Thursday, January 2, 2014

Top 5 Players Born In January


1: Hakeem Olajuwon:
Hakeem Olajuwon is one of the best big men of all time so it is no surprise that he is number one on this list.  Olajuwon's dream shake was one of the most unstoppable moves of all time.  In terms of footwork he is the most skilled big man of all time.  Nicknamed the Dream, Olajuwon averaged 21.8 points per game, 11.1 rebounds per game, and 3.1 blocks per game in 18 years.

2: Dominique Wilkins:
Nicknamed the Human highlight film, Dominique Wilkins was one of the most exciting players of all time.  Wilkins was a 9 time all-star a one time NBA scoring champion, a 2 time slam dunk contest winner.  Wilkins scored the 11th most points in NBA history.  In his 16 years in the NBA Wilkins averaged 24.8 points per game, 6.7 rebounds per game, and 2.5 assists per game.
 3: Alex English:
Alex English was one of the NBAs best scorers in the 1980s, and when he retired he was 7th on the all time scoring list, he was later surpassed, and now is the 14th on the all time scoring list. English was an all star 8 of the ten years that he started with the Nuggets he won one scoring title, and led the Denver Nuggets to 9 postseason appearances in a row.  In his 16 years in the NBA English averaged 21.5 points per game, 5.5 rebounds per game, and 3.6 assists per game.

4: Dwayne Wade:
Dwayne Wade is up there in terms of the best shooting guards of all time, which means he's in the company of Micheal Jordan, and Kobe.  But he is not there for no reason.  Wade at one point in his career was considered either the best or second best player in the game, but Wade's career is not over even though he seems to be injury prone Wade is still averaging 20 points per game this year.  In his ten years in the NBA so far Wade is averaging 24.6 points per game, 5.0 rebounds per game, and 6.1 assists per game.

5: Vince Carter:
Vince Carter in my opinion is the best dunker of all time.  But, dunking wasn't all he did.  Carter was an 8 time all star.  Carter was also the rookie of the year in the 1998-1999 season, and won the slam dunk contest in 2000.   If Carter was not so injury prone he may have been even better than he was.  In fact he got injured in the 2003 playoffs while with the Raptors, which could have cost him the only ring of his career.  In his 15 years in the NBA Carter averaged 20.6 points per game, 5.0 rebounds per game, and 3.8 assists per game.

Wednesday, September 4, 2013

5 Trades That The Sixers Should Make

Thaddeus Young and Jason Richardson to the Bucks for John Henson, and Giannis Adetokunbo
This would be a trade that would be very beneficial for the Sixers and would be an average trade for the Bucks.  Thaddeus Young would be a great replacement for Caron Butler at the Small-Forward position, and Jason Richardson could be good for helping develop the young guards on the Bucks.  The Sixers would have Adetokunbo who is a very raw guard/forward.  And John Henson who could become a very solid big man in the future, and get a lot of playing time with the Sixers.

Thaddeus Young, Evan Turner, Spencer Hawes, and Arnett Moultrie  for DeMarcus Cousins and Jimmer Fredette
This is a trade that seems nearly imposable at first look, but would be mutually benafical.  The kings are very weak at the Small Forward position, and very strong at the guard position.  Even though the Kings would be giving up two  very talented player in DeMarcus Cousins, and Jimmer Fredette but I think that it would be worth the risk.  Cousins has expressed unhappiness in the organization, and I don't think he would resign.  They would be adding a very talented Big-Man in Spencer Hawes, a promising Big-Man in Arnett Moultrie, and two above average role players in Thad Young and Evan Turner.  The Sixers would then acquire a talented young guard in Jimmer, they are weak in terms of guards so this would be good.  And also get a big man that would be a great front-court mate with Nerlens Noel.

