Post by New York Knicks on Apr 19, 2023 12:24:55 GMT -6
Who's Hot
There's alot of worthy candidates after Sim #3. We've got multiple teams that are riding 10+ game winning streaks currently. The Los Angeles Clippers have won 13 straight. The Brooklyn Nets have won 12 in a row. But I'm going with the Utah Jazz, because they began the 2003 season with a 1-4 record. Chubby dudes on ESPN were wondering "What's going on in Utah"? Why are they struggling so much? They won 65 games last season AND they added Paul Westphal in free agency. They shouldn't be freaking 1-4. And now they're not. Now they're 13-4 after winning TWELVE straight. Quite a turnaround for Smittys Bunch. What's been the reason behind this turnaround? OFFENSE. Through their first 5 games they averaged 98.8 PPG. And they were held under 100pts in 3 of those 5 games. In the last 12 they've cracked 100 points every single damn time. And they're averaging 116.3 PPG over that span. That's more like it for the Jazz, who were the highest scoring team in the association last year. For this season, they're now up to #5 in the league in team PPG average (111.2). They're also #5 in team Field Goal Percentage (46.6) and #1 in free throws made per game (30.0). Their offensive success is spearheaded by Larry Kenon and a balanced attack around him. 6 Utah Jazz players are averaging double figures in points. Kenon leads the way with 22.9 PPG on 49.6 % shooting. Then you have Bob McAdoo (19.8), John Shumate (17.8), Travis Best (13.6), Westphal (12.1), and 6th man Bob Dandridge (11.6). Everybodies sharing the ball and contributing. In their last game vs Cleveland, a 121-103 victory, they assisted on 30 of their 40 field goal makes. That's beautiful basketball. They're gonna have to continue playing this way if they wanna keep pace with the LA Clippers (16-1) and the Portland Trailblazers (15-3). But right now they're in a nice rhythm. And I expect that to continue with 4 consecutive home games on the schedule. 3 of which are against sub 500 teams (Phoenix, Boston, Houston) that combine for a 13-27 record. However, they're also gonna play the Brooklyn Nets, who as I mentioned earlier also have won 12 straight. That's gonna be the first game on the Sim #4 schedule. Jazz vs Nets. 12 game winning streak vs 12 game winning streak. Who's streak will end today?
Who's Not
Another team thats streaking, but in the wrong direction, are the 2-13 Charlotte Hornets. They have now lost 6 straight. Their last 2 losses were by a combined 58 points. And in those two games they averaged a putrid 80 PPG. Granted it was against the Clippers, who have one of the best defenses in basketball. Nevertheless, scoring has been a big problem in Charlotte all season long. They have cracked 100 times TWICE for the whole SEASON. That's why they're the only team in the league that's averaging below 90 PPG (89.1). But this is nothing new for Charlotte. They haven't averaged 90 PPG in a season since the league started.
2000 Season: 83.7 PPG (Last Place)
2001 Season: 85.4 PPG (Last Place)
2002 Season: 85.0 PPG (Last Place)
2003 Season: 89.1 PPG (Last Place)
There's a reason why this team has an all-time record of 45-216. The Orlando Magic (40) almost have as many playoff wins as the Hornets have regular season wins. 45 wins since the league started. 45 wins might get you the 8th Seed in the Eastern Conference this season. Charlotte has 45 wins in FOUR YEARS. Their level of futility just becomes more and more unbelievable each year. It's almost like this is intentional. Like they just keep intentionally picking the worst players. Like Ben McLemore, 2nd round pick in the dispersal draft (31st overall). He's now a mop up player in Portland that's only played 4 total minutes for the whole year. Rudy Gay, 1st Round pick in the dispersal (28th overall). He's averaging 6.5 PPG on 30% field goal shooting this year. Tyrese Haliburton, 2001 1st Round Pick (3rd Overall). The #3 overall pick has become a 3rd stinger on a team that doesn't even have 3 wins. You can't make this Shit up. The Good news is he's backing up Nick Van Exel. And with Van Exel and Rick Barry the Hornets might finally have some sort of foundation to build around. Maybe in 2 years they can finally compete for a playoff spot. Especially if they get next year's pick right like they've done in the past 2 drafts.
