NBA Western Conference

The NBA has seen a flurry of blockbuster trades and free-agent signings over the past year.

Before the summer, we saw Phoenix acquire Shaq for Marion, Dallas get Jason Kidd for Devin Harris, and Ben Wallace sent to Cleveland.  

Then in the offseason, we saw Baron Davis sign with the Clippers, Elton Brand go to Philly, Corey Maggette to the Warriors, and Mo Williams head to Cleveland.  The Clippers also got Marcus Camby, while Toronto acquired Jermaine O’Neal, and Houston got Ron Artest for virtually nothing.

This season, we’ve already seen New York trade away Jamal Crawford and Zach Randolph, and the Pistons swap Chauncey Billups for Allen Iverson to free up cap space for the 2010 free-agency bonanza.

Some teams have thrived with their new acquisitions.  The Cavaliers have crushed their opponents en route to the second-best record in the NBA (17-3), while the Nuggets have found a defensive identity with Billups and are 13-4 since acquiring him. The Nets (11-8) are a pleasant surprise, while the Rockets have stayed afloat without Tracy McGrady.

Then there are the teams that are struggling with their new players.  The Clippers and Warriors have an atrocious combined record 10-32, the Pistons are 7-8 with Iverson, the 76ers are 9-12, and the Raptors are 8-11, which led to the firing of Sam Mitchell. The Mavericks were 2-7 before winning nine of 10, while the Suns were only 11-9 after a four-game losing streak.

These teams were expected to compete in their conferences, but instead we find them searching for answers. Toronto’s answer was the fire their coach, which has only left them with more questions.

So who’s to blame for these teams’ struggles: the players, coaches, or an inadequate system?

Dallas Mavericks (11-8)

Blame: System, Mark Cuban

Most of the blame should fall on Mark Cuban—he traded away the Mavericks' future in Devin Harris and two first-round picks for Jason Kidd and an extra $11 million. He also fired Avery Johnson—after three straight 50-win seasons, a trip to the Finals, and the best record in franchise history.

The Mavericks with Kidd barely have a record over .500, and looked terrible during the 2-7 start. Since then, Rick Carlisle has righted the ship by winning nine of their last 10.

The Mavericks still do not look like championship contenders, simply because Jason Kidd does not fit with the players around him. Kidd has always most effective when surrounded with athletic finishers, such as Shawn Marion, Kenyon Martin, Richard Jefferson, and Vince Carter.

Kidd no longer has that luxury, since Nowitzki and Terry are jump-shooters. Only Josh Howard is athletic enough to finish at the rim in the transition game.

The Mavericks are also a better half-court team with Dirk Nowitzki and Jason Terry running their pick-and-roll. Their half-court offense also allowed them to become a great half-court defense. Kidd, however, is not quick enough to keep up with quicker guards and doesn’t provide enough offense for the Mavericks to survive. Tony Parker said it best when he said he was thrilled to see Devin Harris go, since he was the best defender on Parker.

Mark Cuban is still banking on Kidd to bring a championship, but we can only wonder how good the Mavericks would be if they still had Devin Harris.

Phoenix Suns (12-9)

Blame: System

This one is pretty simple: the Suns aren’t good enough to run a half-court offense and don’t play defense anyways. For the Suns to win, the best defense is a good offense.

Time is running out on Shaq and Steve Nash, and they can only adapt to a new system for so long. Shaq has probably been the best player for the Suns, but he has hurt the number of possessions for the Suns and cannot run the floor with everyone else. Nash’s game is best in transition and pushing the ball.

Neither player is good on defense either; teams have shredded Nash and Shaq on the pick-and-roll, which was evident when Tony Parker and the Spurs beat the Suns in a five-game series win in last year’s playoffs.

Steve Kerr is a smart guy, but he made a mistake thinking that Shaq could be a long-term solution on defense. Kerr should have gone after a younger, more athletic center, such as an Andris Biedrins or Al Horford.

Now Shaq has also compromised the offense, and Phoenix is just struggling to stay in the playoff picture. The Sun is setting quickly, and even Amare Stoudemire might not stick around past 2010.

Detroit Pistons (11-8)

Blame: Player

The Pistons traded for Allen Iverson for his expiring contract to clear up cap space for next season. Still, the Pistons were still expected to be major contenders in the Eastern Conference.

Iverson, however, has not embraced the commitment for Detroit’s system. The Pistons are 7-8 with Iverson in the lineup, and he is clearly disrupting the Pistons' rhythm. He is shooting only 39 percent while turning the ball over three times a game.

Iverson has also played terrible defense on opposing guards—he has allowed big games from Chris Duhon (25 pts, 9 asts), Andre Miller (19 pts, 6 asts), Beno Udrih (18 pts), CJ Watson (17 pts), Rajon Rondo (15.5 pts, 6.5 asts, 2.5 stls), and was torched by Devin Harris for 38 points. It is embarrassing compared to what Chauncey Billups has done to the same guards.

He is also a distraction to his teammates. Shortly after saying he was committed to Detroit’s philosophy, and even joked about his practice incident, he skipped a mandatory practice on Thanksgiving Day.

The Pistons will still make the playoffs, but they are too far behind the Celtics and Cavaliers. This could very well end six straight trips to the Eastern Conference Championship. Iverson will be a one-and-done deal with Detroit, and is not expected to be re-signed.  

Philadelphia 76ers (9-12)

Blame: System

The 76ers surprised everyone by making the playoffs last season, and pushed the Pistons to six games. After acquiring Elton Brand, they were supposed to be in the playoff picture and even contend for an Eastern Conference Championship.

However, 21 games into the season, the team isn’t in either picture.

Last season, the 76ers were a great fastbreak team. Andre Miller constantly pushed the ball and frequently found Andre Iguodala for easy baskets. The team’s glaring weakness was interior defense and scoring, and they had hoped that Brand would solve those problems.

While the defense has been adequate, holding opponents to just 95.1 ppg, the offense has completely stalled, averaging only 94.3 ppg. This is due to Maurice Cheeks frequently running the half-court offense to give his defense a chance to set up. However, this system has backfired for several reasons.

Miller was most effective in transition, often scoring on layups or finding open players. Iguodala was most effective in transition, doing most of his scoring on finishing the fastbreak. But both players have had trouble adjusting in the half-court offense.

Iguodala in particular is struggling the most, because he is neither the ball-handler or the shooter for this system. Consequently, his numbers have dropped in virtually every statistical category.  

The best system for this team is to mix the transition game to utilize Iguodala, and the half-court offense to utilize Brand. However, it is a new system, so it could take some time for everyone to adjust.

But if there is no visible progress, Cheeks could be the next coach to pack his bags.

Toronto Raptors (8-11)

Blame: Coach

This one is tough, since people believe that Sam Mitchell didn’t deserve to be fired, despite the disappointing start. After all, it was only two seasons ago that he was named Coach of the Year and led the Raptors to Atlantic Division Champions.

They were, however, eliminated in the first round in each of the last two seasons. Last season, the Raptors dealt with a series of injuries that led to a rocky season and a disappointing campaign. They were also severely lacking rebounding and defense, which was exploited during the five-game loss to Orlando.

