Inside Dish: Max money for the minimum number of players
Stan McNeal
The Sporting News
Posted: November 5, 2007
There were shockingly few contract extensions offered to the class of 2004 before last week's deadline--six in all and just one (Magic PF Dwight Howard) for max money. Left in the lurch were the likes of Bobcats PF Emeka Okafor, Bulls SG Ben Gordon, Bulls SF Luol Deng and 76ers SF Andre Iguodala. Those guys, and everyone else who did not get an extension, will become restricted free agents next summer. That means their current teams can match any offers they receive. "Teams approached it as, we can low-ball these guys now and still have complete control next summer," one agent says. "Why commit yourself to a big package now and leave yourself open to an injury when you can just do it next year?"
http://www.sportingnews.com/yourturn/viewtopic.php?t=300268
Showing posts with label Emeka Okafor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Emeka Okafor. Show all posts
Monday, December 10, 2007
Sunday, September 9, 2007
4 to Watch for Next Season
Of the top 20 players ranked by double-doubles last season, four of them were not expected by most to finish in this elite group.
Emeka Okafor, C, Charlotte Bobcats
39 double-doubles, 9th
After injuries forced Okafor to miss most of the 2005-06 season, he came back very strong this past season maintaining a strong points per game average and improving both in rebounds per game and blocks per game. Okafor still needs to improve greatly from the free throw line. When he catches the ball on the block, he needs to recognize double-teams and then find the open man more consistently. Continued superior play on defense and improving his scoring average will help the Bobcats contend for a playoff position for the first time in their franchise history.
Al Jefferson, PF, Minnesota Timberwolves
38 double-doubles, T10th
From March 1 to the end of last season, Jefferson was sixteenth in the league in points plus assists plus rebounds per game, beating out players like Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Duncan, and Dwight Howard. If Jefferson can maintain this level of play, now with Minnesota, he will continue his leap as one of the best post players. Jefferson will be a key component of Minnesota's rebuilding process and will be looked to score consistently each night this season. On defensive, Jefferson still needs to make major strides and has to cutdown on the number of fouls he commits.
Tyson Chandler, C, New Orleans Hornets
34 double-doubles, 14th
Chandler was second in league last season in rebounds per game and thirteenth in blocked shots per game. Chandler's biggest problem continues to be a large amount of turnovers committed. He often is called for setting illegal screens or committing three-second violations. Additionally, Chandler frequently struggles to catch the ball and throw passes away. Playing with a talented point guard like Chris Paul, these problems cannot continue. With their core locked up for the next several years, the success of this current version of the Hornets may be tied to Chandler's development.
Josh Smith, SF/PF, Atlanta Hawks
32 double-doubles, T17th
Smith is a unique player with incredible athleticism, who can play the shooting guard, small forward, and power forward positions. Last season, Smith was one of only six players who averaged more than 15 points per game, 7 rebounds per game, 1 steal per game, and 1 block per game. Kevin Garnett, Elton Brand, Amare Stoudemire, Gerald Wallace, and Shawn Marion were the only other players to reach this milestone. Smith excels at finishing on the fastbreak, but struggles with any consistentcy on his outside shot. He excels at blocking shots and getting into passing lanes to steal balls, but he tends to have mental lapses on the defensive end. In order to improve, Smith needs to get better at creating his own shot and shoot the ball from the perimeter with more consistency.
Emeka Okafor, C, Charlotte Bobcats
39 double-doubles, 9th
After injuries forced Okafor to miss most of the 2005-06 season, he came back very strong this past season maintaining a strong points per game average and improving both in rebounds per game and blocks per game. Okafor still needs to improve greatly from the free throw line. When he catches the ball on the block, he needs to recognize double-teams and then find the open man more consistently. Continued superior play on defense and improving his scoring average will help the Bobcats contend for a playoff position for the first time in their franchise history.
Al Jefferson, PF, Minnesota Timberwolves
38 double-doubles, T10th
From March 1 to the end of last season, Jefferson was sixteenth in the league in points plus assists plus rebounds per game, beating out players like Steve Nash, Dirk Nowitzki, Tim Duncan, and Dwight Howard. If Jefferson can maintain this level of play, now with Minnesota, he will continue his leap as one of the best post players. Jefferson will be a key component of Minnesota's rebuilding process and will be looked to score consistently each night this season. On defensive, Jefferson still needs to make major strides and has to cutdown on the number of fouls he commits.
Tyson Chandler, C, New Orleans Hornets
34 double-doubles, 14th
Chandler was second in league last season in rebounds per game and thirteenth in blocked shots per game. Chandler's biggest problem continues to be a large amount of turnovers committed. He often is called for setting illegal screens or committing three-second violations. Additionally, Chandler frequently struggles to catch the ball and throw passes away. Playing with a talented point guard like Chris Paul, these problems cannot continue. With their core locked up for the next several years, the success of this current version of the Hornets may be tied to Chandler's development.
