete player, but you can never argue him being one of the elite at his position.
6. Ron Artest, Indiana: If it weren't for last year's Palace debacle, he'd be higher on this list, right there with Kirilenko given his impact on both ends of the floor. This is a man who doesn't back down from anyone -- remember, he broke Michael Jordan's jaw as he got into shape for his last comeback. He's rugged, yet savvy, schooled in the playgrounds of Queensbridge, where if you weren't both tough and smart, you'd be upsetting somebody, which wouldn't have been a good idea. His perimeter stroke and scoring have improved as a professional, but his biggest attribute remains the ability to guard anyone on the floor, a skill that will undoubtedly push the Pacers to greater heights now that's he's back.
7. Rashard Lewis, Seattle: Last year's breakout season was awarded with an All-Star berth, but he's still this far down because his chronic knee problems can't be overlooked. It cost the Sonics down the stretch and was an issue during the playoffs, though you have to admire his courage in playing through pain despite the tendinitis. No doubt he's a standup guy, but until he conquers the injury woes, he can't be considered among the top five at such a loaded position. That said, he's among the top inside-outside threats at small forward, and at 26, has his best days ahead of him if he can stay healthy.
8a. Corey Maggette, L.A. Clippers: Maybe it's because he's playing for the Clippers, but you'd be hard-pressed to name a player who has averaged over 20 points a game in consecutive seasons who remains as overlooked as Maggette. He's made a living off using his superior strength and athleticism to get to the line, shooting over 80 percent from there over his career. He'll be 27 when the year begins, so he'll be entering his prime at a time when the other L.A. team feels it has to make its move.
8b. Lamar Odom, L.A. Lakers: The difference between Maggette and Odom can't be measured, even though they're such different players. Odom resurrected his career in Miami, brought his rotund package of skills to LaLa land, and struggled without having the ball as often as he would've liked because of the presence of Kobe Bryant. The implementation of the triangle offense, coupled with a year alongside Bryant under his belt, should facilitate a stronger seaspm. He's envisioned as perfect for a Scottie Pippen role, especially if he bounces back strong from the shoulder tear that cut last season short. [/font]
By Tony Mejia
CBS SportsLine.com Staff Writer[font=Arial, Helvetica]
The free-agent market is dwindling and training camp remains weeks away, and even though we're as giddy as everyone else that football is back, there is still the matter of satisfying our audience's never-ending hoop jones.
What can stimulate and inspire debate during the dog days of summer? What can keep conversation and interest in the game becoming as flat as LeBron James' jumper looked during Sunday night's Hurricane Relief game?
Over the next six Tuesdays, CBS SportsLine will unveil the top 20 players at each position, culminating with an overall Top 50 list that will no doubt have message boards filled and my inbox overflowing with hate mail.
The first position we'll examine is perhaps the deepest, with nearly half the field having logged All-Star credentials. Let the countdown, and conversations, begin:
1. Tracy McGrady, Houston: Not that the top 10 names on this list aren't all uniquely blessed, but T-Mac is currently the most gifted and developed of the group. This is a guy who can drain 40-foot jumpers like water, get to the rim at will and finish at his whim. He has been doing all that over the past few seasons, but last year, becoming the leader of the Rockets under demanding Jeff Van Gundy, he grew into a complete player. For maybe the first time in his career, he cut no corners on defense, which wasn't hard to notice when he frustrated Dirk Nowitzki into poor outing after poor outing in the first round of the playoffs. Yes, he's failed to win a series, with his teams blowing substantial leads in his past two appearances, but to point the finger at him is not only short-sighted, it's far-fetched. Expect him to help push Yao Ming into the next stage of his development while guiding the Rockets to heights that haven't been reached since the days of "Dream." Houston is his town now, and he represents it well.
2. LeBron James, Cleveland: Undoubtedly, the "King" will eventually claim his throne as the best at his position and the most superior performer in the game, but right now, he's still 20 (won't be 21 until Dec. 30) and has yet to reach the playoffs. Similar to McGrady, that's not his fault, but facts are facts, and until he proves himself on the league's big stage, the top spot can't be bestowed upon him. This is the year we'll see him blossom, armed with a truly dangerous supporting cast for the first time and two years of excellence under his belt. He's the truth, no question about it, and eventually we'll see him routinely rack up triple-doubles in addition to his ever-lasting presence on nightly highlight films. He's the new generation's Michael Jordan/Magic Johnson, and you'll find few in the league who would disagree. Let's not forget though, he's still in a developmental stage, fighting his way through the grind and improving to get that "J" down consistently. Hey, it took M.J. a while to perfect his craft, too.
