As we approach the NBA season's mid-way point, most people are (rightfully) discussing who deserves to represent their conference in the All-Star Game. The problem with that is most All-Stars get paid as such, and have very good name recognition among the casual NBA fans. For the first in my two-part series, I'll be looking into my All-Value team to see which players providing their teams with great "bang-for-their-buck".
*Players eligible must make under $5,000,000 this season.
Starters
PG/SG Stephen Curry, Golden State Warriors (2011-2012 salary: $3,117,120) - Despite battling through ankle issues this season, Curry has been the Warriors' most consistent backcourt player. While he's not a "true" point guard, Curry has a smooth shooting stroke, and also does a good job of getting in passing lanes on defense.
Stats: 31.6 minutes, 16.3 points, 3.9 rebounds, 6.6 assists, 2.2 steals, 46.6% FG, 39.4% 3PT
PG Ricky Rubio, Minnesota Timberwolves (2011-2012 salary: $3,148,120) - I was among the group of people that felt Rubio would struggle early in his NBA career, and didn't warrant being selected fifth overall in the 2009 draft. I can admit when I'm wrong, and I clearly was here. Rubio has been sensational, and along with Kevin Love, has helped lead the Timberwolves to a near-.500 record thus far this season, and is leading all rookies (and among the league leaders) in assists and steals. While his outside shooting is still a work in progress, Rubio looks to be on his way to becoming an elite point guard.
Stats: 34.8 minutes, 11.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 8.9 assists, 2.3 steals, 38.9% FG, 83.0% FT
SF Danilo Gallinari, Denver Nuggets (2011-2012 salary: $3,491,820) - The Nuggets have had more success since the Carmelo Anthony trade, and a large part of that success has been Gallinari. Still on his rookie scale contract, "Gallo" has been producing as a second option behind Nene, and understands team basketball much better than Anthony. He's also adept at getting to the charity stripe (5.8 attempts/game), which compliments his outside shot (career 37%), making him a threat to score from anywhere on the court.
Stats: 33.5 minutes, 17.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 44.7% FG, 31.8% 3PT, 89.1% FT
PF Kevin Love, Minnesota Timberwolves (2011-2012 salary: $4,609,701) - Simply put, Love is one of the biggest stat-stuffers in the league. Love has recorded a double-double in 22 of his teams' 24 games this season, has developed a solid three-point stroke over the last year and a half, and is among the league leaders in free throw attempts (8.9 attempts/game). Love will likely be a perennial All-Star for the next 10 years, and could have Hall of Fame credentials by the time his career is over.
Stats: 39.4 minutes, 25.0 points, 13.7 rebounds, 1.7 assists, 45.1% FG, 37.8% 3PT, 81.8% FT
C DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento Kings (2011-2012 salary: $3,001,284) - Cousins is a physically-imposing big man that hits the offensive glass with authority. The problems with him are between his ears, as his effort and attitude are both somewhat lacking, though interim head coach Keith Smart seems to have him focused (at least for now). Cousins is also a load in the low-block, as he averages 5.1 free throw attempts per game, but tends to settle for mid-range jumpers more than his below-average shooting stroke should indicate.
Stats: 29.0 minutes, 15.0 points, 11.2 rebounds, 1.4 blocks, 45.1% FG, 71.7% FT
Reserves
PG Ty Lawson, Denver Nuggets (2011-2012 salary: $1,654,440) - Lawson is the engine that keeps the high-powered Nuggets offense moving. Lightning-quick, Lawson does a good job at pushing the tempo, and has a solid three-point shot (despite struggling some this season at 30.4%), and has the Nuggets looking like a legitimate contender in the Western Conference.
Stats: 34.1 minutes, 15.6 points, 3.8 rebounds, 6.3 assists, 1.4 steals, 47.7% FG, 79.5% FT
PF Ian Mahinmi, Dallas Mavericks (2011-2012 salary: $947,907) - Mahinmi has seen his minutes increase with the departure of Tyson Chandler, as well as Dirk Nowitzki seeing limited minutes due to the compacted NBA schedule this season. Mahinmi has solid athleticism and a non-stop motor that all teams look for in prospective role players. At 26, he may not have a lot of "upside" left, but does provide solid minutes off the bench at power forward, and could give a team spot minutes at center as well.
Stats: 20.2 minutes, 7.5 points, 5.3 rebounds, 58.9% FG, 61.8% FT
SF Nicolas Batum, Portland Trailblazers (2011-2012 salary: $1,796,140) - Batum has great length, athleticism and shooting stroke, and is in his fourth season despite being just 23 years old. He still struggles with consistency, and can disappear if his shot doesn't fall early, but is a 'plus' defender that a lot of NBA teams would love to have.
Stats: 25.1 minutes, 12,4 points, 4.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists, 44.8% FG, 44.7% 3PT, 82.7% FT
SG James Harden, Oklahoma City Thunder (2011-2012 salary: 4,604,760) - Harden has great all-around skills, and could probably start for a good number of NBA teams. Head coach Scotty Brooks prefers to use Harden as a scorer off the bench, but Harden has a more well-rounded game on both sides of the ball than most realize, as he led the Pac-10 in both scoring as steals for Arizona State. Harden is a near-lock to win the Sixth Man award this year.
Stats: 30.6 minutes, 16.6 points, 4.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 46.9% FG, 36.9% 3PT, 86.0% FT
PG/SG Tyreke Evans, Sacramento Kings (2011-2012 salary: $4,151,640) - Evans has seemed to regress since his Rookie of the Year campaign during the 2009-2010 season, as he's either regressed or plateaued in almost every statistical category. Evans still is effective at attacking the rim, and also has the size and athleticism to be a good defender if he puts in the work.
Stats: 36.8 minutes, 17.4 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.2 assists, 1.5 steals, 41.7% FG, 76.6% FT
PF/C Serge Ibaka, Oklahoma City Thunder (2011-2012 salary: $1,288,200) - Ibaka is a very good compliment to scorer supremes Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, as he provides great weak-side help defense, and is a capable jump shooter out to about 16 feet. Along with Kendrick Perkins, Ibaka helps form a formidable defensive frontcourt for the team with the NBA's best record.
Stats: 26.6 minutes, 7.4 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.7 blocks, 48.7% FG, 55.9% FT
SG/SF Danny Green, San Antonio Spurs (2011-2012 salary: $884,293) - Green has somewhat filled the role vacated when Bruce Bowen retired a few years ago. A very good perimeter defender, Green is often asked to guard the opposing teams' best player when in the game, and does a very good job using his length. Green has also proven to be a solid three-point shooter, and should have a role in the league for the foreseeable future.
Stats: 21.4 minutes, 7.8 points, 3.5 rebounds, 1.6 assists, 42.0% FG, 38.5% 3PT
Honorable Mention
PF/C DeJuan Blair, San Antonio Spurs; SG Rudy Fernandez, Denver Nuggets; PF/C Jordan Hill, Houston Rockets; PG Greivis Vasquez, New Orleans Hornets
No comments:
Post a Comment