Three Way Trade Between the Sixers, Rockets, and Warriors: Sixers Get Harrison Barnes, Festus Ezeli, Greg Smith, Kent Bazemore, and Isaiah Canaan, Warriors Get Thaddeus Young, Jason Richardson, Lavoy Allen, and Terrence Jones, Rockets Get Spencer Hawes, and Draymond Green.
This is a very complicated trade that would work out well for the Sixers, and Rockets, and would be okay for the Warriors.  The Sixers would get a lot of young talent including Harrison Barnes, and Greg Smith.  This would give the Sixers a legitimate Big-Man, possibly one of the better small-forwards in the future, and some younger guards.  For the Warriors it could give them a player in Thaddeus Young that could be a great fall back plan if Andrew Bogut got injured, and would give them a way not to re-sign Bogut.  They would also gain a two young big-man who could turn out to be very solid role-players.  This trade would be great for the Rockets.  They would receive Spencer Hawes who would be the Perfect fit for them considering that he is a big man who has a jump-shot which is exactly what they need. 

Thaddeus Young and Evan Turner for Micheal Kidd-Gilchrist, Gerald Henderson, and Jeff Adrien
This is a trade that would be pretty hard to pull of for the Sixers, but because of Micheal Jordan's lack of talent at the GM position this could work.  This trade would swap two second overall picks that are forward/guards MKG has a little more potential, but Evan Turner is more of a better overall player.  Both Turner and Kidd-Gilchrist are very inconsistent, streaky shooters.  Turner because of the fact that he has been in the league for longer has a little better jumper.

Thaddeus Young, Evan Turner, Spencer Hawes, and Arnett Moultrie for JaVale McGee, Anthony Randolph, and Kenneth Faried
This would be another near imposable trade for the Sixers but because of new management for the Nuggets this trade might actually be possible.  The Nuggets took a giant step back this year by losing Andre Igoudala through free agency.  So, this would give the Nuggets a lot more players that could make them good now, and players that could be good in the future.  For the Sixers it could add a great high energy player in Faried, and another good shot blocker in McGee.  Also, Anthony Randolph is a great player to throw into a trade to make the trade seem better if the Sixers were to make any other moves.

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Predicting the Stats of Every First Round Pick

1: Anthony Bennett, Cleveland Cavaliers
Anthony Bennett has a lot of pressure on him being the first overall pick in the 2013 NBA Draft.  I think that Bennett will be an average player in his first season.  He is in a bad position because of the fact that he doesn't really know his position which I think could set back his growth because he wouldn't know really what to train for.  Bennett in his Freshman year at UNLV averaged 16.1 points per game, 8.1 rebounds per game, and 1.0 assists per game.  Because of the fact that Bennett would be a 3rd or even fourth option on this team I predict him averaging 8.1 points per game, 4.6 rebounds per game, and 0.5 assists per game.

2: Victor Oladipo, Orlando Magic
Victor Oladipo could be one of the most productive rookies this year due to his situation.  Oladipo could be the go to guy on an upcoming Orlando Magic team.  Oladipo who is known for his defensive prowess could be one of the leading scorers on this Orlando team.  Oladipo has shown a much improved jump shot in the Summer-League which is truly the key to his success.  In his Junior year at Indiana Oladipo averaged 13.6 points per game, 6.3 rebounds per game, 2.1 assists per game, and 2.2 steals per game.  I predict Oladipo's stats to be around the same, I predict him to average 13 points per game, 4.2 rebounds per game, and 2 assists per game.

3: Otto Porter Jr, Washington Wizards
  Otto Porter Jr. is one the biggest wild cards in my opinion.  I think that this was a good pick by the Wizards due to the fact that they don't have a legitimate small forward, and Porter Jr went to Georgetown so, he played on the Wizards home court during his college career.  Porter had a disappointing summer-league, but I think that his performance doesn't phase him.  Porter Jr. in his Sophomore year at Georgetown averaged 16.2 points per game, 7.5 rebounds per game, and 2.7 assists per game.  I predict that Porter Jr will average 9.8 points per game, 5.6 rebounds per game, and 1.7 assists per game.