Injury Report
Andrew Wiggins (5) - I guess we're bad luck. Last article we praised Wiggins and labeled him a most improved player candidate. Next day he breaks his finger. He's expected to be out 5 days, in a stretch where Lakers play 5 consecutive games. That's bad luck. Or maybe it's good luck for the Lakers, who wouldn't mind another high lottery pick next season.
Brian Taylor (3) - A groin pull will sideline Hawks PG Brian Taylor for 3 days. So the Hawks are gonna have to play a couple of key Central Division games vs Indiana and Toronto without him. Hawks have been off to a nice surprising 9-5 start. Taylor has been a key part of that with 15.8 PPG and 8.0 APG.
Ron Boone (1) - Boone is going to be out for 1 more day with his sprained wrist. He has missed the last 4 games, and young guard Immanuel Quickley has started in place of Boone in all 4 games. Over that span IQ is averaging 15.5 PPG and 3.7 APG. And he's getting better in each game. In their last one vs Minnesota, he scored a career high 21 points. Maybe the Spurs stick with him, and ride the young backcourt of Quickley and Schroder?
News Around The League
- Quick update from Houston. Earl Monroe continues to come off the bench. In Sim #3 Monroe played a total of 69 minutes in 6 games (11.5 MPG). When we reached out to the organization for a comment on Monroe's benching, General Manager responded with the following "I'll run my team you run yours". Then he told us to fuckoff and mind our own business. Sorry Joshhouston. You're right. Keep running your team...right into the ground.
- Killian Hayes was just named the Player of the Week. He averaged 30.2 PPG and 11.7 APG for Week #4 (Days 16-20). And he's gotten Week #5 off to the right start as well after dropping 34/10 (With 6 Three Pointers) vs the Knicks. Keep killing it Killian.
- The Player of the month was also announced. And Interestingly enough it went to Eric Money of the Washington Wizards. He's never won a POW award in his career. And now he's the POM. Nice little come up for him. He's averaging 29.3 PPG (3RD in the League) and 8.5 APG (8TH).
- As for rookie of the month? That went to Sam Cassell. Sam is averaging 13.1 PPG and 6.6 APG. It's funny, he's the 3rd consecutive PG that the Cleveland Cavaliers have drafted in the lottery (2001 6th Pick: Cole Anthony, 2002 10th Pick: Spencer Dinwiddie). Cole isn't looking very good. But Dinwiddie and Cassell give the Cavaliers some hope for the future.
- Speaking of rookie of the month. We're one month into the season, so let's take a look at how the 2003 Rookie Draft Class has performed so far. We'll check out picks 1-10.
The 2003 Rookies (1-10)
1. Chris Webber (Lakers)
MPG: 26.5
PPG: 8.0
RPG 7.1
APG: 2.4
By the standards of a #1 overall draft pick, Chris Webber's rookie season has not gotten off to a very good start. He's struggling offensively with 8 Points on 36.6 FG shooting. Foul trouble and lack of conditioning has limited his minutes so far. So he gotta work on that as well. Stay on the court. And produce on the court. That's what Webber has to start doing. But let me say this. All that talk about him being a "bust" has to stop. It's only been 15 games!
2. Anfernee Hardaway (Bulls)
MPG: 30.2
PPG: 15.4
RPG: 5.1
APG: 3.4
It hasn't been the perfect rookie beginning for Penny Hardaway neither. He's been struggling with his turnovers (3.2 TPG - 9th most in the ITP) and his team got off to a 1-11 start. However, the Bulls have now won 4 straight. And over that span Penny is averaging 18.7 PPG 6 RPG 4 APG. Looks like Penny is turning the corner.
