Chris Bosh 15,779,912
Reggie Evans 4,960,000 5,080,000
Kris Humphries 3,200,000 3,200,000
Joey Graham 3,441,104
27,381,016
Luol Deng 10,370,425 11,355,850 12,341,275 13,326,700 14,312,125
Jerome James 6,600,000
Tim Thomas 6,466,600
Tyrus Thomas 4,743,598 6,256,806
28,180,623
Bosh, Evans, K Humphries, Joey Graham for Luol, Jerome James (exp contact), Tim Thomas (exp contract), Tyrus, #16 pick. You in?
Chicago Bulls
PG Rose
SG Gordon Hinrich
C Noah Miller
PF Bosh Evans Humphries
SF Salmons Graham #26 pick
Toronto Raptors
PG Calderon Banks Ukic
SG #9
C Ty Thomas James
PF Bargnani #16
SF Deng Tim Thomas
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
NBA Draft Prospects
All Stars
Blake Griffin
Tyreke Evans
Starters on Champions
James Harden
Terrance Williams
Hasheem Thabeet
Ricky Rubio
Johnny Flynn
DeMar DeRozan
Rotation Guys
Stephen Curry
Jrue Holliday
Gerald Henderson
Brandon Jennings
Jodie Meeks
Dante Cunningham
Dionte Christmas
Earl Clark
BJ Mullens
Jeff Teague
Tyler Hansborough
James Johnson
Patty Mills
Ty Lawson
Short Career
Jordan Hill
DeJuan Blair
Eric Maynor
Sam Young
Darren Collison
Chase Budinger
Austin Daye
Blake Griffin
Tyreke Evans
Starters on Champions
James Harden
Terrance Williams
Hasheem Thabeet
Ricky Rubio
Johnny Flynn
DeMar DeRozan
Rotation Guys
Stephen Curry
Jrue Holliday
Gerald Henderson
Brandon Jennings
Jodie Meeks
Dante Cunningham
Dionte Christmas
Earl Clark
BJ Mullens
Jeff Teague
Tyler Hansborough
James Johnson
Patty Mills
Ty Lawson
Short Career
Jordan Hill
DeJuan Blair
Eric Maynor
Sam Young
Darren Collison
Chase Budinger
Austin Daye
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Billups Leads Nuggets' Transformation
Written December 16, 2008.
Billups Leads Nuggets' Transformation
Upon beating the Golden State Warriors this past Saturday night at home, the Denver Nuggets have now improved to a 16-7 record after 23 games. Even more impressively, they have now won 15 of their last 19 games, with their only losses being against the Cavaliers, Lakers, Hornets and Spurs - arguably four of the top teams in the NBA. Along the way, they have beaten the Celtics in Boston and took one off the Spurs beating them in San Antonio. The culprit behind this success? Chauncey Billups.
The Nuggets limped into the playoffs last season losing 4 of their last 9 games and then got swept by the Lakers in the first round, losing the first three games by 14 or more points. Before this season got underway, the Nuggets traded starting center Marcus Camby in a salary dump to the Los Angeles Clippers for a second round pick. They also allowed Eduardo Najera and Yakhouba Diawara to leave in free agency. NBA analysts predicted the Nuggets to fall out of the playoffs this year. As the season began, the Nuggets looked like they would be supporting this prediction, as they lost three of their first four games with their only win coming in overtime.
Since Billups arrived in a trade from Detroit for Allen Iverson, the Nuggets have transformed themselves from a shoot-happy, defenseless team into a ball controlled, tough-nosed defensive squad. A look at the numbers before and after Billups arrived certainly shows a vastly different squad:
Before After
Record 1-3 15-4
PPG 101.3 104.5
Opp PPG 104 96.9
FG Pct 45.40% 47.20%
3-Pt FG Pct 27.00% 36.90%
Billups brings stability at the point guard position and does a much better job of keeping his man in front of him, rather than constantly trying to get into passing lanes to create turnovers as Iverson so often attempted to do. The Nuggets have slowed down their pace and have become a strong defensive team. This has really shown through their ability to maintain leads going into the fourth quarter. The Nuggets are the only team in the league to not lose a game when leading after three quarters. The Celtics, Cavaliers and Lakers have lost once when winning after three, but the Nuggets stand alone undefeated with 11 wins.
Despite becoming a smarter and more conservative team with Billups running the show, they still have found opportunities to push the ball up the court and score in transition. They currently lead the league in fast break points per game, with 17.7 points scored.