The Raptors had hoped that Jermaine O’Neal would solve those problems, and Andrea Bargnani would develop more consistency after a disappointing second year. O’Neal is no longer his former All-Star form, but he is playing relatively decent basketball, and Bargnani has improved from last year.

But Mitchell has not shown any consistency or any preach in defense. Over the four years as the head coach, the Raptors have been a good offensive team, but a terrible defensive team. The team did not have a season when opponents averaged less than 97 ppg under Mitchell. This season they are allowing 104 ppg, and clearly they needed a change in philosophy.

The Raptors need a coach that can emphasize the need for defense and consistency without compromising the offense. Sounds like the perfect job for Avery Johnson.

Golden State Warriors (5-16)

Blame: Players

In 2007, Don Nelson led the Warriors to their first playoff appearance in 13 years, and eliminated the first-seed Dallas Mavericks becoming the first number eight seed to defeat a number one seed in a seven-game series. During the 2007-08 season, the Warriors recorded a 48-34 record, but just missed the playoffs.

Don Nelson had turned around a dismal franchise into playoff contenders, which means there was no coaching problem and he had a good system for the Warriors.

Despite losing Baron Davis to free agency, the team named Monta Ellis their starting point guard, signed wingman Corey Maggette, and were still expected to contend for a playoff spot. Instead, the Warriors are 5-16, including a nine-game losing streak.

Part of the blame falls on Ellis, who tried to cover up his embarrassing moped accident. This left the Warriors without a point guard, and has forced Stephen Jackson and Jamal Crawford to fill that position.

Maggette has been a disappointment as well—despite averaging 19 ppg, he is only shooting 41.3 percent from the field. He has been a selfish player, seldom passing the ball, and has been non-existent on defense.

The rest of the blame falls on front office, which refused to give Baron Davis a substantial contract extension. With Nelson supposedly retiring after next season, the Warriors may be fading quickly back into mediocrity.

LA Clippers (4-17)

Blame: System, Coach  

It’s not like we expected the Clippers to be good enough to compete for a playoff spot, but few foresaw the team having the second-worst record in the NBA. Many thought Baron Davis could run the offense with Al Thornton, while Camby and Chris Kaman provided interior defense. They acquired Zach Randolph to bolster the interior scoring.

Instead we see very little scoring and very poor defense, despite respectable play from Randolph, Thornton, Camby, and Davis. Coach Mike Dunleavy makes all front-office and coaching decisions, and is only a few years removed from their last playoff appearance.

The main problem is Dunleavy does not have a system that fits for these players. Davis thrives on an athletic running team, but now is responsible for running a half-court offense, which is not particularly his game since he’s not a great shooter and gets many of his points in transition.

Kaman and Camby are also half-court players, so they cannot complement Davis’s style. They also do not provide the interior defense the Clippers need to run anything in transition. Randolph has provided an offensive spark but plays poor defense.

Dunleavy is trying to mix water and oil with his team, so he made it extremely difficult to build any chemistry and find a suitable system that works for everyone. It’ll be interesting to see if the Clippers can develop any consistency to build upon for next season.

Other Really Dysfunctional Teams:

New York Knicks (9-11)

Blame: Front Office, Starbury

Despite trading away Randolph and Crawford, the team has been a surprise under D’Antoni’s offensive system, and could make the playoffs. Overshadowing the Knicks’ success is the Stephon Marbury and the inability of the front office to take care of business earlier.

Charlotte Bobcats (7-14)

Blame: System, Players, Front Office

This team is just really bad. Michael Jordan just can’t seem to find anything to work for this franchise, and Larry Brown isn’t doing much better. There isn’t that much talent on this roster either, so I’m not expecting the Bobcats to go anywhere for a very long time.

Minnesota Timberwolves (4-15)

Blame: Kevin McHale

Kevin McHale single-handedly destroyed this franchise with his Joe Smith fiasco. He left the Timberwolves with no talent to surround Kevin Garnett, and no talent for the future. Bad trades, bad draft picks, bad team.

Oklahoma City Thunder (2-20)

Blame: Everyone

The Thunder could be on its way to making history. The team is on pace to finish the regular season at 8-74, which would beat out the old worst record in NBA history set by the 1972-73 76ers at 9-73. Even OJ Mayo thought it was embarrassing to lose to this team, and Memphis is 6-15.

Everyone knows who the superstars are—LeBron James, Kobe Bryant, Dwyane Wade, Tim Duncan, and Dwight Howard, just to list a few.

Everyone also knows who the super-rookies are, such as Derrick Rose, OJ Mayo, and Greg Oden.

What about the under-the-radar players, who are making significant contributions for their teams and have taken their games to another level? Who are the NBA Rising Stars this season? Here are the ones that stand out:

Marquis Daniels (Indiana)

With Mike Dunleavy unavailable to start the season, the Pacers needed someone to fill the starting role. Not only has Marquis Daniels played well in that role, it may be his permanent job in Indiana.

The undrafted guard from Auburn got the starting position due to Dunleavy unable to return from his injury. But as a starter, Daniels is putting up great numbers and may retain his starting job for the future. He is averaging 15.9 ppg, while shooting 45.4% and is also grabbing 5.8 rpg. He also has the ability to drive to the basket to get easy scores. His defense isn’t too shabby either, although it still needs improvement to test the best guards.

If Dunleavy is unable to return to last season’s form, Daniels could become a star in Indiana next to Danny Granger.    

Al Thornton (Clippers)

The Clippers have very little to be excited about for the rest of the season, who are a horrid 4-16 and virtually out of playoff contention. One of the lone bright sports for the Clippers season is the improving play of Al Thornton.

Prior to the Clippers acquiring Zach Randolph, Thornton had been the Clippers’ go-to man. In only his second season, he is improved in virtually every statistical category. The 6’ 8” forward is averaging 16.5 ppg on a respectable 45.4-percent shooting, while contributing 5.3 rebounds, one block, and getting to the line almost five times per game.

Things can’t really get worse for the Clippers in the future, so expect Thornton and the rest of the team to make improvements going into the 2009-10 season.

Andris Biedrins (Golden State)

Many wondered if Biedrins could be the Warriors’ future center for years to come. Despite the Warriors putrid start, Biedrins appears to be justifying his six-year $63 million contract extension by putting up career numbers.

Last season, Biedrins averaged nearly a double-double at 10.5 ppg and 9.8 rpg, and provided energy on both ends of the floor. His biggest flaws, however, were his poor free throw shooting, few post moves, and lacked the ability to finish with the right hand. This season, however, he has shown some major improvements. Although he still needs work on free throws, he has developed more moves in the post and is better able to finish with his right hand.

The improvement in his game has led to career highs points (14.9), rebounding (11.9, second in NBA), and blocks (1.5). At only 22-years old, the Warriors will expect to see greater things from Biedrins in the future.

John Salmons (Sacramento)

The Kings are far past their powerhouse team beginning a decade ago that started several deep and memorable runs into the playoffs. The Kings have become a lottery team and have struggled to develop young players.