4: Cody Zeller, Charlotte Bobcats
Even though a lot of people think that Zeller would slip further in the draft, I think that this was a good pick for the Bobcats.  The Bobcats do not have a lot of depth in terms of big men, and Zeller is not just a big man, he is a floor general.  Zeller is a member of a Bobcats squad full of potential including last years 2nd overall pick Micheal Kidd-Gilchrist, and the 9th overall pick in 2011 Kemba Walker.  During his Sophomore year at Indiana Zeller averaged 16.5 points per game, 8.1 rebounds per game, and 1.3 assists per game.  I predict that Zeller will average 13.7 points per game, 7.5 rebounds per game, and 2.1 assists per game.

5: Alex Len, Phoenix Suns
Alex Len will either be really good or really bad in my opinion.  On the bright side for the Suns I think that he will be really good.  Len is very hard to come by at 7ft 1in and 255lbs, he also has a pretty good jump shot.  Len is a player that needs to develop a lot of his game, but with the right coaching, and teammates I think he could be a star.  During his Sophomore year at Maryland Len averaged 11.9 points per game, 7.8 rebounds per game, and 2.1 blocks per game.  I predict that Len will average 7.1 points per game, 5.2 rebounds per game, and 1.2 blocks per game.

6: Nerlens Noel, Philadelphia Sixers
In my opinion Nerlens has the most potential out of any player this draft.  He is on of the best defensive players in this draft.  If he develops an offensive game he could be a steal for the Sixers.  Noel who is recovering from an ACL injury might not even play this year, so these predictions obviously might not even be applicable.  I would personally have no problem with this especially because of the fact that the Sixers are not really going anywhere this year.  In his Freshman year at Kentucky Noel averaged 10.5 points per game, 9.5 rebounds per game, and 4.4 blocks per game.  I predict that Noel will average 9.2 points per game, 8.3 rebounds per game, and 2.1 blocks per game.

7: Ben McLemore, Sacramento Kings
Ben McLemore by many peoples estimations is going to be one of the only all stars in this draft class.  McLemore is a great scorer, and that is pretty much the only thing he does.  The Kings looked guard heavy after drafting McLemore, but after trading Tyreke Evans the Kings have made room for McLemore, which I think was a very smart decision.  McLemore is an offensive spark plug that has a great motor, and should make an instant impact in Sacramento.  During his Freshman year at Kansas McLemore averaged 15.9 points per game, 5.2 rebounds per game, and 2.0 assists per game.  I predict that McLemore will average 14.3 points per game, 3.7 rebounds per game, and 1.3 assists per game. 

8: Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, Detroit Pistons
Kentavious Caldwell-Pope might be just the right guy to complete the Pistons puzzle.  One major problem for the Pistons is the lack of spacing which Pope can help with.  He a pure shooter, and a great scorer.  Also, his preferred play type is a pick and roll scenario which would work very well with Josh Smith.  In his Sophomore year at Georgia Caldwell-Pope averaged 18.5 points per game, 7.1 rebounds per game, and 1.8 assists per game.  I predict that if Pope gets the minutes that I expect him to he will average 10.2 points per game, 3.7 rebounds per game, and 1.2 assists per game.

 9: Trey Burke, Utah Jazz
Trey Burke by a lot of peoples estimations is a very strong rookie of the year contestant, and I agree with that Burke will immediately have a very big role with the Jazz Burke is a very clutch player with range on his jumper.  There are two concerns with Burke one is that he is undersized at only 6ft, but this is not a big problem at all.  A legitimate concern is how bad Burke was in the Summer leauge averaging only 8 points per game.  In his Sophomore year at Michigan Burke averaged 18.6 points per game, 3.2 rebounds per game, and 6.7 assists per game.  I predict he will average 12.3 points per game, 2.3 rebounds per game, and 5.4 assists per game.

 10: C.J. McCollum, Portland Trailblazers
C.J. McCollum could be one part of an explosive back court for the Trailblazers.  He and Damian Lillard could be the perfect combination of scoring and athleticism.  McCollum is a great shooter and scorer at the guard position he shot 49.5 percent from the field which is very impressive.  McCollum who had a great showing in this years summer should have a smooth transition to the NBA in my opinion.  In his senior year at Lehigh McCollum averaged 23.9 points per game, 5.0 rebounds per game, and 2.9 assists per game.  I predict that in his rookie campaign McCollum will average 15.6 points per game, 3.2 rebounds per game, and 1.6 assists per game.

