My NBA Magazine
- Thread starter lukesicari
- Start date
Not necessarily, these are each players per 48 minute stats, note Rubio's turnovers.
Faried
20.2pts 16.8reb 2.1ast 2.6blk 2.6stl 2.4to 5.4foul
Rubio
14.5pts 5.4 reg 11.1ast 0.2blk 3.0stl 4.9to 3.2foul
I'm going to be honest right now, I started typing this then worked out the per 48 minutes stats and I didn't realize this is how it would turn out.
Now I'd still say Faried over Rubio not by as much as I thought though. And at the end of the day I'd take the 20 & 16 over the 14 & 11, when you think about it they are very similar in the way that Rubio wouldn't have those stats without Love and Faried wouldn't be close without the assistance of Lawson & Miller.
It is actually a very interesting comparison.
lilreddevil
KD35
Not sure if that's the right way to calculate efficiency. I think drobfan means physically playing Faried more minutes and his efficiency will drop. Just like Anthony Randolph had off-the-chart efficiency levels at 10min/game but only above-average at 20+ min/game..
... It's funny cos it's true!
lukesicari
formerly DW8
Here is the full article. Changed some things and got rid of the coach and shoe lists. I haven' red over it yet, so could be some typos!
The playoffs will be happening while you are reading this, but that doesn’t mean we can look back at the season that was. From not even if knowing we were going to have a season due to the lockout, to having 1,980 games from Christmas to the end of April. From Kevin Love’s emergence as a superstar, to the rollercoaster season in New York, to the Dwight Howard off court antics and much more, the 11/12 campaign was truly one to remember.
BEST TEAM:
1San Antonio Spurs: It seems like the same thing is said about the Spurs every year...’there too old’ or ‘there past their prime.’ It’s funny because these things are probably true, but every season Gregg Popovich and co just keeps on proving us wrong. From a shocking first round playoff exit in last season’s playoffs to Memphis, the Spurs responded by locking up the first seed in the West for the second straight season. The big 3 of Parker, Ginobili and Duncan yet again proved that they can get it done without putting up amazing numbers each night. And with one of the most productive benches in the league, the Spurs are poised for another championship run.
2. Chicago Bulls: With agreeably the best roster in the league, the Bulls were ready for a massive season. And they didn’t disappoint. Even though the MVP Derrick Rose missed an amount of time due to injuries, the Bulls still strived to get the first seed and best record in the East. With the improved play of former all-star Carlos Boozer, the all-star season of Luol Deng and the amazing depth of the roster, the Bulls proved that a complete team effort can be as effective as a one-man team. Now it’s just up to them to get it all together for the playoffs.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder:This team just keeps getting better and better each season. With the core of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden, the Thunder is legit title contenders this season. With a superstar in KD, another superstar in Russell Westbrook, the best sixth man in the league James Harden and a great supporting cast, anything other than a championship would be a disappointment for OKC. And with the best home fans in the league and one of the best coaches in the league, the Thunder is here to stay.
4. Miami Heat: When you have LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh on your team, you’re always poised for a great season But Miami’s season could be called ‘average’ by their standards. But they did still lock up the 2nd spot in the East, and are still the main favourites for the title. For the Heat, this season will all be decided by one thing....will they win it all? We’re going to have to wait to find out.
BEST PLAYERS:
1. LeBron James: Now seriously who else would take out this award? LeBron proved again this year why he’s the best player in the world. While putting up 27ppg, 7rpg and 6apg, LeBron led a Heat team which was slightly hit be injuries. It wasn’t only the numbers. LeBron just made the Heat better when he was on the floor. He can guard all 5 spots and is an absolute monster on the court. But like the Heat, can LeBron win that title that he hasn’t been able to grab yet? We’re going have to wait to find out!
2. Kevin Love: Now on any list, Durant would grab the second spot any day, but I just think that Love’s season was one to remember. With numbers of 26ppg and 13rpg, Love proved that he is a superstar in the NBA. Along with his running mate Ricky Rubio, the Wolves were in the playoff race up until the all star weekend, but then Rubio did his ACL and the Wolves struggled for the second half of the season...but Love didn’t. He kept putting up video game like numbers in points and rebounding and was carrying the Wolves. Even though he missed the last couple of weeks of the season due to a concussion, Love proved he is a star and will bring the Wolves back to the playoffs.