Working with Coach George Karl and his staff, Billups has allowed Carmelo Anthony to simplify his decision making. Anthony can spend more time in the post because he does not have to concern himself with spacing the floor for Iverson, who needs room to create a scoring opportunity for himself. Billups has made Nene Hilario a more precise player and has gotten Kenyon Martin the ball in spots where he can be more productive.
Billups brings the Nuggets a player who always plays under control, rarely takes ill-advised shots and has won a championship before. Nuggets coach, George Karl, recently said, "I think the team and the coach and the organization and the city all feel that we can win every game. I don't think we were there even in our best moments. But now, even with San Antonio and the Lakers, on the road or at home, we feel, if we play at a good level, we can beat anybody. And that's a good feeling."
With Billups aboard, this certainly appears to be the case.
Billups Leads Nuggets' Transformation
Upon beating the Golden State Warriors this past Saturday night at home, the Denver Nuggets have now improved to a 16-7 record after 23 games. Even more impressively, they have now won 15 of their last 19 games, with their only losses being against the Cavaliers, Lakers, Hornets and Spurs - arguably four of the top teams in the NBA. Along the way, they have beaten the Celtics in Boston and took one off the Spurs beating them in San Antonio. The culprit behind this success? Chauncey Billups.
The Nuggets limped into the playoffs last season losing 4 of their last 9 games and then got swept by the Lakers in the first round, losing the first three games by 14 or more points. Before this season got underway, the Nuggets traded starting center Marcus Camby in a salary dump to the Los Angeles Clippers for a second round pick. They also allowed Eduardo Najera and Yakhouba Diawara to leave in free agency. NBA analysts predicted the Nuggets to fall out of the playoffs this year. As the season began, the Nuggets looked like they would be supporting this prediction, as they lost three of their first four games with their only win coming in overtime.
Since Billups arrived in a trade from Detroit for Allen Iverson, the Nuggets have transformed themselves from a shoot-happy, defenseless team into a ball controlled, tough-nosed defensive squad. A look at the numbers before and after Billups arrived certainly shows a vastly different squad:
Before After
Record 1-3 15-4
PPG 101.3 104.5
Opp PPG 104 96.9
FG Pct 45.40% 47.20%
3-Pt FG Pct 27.00% 36.90%
Billups brings stability at the point guard position and does a much better job of keeping his man in front of him, rather than constantly trying to get into passing lanes to create turnovers as Iverson so often attempted to do. The Nuggets have slowed down their pace and have become a strong defensive team. This has really shown through their ability to maintain leads going into the fourth quarter. The Nuggets are the only team in the league to not lose a game when leading after three quarters. The Celtics, Cavaliers and Lakers have lost once when winning after three, but the Nuggets stand alone undefeated with 11 wins.
Despite becoming a smarter and more conservative team with Billups running the show, they still have found opportunities to push the ball up the court and score in transition. They currently lead the league in fast break points per game, with 17.7 points scored.
Working with Coach George Karl and his staff, Billups has allowed Carmelo Anthony to simplify his decision making. Anthony can spend more time in the post because he does not have to concern himself with spacing the floor for Iverson, who needs room to create a scoring opportunity for himself. Billups has made Nene Hilario a more precise player and has gotten Kenyon Martin the ball in spots where he can be more productive.
Billups brings the Nuggets a player who always plays under control, rarely takes ill-advised shots and has won a championship before. Nuggets coach, George Karl, recently said, "I think the team and the coach and the organization and the city all feel that we can win every game. I don't think we were there even in our best moments. But now, even with San Antonio and the Lakers, on the road or at home, we feel, if we play at a good level, we can beat anybody. And that's a good feeling."
With Billups aboard, this certainly appears to be the case.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Chicago-Minnesota Trade Proposal
The Trade:
Chicago trades Joakim Noah, Kirk Hinrich, Thabo Sefolosha to Minnesota for Mike Miller and Jason Collins.
The Breakdown:
Joakim Noah
Salary: $2,295,480 Years Remaining: 2
Kirk Hinrich
Salary: $10,000,000 Years Remaining: 4
Thabo Sefolosha
Salary: $1,931,160 Years Remaining: 2
Jason Collins
Salary: $6,200,000 Years Remaining: 1
Mike Miller
Salary: $9,028,575 Years Remaining: 2
The Case for Minnesota:
Randy Foye has shown two things so far in his NBA career: he can score and he's not a point guard. The Timberwolves would benefit from moving Foye off the ball and starting Hinrich at the point guard spot. Both Sefolosha and Noah are young, developing players who would fit in with the group Minnesota is building.