Josh Smith, SF/PF, Atlanta Hawks
32 double-doubles, T17th
Smith is a unique player with incredible athleticism, who can play the shooting guard, small forward, and power forward positions. Last season, Smith was one of only six players who averaged more than 15 points per game, 7 rebounds per game, 1 steal per game, and 1 block per game. Kevin Garnett, Elton Brand, Amare Stoudemire, Gerald Wallace, and Shawn Marion were the only other players to reach this milestone. Smith excels at finishing on the fastbreak, but struggles with any consistentcy on his outside shot. He excels at blocking shots and getting into passing lanes to steal balls, but he tends to have mental lapses on the defensive end. In order to improve, Smith needs to get better at creating his own shot and shoot the ball from the perimeter with more consistency.
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
TNT's Fundamental Videos
During the 2005-06 season, TNT filmed short segments with NBA players giving tips to viewers on a specific skill.
Passing with Steve Nash:
Man-to-man defense with Bruce Bowen:
Moving without the ball with Richard Hamilton:
Shot blocking with Emeka Okafor
Rebounding with Dwight Howard:
Jump shooting with Ray Allen:
Taking a charge with Shane Battier:
Mid-range game with Sam Cassell:
Post moves with Carlos Boozer:
Passing with Steve Nash:
Man-to-man defense with Bruce Bowen:
Moving without the ball with Richard Hamilton:
Shot blocking with Emeka Okafor
Rebounding with Dwight Howard:
Jump shooting with Ray Allen:
Taking a charge with Shane Battier:
Mid-range game with Sam Cassell:
Post moves with Carlos Boozer:
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
Jordan and the Bobcats Look to Make the Leap
The Charlotte Bobcats entered the NBA in 2004. In their three seasons of existance, the club has failed to get to the .500 mark. However, each year the team has improved. In 2004, the Bobcats won 18 games, 26 in 2005, and 33 in 2006. This year, with the draft night acquisition of Golden State Warriors guard, Jason Richardson, the Bobcats, led by Michael Jordan, Managing Member of Basketball Operations, will look to make a big leap in the Eastern Conference.
If the Bobcats are able to successfully sign free agent, small forward, Gerald Wallace, they will definitely start the season with the most talented squad in their history. Raymond Felton, Jason Richardson, Gerald Wallace, Emeka Okafor, and Primoz Brezec will most likely be the starters. Matt Carroll, Othella Harrington, Sean May, Walter Herrmann, Jared Dudley, and Adam Morrison will look to be the reserves for the Sam Vincent-coached team.
Jordan could still stand to improve his backup point guard spot. Adding a guy like Steve Blake or Earl Boykins would really strengthen the teams position. However, it is more likely that he will be choosing from guys such as Jason Hart, Smush Parker, Shammond Williams, and Chucky Atkins.
Also, the Bobcats will be looking for improved play from May, Morrison, and Felton in order to really improve as a squad. May has had major knee injury problems, playing only 23 games in 2005-06 and 35 games in 2006-07. Morrison's poor defense prevented him from playing more minutes last season. He could also stand to improve his ball handling and ability to score off-the-dribble. Felton needs to get better at dictating the tempo of the game and most likely just needs more experience.
However, if the Bobcats do add one more point guard behind Felton and get improved play from a handful of their young talent, this could be a dangerous team next year that will definitely continue to improve on their win totals.
If the Bobcats are able to successfully sign free agent, small forward, Gerald Wallace, they will definitely start the season with the most talented squad in their history. Raymond Felton, Jason Richardson, Gerald Wallace, Emeka Okafor, and Primoz Brezec will most likely be the starters. Matt Carroll, Othella Harrington, Sean May, Walter Herrmann, Jared Dudley, and Adam Morrison will look to be the reserves for the Sam Vincent-coached team.
Jordan could still stand to improve his backup point guard spot. Adding a guy like Steve Blake or Earl Boykins would really strengthen the teams position. However, it is more likely that he will be choosing from guys such as Jason Hart, Smush Parker, Shammond Williams, and Chucky Atkins.
Also, the Bobcats will be looking for improved play from May, Morrison, and Felton in order to really improve as a squad. May has had major knee injury problems, playing only 23 games in 2005-06 and 35 games in 2006-07. Morrison's poor defense prevented him from playing more minutes last season. He could also stand to improve his ball handling and ability to score off-the-dribble. Felton needs to get better at dictating the tempo of the game and most likely just needs more experience.
However, if the Bobcats do add one more point guard behind Felton and get improved play from a handful of their young talent, this could be a dangerous team next year that will definitely continue to improve on their win totals.
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