Spring Break
Give Some Credit To The Unknowns Of The NBA
Joe Colombo
Issue date: 3/20/08 Section: Sports
Guard: Monta Ellis. You can't put a price on Monta Ellis' value to the Golden State Warriors. He's a perfect fit - a fast-paced player on an up-tempo team. Ellis is playing just three more minutes per game this season than last, but he averaging more points and rebounds. At only 6-feet, 3-inches, Ellis can defend around the basket against bigger guards and play above the rim himself (do yourself a favor and YouTube his dunk against Phoenix's Leandro Barbosa). He is shooting a higher percentage from the field, but he does lack a three-point shot. Not all guards have to have 3-point range though. Note: Dwayne Wade.
Guard: Beno Udrih. Replacing the once injured, now traded, Mike Bibby, Udrih has established himself as a vital piece to the Sacramento Kings' style of play. Whether he is runnin' and gunnin' with Kevin Martin or in a half-court set with Brad Miller, Udrih is an important asset on the floor. Leading the team in assists (4.5 per game), Udrih is averaging 3.4 boards and 13 points also, both impressive for a point guard. He also shoots 85 percent from the charity stripe and plays strong defense at the point, making himself a valuable player on any team.
Forward: David West. After missing the playoffs last season, West has helped bring the Hornets to the top of the Western Conference. Not many people knew about the fifth-year power forward out of Xavier until this year, and many still don't, even after he was selected to his first All-Star team along with Chris Paul this season. West is the Hornets' No. 1 scoring option - that is, when Paul doesn't do the whole thing himself - and is averaging 19.7 points per game this season. His points, assists, and rebounds averages have jumped each year of his career, yet he's still an unknown in my book. Perhaps playing in a bigger setting like in the playoffs, or in a bigger market - like New York, (please?) will help get this certified baller's name out on the street more.
Forward: Luis Scola. The 2002 second-round pick out of Argentina has been a contributor all season for the Houston Rockets, but his presence on the floor has become greater since the loss of Yao. Since the All-Star break last month, Scola has played seven more minutes per game and has averaged four points higher per game (12.4 compared to 8.5). Scola averaging eight rebounds this past month has been crucial for the Rockets, while they have out-rebounded their opponents by six per game during their 22-game winning streak. And at 6-feet, 9-inches, Scola's height is a must-have on the floor since he is their only inside presence other than Dikembe Mutombo - a name which can only be said while shaking your finger in the air.
Joe Colombo's NBA column runs every Thursday. He can be reached at Joseph.Colombo@UConn.edu.
Guard: Beno Udrih. Replacing the once injured, now traded, Mike Bibby, Udrih has established himself as a vital piece to the Sacramento Kings' style of play. Whether he is runnin' and gunnin' with Kevin Martin or in a half-court set with Brad Miller, Udrih is an important asset on the floor. Leading the team in assists (4.5 per game), Udrih is averaging 3.4 boards and 13 points also, both impressive for a point guard. He also shoots 85 percent from the charity stripe and plays strong defense at the point, making himself a valuable player on any team.
Forward: David West. After missing the playoffs last season, West has helped bring the Hornets to the top of the Western Conference. Not many people knew about the fifth-year power forward out of Xavier until this year, and many still don't, even after he was selected to his first All-Star team along with Chris Paul this season. West is the Hornets' No. 1 scoring option - that is, when Paul doesn't do the whole thing himself - and is averaging 19.7 points per game this season. His points, assists, and rebounds averages have jumped each year of his career, yet he's still an unknown in my book. Perhaps playing in a bigger setting like in the playoffs, or in a bigger market - like New York, (please?) will help get this certified baller's name out on the street more.
Forward: Luis Scola. The 2002 second-round pick out of Argentina has been a contributor all season for the Houston Rockets, but his presence on the floor has become greater since the loss of Yao. Since the All-Star break last month, Scola has played seven more minutes per game and has averaged four points higher per game (12.4 compared to 8.5). Scola averaging eight rebounds this past month has been crucial for the Rockets, while they have out-rebounded their opponents by six per game during their 22-game winning streak. And at 6-feet, 9-inches, Scola's height is a must-have on the floor since he is their only inside presence other than Dikembe Mutombo - a name which can only be said while shaking your finger in the air.
Joe Colombo's NBA column runs every Thursday. He can be reached at Joseph.Colombo@UConn.edu.
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
Bro
posted 3/20/08 @ 1:03 PM EST
Can we get some love for Jerome James? Oh wait nevermind.
Post a Comment