The Kings are once again headed to the lottery, but not without seeing the improvement of John Salmons. Salmons in the starting role has vaulted himself as the second leading scorer on the team, increasing his scoring average, from 12.5 ppg a year ago, to 19.3 ppg this season. He is also shooting 50 percent from the field, an impressive number for a guard-forward. He is also chipping in a three per game, making 42% percent of those attempts, and also getting to the line 4.5 times a game.

Although they are already out of playoff attention, the Kings have young talent to work with, and Salmons will be a large part of the team’s development.

Paul Millsap (Jazz)

When Carlos Boozer was placed on the injured list on November 21, the Jazz needed someone to step up in the post. Fortunately, they had a young strong back up in Paul Millsap, and he has filled the starting role admirably.

While the Jazz are hoping to get Boozer back soon, Millsap’s physical style of play is getting the job done on both ends of the floor. In the past eight games, he is averaging over 18 ppg while shooting 56 percent, and is grabbing almost 12 rpg. His also provides a physical defensive presence as well, something that is still lacking in Boozer’s defense. In the same span, Millsap is averaging 1.6 steals and one block a game, compared to Boozer’s averages of 0.9 and 0.3, respectively.

While Boozer’s return will surely send Millsap back to the bench, the Jazz are fortunate to have another star big man in their future, if they can keep him.

David Lee (Knicks)

David Lee has always provided consistency in points and rebounding. David Lee as a starter has provided him the opportunity to become a star in New York.

Lee has always been a solid contributor, providing a double-double nearly every night. Since Zach Randolph was traded to the Clippers, Lee has been on a tear and put up some incredible numbers. Over the past nine games, Lee has averaged 18.1 ppg on 65 percent shooting, while also grabbing 14.5 rebounds (second behind Dwight Howard in that span). Against the Warriors, he exploded for 37 points, 21 rebounds, and three steals.

David Lee could be a fan favorite in New York, especially if the Knicks can make the playoffs. But that love may only last until 2010.

Nene Hilario (Denver)

After missing the entire 2005-06 season, and 84 games over the past two seasons due to injury, Nene Hilario finally appears completely healthy, and is showing how good he really can be.

Nene is a major factor for the Nuggets surge this season. The main reason is because he is the most efficient big man in the NBA. He is averaging a career high 15.1 ppg, and chipping in 7.1 rpg, but those aren’t his more impressive numbers. He is making 63.3 percent of his field goals, tops in the NBA, while also making 75.6 percent of his free throws. His great improvement is his shooting ability, which allows him to take the mid-range shot or drive to the basket. He provides a strong defensive presence as well, adding 1.6 bpg and averaging 1.5 steals.

With the addition of Chauncey Billups, the Denver Nuggets have a new defensive identity, but will it be enough to finally carry them past the first round of the playoffs?

Danny Granger (Indiana)

Granger was in my last season’s Most Improved article, and I am so impressed with his game that I am sticking him in this article too. He was on my last year’s fantasy team that won me a championship, and I picked him again this year and he has led my team into the top two spots (Yahoo! 12 team H2H).

In only his fourth season, Granger is already deserving of an All-Star spot. He has improved almost every facet of his game every year, and emerging as a true super star. Although Granger has struggled in his past few games, he is still averaging a career-best 23.1 ppg, good for seventh in the NBA, while hitting a respectable 44.6 percent of his shots.

He is also hitting 2.6 threes per game at a 37-percent rate. while also providing defense, blocking 1.6 shots, and getting one takeaway a game. The scary thing for this guy is that he is only going to get better. Listed as a 6’ 9” guard-forward, he is a nightmare to match up with because he can get his shot off at will.

He still needs to improve on parts of his game, such as driving to the basket more and getting to the foul line more often, something Dirk Nowitzki does extremely well. But this guy is still a stud and Indiana could be seeing something very special emerging in the near future.

Rajon Rondo (Boston)

In only his third season, Rajon Rondo is already emerging as one of the better point, and if he continues to improve, he could soon be one of the best point guards in the NBA.

Fresh off the Celtics’ championship year, Rondo has taken his game to another level, and is making life easier for the “Big Three.” He is averaging career highs in assists (7.6), rebounds (4.9), steals (2.3), and is shooting 52.4 percent from the field, an astonishing number for a point guard. During the Celtics’ 12-game winning streak, he is averaging 12.5 ppg, 8.5 apg, 6.0 rpg, and 2.4 spg, while shooting 57 percent from the field. He is looking very comfortable in the Celtics’ offense, pushing the ball at every opportunity and finding the open player.

The Celtics look as dominant as ever, and if Rondo continues to play at this level, there’s no reason to doubt that we will see another green banner in June.

Devin Harris (Nets)

Most figure the Nets to be in rebuilding mode after a dismal last season and trading away Richard Jefferson and Jason Kidd. Thankfully for the Nets, Devin Harris didn’t get that memo, which could result a return to the playoffs much sooner than expected.

The Dallas Mavericks traded away two first-round draft picks, paid $11 million, and traded Devin Harris to obtain Jason Kidd in the hopes he will bring Dallas a championship. I would think most Dallas fans are groaning at the decision (I know I am), especially with every big game Harris puts up. This year Harris is putting up spectacular numbers, thanks to a vastly improved mid-range jumpshot, and extra freedom provided by Nets coach Lawrence Frank.

So far, Harris is averaging 24.4 ppg, which is sixth in the NBA. Equally impressive is that he is hitting 48.5 percent of his shots on midrange jumpshots and frequent drives to the basket.

He is also first in FTM (9.2) and second in FTA (11.2), while also dishing out a career high 6.1 assists and averaging 1.4 steals. Harris also makes terrific decisions and takes care of the ball, averaging only 2.2 turnovers per game. More importantly, he has replaced Vince Carter as the leader of the team, and it has been evident in several games this year.

Harris has broken 30 points in six games this season, including a 47-point outburst against the Suns and 38-point performance against the Pistons, both resulting in victories. In fact, whenever he does break the 30-point mark, the Nets are 6-0. They are 11-5 when Harris plays and 0-3 when he does not.

Harris will be selected as an All-Star, is the frontrunner for the Most Improved Player Award, and could be a possible MVP candidate. More importantly, if the Harris can keep up the same level of play, the Nets could be seeing the playoffs for many seasons to come.

EDIT (Deserving mentions): Here are names and brief summary of players that I omitted and overlooked, but definitely should be on this list.

Thaddeus Young (Philadelphia)

In only his second season, he is posting career bests in almost category (13.6 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 1.0 threes, 1.1 spg). He has struggled over the past two weeks, so let's see if he can regain his stroke.

Spencer Hawes (Sacramento)

I completely overlooked his guy since the return of Brad Miller. But even though Hawes has been sent to the bench, his production has not gone down, and  he could be the Kings future PF-C. He is posting 12.4 ppg on 48.9-percent shooting, while grabbing 7.3 rebounds and blocking 1.8 shots. He is also chipping in about one three per game.

Chris Duhon (New York)

Duhon is finally putting together a great season, and is looking a lot like Steve Nash under D'Antoni's system. He is averaging 12.1 ppg, dishing out 8.3 apg (good for third in the NBA), hitting 1.6 threes and  85.7-percent of his FTA, while also averaging 1.2 spg. His only blemish is his low FG-percentage, but he has been picking up the slack since losing Zach Randolph and Jamal Crawford, including a 22-assist effort against the Warriors.