3. Nick Van Exel (Hornets)
MPG: 34.7
PPG: 15.8
APG 6.7
RPG: 4.1
The Charlotte Hornets suck, but Nick the Quick doesn't. He has quickly separated himself as one of the best rookies in this class. Honestly I think he deserved the Rookie Of the Month over Cassell. As he leads all rookies in scoring and assists. He's added some pace to this Hornets offense. He's hitting the 3 Ball with 19 three pointers made through 15 games. Overall he's just a real fun player to watch.
4. Shawn Bradley (Suns)
MPG: 29.6
PPG: 10.5
RPG: 8.7
BPG: 1.3
At the time of the draft Shawn Bradley looked like a massive reach with the #4 pick by Phoenix. But so far his production has contradicted that narrative. Offensively he was expected to be tall and clumsy. But so far he's looking pretty coordinated out there scoring in double figures, shooting over 50 % from the field (56.5 to be exact), and he's dishing out 2.0 APG from the center position. Not bad. As for his defense? That's been his main impact so far. He's blocking shots and intimidating players from driving to the basket with His 7'6 frame. Last year the Suns were 26th in opponent field goal defense. This year with Bradley they're up to 15th.
5. Jamal Mashburn (Pacers)
MPG: 30.6
PPG: 11.4
RPG: 3.6
APG: 2.7
I remember praising Mashburn and the Pacers after Sim #1. Since then they've fallen off (Started 5-0, been 3-9 since). Mashburns individual performance has also suffered. His scoring and shooting numbers have dropped. But he's still been productive averaging over 11 PPG. He just has to work on his efficiency and turnovers (2.6 TPG vs 2.7 APG). Also he gotta help out a little more on the glass. He's A 6'8 and 240 pound forward. There's no excuse for him to be averaging under 4 rebounds in starters minutes.
6. Sam Cassell (Cavs)
MPG: 30.7
PPG: 13.1
APG: 6.6
RPG: 4.9
We've already spoken on Cassell, so We'll make this quick. He's a young player but he has a nice veteran-like moxy to him. Very calm. Very in control. That 2 man game with him LaMarcus Alridge is fun to watch.
7. Allan Houston (Warriors)
MPG: 31.4
PPG: 12.2
RPG: 3.7
APG: 3.1
Allan Houston, the man with the smoothest jumpshot in this year's rookie class. He has played up to that billing with 52.2/80.0/50.0 shooting splits to start the year. He's gone 12 for 24 from three point land. And he's looked even better since his Sim #3 Perimeter Camps. In those 4 games he averaged 15 PPG. Including a career best 24 points (9/13 FG) vs Orlando last night. Problem is in that same game he gave up 38 points (16/27 FG) on the other end to John Drew. The day before that vs Memphis, Pistol Pete gave him the business with 32 points (12/18 FG). Gotta play better defense than that Allan Houston.
8. Isiah Rider (Pistons)
MPG: 11.0
PPG: 3.8
RPG: 2.4
APG: 1.1
JR Rider doesn't play much defense neither. That's why the Detroit Pistons aren't giving him a whole lot of minutes so far. Using him as more of a instant offense scorer off the bench.
9. David Wesley (Lakers)
MPG: 22.0
PPG: 8.5
RPG: 3.4
APG: 2.1
Originally the LA Lakers selected David Wesley to be their starting point guard. But then they signed Trey Burke in free agency, which relegated Wesley to the bench. However, Wesley didnt pout, and instead he's embraced his new role. He's been very efficent coming off the bench shooting 46.3 from the field and 50.0 from threes (13/26 overall). If he keeps playing like this, maybe the Lakers trade Burke and insert Wesley into the starting lineup.
10. Dino Radja (Celtics)
MPG: 23.8
PPG: 5.2
RPG: 6.5
APG: 1.1
The name Dino fits, as he's like the dinosaur of this rookie class at age 26. A 26 year old rookie? That's crazy. But you would think an older rookie like this would be more equipped to immediately contribute in the league. That hasn't been the case so far as Dino is shooting only 39.7 % from the field and he's struggling defensively as well.