3. Kevin Durant: The scoring champ for the last 3 seasons (including this one), KD had another sensational season. The best pure scorer in the league put up 28ppg this season, along with bumping his rebounds up to 8 per game, KD just kept on rolling. He is almost impossible to defend, as he can hit a variety of jumpers all over the floor. Along with his shooting, he can also drive to the rim and bring down another highlight reel dunk. As KD and OKC roll into the playoffs, Durant will be ready to take the Thunder to the next level.
4. Kobe Bryant: Kobe seems to never age. This season was probably better than his last 2, which is pretty amazing. Along with a stretch of 4 straight 40 point games early in the season, Kobe was .8 of a point away from taking the scoring title from KD. In some games, Kobe led to Lakers to victory and with game winners against the Hornets, Nets and more proved he is still the most clutch player in the game (sorry Carmelo.) But now the question is here...can Kobe win another title? He has the talent with Bynum and Gasol around him to do it, so he will need to see!
BIGGEST BREAKOUT SEASON:
1. Jeremy Lin: The biggest from rags to riches story you will ever find. From bench warmer to world-wide phenomenon, Lin proved this year that anything is possible. ‘Linsanity’ took over New York and the world after a 25 point performance in a win against the Nets on Feb 4th. Then just some days later Lin scored 38 points on Kobe and the Lakers to lead the Knicks to a win at the Garden. Lin lead the Knicks on a winning streak then it all was stopped by a shocking injury which required surgery and ended his magical season. But Lin proved this season, that anything can happen.
2. Ersan Ilyasova: He might have not been hyped up in the media, but Ersan had a great breakout season in Milwaukee, averaging 13ppg and 8rpg, and almost getting the Bucks a playoff spot. Ersan bumped his number up by 4 points per game and 2 rebounds per game from last season, and become a double-double machine, finishing 11th in the league in that category. Ilyasova also became a 3 point threat, hitting on 45% of his threes this season, up from 29% last season. Look for Ersan to improve even more next season, and get the Bucks back into the playoffs.
3. Gerald Green: After winning the D-League All star game MVP, former slam dunk champion Gerald Green was called up by the Nets...and what a call up in was! Green got the Nets fans cheering, putting on a show of highlight-reel dunks, along with an amazing windmill ally-opp against the Rockets. But it wasn’t all highlights for Green. He played very solid for the Nets, averaging 13ppg n only 31 played games. He gave the Nets a much needed scorer, and should be an even better scorer next season.
4. Ryan Anderson: Always known as a running man next to Dwight Howard, Anderson came into his own this season, proving he can play good basketball for the Magic. The 3-point marksman averaged 16ppg along with 7rpg this season, in a drama filled one for Orlando. Along with the numbers Anderson also shot .398% from the land of three this season. Anderson led the Magic to some wins this season, and proved that the Magic aren’t a 1 man team. If Dwight leaves Orlando, Anderson should became even better and have more space to work on the floor for the Magic.
BEST GAME:
1. Oklahoma City V Minnesota, 23rd March 2012: A two overtime thriller in Oklahoma City on the 23rd of March, the Wolves and Thunder battled, in what would turn out to a be an instant classic. Kevin Love would end up with 51 points and 14 rebounds, but Russell Westbrook (45 pts) and Kevin Durant (40 pts) would lead the Thunder to a classic 149-140 victory. This game as also filled with clutch shots, as Kevin Durant hit a step-back 3 with 5 seconds to go in the 4th quarter, only to be topped by Love who hit a massive 3 with 1 second to go to send it to OT. The Thunder would eventually pull away in the second OT, and come out with an amazing victory.
2. Oklahoma City V Denver, 19th February 2012: Another game involving OKC, this thriller was played against the Nuggets, and it was a beauty. It was the first time in Kevin Durant’s career that he would hit the 50 point mark, scoring 51, and 31 of those points coming in the second half. Along with Durant’s career night, Russell Westbrook netted 40 points, while Serge Ibaka had a triple double with 14 points, 15 rebounds and 11 blocks. It was the first time in history that a trio of NBA players combined to get 50 points, 40 points and record a triple double in OKC’s 124-118 OT win. It was a night to remember, as we saw history being made in front of our eyes.
3. Atlanta V Utah, 25th March, 2012: When a game has 4 overtimes, it’s bound to be an instant classic, and on this night it was no different. The game played between Atlanta and Utah was a marathon. Hawks guard, Joe Johnson was ‘exhausted’ after the game and said ‘it was unbelievable; I just had to laugh it off. I’ve never played in a game like that.’ The Hawks ended up winning the game 139-133, in the NBA’s first 4OT game since 1997, when Phoenix defeated Portland.