Trevor Ariza (LA Lakers)

Ariza has been the Lakers' best guy off the bench, providing instant energy and defense. His play has led to career-highs in points and rebounds, but also provides excellent perimeter defense, and is averaging two steals per game. He will be the go-to defensive guy to guard the opposing stars.

Welcome to the Dime, everybody!

My name’s Jared Wright. I’m a self-described and highly-opinionated sports fanatic…and semi-regular armchair quarterback.

I hope to have this weekly article every Thursday or Friday (depending on the fascistic work schedule of my boss), and I hope you all enjoy it.

Usually I’d point out 10 things of interest around the NBA (winter) or MLB (summer), what I call cents, but I thought I’d instead provide a quarterly analysis of all 30 NBA teams, with stats, what's next on the schedule, and general thoughts on the teams.

Since this article would be much too long if I did all the NBA in one night, I decided to split them by conference, which is more streamlined for you and less midnight-oil burning for me. Good times all around!

The Western Conference is the subject for this week. For those out East, never fear; your teams are coming next week. I’ve listed the teams by their current rank by record, with the Lakers first and the hapless Thunder where they belong—last.

(It should be noted that all stats and records are as of December 4, 2008)

So, without further ado and rambling…

Los Angeles Lakers (15-2, first in the Pacific Division)

Top Scorer: Kobe Bryant, 25.1 PPG (led team in 14 games)

Top Rebounder: Pau Gasol, 9.2 RPG

Top Assists Man: Bryant, 4.1 APG

The skinny: All summer long, people have been saying that this team has the potential to win it all, with an experienced Kobe finally backed by legitimate helpers not named Shaq.

Bryant isn’t playing as many minutes as he did in the old I-gotta-score-40-every-night days, but he’s still getting his points in typical Kobe fashion—every way he can. Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum give the Lakers two pieces of seven-foot timber in the lane, and they have a solid bench too.

Upcoming schedule: The Lake Show hasn’t been hitting the road much lately, and that trend will continue with five of their next seven at Staples. After that, they go on a four-game road trip before their much-anticipated throw-down with the Celtics on Christmas Day.

Portland Trail Blazers (14-6, first in the Northwest Division)

Top Scorer: Brandon Roy, 21.1 PPG (led team in 14 games)

Top Rebounder: Joel Pryzbilla, 8.0 RPG

Top Assists Man: Roy, 5.3 APG

The skinny: No one in Portland expected this. The Blazers had arguably the most difficult start to their season in the entire NBA. Their first five games were against teams that won 50 or more games last season and two-thirds of their first 24 games on the road.

Yet, behind the steady play of Brandon Roy, and the solid support of their deep bench, they’ve attained the second-best record in the West at this early stage of the season.

Upcoming schedule: Portland is in the midst of a five-game Eastern swing, but afterwards they get 11 of 14 at the Rose Garden, where they haven’t been beaten in seven games.

Denver Nuggets (13-7, second in the Northwest)

Top Scorer: Carmelo Anthony, 19.8 PPG (led team in seven games)

Top Rebounder: Anthony, 8.1 RPG

Top Assists Man: Chauncey Billups, 7.0 APG

 

The skinny: I remember several analysts on ESPN saying what a great trade for both teams it was when the Nuggets dealt Allen Iverson to the Detroit Pistons for Chauncey Billups. This trade will be remembered much more fondly in Denver than in Detroit, I think—especially considering the tear these guys have gone on since then.

Before the season, with the departure of Marcus Camby, I doubted whether the Nuggets could make the playoffs. With Billups, not only will they make the playoffs, but they’ll contend for the Northwest title and make some serious noise in the postseason.

Upcoming schedule: Denver has a pretty even split between home and road games for December. They play a home-and-home, back-to-back with Portland December 22-23—definitely ones to watch.

Houston Rockets (12-7, first in the Southwest Division)

Top Scorer: Yao Ming, 18.2 PPG (led team in seven games)

Top Rebounder: Yao, 9.3 RPG

Top Assists Man: Rafer Alston, 5.0 APG

 

The skinny: The Rockets haven’t been totally healthy. I know—understatement of the year, right? Pretty much everyone that contributes to this team has had some sort of injury, with Tracy McGrady missing large chunks of time.

However, Rick Adelman is holding these guys together, winning with a good bench and the steady play of Yao Ming and Ron Artest. Adelman should be a Coach of the Year candidate simply for winning 12 of 19 with this collection of glass jaws and creaky joints.

Upcoming schedule: After a nearly-even seven-game stretch, they start a four-game roadie, and then have a three-game homestand. After that, they leave Houston again, this time for five on the road. Not many games of note—they do get Atlanta and New Orleans at home, but they travel to Cleveland on December 23.

Utah Jazz (12-8, third in the Northwest)

Top Scorer: Carlos Boozer, 20.5 PPG (led team in nine games)

Top Rebounder: Boozer, 11.7 RPG

Top Assists Man: Deron Williams, 10.1 APG

 

The skinny: There can’t be enough great things said about Jerry Sloan. Without his stud point guard (Deron Williams) for much of the season, he’s been able to patch together a successful lineup night in and night out, and stay competitive in the increasingly-tough Northwest.

Now with Williams back, the Jazz look to reassert themselves in the West, and keep some distance between themselves and Phoenix and the other Southwest teams for playoff positioning.

Upcoming schedule: The Jazz get no immediate favors. After Utah plays their next three games, they host Portland and Orlando, and then go on a five-game Eastern road trip, beginning at Boston.

Phoenix Suns (11-9, second in the Pacific)

Top Scorer: Amare Stoudemire, 22.4 PPG (led team in 10 games)

Top Rebounder: Shaquille O’Neal, 8.3 RPG

Top Assists Man: Steve Nash, 8.2 APG

 

The skinny: Under Mike D’Antoni, the Suns were high-flyin’, stylin’-and-profilin’, runnin’-and-gunnin’ machines—and Amare Stoudemire wants that all back. Phoenix’s main man has repeatedly whined about wanting to be the main man again. This while Steve Nash is shivering from the flu, Shaq is resting his aging bones, and the Suns are losers of four straight.

Memo to Amare: stop your bellyaching, trust Terry Porter and buy into his system. It might not get you a championship—but then again, your old coach’s run-and-gun gimmicks didn’t either.

Upcoming schedule: Phoenix gets served a helping heap of home cooking, with six of their next eight and 10 of 13 at home. They play Utah, the Lakers, and Orlando within the next eight days.

New Orleans Hornets (10-6, second in the Southwest)

Top Scorer: Chris Paul, 20.6 PPG (led team in six games)

Top Rebounder: Tyson Chandler, 8.0 RPG

Top Assists Man: Paul, 11.8 APG

The skinny: If there’s one team in the NBA that has had a pretty solid, pedestrian start, it’s New Orleans. The Hornets are right in the thick of it, currently led by the best point guard in the NBA. Chris Paul and his trusty mates (David West, Tyson Chandler, and James Posey) are always dangerous, very exciting to watch, and have had a taste of playoff success.