11: Micheal Carter-Williams, Philadelphia Sixers
Micheal Carter-Williams will be immediately thrown into the fire in Philadelphia as he will be asked to fill into Jrue Holiday's shoes even though that is very unreasonable.  Carter-Williams is an excellent passer, and a very aggressive player.  He really needs to improve on his jump shot, and if he does I think he will be a star in the NBA.  During his rookie year at Syracuse Carter-Williams averaged 11.9 points per game, 4.9 rebounds per game, and 7.3 assists per game.  I predict that Carter-Williams will average 9.8 points per game, 3.8 rebounds per game, and 8.1 assists per game.

12: Steven Adams, Oklahoma City Thunder
Steven Adams is one of the biggest wild cards in this draft, he is a 7 footer with a nice offensive game.  Adams is also full of potential at age 20 he still has a ton of time to improve.  Even though the Thunder have Kendrick Perkins an agile big-man like Adams could help complete Kevin Durant's puzzle for a ring.  With a 7ft 4in wingspan Steven Adams has the potential to be a defensive force in this league.  In his Freshman year at Pitt Adams averaged 7.2 points per game, 6.3 rebounds per game, and 2.0 blocks per game.  I predict that because of the fact that Adams will get limited minutes that he will average 2.3 points per game, 2.1 rebounds per game, and 0.7 blocks per game.

13: Kelly Olynyk, Boston Celtics
Kelly Olynyk could very well be the biggest steal in this years draft.  He was fantastic in this years summer league, and at Gonzaga.  Olynyk is a 7 footer with a jump shot which is very hard to come by nowadays.  Also, because of the fact that the Celtics are rebuilding Olynyk should get quality minutes.  One thing to worry about is that Olynyk just was diagnosed with Plantar Facilitates which can sideline players for long amounts of time.  In his Junior year at Gonzaga Olynyk averaged 17.8 points per game, 7.3 rebounds per game, and 1.7 assists per game.  I predict that Olynyk will average 10.3 points per game, 6.4 rebounds per game, and 1.2 assists per game.

14: Shabazz Muhammad, Minnesota Timberwolves
Shabazz Muhammad is a high risk/high reward player for the Timberwolves.  He was one of the top rated prospects out of high-school, and for some time was expected to be the first overall pick in this years draft.  But, because of attitude issues, and it turned out that he was actually a year older than he said he was Muhammad's stock fell.  Muhammad is a great scorer, and that is pretty much all he does.  His main strength is how physical he is at the guard position at 6ft 6in and 225lbs.  In his Freshman year at UCLA Muhammad averaged 17.9 points per game, 5.2 rebounds per game, and 0.8 assists per game.  Because of the fact that I think Muhammad won't get playing time I predict he will average 5.6 points per game, 2.3 rebounds per game, and 0.5 assists per game.

15: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo is full of potential, and could not even play in the NBA this year, so these stats will all be hypothetical. Antetokounmpo is a great slasher with a wiry long body, much like Kevin Durant.  He is 6ft 9in with a 7ft 3in wingspan which is very impressive and helpful for a small forward.  Antetokounmpo did play in the Nike Hoop Summit, the Draft Combine, and did not try out for his national team.  One concern is that Antetokounmpo is about 196lbs which is extremely light for any NBA player let alone a small forward.  Overseas Antetokounmpo averaged 9.5 points per game, 5.0 rebounds per game, and 1.4 assists per game.  I predict that if he plays Antetokounmpo will average 3.2 points per game, 2.7 rebounds per game, and 2.2 assists per game.  

