NBA News 2011: Andrew Bynum: In 2 Years, Will He Be the NBA's Best Big Man?

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Is Andrew Bynum on his way to becoming the most dominant basketball big-man in America?  I believe he is.

If he can stay healthy, then the lake is the limit.  He’ll roll as far as the mighty waters will carry him.  He’s been showing flashes of dominance since he was 18 years old.

I saw him swatting Kendrick Perkins’ shot into the crowd during the last game against Boston in Beantown.  I believe Bynum’s play prompted Danny Ainge to find other options at center—even though Shaq and Jermaine O’Neal are there.

Bynum’s defense forced the Celtics to make roster moves in hopes of contending with him in the Finals.  I can see Ainge waking up in a cold sweat after seeing visions of Bynum’s steady progression to a dominant force.

By the time the NBA Finals roll around this year—Ainge was probably thinking—Bynum will be a one man wrecking crew in the lane.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/625618-andrew-bynum-in-2-years-will-he-be-the-nbas-best-big-man

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NBA News 2011: Grizzlies pulling off rare feat on … defense?

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We’re at the point now where it will be a surprise if Memphis does not make its first post-(Pau) Gasol playoff appearance, which shouldn’t be shocking, considering how close this group got last season and the talent level of its young core. Toss in another monster season from Zach Randolph — a guy who is totally unguardable for at least 75 percent of the league — and a win total in the mid/high-40s should have been the expected outcome for the Grizzlies.

What might be a bit surprising is how the Grizzlies have made their push over the last 20 games, in which they are 14-6. Over that span, they have played defense at a level only a half-dozen or so teams have reached this season. Those teams are known defensive royalty. The Grizzlies are not, and it was their borderline top-10 offense that carried their shaky defense to 40 wins last season.

That has flipped this season. The Grizzlies have jumped all the way to eighth in points allowed per possession, and in their last 16 games, they have allowed just 101 points per 100 possessions, according to Hoopdata. That is just about what the Hornets, Bucks and Spurs have done for the course of the season, and it’s a stingier mark than the Lakers and Mavs have put up.

http://nba-point-forward.si.com/2011/03/03/grizzlies-pulling-off-rare-feat-on-defense/

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NBA News 2011: Mavs make it official: sign Corey Brewer

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Corey Brewer is officially a member of the Dallas Mavericks.

The 6-9 small forward signed a three-year contract with the Mavs in excess of $7 milllion this afternoon and will provide some defensive intensity on the perimeter.

http://sportsblogs.star-telegram.com/mavs/2011/03/mavs-make-it-official-sign-corey-brewer.html

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NBA News 2011: Harrison Barnes Surging Down Stretch

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Harrison Barnes hit another clutch shot to give No. 13 North Carolina a 72-70 win over Florida State, guaranteeing the Tar Heels an opportunity to play for an outright ACC championship against Duke on Saturday.

Barnes is averaging 17.9 points and 6.4 rebounds during UNC's past 10 games.

http://basketball.realgm.com/wiretap/211735/Harrison_Barnes_Surging_Down_Stretch

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NBA News 2011: Watch out, L.A.

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Contenders don't faze Kobe Bryant. Past champions don't concern him too much, either. In the world of the man known as the Black Mamba, known as much for his ability to demoralize with enjoyment as for winning titles, any threat to the Los Angeles Lakers' supremacy in the Western Conference is purely a figment of someone's elaborate imagination fueled by ignorant pundits and destined for exposure and humiliation in April, May and June.

But make no mistake, the contenders are coming.

"Luckily, some of us may actually have some say in the matter before it's all said and done," Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle told me recently. "Hey, if you don't believe you can change things … if you don't believe you can win … if you're not intending to go for it all, then why even bother playing?"

As great and intriguing as this NBA season has been, all indications say the best has yet to come. The Lakers, the reigning two-time defending world champions, may be 24 games above .500 (43-19), winners of five straight and a top-three seed in the West. But there's something to be said about one's aura of invincibility, and in the Lakers' case, they don't have it right now.

http://sports.espn.go.com/los-angeles/nba/columns/story?id=6179119

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NBA News 2011: NBA Prospect Nikola Mirotic

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Well, since he started getting some burn that is. Real Madrid has steam-rolled its way through the Euroleague Top 16, with six wins and no losses, and Mirotic continues to excel in the playing time he's earned -- roughly 19 minutes per game since the New Year.

He now ranks third in the ACB and sixth in the Euroleague in PER, thanks to his prolific scoring (21 points per 40 minutes), solid work on the glass (9.4 rebounds per 40), defensive playmaking (1.4 blocks, 1.6 steals per 40) and terrific efficiency (61% 2P, 43% 3P, 86% FT).

When you're 6-10, with a great frame, a 7-1 wingspan and good mobility, and you just turned 20 years old, scouts tend to take notice; especially when you're putting those numbers up against the best competition in the world outside the NBA.

Mirotic, for his part, doesn't look particularly surprised by his success. He plays with unbelievable confidence and poise for a player his age, always looking to make things happen. He's not afraid to take big shots in clutch situations (as he proved at Siena, in the Copa del Rey) and is clearly earning the respect of his veteran teammates with his stellar play.

Offensively, Mirotic acts mostly as a floor spacer for Real Madrid. He sees most of his possessions spotting up on the wing, cutting to the basket and finishing off of pick and rolls. He's converted 42% (22-of-53) of his jumpers on the season and is extremely reliable with his feet set. He has also shown consistent range out to the 3-point line.

With his excellent size and quick release, Mirotic is a tough matchup for most big men, especially since he's very adept at using shot-fakes and taking the ball to the basket. He has a nice first step and solid ball-handling skills. He's generally a very fundamentally sound player. He has an excellent feel for the game and plays relatively mistake-free (compared to his usage).

http://www.draftexpress.com/blog/International-Blog/#European-Roundup-Nikola-Mirotic---Breakout-Player-of-the-Year-3641

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NBA News 2011: Augustin Enjoying Silas' Style

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When the 2010-11 NBA season began and D.J. Augustin became Charlotte's starting point guard, replacing the departed Raymond Felton, many questioned whether or not he could cut it. This team had aspirations of improving on last season and their first playoff appearance in franchise history.

"I think everyone on our team is playing freely and playing with confidence every night."

It's not just Silas' demeanor – it's also the offense. Brown is notoriously hard on his point guards, forcing them into a rigid style, but Silas wants his players to be flexible and take advantage whenever they find an opening.

"He tells us every day if we don't shoot he's going to take us out. Guys are coming down trying to get fast break points, easy baskets, and shoot when they're open. It's opening things up and guys can't guard us as well."

That style fits a team with two good point guards. Augustin is the better scorer and a solid distributor, but sometimes he's playing the two next to Shaun Livingston. Yes, that same Livingston of the most dreadful knee injury caught on video in NBA history – YouTube it, you'll see. Augustin appreciates his teammate's ability and his approach to the game.

http://www.hoopsworld.com/Story.asp?STORY_ID=18949