The Case for Chicago:
The Bulls rid themselves of two players who have failed to develop in Chicago: Sefolosha and Noah. Hinrich was signed to a long-term extension before Derrick Rose was drafted by the Bulls. Now that the Bulls have Rose, there is no longer a need for Hinrich. Acquiring Miller would give them a big guard, who can shoot with the best of them to play alongside Rose. Collins would likely fill Noah's spot in the rotation and his contract expires at year's end. Miller's contract expires before the summer of 2010, allowing them to either extend him if he meets expectations or to depart and create cap space to persue one of the top free agents available.
Chicago trades Joakim Noah, Kirk Hinrich, Thabo Sefolosha to Minnesota for Mike Miller and Jason Collins.
The Breakdown:
Joakim Noah
Salary: $2,295,480 Years Remaining: 2
Kirk Hinrich
Salary: $10,000,000 Years Remaining: 4
Thabo Sefolosha
Salary: $1,931,160 Years Remaining: 2
Jason Collins
Salary: $6,200,000 Years Remaining: 1
Mike Miller
Salary: $9,028,575 Years Remaining: 2
The Case for Minnesota:
Randy Foye has shown two things so far in his NBA career: he can score and he's not a point guard. The Timberwolves would benefit from moving Foye off the ball and starting Hinrich at the point guard spot. Both Sefolosha and Noah are young, developing players who would fit in with the group Minnesota is building.
The Case for Chicago:
The Bulls rid themselves of two players who have failed to develop in Chicago: Sefolosha and Noah. Hinrich was signed to a long-term extension before Derrick Rose was drafted by the Bulls. Now that the Bulls have Rose, there is no longer a need for Hinrich. Acquiring Miller would give them a big guard, who can shoot with the best of them to play alongside Rose. Collins would likely fill Noah's spot in the rotation and his contract expires at year's end. Miller's contract expires before the summer of 2010, allowing them to either extend him if he meets expectations or to depart and create cap space to persue one of the top free agents available.
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
Rose Among NBA's Elite
One month into the NBA season and Derrick Rose has already staked his claim as the top rookie selected this past June. Rose has clearly been the most consistent player on the Bulls, who finish this month with an 8-9 record, despite playing the last seven games on the road.
Coming into the league, it was obvious that Rose possesses great size and quickness along with a knack for finishing in traffic. His main knock coming out of the University of Memphis was that his jump shot is shaky. However, opponents have seen that Rose uses his speed while dribbling so well that when he accelerates and stops on a dime, his man is nowhere to be found. Rose can rise up and take a midrange jumper completely unguarded.
Rose’s next step in development will be to improve his shot off the catch and increase his range. These are both traits that fellow NBA star point guards, Chris Paul and Deron Williams, needed to develop to become what they are today. As analysts have tried to compare the Bulls rookie point guard these two guys are always the first mentioned. Taking Paul and Williams’ rookie season averages in comparison to Rose’s thus far, you see that Rose has them beat in many statistical categories:
Rose – 37.9 MPG, 48.7 FG%, 36.8 3P%, 85.2 FT%, 4.1 RPG,
6.0 APG, 1 SPG, 2.7 TO, 18.4 PPG
Paul – 36.0 MPG, 43.0 FG%, 28.2 3P%, 84.7 FT%, 5.1 RPG,
7.8 APG, 2.2 SPG, 2.3 TO, 16.1 PPG
Williams - 28.9 MPG, 42.1 FG%, 41.6 3P%, 70.4 FT%, 2.4 RPG,
4.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.8 TO, 10.8 PPG
Some may argue that Rose’s assist numbers are not nearly as high as they should be for a true point guard. However, this is a reflection of his teammates around him. The Bulls are currently 25th in the NBA in field goal percentage, shooting 43.4% from the floor. Chicago does not have a big man averaging over 14 points per game, which also hurts Rose's ability to rack up assists. In fact, two of the Bulls top big men, Joakim Noah and Tyrus Thomaas, are shooting only 40% and 33% respectively.