The little birds online have been talking about these guys potentially making a run at the Finals—somewhat premature I think, but he who doubts CP3 would do better to place his doubt elsewhere.

Upcoming schedule: After two games at home against cupcakes, they get a couple of three-game roadies sandwiching a three-game home stretch, beginning with Boston. N’awlins also plays the Lakers, Houston, San Antonio, and Orlando in that span.

Dallas Mavericks (10-8, tied for third in the Southwest)

Top Scorer: Dirk Nowitzki, 25.1 PPG (led team in 10 games)

Top Rebounder: Nowitzki, 8.9 RPG

Top Assists Man: Jason Kidd, 8.5 APG

 

The skinny: I dare you to find a hotter team than Dallas right now not named L.A. or Boston. After dropping seven of their first nine, the Mavs have since won eight of their last nine games.

Dirk Nowitzki dropped 39 points on the Suns in securing their latest win, which puts them right in the thick of things in the West. If they want to keep this momentum going through the New Year, Jason Terry will need to continue providing scoring support.

Upcoming schedule: Dallas is currently homestanding for seven games. After that, they leave for a three-game Eastern trip before playing Memphis at American Airlines Center. They play the Trail Blazers on Christmas Day.

San Antonio Spurs (10-8,  tied for third in the Southwest)

Top Scorer: Tony Parker, 23.0 PPG (led team in four games)

Top Rebounder: Tim Duncan, 10.3 RPG

Top Assists Man: Parker, 6.2 APG

 

The skinny: It’s safe to say these old fogies had a rough start. Without Manu Ginobili and Tony Parker for lengths of time, the Spurs have been far from extraordinary.

However, all San Antonio has to do is hang around and get healthy until the fast starts of teams like Portland and Denver sputter and even out, then go on their own run—usually during the Rodeo Road Trip. It isn’t how you start, chaps and chicks, it’s how you finish.

Upcoming schedule: The Spurs have an even mix of road and home games. Looking at the schedule, no single game really jumped out at me—meaning San Antonio should have a good month.

Golden State Warriors (5-13, third in the Pacific)

Top Scorer: Jamal Crawford, 20.3 PPG (most with NYK)

Top Rebounder: Andris Biedrins, 12.4 RPG

Top Assists Man: Stephen Jackson, 6.6 APG

 

The skinny: Golden State should never have let Baron Davis go. Sure, the former guard for the Warriors got hurt quite a bit, but when he was around, he was the sole reason the Warriors went on those great runs. In short, he made them relevant.

Now with Davis languishing playing for L.A.’s stepchild team, the Warriors again have slipped into their ancestral losing ways, dropping seven straight games. No amount of Don Nelson’s magic can turn their season around, I’m afraid, even though Golden State gave him a nice new contract.

Upcoming schedule: It doesn’t get any easier for the Warriors—10 of their next 14 are on the road, including games against Atlanta, Houston, the Lakers, Denver, and Orlando. Oh yeah—Boston comes calling, too.

Minnesota Timberwolves (Record: 4-13, fourth in the Northwest)

Top Scorer: Al Jefferson, 21.2 PPG (led team in 10 games)

Top Rebounder: Jefferson, 10.1 RPG

Top Assists Man: Randy Foye, 5.7 APG

 

The skinny: One positive for the T’Wolves—Al Jefferson is a total beast. Anyone that averages a double-double per game is worth building a team around.

Unfortunately, Kevin McHale hasn’t done much building lately—Minnesota will regret not keeping Brandon Roy for quite a while to come…at least, if I have anything to say about it.

With Corey Brewer out for the year and several other youngsters still learning the game, this will continue to be a learning year for Randy Whitman’s crew.

Upcoming schedule: Minnesota’s schedule is no place to be right now—after playing New Jersey and the Clippers, their next opponents in order are: Utah, at Denver, San Antonio, at Los Angeles Lakers, Sacramento, Cleveland, Houston, and a second time against the Spurs. It’s hard to see the Wolves making much progress against that lineup.

Sacramento Kings (5-15, fourth in the Pacific)

Top Scorer: Kevin Martin, 22.4 PPG (led team in five games)

Top Rebounder: Brad Miller, 8.0 RPG

Top Assists Man: Beno Udrih, 5.3 APG

 

The skinny: Before the season started, there weren’t many people that gave the Kings a chance in the deeper-than-deep Western Conference. Most thought the Kings’ lack of overall talent, plus the loss of Ron Artest, would mean a decline in performance.

But with Kevin Martin hurt for much of the year, they’ve been downright stinky. They’ve lost their last seven games, and have been consistently overmatched.

Reggie Theus’ job is in constant danger—it’s only a matter of time before the Maloof brothers, the guys that own the Kings, give Reggie the axe—and much of this isn’t even Theus’ fault.

Upcoming schedule: After a five-game stretch that includes a home-and-home against the Lakers, Sacramento hits the road to play Portland, Houston, New Orleans and San Antonio.  This isn’t going to help with Theus’ job security.

Memphis Grizzlies (4-14, fifth in the Southwest)

Top Scorer: O.J. Mayo, 21.3 PPG (led team in nine games)

Top Rebounder: Marc Gasol, 6.9 RPG

Top Assists Man: Mike Conley Jr., 4.0 APG

 

The skinny: What people have to remember when discussing the Grizzlies is that they’re very young and raw. The guys above—O.J. Mayo, Marc Gasol, and Mike Conley, along with Rudy Gay—have the makings of a very firm foundation for Memphis.

I’m reminded of the Trail Blazers of a few years back. They had just drafted Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge, and were in the process of trading the chaff so they could let the wheat ferment in peace. It’s not the same situation in Memphis, but the message is the same for fans of the Grizz, all eight of you—be patient.

Upcoming schedule: The Grizzlies have seven of their next nine games at home, which should help a young team like theirs. During this stretch, they play New Orleans both at home and on the road, host Houston, and host the Lakers.

Los Angeles Clippers (3-15, fifth in the Pacific)

Top Scorer: Zach Randolph, 21.0 PPG (most w/ NYK)

Top Rebounder: Marcus Camby, 10.5 RPG

Top Assists Man: Baron Davis, 8.1 APG

 

The skinny: The Los Angeles Clippers have what I like to call “Detroit Lions Syndrome”—no matter what free agent they sign, no matter what touted draft pick they bring in, no matter who their coach is, they always find a way to totally stink up a joint.

Winning seasons for L.A.’s stepchild are as rare as warm weather in Alaska. They have a logjam at both the four and five positions (though Chris Kaman’s injury should ease the pressure there for a bit), they have an okay coach who also is a bad GM (Mike Dunleavy), and they have a prodigal son in Baron Davis, who can’t do for the Clippers what he did for the Warriors.

Maybe if Donald Sterling sold the team to Starbucks, and they shipped them up to Seattle, and renamed them the Seattle SuperSonics—maybe, just maybe, the bad Clipper mojo would end.

Maybe.

Upcoming schedule: The schedule gods are kind to the Stepchildren for a while, as the only tough games during this stretch of seven out of nine on the road are against Portland, Houston and Orlando—and they get the latter two in the Lakers’ building, as well.