There's alot of worthy candidates after Sim #3. We've got multiple teams that are riding 10+ game winning streaks currently. The Los Angeles Clippers have won 13 straight. The Brooklyn Nets have won 12 in a row. But I'm going with the Utah Jazz, because they began the 2003 season with a 1-4 record. Chubby dudes on ESPN were wondering "What's going on in Utah"? Why are they struggling so much? They won 65 games last season AND they added Paul Westphal in free agency. They shouldn't be freaking 1-4. And now they're not. Now they're 13-4 after winning TWELVE straight. Quite a turnaround for Smittys Bunch. What's been the reason behind this turnaround? OFFENSE. Through their first 5 games they averaged 98.8 PPG. And they were held under 100pts in 3 of those 5 games. In the last 12 they've cracked 100 points every single damn time. And they're averaging 116.3 PPG over that span. That's more like it for the Jazz, who were the highest scoring team in the association last year. For this season, they're now up to #5 in the league in team PPG average (111.2). They're also #5 in team Field Goal Percentage (46.6) and #1 in free throws made per game (30.0). Their offensive success is spearheaded by Larry Kenon and a balanced attack around him. 6 Utah Jazz players are averaging double figures in points. Kenon leads the way with 22.9 PPG on 49.6 % shooting. Then you have Bob McAdoo (19.8), John Shumate (17.8), Travis Best (13.6), Westphal (12.1), and 6th man Bob Dandridge (11.6). Everybodies sharing the ball and contributing. In their last game vs Cleveland, a 121-103 victory, they assisted on 30 of their 40 field goal makes. That's beautiful basketball. They're gonna have to continue playing this way if they wanna keep pace with the LA Clippers (16-1) and the Portland Trailblazers (15-3). But right now they're in a nice rhythm. And I expect that to continue with 4 consecutive home games on the schedule. 3 of which are against sub 500 teams (Phoenix, Boston, Houston) that combine for a 13-27 record. However, they're also gonna play the Brooklyn Nets, who as I mentioned earlier also have won 12 straight. That's gonna be the first game on the Sim #4 schedule. Jazz vs Nets. 12 game winning streak vs 12 game winning streak. Who's streak will end today?
Who's Not
Another team thats streaking, but in the wrong direction, are the 2-13 Charlotte Hornets. They have now lost 6 straight. Their last 2 losses were by a combined 58 points. And in those two games they averaged a putrid 80 PPG. Granted it was against the Clippers, who have one of the best defenses in basketball. Nevertheless, scoring has been a big problem in Charlotte all season long. They have cracked 100 times TWICE for the whole SEASON. That's why they're the only team in the league that's averaging below 90 PPG (89.1). But this is nothing new for Charlotte. They haven't averaged 90 PPG in a season since the league started.
2000 Season: 83.7 PPG (Last Place)
2001 Season: 85.4 PPG (Last Place)
2002 Season: 85.0 PPG (Last Place)
2003 Season: 89.1 PPG (Last Place)
There's a reason why this team has an all-time record of 45-216. The Orlando Magic (40) almost have as many playoff wins as the Hornets have regular season wins. 45 wins since the league started. 45 wins might get you the 8th Seed in the Eastern Conference this season. Charlotte has 45 wins in FOUR YEARS. Their level of futility just becomes more and more unbelievable each year. It's almost like this is intentional. Like they just keep intentionally picking the worst players. Like Ben McLemore, 2nd round pick in the dispersal draft (31st overall). He's now a mop up player in Portland that's only played 4 total minutes for the whole year. Rudy Gay, 1st Round pick in the dispersal (28th overall). He's averaging 6.5 PPG on 30% field goal shooting this year. Tyrese Haliburton, 2001 1st Round Pick (3rd Overall). The #3 overall pick has become a 3rd stinger on a team that doesn't even have 3 wins. You can't make this Shit up. The Good news is he's backing up Nick Van Exel. And with Van Exel and Rick Barry the Hornets might finally have some sort of foundation to build around. Maybe in 2 years they can finally compete for a playoff spot. Especially if they get next year's pick right like they've done in the past 2 drafts.