Since the ball tipped in the first game this season, Rose has not only been the most consistent player on the Bulls, but in the entire NBA. He has scored in double-digits every game, except on November 19 against Portland, where the Bulls lost 116-74 and Rose played just under 30 minutes. He also ranks 11th in the NBA in total minutes played and leads his team in assists.
Rose is one of only seven players to average more than 18 points per game, 4 rebounds per game and 5 assists per game.
1) Dwayne Wade – Heat, 28.2 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 7.6 APG
2) LeBron James – Cavs, 27.8 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 6.4 APG
3) Joe Johnson – Hawks, 22.7 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 5.4 APG
4) Stephen Jackson – Warriors, 21.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 6.4 APG
5) Brandon Roy – Blazers, 20.9 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 5.3 APG
6) Chris Paul – Hornets, 20.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 11.6 APG
7) Derrick Rose – Bulls, 18.4 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 6.0 APG
Most importantly, Rose has already gained respect from opposing players and coaches just 17 games into his professional career.
Warriors head coach Don Nelson said, “"We're big Rose fans here, love to watch him play, love to watch him as he gets better in games. Wow, second half, he put on a show, an incredibly talented point guard. He's right up there with the best of them, in a short period of time.”
Suns guard Raja Bell said, “He's obviously very explosive. He's a highlight reel waiting to happen,'' Bell said. "I'm excited to see where he goes from here. He's a really, really good player.''
Warriors forward Stephen Jackson said, "Rose is good, oh man. For a young guy to take over that game like that, regardless of who he's playing, that's real impressive. I'm definitely a Derrick Rose fan. I will have one of his jerseys up in my house."
Pacers head coach Jim O’Brien stated it best when he said, "That's a rookie that's going to blossom sooner than people think he is. He's going to be a great player, maybe as soon as the end of this year. When he's knocking down 3s, he's a very, very difficult guy to guard.''
Coming into the league, it was obvious that Rose possesses great size and quickness along with a knack for finishing in traffic. His main knock coming out of the University of Memphis was that his jump shot is shaky. However, opponents have seen that Rose uses his speed while dribbling so well that when he accelerates and stops on a dime, his man is nowhere to be found. Rose can rise up and take a midrange jumper completely unguarded.
Rose’s next step in development will be to improve his shot off the catch and increase his range. These are both traits that fellow NBA star point guards, Chris Paul and Deron Williams, needed to develop to become what they are today. As analysts have tried to compare the Bulls rookie point guard these two guys are always the first mentioned. Taking Paul and Williams’ rookie season averages in comparison to Rose’s thus far, you see that Rose has them beat in many statistical categories:
Rose – 37.9 MPG, 48.7 FG%, 36.8 3P%, 85.2 FT%, 4.1 RPG,
6.0 APG, 1 SPG, 2.7 TO, 18.4 PPG
Paul – 36.0 MPG, 43.0 FG%, 28.2 3P%, 84.7 FT%, 5.1 RPG,
7.8 APG, 2.2 SPG, 2.3 TO, 16.1 PPG
Williams - 28.9 MPG, 42.1 FG%, 41.6 3P%, 70.4 FT%, 2.4 RPG,
4.5 APG, 0.8 SPG, 1.8 TO, 10.8 PPG
Some may argue that Rose’s assist numbers are not nearly as high as they should be for a true point guard. However, this is a reflection of his teammates around him. The Bulls are currently 25th in the NBA in field goal percentage, shooting 43.4% from the floor. Chicago does not have a big man averaging over 14 points per game, which also hurts Rose's ability to rack up assists. In fact, two of the Bulls top big men, Joakim Noah and Tyrus Thomaas, are shooting only 40% and 33% respectively.
Since the ball tipped in the first game this season, Rose has not only been the most consistent player on the Bulls, but in the entire NBA. He has scored in double-digits every game, except on November 19 against Portland, where the Bulls lost 116-74 and Rose played just under 30 minutes. He also ranks 11th in the NBA in total minutes played and leads his team in assists.
Rose is one of only seven players to average more than 18 points per game, 4 rebounds per game and 5 assists per game.
1) Dwayne Wade – Heat, 28.2 PPG, 4.9 RPG, 7.6 APG
2) LeBron James – Cavs, 27.8 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 6.4 APG
3) Joe Johnson – Hawks, 22.7 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 5.4 APG
4) Stephen Jackson – Warriors, 21.4 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 6.4 APG
5) Brandon Roy – Blazers, 20.9 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 5.3 APG
6) Chris Paul – Hornets, 20.3 PPG, 5.7 RPG, 11.6 APG
7) Derrick Rose – Bulls, 18.4 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 6.0 APG
Most importantly, Rose has already gained respect from opposing players and coaches just 17 games into his professional career.
