NBA Basketball Sports News in Philippines: Kwame Brown

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Sunday, December 23, 2012

NBA News 2012: Is the Lakers biggest problem really Kobe Bryant? No.

Kobe Bryant (Photo credit: Boixoesnois)

While Steve Nash and Pau Gasol were out, Kobe Bryant has carried the Lakers. He is leading the league with 29.5 points per game, scoring more points per game than he has since before Pau Gasol arrived as a Laker. Back when Kobe had to carry Kwame Brown and Smush Parker (remember they both started).

But the Lakers have struggled to a 12-14 record — and that is after a three game win streak.

It has led some people to say, “Kobe Bryant is shooting too much.” He is back to being a ball hog and that is what is holding the Lakers back.

I think those people are wrong — Kobe is playing as many minutes but taking fewer shots per game than either of the Lakers most recent title years. With Nash out, the playmaking has to fall to him because you can’t let Chris Duhon do it. But that is different than being an inefficient gunner.

Still you hear it — “Kobe is shooting too much.” And it’s not just fans. This is an assistant coach from another team, speaking to Chris Broussard if ESPN (the story is behind their pay wall).

Thing is, who else on that roster (with Nash out) do you want to handle the ball? Darius Morris?

I think this scout hits the nail more on the head.

“Watching the Lakers play the Knicks this year was hard to watch because the other Lakers were just so bad. It was like Kobe was trying to do all he could just to keep that game close. And hey, if Dwight’s not going to try his butt off and if other guys aren’t going to try their butts off, then I’m going to give the ball to the guy that’s going to go for it, and that’s Kobe. I don’t think it’s that Kobe doesn’t trust his teammates; it’s just that he trusts himself more. A questionable shot by him still might be better than a good look for one of those other guys.

That has always been Kobe — he trusts himself to make plays more than he trusts anyone. If other guys are not knocking down shots early he will do it. The only question was always was he hitting shots and efficient or was he a gunner? This season has been his most efficient in a long, long time.

But it is no different than Kobe from any of the Lakers title years, particularly the most recent. He is who he is.

Let’s see what Kobe and the Lakers look like with Steve Nash in the lineup, then we can discuss what needs to change. But through it all, Kobe is not.

http://probasketballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/12/19/is-the-lakers-biggest-problem-really-kobe-bryant-no/

Saturday, October 30, 2010

NBA News 2010: Why Greg Oden Will Be One of the Best 5 Centers in the League

Image by Buou via Flickr

In 2007, with the No.1 draft pick, the Portland Trail Blazers chose a stud on defense named Greg Oden who was expected to use his size, athleticism and skills to dominate on defense in order to make his team a title contender.

To this point, Oden has shown that he can be what the Blazers need him to be, but his health is the biggest concern for their center's and franchise's future in this very competitive league.

What's impressive about Oden is, not only that he can contest shots in the paint and clean the glass, but he also can bottle his man while helping out his teammates since he is a terrific one-on-one defender in the post. He has held Timmy, Noah, Marc Gasol and Jefferson to very bad shooting days.

Offensively, he has a short arsenal of moves to be considered as a threat which can score 30+ against few opponents, but he has a nice hook shot with either hand, he can finish strong with a dunk, he can lay up and with his size, he's tough to guard.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/505639-dominant-presencewhy-greg-oden-will-be-one-of-the-best-5-cente

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

NBA News 2010: Little Ways To Get A Big Man

Kenyon Martin of the Denver Nuggets taking a f...

Image via WikipediaWith all the big free agent wrangling, the contenders without cap space of the past few years have been sidelined, at least by the media. These are teams that are a minor roster tweak or two from finally getting over that hump. One such team is the Denver Nuggets.
Dangerous is a perfect word to describe the Nuggets. They have a legitimate superstar and pure scorer in Carmelo Anthony, a still excellent veteran point guard in Billups, an absolute low post beast in Nene, a multi-dimensional defender in Kenyon Martin, as well as a instant offense scorer off the bench in J.R. Smith.
The arrival of Chauncey Billups in 2008 effectively ended the streak of four consecutive first round exits, as the Nuggets bulldozed their way into the Conference Finals, facing little resistance from the New Orleans Hornets and the Dallas Mavericks.
Even with their loss in Game 6 of the Western Conference Finals, the Nuggets figured to be perennial contenders deep into the playoffs.
One season, a temporary coaching change due to George Karl’s illness, and a first round exit later, Denver has become a largely forgotten team. If the Nuggets were to enter the 10-11 season with the same roster as last year, they are still likely to be one of the top teams in the Western Conference, and be considered a fringe contender. However, one or two moves via trade, or smaller free agent signings could catapult this team to serious challenge the Lakers for supremacy.
The main area of need for the Nuggets is frontcourt depth. While Nene and Martin are a formidable starting duo, their replacements off the bench are the energetic but limited Chris Andersen, the aging Malik Allen, and Johan Petro. In other words, when Nene and/or K-Mart get into foul trouble, or miss games due to injury, the Nuggets get significantly worse. This is especially concerning, considering that Martin is coming off of yet another knee operation, with no timetable for his return in place.
The Nuggets could also take a chance on Kwame Brown, who has legitimate center size, but has been considered an underachiever since being selected first overall in the 2001 draft.
Perhaps the most intriguing option for the Nuggets would be to monitor what happens with Erick Dampier. Currently, Dampier’s $13 million, fully non-guaranteed contract is the best trade asset of Dallas.
If this scenario were to occur, Martin wouldn’t have to rush back from injury. Also, it might even be a possibility that upon his return, Kenyon might assume the role of first big man off the bench, adding more of a scoring punch with the second unit, while allowing Nene to play his natural position at the four, where he would be able to impose his will on opposing power forwards night in and night out.
Ultimately, the Nuggets boast one of the best starting fives in the league and then have Smith, and a lightening quick point guard off the bench in Ty Lawson. The one thing that they lack is depth at the big man positions. Even so, the team is so talented that with their current roster, should be a top four team in their conference. However, if they are able to add even a single big man, who doesn’t have to be dominant, but merely serviceable in a specific role, don’t be surprised if you see the Nuggets playing into late May, and possibly June.
http://nuggets.realgm.com/articles/59/20100707/little_ways_to_get_a_big_man/