Oklahoma City Thunder (2-17, fifth in the Northwest)

Top Scorer: Kevin Durant, 22.3 PPG (led team in 15 games)

Top Rebounder: Robert Swift, 6.3RPG

Top Assists Man: Earl Watson, 5.8 APG

 

The skinny: Whatever Clay Bennett envisioned after he stole the Sonics and moved them to Oklahoma City; it sure as hell wasn’t this. A 13-game losing streak, a head coach getting fired, and the one-man team of Kevin Durant are all the newly-christened Thunder have to show up for their inaugural campaign so far. I don’t think Seattle is going to miss this bunch.

Fair warning to whoever gets the sad-sack job of coaching this sorry lot—it will be a while before Oklahoma City is competitive, and your boss will have a short leash on you.

Upcoming schedule: Out of the Thunder’s next 16 games, the only ones that can give real cause for worry are roadies at Orlando, Dallas, and San Antonio. Okie City residents will be treated to a real show when LeBron shows up and outscores the whole Thunder team sans Durant.

Whew! Glad that’s over…What!? I have to do the Eastern Conference next week!? Oh well…*sigh*

Till then, may the Thunder never strike you twice (they certainly won’t beat you twice).

The Denver Nuggets recent win, a 132-93 victory over the Toronto Raptors, caused the firing of former head coach Sam Mitchell.

Carmelo Anthony registered 23 points on 9-19 shooting and 2-4 from beyond the arc. Anthony was forced to leave because of unwanted elbow trouble he sustained against the Houston Rockets a game earlier.

Floor general Chauncey Billups poured in 24 points and dished out 14 assists, his second straight double-double and third overall in a Nuggets’ uniform. Rejuvenated Brazilian center Nene also notched a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds and went 8-9 from the floor to pad his league-best 64 percent in field goals.

Since Billups’ arrival, the Nuggets’ are 12-3 (13-6 overall) and have established new season-highs in points scored, field goal, free throw percentage, and three-point shooting while leaving opponents stymied like the Bobcats whom they held to 80 points. 

Denver is 8-5 against Western Conference teams and 4-1 against the Southwest Division this season. On Nov. 19, Denver defeated San Antonio 91-81 on the road, and held All-Star Tim Duncan to only 12 points. However the Spurs were without premiere international players, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, who both were out with separate injuries.

This time Parker and Ginobili are healthy, and along with Duncan, the trio combined for 54 points in Tuesday’s 89-77 loss against Detroit.

With a win, the Nuggets will tie Portland atop the Northwest Division. Portland’s next game is Friday against the Boston Celtics (18-2) who possess the best record in the NBA.

Cleveland shouldn't be the only one nervous about the summer of 2010.  Rumblings from the Suns core players could mean a drop from playoff-caliber to cellar-dweller in less than two years.

Here's a glance at the current outlook for each of the Suns' core players that could bolt by 2010:

Amare Stoudemire

When he's mentioned by ESPN as a "consolation prize" to Raptors' forward Chris Bosh in regards to the summer spree of 2010, you know something's up.  Whether that was the straw that broke Amare's back, we don't know.

What we do know is that he's not happy being option No. 2 (and sometimes No. 3) on offense to Shaquille O'Neal.

That's understandable.  He's the most offensively gifted forward in the game today.  This season he's made incredible strides in terms of decision-making with the ball.

Apparently, that hasn't taken precedence over getting mediocre output from an over-the-hill O'Neal.

Now Stoudemire's dissatisfaction has gone public, not to mention the other teams clearing cap space for 2010, when Stoudemire can opt out of his contract.  By then, Nash, Shaq, Grant Hill and Raja Bell will be two years older and further away from their most productive years. 

Would Stoudemire want to stick around for a possible rebuilding phase?  Only if a) he's made Numero Uno before then and b) Players in addition to Boris Diaw, Leandro Barbosa, Goran Dragic and Robin Lopez are in place to keep the Suns in contention.

Steve Nash

Yes he's a free agent in 2010.  No, he won't be MVP-caliber by that time.  Yes, it would be the ultimate blow to Phoenix if he left to wrap up his career with Mike D'Antoni in New York, especially if they succeed in wooing Lebron James and/or Chris Bosh to the Big Apple as well.

Can you imagine Nash running seven seconds or Less with Lebron and Bosh?  They'd be favored to win more than the Celtics were last season when Garnett and Ray Allen joined Paul Pierce in Boston. 

Nash would also reap the benefits of actually having a backup point guard (Nate Robinson) as well as allowing James to play the point when Nash has to rest. 

New York has been a summer hotbed for Nash, where he's been seen playing soccer, skateboarding and making his own movies. 

All of those things seem even more alluring in light of Nash's recent comments to the media about how hard the adjustment to Terry Porter's offense has been.  He's not happy with the flow of the game or the feel of the team.

Like to so many tourists, New York may seem like a quick fix to Nash's problems.

Raja Bell

By 2010, Bell will be 34 years old.  At that age, his defensive prowess will be greatly diminished.  His toughness, leadership and 3-point shooting may be enough to prolong his career for a few more seasons, but where?

It's doubtful it would be in Phoenix.  Assuming the Suns keep him, Barbosa would be groomed by then (if not before) to start at the 2-guard spot for the Suns.  It's possible they keep Bell around as a locker-room leader and spot-minute sub, but that all depends on whether Phoenix plans on completely re-hauling in 2010.

If they do, don't be surprised if Bell jumps ship to a contender for the minimum.

Shaquille O'Neal

He should end his playing days in 2010.  Period.  He does not want to end up a washed-up relic averaging 8 ppg and 4 rpg at the end of his career.

To most Americans, the country's financial problems originate from Washington D.C. 

The nation's capital also takes the NBA spotlight for economic blunders.

In last night's 105-90 drubbing to the Orlando Magic, the Wizards put on a fine exhibition of what $161 million of summer spending (the combined worth of Gilbert Arenas and Antawn Jamison's extensions) has bought them:

1. A team of incomplete, perimeter-oriented players in Jamison, Caron Butler, Nick Young, and company.  When they're hitting, they're decent.  Decent has gotten them as far as the first round of the playoffs.
2. A complete lack of quality interior personnel.  Dwight Howard dominated the Wizards' frontline for 26 points, 14 rebounds, and 3 blocks.  Washington's center-by-committee of Javale McGee, Andray Blatche, and Etan Thomas combined for 6-of-16 shooting, 18 rebounds, and 14 fouls. 
3. A 2-11 record that ties the mark for the worst start in franchise history. That's worse than the current records of New York, Minnesota, Memphis, and Sacramento.

Again, those are the dividends for $161 million invested into the Wizards this summer. 

Arenas obviously makes up the bulk of that dubious venture, which was risky to begin with thanks to his knee issues before this summer.  General manager Ernie Grunfeld's reward for faith in his franchise player?  An even longer stint on the injured list.

Frustrating for many is the fact that Arenas' promises of a healthy return have been matched only by repeated visits back to the operating table.  It's doubtful whether he'll ever return as the feared Agent Zero that made Washington a threat to beat any team on any given night.