4. New York V Chicago, 9th April, 2012: The Knicks season has been a massive rollercoaster, but a great win against the Bulls on April the 9th, proved to be a classic. Carmelo Anthony, who has been criticised all season long, proved in this game that he is still an all-star. Anthony who had 43 points on the night, hit one 3 in the 4th to send the game into OT, then another clutch 3 in the OT, to win the game for the Knicks, sending MSG into a frenzy. While the season has been up and down for Knicks, this game was a night to remember for Knicks fans.
BEST UNDERRATED PLAYERS:
1. Greg Monroe: The second year big man from the Pistons, Greg Monroe was the season’s most underrated players this season. Monroe put up 15ppg and 9ppg this season on an improving Detroit team. Many people said that Monroe should have made the all-star team this season, which is a massive step up from last year. The Pistons will look to build around Monroe, as their centrepiece for the future.
2. Paul Millsap: Millsap has become one of the NBA’s best, but underrated, power forward. Millsap put up 16ppg and 8rpg on a talented Utah team. Millsap, who’s a great rebounder and plays at an efficient level, should come into his own at Utah in the next few seasons. Millsap also has a decent mid-range game on offensive, and can get to the rim when he needs to. Look for Millsap to get better and better each season.
3. Nikola Pekovic: On a Minnesota team who were headlined by Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio this season, Nikola Pekovic, who many consider the ‘strongest player in the NBA’, put up 14ppg and 7rpg this season. It wasn’t only the number though. Pekovic gave the Wolves a strong inside threat in which they have lacked for a while. Pekovic has a great shooting percentage and still gets a decent amount of rebounds, considering his playing with rebounding machine Kevin Love. Look for the Wolves to sneak into the playoffs in the next few seasons, with Pekovic being one of the main reasons.
4. Marcin Gortat: Just quietly, Marcin Gortat is becoming one of the best underrated centres in the league. Gortat put up 15ppg and 10rpg for the Suns this season. Gortat never really had a chance to fully prove himself in Orlando behind Dwight Howard, but came into his own in Phoenix this season. Gortat has a good shooting percentage and is a great rebounder and the Suns will look to rebuild around Gortat.
BEST ROOKIE:
1. Kyrie Irving: Irving was the clear-cut best rookie this season. Irving led all rookies in scoring (18ppg) and did all that shooting 46% from the floor. Irving also came out clutch for the Cavs this season, netting game winners against Boston, Los Angles (Clippers), Sacramento and Detroit. Irving’s amazing ability to get to the rim this season was amazing, beating multiple defenders off the dribble, while displaying a great outside shooting ability. Irving also put on a show at the rookie game at all star weekend getting 34 points, while hitting 8 from 8 three pointers. Irving will continue to lead the up and coming Cavs team into the future.
2. Ricky Rubio: After a long 2-year wait, Wolves fans were finally gifted with point guard Ricky Rubio. Even though Rubio’s rookie season was limited to 41 games due to an ACL injury, Rubio made basketball fun again in Minnesota. Rubio didn’t score a lot only averaging 10ppg, but he led all rookies in assists (8apg) and steals (2spg.) Rubio had plenty of amazing passes this season, as the Wolves were in playoffs contention, before Rubio got injured. Look for Rubio to come out stronger than ever next season.
3. Isaiah Thomas: Before the season everyone had Jimmer Fredette bringing winning ways back to Sacramento. Turns out it was the last pick in the draft, Isaiah Thomas who stole the show in Sacramento. Even though the Kings had a losing year, Thomas didn’t disappointment. Thomas finished with 11ppg and 4apg but his heart and intensity made him a fan favourite. Look for Thomas and the Kings to get even better next season, with Thomas running the point.
4. Kenneth Faried: ‘The Manimal’ became a force for the Nuggets this season. Faried averaged 10ppg and 7rpg, leading all rookies in rebounding. Faried gave the Nuggets instant energy when he was on the floor. Faried ran the floor better than most big men this season, either bringing down monster dunks or getting a great block on the defensive end. Faried was probably the most athletic rookie this season and gave the Nuggets a much needed spark.
BEST DEFENDER:
1. Tyson Chandler: The Knicks were always known as a non-defensive team, but that all changed his season when Tyson Chandler signed with the Knicks this pre-season. After anchoring the defence for the world champion Mavs last season, Chandler turned around the Knicks defence this season. With Chandler the Knicks ranked 2nd in opponent turnovers per game (17), 10th in opponent field goal percentage (.442) and 11th in opponent scoring (94ppg). Chandler averaged 10rpg this season, going along with 11ppg.