Injury Report
Andrew Wiggins (5) - I guess we're bad luck. Last article we praised Wiggins and labeled him a most improved player candidate. Next day he breaks his finger. He's expected to be out 5 days, in a stretch where Lakers play 5 consecutive games. That's bad luck. Or maybe it's good luck for the Lakers, who wouldn't mind another high lottery pick next season.
Brian Taylor (3) - A groin pull will sideline Hawks PG Brian Taylor for 3 days. So the Hawks are gonna have to play a couple of key Central Division games vs Indiana and Toronto without him. Hawks have been off to a nice surprising 9-5 start. Taylor has been a key part of that with 15.8 PPG and 8.0 APG.
Ron Boone (1) - Boone is going to be out for 1 more day with his sprained wrist. He has missed the last 4 games, and young guard Immanuel Quickley has started in place of Boone in all 4 games. Over that span IQ is averaging 15.5 PPG and 3.7 APG. And he's getting better in each game. In their last one vs Minnesota, he scored a career high 21 points. Maybe the Spurs stick with him, and ride the young backcourt of Quickley and Schroder?
News Around The League
- Quick update from Houston. Earl Monroe continues to come off the bench. In Sim #3 Monroe played a total of 69 minutes in 6 games (11.5 MPG). When we reached out to the organization for a comment on Monroe's benching, General Manager responded with the following "I'll run my team you run yours". Then he told us to fuckoff and mind our own business. Sorry Joshhouston. You're right. Keep running your team...right into the ground.
- Killian Hayes was just named the Player of the Week. He averaged 30.2 PPG and 11.7 APG for Week #4 (Days 16-20). And he's gotten Week #5 off to the right start as well after dropping 34/10 (With 6 Three Pointers) vs the Knicks. Keep killing it Killian.
- The Player of the month was also announced. And Interestingly enough it went to Eric Money of the Washington Wizards. He's never won a POW award in his career. And now he's the POM. Nice little come up for him. He's averaging 29.3 PPG (3RD in the League) and 8.5 APG (8TH).
- As for rookie of the month? That went to Sam Cassell. Sam is averaging 13.1 PPG and 6.6 APG. It's funny, he's the 3rd consecutive PG that the Cleveland Cavaliers have drafted in the lottery (2001 6th Pick: Cole Anthony, 2002 10th Pick: Spencer Dinwiddie). Cole isn't looking very good. But Dinwiddie and Cassell give the Cavaliers some hope for the future.
- Speaking of rookie of the month. We're one month into the season, so let's take a look at how the 2003 Rookie Draft Class has performed so far. We'll check out picks 1-10.
The 2003 Rookies (1-10)
1. Chris Webber (Lakers)
MPG: 26.5
PPG: 8.0
RPG 7.1
APG: 2.4
By the standards of a #1 overall draft pick, Chris Webber's rookie season has not gotten off to a very good start. He's struggling offensively with 8 Points on 36.6 FG shooting. Foul trouble and lack of conditioning has limited his minutes so far. So he gotta work on that as well. Stay on the court. And produce on the court. That's what Webber has to start doing. But let me say this. All that talk about him being a "bust" has to stop. It's only been 15 games!
2. Anfernee Hardaway (Bulls)
MPG: 30.2
PPG: 15.4
RPG: 5.1
APG: 3.4
It hasn't been the perfect rookie beginning for Penny Hardaway neither. He's been struggling with his turnovers (3.2 TPG - 9th most in the ITP) and his team got off to a 1-11 start. However, the Bulls have now won 4 straight. And over that span Penny is averaging 18.7 PPG 6 RPG 4 APG. Looks like Penny is turning the corner.