16: Lucas Nogueira, Atlanta Hawks
Lucas Nogueira is a defensive minded 7 footer from Brazil.  He is only 220lbs so obviously he needs room to grown, and to develop.  He also has a 7ft 6in wingspan, so he can be pretty effective as a rim protector in the NBA, and has been on the radar of NBA scouts since he was 17 years old.  Nogueira is most likely going to be a building project for the Hawks meaning that he will most likely be playing in Europe for a couple of years, and then go over to the NBA.  In this years summer-league Nogueira averaged 6.4 points per game, 6.0 rebounds per game, and 2.4 blocks per game.  If Nogueira plays this year I predict he will average 1.4 points per game, 2.1 rebounds per game, and 0.7 blocks per game.

17: Dennis Schroeder, Atlanta Hawks
Dennis Schroeder could be the future star point guard of the NBA.  Schroeder has a great motor, is fast, a good passer, and an average scorer.  Schroeder is very likely to become a Rajon Rondo type of player could not get big minutes this year due to the fact that Lou Williams, and Jeff Teague are still with the team.  This could potentially be good for Schroeder because he is only 19 so this could give him time to learn and grow.  During the summer-league this year Schroeder averaged 10.8 points per game, 1.8 rebounds per game, and 5.6 assists per game.  I predict that Schroeder will average 3.2 points per game, 0.8 rebounds per game, and 2.3 assists off the bench for the Hawks this year.

18: Shane Larkin, Dallas Mavericks
Shane Larkin may be a perfect fit for the Mavericks in the future, he is a great agile young point guard.  One key concern about Larkin is his size, he is only 5ft 11in and 176lbs, but I don't think that this will be a problem going forward for Larkin because he is very skilled.  Larkin has a good handle and is very good in a pick and roll offense.  Larkin reminds me of D.J. Augustin in terms of his game, and his size.  Larkin should be a nice a role player for the Mavericks.  In his Sophomore year at Miami Larkin averaged 14.5 points per game, 3.8 rebounds per game, and 4.6 assists per game.  I predict that Larkin will average 3.2 points per game, 0.9 rebounds per game, and 2.1 assists per game.

19: Sergey Karasev, Cleveland Cavaliers 
Sergey Karasev was by a lot of peoples estimations the most NBA ready international player, and I would have to agree with them.  Karasev is one of the best pure shooters in this draft, he shot 59 percent last season which is very impressive.  Karasev is also a good passer which makes him a great player to have the offense flow through which could be very useful for any NBA team.  Also, his shooting ability creates good spacing for whatever team he is on.  One worrisome thing about Karasev is that he is only 196 pounds so he could get bullied in the paint.  Last year Karasev averaged 14.5 points per game, 4.1 rebounds per game, and 2.1 assists per game.  I predict that Karasev will average 5.2 points per game, 3.1 rebounds per game, and 1.3 assists per game.

20: Tony Snell, Chicago Bulls
Tony Snell is very much like a Kawhi Lenoard type of player, which could be a great fit for the Bulls.  The one problem is that the Bulls already have Luol Deng, Jimmy Butler, and Mike Dunleavy Jr. who are all guard/forwards like Snell is.  Snell is a good fit for a Bulls team is mostly built on their defensive skill.  Snell at 6ft 7in has a 6ft 11in wingspan which is very good for a guard.  Snell will most likely not get a lot of playing time because of the fact that Tom Thibodeau is known not to play rookies.  Snell in his Junior year at New Mexico averaged 12.5 points per game, 2.6 rebounds per game, and 2.9 assists per game.  I predict that Snell will average 2.1 points per game, 1.4 rebounds per game, and 1.1 assists per game.

21: Gorgui Dieng, Minnesota Timberwolves
Gorgui Dieng could be a big steal for the Timberwolves he is a great rim protector and at 6ft 11in isn't truly a 7 footer, but he plays like one.  Dieng has the potential to be a Serge Ibaka type player for the Wolves, if he develops his offensive game like Ibaka did.  Dieng also has a 7ft 4in wingspan which is very helpful in terms of protecting the rim. Dieng has a pretty good jump shot which makes him very intriguing player.  One thing that is worrisome is that Dieng has no real post game, and for a 7 footer that is very uncommon.  In his Junior year at Louisville Dieng averaged 9.8 points per game, 9.4 rebounds per game, 2.0 assists per game, and 2.5 blocks per game.  Nikola Pekovic has still not resigned with the team, and if he doesn't Dieng will get good playing time.  If Pekovic resigns I predict that Dieng will average 2.1 points per game, 3.5 rebounds per game, and 1.2 blocks per game.