It's especially bitter for Wizards' faithful to swallow as they watch teams with lesser talent on paper (the Knicks) win more and, at the same time, have the ability to improve via free agency in the future. 

Thanks to Arenas and Jamison's contracts, Washington has no hope of become relevant unless a) Arenas does in fact come back healthy or b) they get a stud in the lottery.

That's a pretty big gamble for $161 million.

Other Notes:

• Caron Butler's night was symbolic of his efforts for Washington over the last season and a half.  His individually stellar 25 points and six assists were enough to keep the Wizards within reach, but not nearly enough to win. 
• J.J. Redick gave his fans an insight as to why he's been riding the pine for most of his professional career: 1-for-6 from three-point range and five turnovers on a night in which he actually got decent playing time.
• The Wizards' McGee attempted to force the issue offensively against Dwight Howard at the beginning of the first and third quarters. The result: a shot that hit nothing but backboard, an airball, a blocked shot, and a traveling violation.  Washington interim coach Ed Tapscott promptly chewed him out afterwards.
• The Hornets stole a 105-101 win in Denver last night.  After a quiet first half, Chris Paul erupted for 20 second-half points, finishing with 22 points, 10 assists and three steals.  It was Denver's moronic decision to leave James Posey (Robert Horry v.2.0) open for a three-pointer that gave the Hornets a three-point lead and, in essence, the win.
• Not only were the Hornets without starters Tyson Chandler and Morris Peterson, but David West played an extremely sub-standard game (6-for-16 shooting for 15 points and eight rebounds).  Nuggets' coach George Karl was probably thinking to himself after the game, "If only we could've locked down Rasual Butler (7-for-8 from the field, 19 points)."  How many times has that ever happened?
• J.R. Smith was the man for Denver, lighting it up for 32 points that came from both the three-point line and the highlight reel.  If his rumored "attitude problem" ever gets straightened out, there's no reason he shouldn't be an All-Star.

Shaquille O'Neal can add this moniker to the already-long list of self-describing nicknames: The Big Dictator.

In a land where majority rules, O'Neal has convinced coach Terry Porter to ignore the fact that the greater part of his team's talent would be most effective using a faster tempo, and instead allow O'Neal to dictate the pace.

Phoenix's problem is that they're sacrificing the collective abilities of their roster to eke out another year or two of production from Shaquille O'Neal.

Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire, Boris Diaw, and Leandro Barbosa have all regressed, statistically speaking, particular in points-per-game production.  That is because their skills are stifled when catering to Shaq's half-court demands.

In the first few minutes of last night's game hosting the Lakers, the Suns were crisp, sharp and effective.  Not coincidentally, this occurred when Nash pushed the tempo and found swingmen Raja Bell and Matt Barnes for wide-open threes.  With the floor spread because of their outside shooting, Stoudemire was able to operate freely around the key, nailing open mid-range jumpshots and diving to the rim.

In the second and third quarters, however, Phoenix repeatedly attempted to run their offense through O'Neal on the block.  Shaq's combination of size and decreased athleticism resulted in:

a) turnovers (Shaq had four turnovers to one assist)

b) contested shots in a Laker-packed lane

c) the negating of his teammates' contributions

Combine those factors with the Lakers' Swiss Army knife collection of talent, and the Suns were in for a long night, ultimately losing 105-92

So far this season, the Suns' emphasis in getting a fading O'Neal involved has resulted in Nash being reduced to a normal point guard averaging 13 points and 7 assists.  Barbosa's speed is almost a non-factor.  Diaw, a potential triple-double waiting to happen, is third in the line of frontline threats behind Shaq and Stoudemire.

The Suns' early-season success is misleading, because they have lost all of their games against championship contenders (New Orleans, Houston, Utah and L.A.).  Their season-opening win against the Spurs is an illusion, since Manu Ginobili wasn't able to play.

Getting Shaq involved isn't a bad thing.  Making him the focal point of the offense to justify the money he's receiving and what Phoenix traded to get him (Shawn Marion), will only create another mirage in the desert for the Suns.

Other notes:

• Another disturbing factor for Phoenix is how they seem to be a team that no-name role players have big games against.  Utah's C.J. Miles (21 points), New Orleans' Morris Peterson (21 points), and the Lakers' Vladimir Radmanovic (5-5 3-pointers last night) have all been unpleasant surprises for Phoenix so far this season.
• Unlike the Suns, the Lakers have a system, a flow to their offense.  Even when they miss, it's within the rhythm of their offense.  It's because of that that role players such as Radmanovic, Sasha Vujacic, Jordan Farmar and Trevor Ariza are able to contribute in a way they probably couldn't on most other teams in the league.
• Another impressive indicator of how good the Lakers' role players are: Despite Pau Gasol and Kobe Bryant combining to shoot 10-for-31 from the field, L.A. already had the game won in the early stages of the fourth quarter.
• The Celtics made a dud of their marquee matchup with Detroit last night, blowing them out in Boston 98-80.  No one Celtic carried the torch to victory; every player wearing a Boston jersey scored.  Paul Pierce, KJ and Ray Allen combined for a pedestrian 36 points.
• While the Garnett/Rasheed Wallace matchup was the biggest on paper, the head-to-head action between Allen Iverson and Rajon Rondo was the more accurate read into the Pistons' loss.  Rondo shredded the Pistons' interior time and again off penetration, leading to his 18 point, eight assist outing.
• Without Ben Wallace and Chauncey Billups, the Pistons have not only morphed into an up-tempo team offensively, but a gambling and Twinkie-soft team defensively.  Two years ago there is no way that Rondo and reserve Tony Allen (13 points, all but three of which were in the paint) would've had such easy paths through the paint.
• Boston's pack-the-middle defense revealed another Detroit weakness: outside shooting.  Rasheed Wallace is the closest thing the Pistons have to a consistent three-point threat, something that only 'Sheed himself would be happy to hear...

As foreshadowed since their All-American outings as collegiate students, the trio of Micheal Beasley, O.J. Mayo, and Derrick Rose has been simply thrashing opposition.

The following is a list of who truly are superstars in the NBA and who are considered to be superstars, but in reality aren't.

"True" Superstars:

Kobe Bryant: Kobe is the best player in the NBA, as he is dominant at both ends of the floor. He is without a doubt the most feared player in the league today. He has no weakness, as he is flawless offensively, one of the best perimeter defenders ever and one of the most clutch players of all time.

LeBron James: LeBron is the most athletically gifted player ever, as he is too strong, quick, and skilled for anyone to guard one on one. He is not just a great scorer, as he is also a fantastic rebounder and passer.

Tim Duncan: Duncan is just a winner. He is a dominant low post player, one of the best rebounders and one of the best interior defenders. He is also a great passer and most importantly a fantastic leader and teammate.

Deron Williams: Williams has proven in three short years that he is already a superstar, as he is one of the very few players who can score 20 and get 10 assists. He is also one of the best leaders in the game, a solid defensive player and one of the best playoff performers, as he has already led the Jazz to the West Finals.