2. Serge Ibaka: This season Ibaka became the anchor for the Thunder’s defence. Ibaka became the best shot blocker in the game averaging 3 per game. It wasn’t only the 3 blocks though, Ibaka influenced plenty of opponent shots this season, which probably lead to a fastbreak dunk on the other end. Ibaka also rejected a career high 11 blocks in a game against the Nuggets. Ibaka also grabbed 7rpg but his presence around the rim was the real reason why Ibaka became a force on defence.
3. Dwight Howard: Put all of the off-court Dwight Howard drama to the side for a second and you see that Howard had another great season on the defensive end. Howard averaged 14rpg, 10 of them coming of the defensive glass. Howard also averaged 2bpg, but like Ibaka, it was Howard’s presence around the rim that made opponents think twice about taking it into the lane while Howard was on the floor. Howard’s season came to an end due to back surgery, and will be a massive blow for the Magic in the playoffs.
4. LeBron James: It’s hard to find a player that can guard just about every position these days but LeBron would be the closest. James’ foot speed helps him stay in front of guards, while his pure strength helps him defend against forwards. James also averaged 6 defensive rebounds per game and a heap of highlight reel, chase down blocks. The Heat was 2nd in opponent points per game this season and 6th in opponent turnovers.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENTS:
1. Injuries due to the lockout: With the shortened season, they were bound to be injuries. But no one expected the amount of injuries to star players that we had. From Al Horford to Zach Randolph to Derrick Rose to Ricky Rubio to Jeremy Lin and the list goes on. These injuries were a massive blow to the league because fans weren’t getting to see the best players on the court in some games. Hopefully with good recovery over the off-season, we see players back at full strength for next season.
2. Lamar Odom: Coming off his best season last year, winning the sixth man of the year award with the Lakers, Lamar Odom was traded to the defending champion Dallas Mavericks. And it all went downhill from there. Odom averaged career lows in scoring (6ppg) and rebounding (4rpg) while shooting a terrible 35% from the field. But it wasn’t the numbers that was the most disappointing about Odom. It was just his pure lack of effort. While on the court for the Mavs, Odom didn’t look interested and didn’t put in any effort. He was placed on the inactive list near the end of the season and won’t be back in a Dallas uniform.
3. Dwight Howard drama: 2011/12 season: the drama show that was Dwight Howard. From demanding a trade out off Orlando before the season started, to not being traded and signing a short-term contract with the Magic, to Magic coach Stan Van Gundy saying that Dwight asked him to be fired, to reports saying that Howard won’t play under Van Gundy again and it goes on. Howard was still a great player on the court but most of that got overshadowing by Howard’s off-court antics.
4. Charlotte Bobcats: The Bobcats entered the season hoping that college stud Kemba Walker would lead the boat for the Cats this season. Well that didn’t happen. The Bobcats won 7 games this season...7 games out of 66. The Bobcats ended up with the worst winning percentage in NBA history and ended the season on a 23 game losing streak. For a team owned by Michael Jordan, the Bobcats were terrible this season. Hopefully for their sake they improve next season, but many will say it’s a long shot.
The playoffs will be happening while you are reading this, but that doesn’t mean we can look back at the season that was. From not even if knowing we were going to have a season due to the lockout, to having 1,980 games from Christmas to the end of April. From Kevin Love’s emergence as a superstar, to the rollercoaster season in New York, to the Dwight Howard off court antics and much more, the 11/12 campaign was truly one to remember.
BEST TEAM:
1San Antonio Spurs: It seems like the same thing is said about the Spurs every year...’there too old’ or ‘there past their prime.’ It’s funny because these things are probably true, but every season Gregg Popovich and co just keeps on proving us wrong. From a shocking first round playoff exit in last season’s playoffs to Memphis, the Spurs responded by locking up the first seed in the West for the second straight season. The big 3 of Parker, Ginobili and Duncan yet again proved that they can get it done without putting up amazing numbers each night. And with one of the most productive benches in the league, the Spurs are poised for another championship run.
2. Chicago Bulls: With agreeably the best roster in the league, the Bulls were ready for a massive season. And they didn’t disappoint. Even though the MVP Derrick Rose missed an amount of time due to injuries, the Bulls still strived to get the first seed and best record in the East. With the improved play of former all-star Carlos Boozer, the all-star season of Luol Deng and the amazing depth of the roster, the Bulls proved that a complete team effort can be as effective as a one-man team. Now it’s just up to them to get it all together for the playoffs.