22: Mason Plumlee, Brooklyn Nets
Mason Plumlee is a very talented big man, but he will most likely see very limited minutes this year for the Nets.  Plumlee is most likely going to be 5th option in terms of big-men, and will likely see some time in the D-League this year.  Plumlee should learn a lot from Kevin Garnett which could really help progress Plumlee's offensive game.  In his senior year at Duke Plumlee averaged 17.1 points per game, 10.0 rebounds per game, and 1.9 assists per game.  I predict that Plumlee will average 1.2 points per game, 1.1 rebounds per game, and 0.2 assists per game.

23: Solomon Hill, Indiana Pacers
Solomon Hill was one of the biggest surprises of the first round.  Even though he was the 23rd overall pick a lot of people were expecting him to be mid-early second round.  One reason that this was such a surprise is that Hill is a senior, which means that he is 23 which is older for an NBA player.  Also, Hill is pretty good at about everything, but not great at one thing which is why he will most likely be an average to below average role player.  In his Senior year at Arizona Hill averaged 13.4 points per game, 5.3 rebounds per game, and 2.7 assists per game.  I predict that Hill will average 2.2 points per game, 1.9 rebounds per game, and 1.2 assists per game.

24: Tim Hardaway Jr., New York Knicks 
Tim Hardaway Jr. should be a pretty good role player for the Knicks, I think that he will get pretty good minutes for a late first round pick.  Hardaway Jr. I think has the potential to be a J.R. Smith type player.  He is a good scorer with a nice jump shot.  He has a very high ceiling in terms of being a great scorer.  He is used to not being the first option unlike a lot of players in this draft which could be very helpful because he might get limited minutes.  In his Junior year at Michigan he averaged 14.5 points per game, 4.7 rebounds per game, and 2.4 assists per game.  I predict that Hardaway will average 5.2 points per game, 2.3 rebounds per game, and 1.2 assists per game.

25: Reggie Bullock, Los Angeles Clippers
Reggie Bullock is a very talented player that in my opinion should have gone a lot higher in the draft this year.  Bullock is a good shooter and defender, and defend multiple positions at 6ft 7in which can make him a good guard/forward.  Bullock should defiantly have a pretty big role for a 25th overall pick due to the fact that Caron Butler was traded.  Bullock also had a 6ft 9in wingspan which should be very helpful.  One concern is that bullock is only 205lbs, so he will have to gain some weight to bang with bigger 3s.  In his Junior year at UNC Bullock averaged 13.9 points per game, 6.5 rebounds per game, and 2.9 assists per game.  I predict that Bullock will average 4.2 points per game, 3.1 rebounds per game, and 2.1 assists per game.


26: Andre Roberson, Oklahoma City Thunder

The Oklahoma City Thunder have taken another rebuilding project with Andre Roberson.  A lot of people were very surprised with this pick including myself.  There are a lot of worries about Roberson including the fact that he has no true position, and no real jump shot either.  But, he is a good rebounder for his size.  In his Junior year Colorado he averaged 10.9 points per game, 11.2 rebounds per game, and 1.4 assists per game.  Roberson will probably have a lot of time in the D-League, but when he is in the NBA I predict he will average 1.2 points per game, 2.3 rebounds per game, and 0.4 assists per game.

27: Rudy Gorbet, Utah Jazz
Rudy Gorbet is a medium risk high reward player for the Jazz at this point in the draft.  Gorbet really is not an offensive force, but is very good on the defensive end.  He has the largest wingspan in the NBA at 7ft 9in which is great for blocking shots.  Gorbet has the potential to be a JaVale McGee type of player.  Gorbet will probably spend some time in the D-League this year to help develop his offensive game, which should be good for him.  In the summer-league this year Gorbet averaged 5.4 points per game, 6.2 rebounds per game, and 2.4 blocks per game.  I predict that Gorbet will average 1.2 points per game, 2.3 rebounds per game, and 1.3 blocks per game.