Warriors head coach Don Nelson said, “"We're big Rose fans here, love to watch him play, love to watch him as he gets better in games. Wow, second half, he put on a show, an incredibly talented point guard. He's right up there with the best of them, in a short period of time.”
Suns guard Raja Bell said, “He's obviously very explosive. He's a highlight reel waiting to happen,'' Bell said. "I'm excited to see where he goes from here. He's a really, really good player.''
Warriors forward Stephen Jackson said, "Rose is good, oh man. For a young guy to take over that game like that, regardless of who he's playing, that's real impressive. I'm definitely a Derrick Rose fan. I will have one of his jerseys up in my house."
Pacers head coach Jim O’Brien stated it best when he said, "That's a rookie that's going to blossom sooner than people think he is. He's going to be a great player, maybe as soon as the end of this year. When he's knocking down 3s, he's a very, very difficult guy to guard.''
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Tyler Hansbrough/Mark Madsen
As we move along in November, I feel it is now the perfect time to remind people of the truth behind everyone's favorite Caucasian, power forward with multiple All-American awards. Described by many to play with "sharp intensity" and a "real winner", he certainly is a high motor guy, who plays with great strength and toughness. Unfortunately for his future, he possesses minimal ball-handling skills and lacks any type of lateral quickness. Despite being a 6'9" power forward, he has no go-to post move beyond a quick turnaround jumper and certainly has no counter move to this.
His stats? He has been nearly a double-double guy in each of his three college seasons and has shot above 52% from the field each year. His shot blocking numbers show a lack of ability to protect the basket - never averaging over 1 block per game. His teams' success? Despite winning 23 or more games in each of his college seasons, and playing with multiple NBA players, the team has lost in the final four once and been upset early in their other two tournament appearances.
Nicknamed for his passionate play, Mark "Mad Dog" Madsen parlayed his senior season of college into becoming the 29th pick in the 2000 draft.
In the name of Joakim Noah, Bobby Hurley, Adam Morrison, and of course, J.J. Redick, enjoy your senior season of college basketball, Tyler Hansbrough. This is the last year you will be an impact player on a basketball team.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
2008's Top 25, Under 25
This year's top 25, under 25 sees two guys depart - Tony Parker and Gerald Wallace - because they have since turned 26. Additionally, Luol Deng, Andrea Bargnani, and Yi Jianlian have been removed from the list after disappointing seasons. In their place, rookies Derrick Rose and Michael Beasley have entered. Rudy Gay, Leandro Barbosa, and Devin Harris have all entered the list. Deron Williams certainly saw himself make a big leap into the top 7 as did Josh Smith, moving from 19 to 13. At this time next year, I certainly expect last years top picks - Kevin Durant and Greg Oden - to make a jump in the rankings.
1.) LeBron James
2.) Chris Paul
3.) Dwight Howard
4.) Dwyane Wade
5.) Carmelo Anthony
6.) Amare Stoudamire
7.) Deron Williams
8.) Al Jefferson
9.) Chris Bosh
10.) Kevin Durant
11.) Greg Oden
12.) Kevin Martin
13.) Brandon Roy
14.) Andrew Bynum
15.) Josh Smith
16.) Derrick Rose
17.) Danny Granger
18.) Monta Ellis
19.) LaMarcus Aldridge
20.) Devin Harris
21.) Al Horford
22.) Michael Beasley
23.) Andre Iguodala
24.) Rudy Gay
25.) Leandro Barbosa
1.) LeBron James
2.) Chris Paul
3.) Dwight Howard
4.) Dwyane Wade
5.) Carmelo Anthony
6.) Amare Stoudamire
7.) Deron Williams
8.) Al Jefferson
9.) Chris Bosh
10.) Kevin Durant
11.) Greg Oden
12.) Kevin Martin
13.) Brandon Roy
14.) Andrew Bynum
15.) Josh Smith
16.) Derrick Rose
17.) Danny Granger
18.) Monta Ellis
19.) LaMarcus Aldridge
20.) Devin Harris
21.) Al Horford
22.) Michael Beasley
23.) Andre Iguodala
24.) Rudy Gay
25.) Leandro Barbosa
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