3. Andrei Kirilenko, Utah: Nowitzki is phenomenal, Manu has rings and a unique flair, but the league's top international is the "Russian Rocket," a super-freak the NBA hasn't seen the likes of. It's rare to see a wing have such an impact defensively, not by shadowing a man but by altering shots, doing so with a sick combination of a ridiculously long frame and remarkable instincts. He's why, if healthy, the Jazz will get back to the playoffs, thanks to his ability to help mask the holes in their perimeter defense. Only 24, he's yet to grasp a mastery of the game on the offensive end, but consider the fact he's averaged more than two blocks a game through his career and take into account Utah's freefall in his absence last season, and his value becomes undeniable. His 3-point shooting percentage has improved every year, and once he makes the perimeter shot a weapon, he'll be unstoppable.
4. Shawn Marion, Phoenix: His disappearance in the latter stages of last season's playoffs put a damper on a phenomenal All-Star season, but his value remains unquestioned. For starters, he played out of position all year, lined up at power forward despite standing barely 6-7. That hasn't stopped him from consistently averaging more than nine boards per game throughout his career, utilizing crazy hops and a strong instinct to work his way into position. With the departure of Quentin Richardson and the acquisition of Kurt Thomas, he'll get to man his natural position and should be dominant. Even his jumper, not the prettiest thing to look at, has developed into a dependable weapon, making him a matchup nightmare.
5. Paul Pierce, Boston: With four consecutive All-Star berths under his belt, it's hard to say he's disrespected, but you know he's not one of the first names that rolls off your tongue when discussing the league's standout performers. A natural scorer, he gets a bad rap for losing his head with teammates and refs, but you never have to question where his heart is. Because of his shortcomings on defense, it's hard to label him a complete player, but you can never argue him being one of the elite at his position.
6. Ron Artest, Indiana: If it weren't for last year's Palace debacle, he'd be higher on this list, right there with Kirilenko given his impact on both ends of the floor. This is a man who doesn't back down from anyone -- remember, he broke Michael Jordan's jaw as he got into shape for his last comeback. He's rugged, yet savvy, schooled in the playgrounds of Queensbridge, where if you weren't both tough and smart, you'd be upsetting somebody, which wouldn't have been a good idea. His perimeter stroke and scoring have improved as a professional, but his biggest attribute remains the ability to guard anyone on the floor, a skill that will undoubtedly push the Pacers to greater heights now that's he's back.
7. Rashard Lewis, Seattle: Last year's breakout season was awarded with an All-Star berth, but he's still this far down because his chronic knee problems can't be overlooked. It cost the Sonics down the stretch and was an issue during the playoffs, though you have to admire his courage in playing through pain despite the tendinitis. No doubt he's a standup guy, but until he conquers the injury woes, he can't be considered among the top five at such a loaded position. That said, he's among the top inside-outside threats at small forward, and at 26, has his best days ahead of him if he can stay healthy.
8a. Corey Maggette, L.A. Clippers: Maybe it's because he's playing for the Clippers, but you'd be hard-pressed to name a player who has averaged over 20 points a game in consecutive seasons who remains as overlooked as Maggette. He's made a living off using his superior strength and athleticism to get to the line, shooting over 80 percent from there over his career. He'll be 27 when the year begins, so he'll be entering his prime at a time when the other L.A. team feels it has to make its move.
8b. Lamar Odom, L.A. Lakers: The difference between Maggette and Odom can't be measured, even though they're such different players. Odom resurrected his career in Miami, brought his rotund package of skills to LaLa land, and struggled without having the ball as often as he would've liked because of the presence of Kobe Bryant. The implementation of the triangle offense, coupled with a year alongside Bryant under his belt, should facilitate a stronger seaspm. He's envisioned as perfect for a Scottie Pippen role, especially if he bounces back strong from the shoulder tear that cut last season short. [/font]