3. Oklahoma City Thunder:This team just keeps getting better and better each season. With the core of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and James Harden, the Thunder is legit title contenders this season. With a superstar in KD, another superstar in Russell Westbrook, the best sixth man in the league James Harden and a great supporting cast, anything other than a championship would be a disappointment for OKC. And with the best home fans in the league and one of the best coaches in the league, the Thunder is here to stay.
4. Miami Heat: When you have LeBron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh on your team, you’re always poised for a great season But Miami’s season could be called ‘average’ by their standards. But they did still lock up the 2nd spot in the East, and are still the main favourites for the title. For the Heat, this season will all be decided by one thing....will they win it all? We’re going to have to wait to find out.
BEST PLAYERS:
1. LeBron James: Now seriously who else would take out this award? LeBron proved again this year why he’s the best player in the world. While putting up 27ppg, 7rpg and 6apg, LeBron led a Heat team which was slightly hit be injuries. It wasn’t only the numbers. LeBron just made the Heat better when he was on the floor. He can guard all 5 spots and is an absolute monster on the court. But like the Heat, can LeBron win that title that he hasn’t been able to grab yet? We’re going have to wait to find out!
2. Kevin Love: Now on any list, Durant would grab the second spot any day, but I just think that Love’s season was one to remember. With numbers of 26ppg and 13rpg, Love proved that he is a superstar in the NBA. Along with his running mate Ricky Rubio, the Wolves were in the playoff race up until the all star weekend, but then Rubio did his ACL and the Wolves struggled for the second half of the season...but Love didn’t. He kept putting up video game like numbers in points and rebounding and was carrying the Wolves. Even though he missed the last couple of weeks of the season due to a concussion, Love proved he is a star and will bring the Wolves back to the playoffs.
3. Kevin Durant: The scoring champ for the last 3 seasons (including this one), KD had another sensational season. The best pure scorer in the league put up 28ppg this season, along with bumping his rebounds up to 8 per game, KD just kept on rolling. He is almost impossible to defend, as he can hit a variety of jumpers all over the floor. Along with his shooting, he can also drive to the rim and bring down another highlight reel dunk. As KD and OKC roll into the playoffs, Durant will be ready to take the Thunder to the next level.
4. Kobe Bryant: Kobe seems to never age. This season was probably better than his last 2, which is pretty amazing. Along with a stretch of 4 straight 40 point games early in the season, Kobe was .8 of a point away from taking the scoring title from KD. In some games, Kobe led to Lakers to victory and with game winners against the Hornets, Nets and more proved he is still the most clutch player in the game (sorry Carmelo.) But now the question is here...can Kobe win another title? He has the talent with Bynum and Gasol around him to do it, so he will need to see!
BIGGEST BREAKOUT SEASON:
1. Jeremy Lin: The biggest from rags to riches story you will ever find. From bench warmer to world-wide phenomenon, Lin proved this year that anything is possible. ‘Linsanity’ took over New York and the world after a 25 point performance in a win against the Nets on Feb 4th. Then just some days later Lin scored 38 points on Kobe and the Lakers to lead the Knicks to a win at the Garden. Lin lead the Knicks on a winning streak then it all was stopped by a shocking injury which required surgery and ended his magical season. But Lin proved this season, that anything can happen.
2. Ersan Ilyasova: He might have not been hyped up in the media, but Ersan had a great breakout season in Milwaukee, averaging 13ppg and 8rpg, and almost getting the Bucks a playoff spot. Ersan bumped his number up by 4 points per game and 2 rebounds per game from last season, and become a double-double machine, finishing 11th in the league in that category. Ilyasova also became a 3 point threat, hitting on 45% of his threes this season, up from 29% last season. Look for Ersan to improve even more next season, and get the Bucks back into the playoffs.
3. Gerald Green: After winning the D-League All star game MVP, former slam dunk champion Gerald Green was called up by the Nets...and what a call up in was! Green got the Nets fans cheering, putting on a show of highlight-reel dunks, along with an amazing windmill ally-opp against the Rockets. But it wasn’t all highlights for Green. He played very solid for the Nets, averaging 13ppg n only 31 played games. He gave the Nets a much needed scorer, and should be an even better scorer next season.
4. Ryan Anderson: Always known as a running man next to Dwight Howard, Anderson came into his own this season, proving he can play good basketball for the Magic. The 3-point marksman averaged 16ppg along with 7rpg this season, in a drama filled one for Orlando. Along with the numbers Anderson also shot .398% from the land of three this season. Anderson led the Magic to some wins this season, and proved that the Magic aren’t a 1 man team. If Dwight leaves Orlando, Anderson should became even better and have more space to work on the floor for the Magic.