3. Nick Van Exel (Hornets)
MPG: 34.7
PPG: 15.8
APG 6.7
RPG: 4.1
The Charlotte Hornets suck, but Nick the Quick doesn't. He has quickly separated himself as one of the best rookies in this class. Honestly I think he deserved the Rookie Of the Month over Cassell. As he leads all rookies in scoring and assists. He's added some pace to this Hornets offense. He's hitting the 3 Ball with 19 three pointers made through 15 games. Overall he's just a real fun player to watch.
4. Shawn Bradley (Suns)
MPG: 29.6
PPG: 10.5
RPG: 8.7
BPG: 1.3
At the time of the draft Shawn Bradley looked like a massive reach with the #4 pick by Phoenix. But so far his production has contradicted that narrative. Offensively he was expected to be tall and clumsy. But so far he's looking pretty coordinated out there scoring in double figures, shooting over 50 % from the field (56.5 to be exact), and he's dishing out 2.0 APG from the center position. Not bad. As for his defense? That's been his main impact so far. He's blocking shots and intimidating players from driving to the basket with His 7'6 frame. Last year the Suns were 26th in opponent field goal defense. This year with Bradley they're up to 15th.
5. Jamal Mashburn (Pacers)
MPG: 30.6
PPG: 11.4
RPG: 3.6
APG: 2.7
I remember praising Mashburn and the Pacers after Sim #1. Since then they've fallen off (Started 5-0, been 3-9 since). Mashburns individual performance has also suffered. His scoring and shooting numbers have dropped. But he's still been productive averaging over 11 PPG. He just has to work on his efficiency and turnovers (2.6 TPG vs 2.7 APG). Also he gotta help out a little more on the glass. He's A 6'8 and 240 pound forward. There's no excuse for him to be averaging under 4 rebounds in starters minutes.
6. Sam Cassell (Cavs)
MPG: 30.7
PPG: 13.1
APG: 6.6
RPG: 4.9
We've already spoken on Cassell, so We'll make this quick. He's a young player but he has a nice veteran-like moxy to him. Very calm. Very in control. That 2 man game with him LaMarcus Alridge is fun to watch.
7. Allan Houston (Warriors)
MPG: 31.4
PPG: 12.2
RPG: 3.7
APG: 3.1
Allan Houston, the man with the smoothest jumpshot in this year's rookie class. He has played up to that billing with 52.2/80.0/50.0 shooting splits to start the year. He's gone 12 for 24 from three point land. And he's looked even better since his Sim #3 Perimeter Camps. In those 4 games he averaged 15 PPG. Including a career best 24 points (9/13 FG) vs Orlando last night. Problem is in that same game he gave up 38 points (16/27 FG) on the other end to John Drew. The day before that vs Memphis, Pistol Pete gave him the business with 32 points (12/18 FG). Gotta play better defense than that Allan Houston.
8. Isiah Rider (Pistons)
MPG: 11.0
PPG: 3.8
RPG: 2.4
APG: 1.1
JR Rider doesn't play much defense neither. That's why the Detroit Pistons aren't giving him a whole lot of minutes so far. Using him as more of a instant offense scorer off the bench.
9. David Wesley (Lakers)
MPG: 22.0
PPG: 8.5
RPG: 3.4
APG: 2.1
Originally the LA Lakers selected David Wesley to be their starting point guard. But then they signed Trey Burke in free agency, which relegated Wesley to the bench. However, Wesley didnt pout, and instead he's embraced his new role. He's been very efficent coming off the bench shooting 46.3 from the field and 50.0 from threes (13/26 overall). If he keeps playing like this, maybe the Lakers trade Burke and insert Wesley into the starting lineup.
10. Dino Radja (Celtics)
MPG: 23.8
PPG: 5.2
RPG: 6.5
APG: 1.1
The name Dino fits, as he's like the dinosaur of this rookie class at age 26. A 26 year old rookie? That's crazy. But you would think an older rookie like this would be more equipped to immediately contribute in the league. That hasn't been the case so far as Dino is shooting only 39.7 % from the field and he's struggling defensively as well.