28: Livio Jean-Charles, San Antonio Spurs
Livio Jean-Charles a prototypical pick for the Spurs because of the fact that he is international, and because of the fact that he was a sleeper.  Jean-Charles will probably not join the Spurs team for another couple of years, so I will not predict his stats because of that.  Charles is a long guard/forward who is 6ft 9in with a 7ft 2in wingspan, which could be dangerous if the develops is offensive game.

29: Archie Goodwin, Phoenix Suns
Archie Goodwin was one of the more intriguing players in this draft.  He is a pretty good scorer, very athletic but not a good point guard which is the reason that he fell so late in the draft.  Goodwin has a lot of potential as an NBA player because of the fact that he is so athletic.  Also, coming out of high-school Goodwin was projected to be a lottery pick which is why he is probably a first rounder.  In his Freshman year at Kentucky Goodwin averaged 14.1 points per game, 4.6 rebounds per game, and 2.7 assists per game.  I predict that Goodwin will average 5.7 points per game, 2.2 rebounds per game, and 2.1 assists per game.

30: Nemanja Nedovic, Golden State Warriors
Nemanja Nedovic is a very talented player who is good at a lot of things, but just can't seem to put all of his talents together to make a great player.  At 6ft 4in he has a pretty big body for a point guard which makes it easy for him to be aggressive, and able to finish at the rack.  He also has a pretty good handle which is always helpful to have on your team.  But, Nedovic might not come to the Warriors in 2013-2014 so I will not predict his stats for this year. 

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

All Sixers Team

Starters:

Point Guard: Allen Iverson
Allen Iverson is one of the most popular Sixer players of all time.  "The Answer" was the Sixers first overall pick, and really lived up to his reputation.  He lead the Sixers to the NBA Finals in 2001 even though that wasn't the strongest team ever.  Iverson was also the king of the crossover and at 6ft and 165lbs he was quick and agile.  In Iversons 12 years as a Sixer he averaged 27.2 points per game, 6.0 assists per game, 3.8 rebounds per game, and 2.2 steals per game.

Shooting Guard: Julius "Dr. J" Erving
Dr. J is one of the best players of all time let alone one of the best Sixers of all time.  The Doctor was one of the NBA's first superstars, and was also the childhood hero of Micheal Jordan, Magic Johnson and other NBA players.  Erving was one of the most athletic players in the league shown by the fact that he was the first ever NBA player to dunk from the free throw line in the Slam Dunk contest.  In his 11 years with the Sixers Erving averaged 22.0 points per game, 6.7 rebounds per game, 3.9 assists per game, 1.8 steals per game, and 1.5 blocks per game. 

Small Forward: Billy Cunningham
Billy Cunningham was both a player and a coach for the Sixers, he succeeded doing both.  Cunningham at his time was more a power-forward, but at 6ft 6in I decided that he was more fit for the small-forward position.  Cunningham was nicknamed The Kangaroo Kid for his tremendous jumping ability.  In 1972 Cunningham switched over to the ABA for two years, the first year he won the MVP award for the ABA.  Cunningham in his nine years with the Sixers averaged 20.8 points per game, 10.1 rebounds per game, and 4.0 assists per game.

Power Forward: Charles Barkley
Charles Barkley was one the smallest, but one of the best power forwards of all time.  Barkley was 6ft 6in and 250 pounds.  Barkley was a 6 time All-Star in 8 seasons with the Sixers and was one of the best Sixers of all time.  Barkley is one of four players in NBA history to compile 20,000 points, 10,000 rebounds, and 4,000 assists in their career.  In 1993 Barkley won his first and only MVP award.  Sir Charles was also a member of the 1992 dream, one of the greatest basketball teams of all time.  In his 8 years with the Sixers Barkley averaged 23.4 points per game, 11.6 rebounds per game, and 3.8 assists per game.