BEST GAME:
1. Oklahoma City V Minnesota, 23rd March 2012: A two overtime thriller in Oklahoma City on the 23rd of March, the Wolves and Thunder battled, in what would turn out to a be an instant classic. Kevin Love would end up with 51 points and 14 rebounds, but Russell Westbrook (45 pts) and Kevin Durant (40 pts) would lead the Thunder to a classic 149-140 victory. This game as also filled with clutch shots, as Kevin Durant hit a step-back 3 with 5 seconds to go in the 4th quarter, only to be topped by Love who hit a massive 3 with 1 second to go to send it to OT. The Thunder would eventually pull away in the second OT, and come out with an amazing victory.
2. Oklahoma City V Denver, 19th February 2012: Another game involving OKC, this thriller was played against the Nuggets, and it was a beauty. It was the first time in Kevin Durant’s career that he would hit the 50 point mark, scoring 51, and 31 of those points coming in the second half. Along with Durant’s career night, Russell Westbrook netted 40 points, while Serge Ibaka had a triple double with 14 points, 15 rebounds and 11 blocks. It was the first time in history that a trio of NBA players combined to get 50 points, 40 points and record a triple double in OKC’s 124-118 OT win. It was a night to remember, as we saw history being made in front of our eyes.
3. Atlanta V Utah, 25th March, 2012: When a game has 4 overtimes, it’s bound to be an instant classic, and on this night it was no different. The game played between Atlanta and Utah was a marathon. Hawks guard, Joe Johnson was ‘exhausted’ after the game and said ‘it was unbelievable; I just had to laugh it off. I’ve never played in a game like that.’ The Hawks ended up winning the game 139-133, in the NBA’s first 4OT game since 1997, when Phoenix defeated Portland.
4. New York V Chicago, 9th April, 2012: The Knicks season has been a massive rollercoaster, but a great win against the Bulls on April the 9th, proved to be a classic. Carmelo Anthony, who has been criticised all season long, proved in this game that he is still an all-star. Anthony who had 43 points on the night, hit one 3 in the 4th to send the game into OT, then another clutch 3 in the OT, to win the game for the Knicks, sending MSG into a frenzy. While the season has been up and down for Knicks, this game was a night to remember for Knicks fans.
BEST UNDERRATED PLAYERS:
1. Greg Monroe: The second year big man from the Pistons, Greg Monroe was the season’s most underrated players this season. Monroe put up 15ppg and 9ppg this season on an improving Detroit team. Many people said that Monroe should have made the all-star team this season, which is a massive step up from last year. The Pistons will look to build around Monroe, as their centrepiece for the future.
2. Paul Millsap: Millsap has become one of the NBA’s best, but underrated, power forward. Millsap put up 16ppg and 8rpg on a talented Utah team. Millsap, who’s a great rebounder and plays at an efficient level, should come into his own at Utah in the next few seasons. Millsap also has a decent mid-range game on offensive, and can get to the rim when he needs to. Look for Millsap to get better and better each season.
3. Nikola Pekovic: On a Minnesota team who were headlined by Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio this season, Nikola Pekovic, who many consider the ‘strongest player in the NBA’, put up 14ppg and 7rpg this season. It wasn’t only the number though. Pekovic gave the Wolves a strong inside threat in which they have lacked for a while. Pekovic has a great shooting percentage and still gets a decent amount of rebounds, considering his playing with rebounding machine Kevin Love. Look for the Wolves to sneak into the playoffs in the next few seasons, with Pekovic being one of the main reasons.
4. Marcin Gortat: Just quietly, Marcin Gortat is becoming one of the best underrated centres in the league. Gortat put up 15ppg and 10rpg for the Suns this season. Gortat never really had a chance to fully prove himself in Orlando behind Dwight Howard, but came into his own in Phoenix this season. Gortat has a good shooting percentage and is a great rebounder and the Suns will look to rebuild around Gortat.
BEST ROOKIE:
1. Kyrie Irving: Irving was the clear-cut best rookie this season. Irving led all rookies in scoring (18ppg) and did all that shooting 46% from the floor. Irving also came out clutch for the Cavs this season, netting game winners against Boston, Los Angles (Clippers), Sacramento and Detroit. Irving’s amazing ability to get to the rim this season was amazing, beating multiple defenders off the dribble, while displaying a great outside shooting ability. Irving also put on a show at the rookie game at all star weekend getting 34 points, while hitting 8 from 8 three pointers. Irving will continue to lead the up and coming Cavs team into the future.