Chris Paul: Paul is right up there with Williams as the two best point guards in the league. He is an exceptional scorer, passer, and rebounder, as well as a solid defensive player. Finally, he proved last year he could dominate in the playoffs.

Dwyane Wade: Wade is probably the best at getting and finishing at the rim in the league besides LeBron. He is also a very good passer, rebounder, and solid defensive player. Finally, he's one of the most clutch players.

Paul Pierce: Pierce has always been a great offensive player, but last year he proved he is also a good defensive player and one of the most clutch players. He led the Celtics to a championship with great performances in game 7 vs. the Cavaliers and in the Finals.

"So-Called" Superstars:

Kevin Garnett: This one may shock you, but KG isn't a superstar to me. While he has no weakness in terms of skill as he is great offensively, a very good rebounder, passer, and defender, he is not a winner or a clutch player. In his career with the Timberwolves, they only made it past the first round once, and the only reason the Celtics won it all was because of Pierce's great play in the clutch. In last year's finals, he shot a mere 42.8 percent from the field and never stepped up during clutch moments, as he settled for way too many jumpshots.

Allen Iverson: AI has consistently been one of the best offensive players during his career, but he isn't a great team player. He also is a below average defensive player and hasn't proven that he can make other players around him better, the most important trait of a superstar.

Dwight Howard: Dwight is beast in the middle at both ends of the floor, but he still isn't skilled enough to be a superstar. He still hasn't proven he can lead a team deep into the playoffs and is average at making his teammates better. He is a poor passer and decision maker, as he is at the top of the turnover leaders.

Carmelo Anthony: Carmelo is just a good scorer, and that is all he will ever be. He is a bad passer, decision maker, and defender. He is also a very bad playoff performer, as he has a career 4-20 record and hasn't led his team past the first round.

Amare Stoudemire: Amare is a great fantasy player, but not a superstar in the NBA. He is a fantastic scorer, but he is helped a lot by the offense he plays in and with Nash's great passing. He is an average rebounder for his size, a bad defender and doesn't make his teammates better, as he is a below average passer.

Steve Nash: Nash has been one of the league's best passers over the last few years, but that is all he is. He is an average scorer, one of the worst defensive players in the history of the league, and is a huge beneficiary of a great supporting cast and an extremely up-tempo offense.

Chris Bosh: Bosh is a fantastic offensive player and rebounder. He is also a solid passer, but he hasn't proven he can lead a team deep into the postseason. He is also an average defensive player who has trouble defending bigger and more physical big men inside.

Dirk Nowitzki: Dirk has an MVP award, but isn't a superstar, as he isn't tough enough physically or mentally. He is a great scorer and solid passer, but he is a soft player defensively and a weak rebounder. Finally, he has proven he can't lead a talented team all the way.

Vince Carter: Carter could have been a superstar, but he never had the desire and will to become one. Physically, there haven't been many as gifted, as he is one of the most athletic. He has always been a great offensive player, but has also proven he can't be the man of the contending team or a great defender.

Tracy McGrady: T Mac has always been able to put the ball in the basket a lot, but that is all he has been able to do. He is a bad defensive player, an average passer and has showed he can't lead a team even past the first round of the playoffs because he isn't mentally strong enough to execute when it matters most.

The chasm that separates Carmelo Anthony from reaching the plateau of greatness LeBron James has already achieved was made manifest in the early stages of the fourth quarter.

Anthony went up for a shot under the basket and leveled James in the face with an inadvertent elbow. After writhing on the floor in pain for a few seconds, James stoically got up, worked out his re-arranged jaw, and went to work.

No, he didn't go for 20 fourth-quarter points. The following offensive possession, James led the fast break and delivered a perfect bounce pass to Wally Szczerbiak for a dunk and a point:

LeBron James is willing to beat you the most effective way possible at the expense of personal glory.

Now, reverse the situation. ‘Melo takes a ‘bow to the mug. What would he do? He’d take it upon himself to shoot his way to vengeance, regardless of the intent of his opponent.

If Anthony is on a fast break, no matter the advantage in numbers, he’s forcing up a shot himself.

Another telling detail following that play is that Anthony literally disappeared for the rest of the game. In the fourth quarter, he went 0-for-2 from the field, had one rebound and one turnover.

The point is this: stop playing up the Anthony vs. James rivalry. There is none. It’s like drumming up the matchup between Alonzo Mourning and Shaquille O’Neal back in the prime of their respective careers.

Sure, ‘Zo was talented, but he was no Shaq. Just like ‘Melo isn’t, and probably won’t ever be, LeBron.

Other notes:

• The ball movement for both teams was extraordinary, especially early on. LeBron had to love being one of six players in double figures as much as his teammates appreciated his 11 dimes in the Cavs' 110-99 victory over Denver…
• Besides lighting it up himself (9-for-13 from the field for 26 points), Chauncey Billups ran a steady ship for Denver and dished out six assists. If Iverson were still wearing a Nuggets uni, the game would’ve brought out the best (scoring) and worst (shooting) from him…
• Referee Joey Crawford is at it again. On a nationally televised marquee matchup that appeared all but done in the closing minute, the official infamous for tossing Tim Duncan while he was sitting on the bench chose to exercise his authority on Kenyon Martin. Now Martin is obviously a different character than Duncan but the ejection was still questionable.
• Crawford called Martin for a Flagrant 2, signaling that the maligned forward had thrown an elbow at Cavs forward Anderson Varejao. Replays clearly showed that 1) Varejao flopped and 2) Martin’s forearm in no way extended from his immediate person. That didn’t stop Crawford from vehemently signaling for Martin’s rejection (Martin did receive a deserved technical foul moments earlier).
• Rasheed Wallace was fortunate enough to amend some costly mistakes in the fourth quarter of the Pistons’ 107-102 victory over the Warriors. After tipping the ball into the wrong basket and missing two free throws, ‘Sheed hit back-to-back threes to help secure the “W.”
• How good was Kwame Brown in his first start for the Pistons this season? He made Warriors center Andris Biedrins look like Dwight Howard. The Latvian had 17 points and 19 rebounds…
• Apparently no one in Golden State over the summer thought Stephen Jackson could be a possible solution at point guard. Captain Jack was doing his best Nash impersonation with a cool 15 points and nine assists. Warriors point guards C.J. Watson and Marcus Williams combined for one assist between them…
• With the methodical Billups out and speedy Iverson in, the Pistons just looked awkward trying to run half-court sets while A.I. was on the floor. As soon as they starting running with the Warriors though, it looked almost natural…
• The Mavs choked one away to the Bulls last night, losing 98-91 after leading by as many as 19 points. Is Dallas that bad this year, or is Chicago good enough to pull that off?
• Rose’s biggest asset has got to be his confidence. Any other rookie point guard goes 1-for-8 in the first half, he is not shooting until his coach yells at him to chuck it. Rose busted out on 6-for-7 in the third quarter en route to 16 points for the night…
• Seriously, what will Ben Gordon be worth next summer? He went off for 35 points last night, and is averaging almost 20 ppg early in the season. Will he be one of those volume-shooting guards that gets more than what he’s worth (see: Jason Richardson at $12 million a year) or a highly productive bargain (see: Kevin Martin at $8 million)?