Center: Wilt Chamberlain
Wilt Chamberlain is in a tight race with Bill Russell for the best center of all time.  In my opinion Wilt is the best Center of all time.  He was a freak athlete at the time, and at 7ft 1in he won a marathon which is very impressive given the fact that he was also 275 pounds.  Wilt is also the only player in NBA history to score 100 points in one game.  Wilt also is from Philadelphia, and played for a Philadelphia team most of his career.  In his four years with the Sixers he averaged 28 points per game, 23.7 rebounds per game, and 6.3 assists per game.
  
6th Man: Moses Malone
Moses Malone was the missing piece in Julius Erving's puzzle to win a championship.  Malone was a talented though big man who would just beat you up in the post.  At only 6ft 10in and 215 pounds it is very surprising that Malone was able to do what he did in a big man dominated area.  Malone is the third leading rebounder, and the sixth leading scorer in NBA/ABA combined history.  Malone was one of the first players to enter the NBA through high-school, which is why he had such a long career at 21 years.  In his four years with the Sixers Malone averaged 23.9 points per game, 13.4 rebounds per game, and 1.5 blocks per game.

Bench:

SG/SF: Paul Arizin
Paul Arizin although not well known was a great Philadelphia basketball player.  Arizin was born in Philadelphia,went to La Salle for college, and played in Philadelphia for his entire NBA career.  Arizin was really one of the pioneers of modern day basketball.  Arizin was really one of the first players to use a jump shot in the NBA which obviously became revolutionary.  Arizin was one really the start of fast paced basketball.  Arizin had a jump shot, good handles, and was a great defender.  In his ten years in the NBA Arizin averaged 22.8 points per game, 8.6 rebounds per game, and 2.3 assists per game.

PG/SG: Hal Greer
Hal Greer in his era was a shooting guard/small forward type of player, but because of the fact that he is only 6ft 2in and 175 pounds I put him at the guard position.  Hal Greer was a very consistent player putting up around 20 points per game every year.  He played 15 years and was a 10 time all-star all while playing with the same team.  Greer is 14th on the all time scoring list with 21,586 points in his career.  Greer who is a Hall of Famer is probably one of the most consistent players in NBA history.  In his 15 seasons he averaged 19.2 points per game, 5.0 rebounds per game, and 4.0 assists per game.

PF/Center: George Mcginnis 
Even though George Mcginnis only spent 3 years with the Sixers he was fantastic in those three years.  Mcginnis played with Dr.J and the Sixers championship team.  Mcginnis was one of the best overall players at his time.  In his three seasons with the Sixers Mcginnis averaged 21.6 points per game, 11.5 rebounds per game, and 4.1 assists per game.

PG: Mo Cheeks
Maurice Cheeks was a past first type of point guard in his time.  He was a four time All-star, a five time all defensive first team, and an NBA champion.  Cheeks also coached the Sixers for a few years, and currently coaches the Detroit Pistons.  Even though Cheeks was only 6ft 1in and 180 pounds he was still one of the best defensive point guards in the NBA at his time.  Mo Cheeks in his 11 years with the Sixers averaged 12.3 points per game, 3.0 rebounds per game, 7.3 assists per game, and 2.3 steals per game.

SG: Hersey Hawkins
Hersey Hawkins was a great scorer while on the Sixers, but when he left the Sixers his points per game average went down severely.  Hersey Hawkins was an all star once in 1990 and won the NBA sportsmanship award in 1999.  Even though Hawkins was mostly known for his offense he developed to be a good defensive player throughout his career.  During his five years with the Sixers Hawkins averaged 19 points per game, 3.6 rebounds per game, and 3.4 assists per game.

SF: Andre Iguodala
Even though Iguodala was highly criticized during his time in Philadelphia he was still a great player for the Sixers.  Iguodala is both an offensive threat and a strong defensive player.  This also combined with him being very athletic makes Iguodala a great overall player.  Iguodala is a gold medalist, a one time all-star, and a one time all-defensive second team.  During his 8 year tenure Iguodala averaged 15.2 points per game, 5.9 rebounds per game, and 4.9 assists per game.