2. Ricky Rubio: After a long 2-year wait, Wolves fans were finally gifted with point guard Ricky Rubio. Even though Rubio’s rookie season was limited to 41 games due to an ACL injury, Rubio made basketball fun again in Minnesota. Rubio didn’t score a lot only averaging 10ppg, but he led all rookies in assists (8apg) and steals (2spg.) Rubio had plenty of amazing passes this season, as the Wolves were in playoffs contention, before Rubio got injured. Look for Rubio to come out stronger than ever next season.
3. Isaiah Thomas: Before the season everyone had Jimmer Fredette bringing winning ways back to Sacramento. Turns out it was the last pick in the draft, Isaiah Thomas who stole the show in Sacramento. Even though the Kings had a losing year, Thomas didn’t disappointment. Thomas finished with 11ppg and 4apg but his heart and intensity made him a fan favourite. Look for Thomas and the Kings to get even better next season, with Thomas running the point.
4. Kenneth Faried: ‘The Manimal’ became a force for the Nuggets this season. Faried averaged 10ppg and 7rpg, leading all rookies in rebounding. Faried gave the Nuggets instant energy when he was on the floor. Faried ran the floor better than most big men this season, either bringing down monster dunks or getting a great block on the defensive end. Faried was probably the most athletic rookie this season and gave the Nuggets a much needed spark.
BEST DEFENDER:
1. Tyson Chandler: The Knicks were always known as a non-defensive team, but that all changed his season when Tyson Chandler signed with the Knicks this pre-season. After anchoring the defence for the world champion Mavs last season, Chandler turned around the Knicks defence this season. With Chandler the Knicks ranked 2nd in opponent turnovers per game (17), 10th in opponent field goal percentage (.442) and 11th in opponent scoring (94ppg). Chandler averaged 10rpg this season, going along with 11ppg.
2. Serge Ibaka: This season Ibaka became the anchor for the Thunder’s defence. Ibaka became the best shot blocker in the game averaging 3 per game. It wasn’t only the 3 blocks though, Ibaka influenced plenty of opponent shots this season, which probably lead to a fastbreak dunk on the other end. Ibaka also rejected a career high 11 blocks in a game against the Nuggets. Ibaka also grabbed 7rpg but his presence around the rim was the real reason why Ibaka became a force on defence.
3. Dwight Howard: Put all of the off-court Dwight Howard drama to the side for a second and you see that Howard had another great season on the defensive end. Howard averaged 14rpg, 10 of them coming of the defensive glass. Howard also averaged 2bpg, but like Ibaka, it was Howard’s presence around the rim that made opponents think twice about taking it into the lane while Howard was on the floor. Howard’s season came to an end due to back surgery, and will be a massive blow for the Magic in the playoffs.
4. LeBron James: It’s hard to find a player that can guard just about every position these days but LeBron would be the closest. James’ foot speed helps him stay in front of guards, while his pure strength helps him defend against forwards. James also averaged 6 defensive rebounds per game and a heap of highlight reel, chase down blocks. The Heat was 2nd in opponent points per game this season and 6th in opponent turnovers.
BIGGEST DISAPPOINTMENTS:
1. Injuries due to the lockout: With the shortened season, they were bound to be injuries. But no one expected the amount of injuries to star players that we had. From Al Horford to Zach Randolph to Derrick Rose to Ricky Rubio to Jeremy Lin and the list goes on. These injuries were a massive blow to the league because fans weren’t getting to see the best players on the court in some games. Hopefully with good recovery over the off-season, we see players back at full strength for next season.
2. Lamar Odom: Coming off his best season last year, winning the sixth man of the year award with the Lakers, Lamar Odom was traded to the defending champion Dallas Mavericks. And it all went downhill from there. Odom averaged career lows in scoring (6ppg) and rebounding (4rpg) while shooting a terrible 35% from the field. But it wasn’t the numbers that was the most disappointing about Odom. It was just his pure lack of effort. While on the court for the Mavs, Odom didn’t look interested and didn’t put in any effort. He was placed on the inactive list near the end of the season and won’t be back in a Dallas uniform.
3. Dwight Howard drama: 2011/12 season: the drama show that was Dwight Howard. From demanding a trade out off Orlando before the season started, to not being traded and signing a short-term contract with the Magic, to Magic coach Stan Van Gundy saying that Dwight asked him to be fired, to reports saying that Howard won’t play under Van Gundy again and it goes on. Howard was still a great player on the court but most of that got overshadowing by Howard’s off-court antics.
4. Charlotte Bobcats: The Bobcats entered the season hoping that college stud Kemba Walker would lead the boat for the Cats this season. Well that didn’t happen. The Bobcats won 7 games this season...7 games out of 66. The Bobcats ended up with the worst winning percentage in NBA history and ended the season on a 23 game losing streak. For a team owned by Michael Jordan, the Bobcats were terrible this season. Hopefully for their sake they improve next season, but many will say it’s a long shot.
lukesicari
formerly DW8
Fair enough, that's your opinion! And thank you
I would'nt listen to this at all bud, pretty spot IMO, I'd probably have Durant at 2 but you backed up your argument nicely and no-one can disagree with that.
He also laughed at Spurs being the best team of the season. Who is then?
Pop won coach of the year, normally the coach of THE BEST TEAM wins that.
lukesicari
formerly DW8
Thanks man. It's Matt's opinion, I respect that, not everyone thinks the same!!
Chicago Bulls were EASILY the best team of the regular season.
and last time I checked it was the Coach of the Year award not the Coach of the best team of the year award. It goes to the best coach not the the coach of the best team.
It has just occurred to me you are a Spurs fan so it is clear where your bias lies so I'm not going to bother with anymore. I don't mean that to offend you as I am the same, you try and tell me that Irving or Thomas is more deserving of ROY than Faried and I will argue until I'm blue in the face! lol
PLEASE enlighten me how the Bulls are a better team?
1. They finished on the same amount of wins as the Spurs (this in itself shows that they are not EASILY the best team)
2. They play in the weak as hell East
I am not biased at all, If anything, it's a toss up, it's more the fact that you reckon they're way off being the top team.
And yes, I do enjoy your amount of bias
towards the Nugs. Loved their game today.But also, Faried is not close to being a rookie of the year.
There's Irving
then an ocean
then Faried and the rest.
Loved his game today too.
It's not that they are way off, I'd say perhaps a close 3rd or fourth behind Chicago, Miami and maybe DenverPLEASE enlighten me how the Bulls are a better team?
1. They finished on the same amount of wins as the Spurs (this in itself shows that they are not EASILY the best team)
2. They play in the weak as hell East
I am not biased at all, If anything, it's a toss up, it's more the fact that you reckon they're way off being the top team.
And yes, I do enjoy your amount of bias
But also, Faried is not close to being a rookie of the year.
There's Irving
then an ocean
then Faried and the rest.
Loved his game today too.
. They are aged and just not as consistent as you'd like. I definitely would say WAY off the top team though.I also enjoy my bias towards the Nuggets lol
Lastly, Do you ACTUALLY want to start with this Faried/Irving thing? seriously?
Ha ha, AGED, they have the 13th oldest team in the nba.
http://hoopism.com/?p=2611
You are dreaming my friend. It's hard to tell if you're serious or just nuts
No need to start the Irving/Faried debate.
It will all be over when they announce Irving as ROY.
I really do like Faried, he's gonna be valuable wherever he goes, but he's WAY off being ROY
http://hoopism.com/?p=2611
You are dreaming my friend. It's hard to tell if you're serious or just nuts
No need to start the Irving/Faried debate.
It will all be over when they announce Irving as ROY.
I really do like Faried, he's gonna be valuable wherever he goes, but he's WAY off being ROY
Matty!! You are drunk mate!
The Spurs finished the season as the No1 team! FACT
They did what they did with no Manu for 34 games. They did it with record low minutes for Duncan. They maintained the best 3pt shooting team over the season. They averaged 104 pts scored a game!
The averaged 11 players a game with 20 minutes a game!! Name another team with that rotation and depth??
Miami should have done alot better than they did with their roster. And the Bulls should have too! If they didn't have Lucas (who?) step up at times they would have fallen a lot lower in games won!
And Irving is a skyscraper above Faried too!
The Spurs finished the season as the No1 team! FACT
They did what they did with no Manu for 34 games. They did it with record low minutes for Duncan. They maintained the best 3pt shooting team over the season. They averaged 104 pts scored a game!
The averaged 11 players a game with 20 minutes a game!! Name another team with that rotation and depth??
Miami should have done alot better than they did with their roster. And the Bulls should have too! If they didn't have Lucas (who?) step up at times they would have fallen a lot lower in games won!
And Irving is a skyscraper above Faried too!