BlueDevil

Its scarry to think what the Nets might be like in 3 yrs or so

perfect this should help keep atlanta around the 4 seed in the east

I like this signing. Diogu is a guy who can produce when givin the chance, and he will have a great pt guard to help him out

with what they are paying him he should be starting, but i would rather start bass. I expect him to be traded later this year

Ya I wouldnt imagine they would start small, but now they have that option. The Hawks have are a very offensive minded team, and like you said a bibby crawford backcourt would be terribly defensively. As for the Hawks being a 4 seed, I still dont know who can fill that spot. I dont know why people think the Heat can, they havent gotten anyone to improve their team, and the east is much more competitive. I think itll be between the Hawks, Sixers, and Chicago for that spot. I dont trust Washington and will believe it when I see it that they are as good as they seem on paper.

lol how true. the kids should have been paying to go to Williams camp, not for the chance to meet LeBron, especially because its not his camp! still dont like LeBron though.

I think the best part of the Miller signing is what he can do for Bayless. Miller will hopefully take him under his wing, and in 2 years or so we will see a new Bayless ready to lead the Blazers. They dont need Bayless yet, but soon he, Roy, Aldridge, and possibly a heathy Oden will make a formidible lineup that could very well be the best in the west. I give it 3 yrs for this trade to truly show its colours. Miller though is a savy vet and should no doubt help this team, although his lack of the 3 ball will hurt a bit.

To be fair all rondo had to do was not screw up and he would have been deemed a success the year they won the championship. After that though he has done everything the celts asked, like improving his jumpshot and cutting down turnovers. I would still take Aldridge, and believed the raps would have as well till they took bargs (as a raps fan, i was really pissed, just throwing that out there). I still believe the Blazers got the 2 best players in that draft.

HAHAHA this guys a joke. His first list of overrated players was just aweful. Then he opens this list saying Kwame Brown is underrated? wow Jarret Jack I agree with, A.P, not so much.

hmm does this mean sessions is out? that means that they traded RJ in order to have enough money to resign sessions and Charlie V, and let both of them leave. Do they honestly think anyone in the free agent class next yr will come to Milwaukee?

Jamal Crawford is a nine year NBA veteran. In that time he has gone from promising rookie to fringe All-star, bouncing in and out of the starting line-ups of the Bulls, Knicks, and Warriors. He has had unbelievable success throughout his career, becoming the fourth player in NBA history to have 50 plus points in a game on three different teams. He was the eighth overall pick in the 2000 draft, and he makes almost ten million dollars a year. So how could Crawford possibly be cursed? Well, for one thing, he is the longest serving NBA player to NOT make the NBA playoffs. Yes, the man who has been overlooked every year he’s been in the league has yet to make his post season debut. The main reason he has yet to play in the post season is simple; the man has never played on a good team. From 2000-2004, he played for the Chicago Bulls. In his first three seasons Crawford was inconsistent and the team was in chaos. In Crawford’s first season, the Bulls had the worst record in franchise history, 15-67, even with defending rookie of the year Elton Brand leading the way. Crawford played sparingly, playing 17 minutes a game and averaging 4.6 points. In his sophomore year, 2002, the Bulls traded away their franchise cornerstone and leader, Brand, in favour of the second and fourth picks in the draft, Tyson Chandler and Eddy Curry. Both came straight out of high school and needed time to develop, and Chicago only won 21 games. Crawford only played in 23 games due to injury, but improved his points per game to 9.3. In his third season, Crawford again proved his willingness to improve. He played 80 games, starting 31, and averaged 10.7 points per game. Chicago had a new point guard in rookie Jay Williams, as well as Jalen Rose, Donyell Marshall, Curry, and Chandler, and appeared to be building a team that could one day compete for a title. The Bulls won 30 games that year. 2003-2004, Crawford proved he was a starter in this league. He improved his points per game by nearly seven points, ending with 17.3 per game. He put up statistical bests in every non shooting category, but his team digressed. Williams had a career ending motorcycle accident, while Curry and Chandler struggled to stay healthy. The Bulls ended the season with 23 wins, second worse in the league, leading to the Bulls sign-and-trading Crawford that offseason to the Knicks for expiring contracts. The next year the Bulls would make the playoffs, and Crawford would be playing for the Knicks. Crawford hoped his move to New York would mean a chance at the playoffs, as the Knicks had qualified the year before, and had a dynamic and proven point guard in Stephon Marbury. Crawford teamed with Marbury to create a talented backcourt that could score with ease. In his first season, Crawford played in 70 games, starting 67, and averaging 17.7 points per game. The Knicks, however, continued their nosedive into the abyss, compiling a 33-49 record, and missing the playoffs. With Isiah Thomas as their General Manager, the Knicks became a laughing stock in the NBA. They had a league high $130 million payroll, yet finished with a record of 23-59, again missing the playoffs. Crawfords minutes and points per game took a dive, as did the Knicks. Things looked bad for Crawford and his journey to the post season. 2007-2008, Crawford once again proved he deserved better then the Knicks could offer. While Thomas was busy trading away anyone he could in order to field a worthwhile team, Crawford was putting together his best season as a pro. He started all 80 games he played, and averaged 20.6 points per game. He had a career high 52 on January 26th, but the Knicks had little else to help Crawford, and the team again missed the postseason, compiling a record of 23-59, along with many embarrassing defeats. Eleven games into his fifth season with the Knicks, and ninth in the league, Crawford was traded to Golden State for Al Harrington. Injuries to their star player, Monta Ellis, as well as chemistry issues with their high profile free agent, Corey Maggette, derailed what could have been a regrouping season for the Warriors in 2008-2009. Crawford started all 65 games he played, but was in the doghouse with Coach Don Nelson after he refused to play after being benched. Once it was clear that the Warriors were out of playoff contention, Nelson benched Crawford in order to play his younger players. Crawford took exception, and refused to play afterwards. Crawford averaged 19.7 points per game in his one and only season with the Warriors. In the offseason, Crawford was traded to Atlanta for point guards Acie Law and Speedy Claxton. He will start the 2009-2010 season as either the Hawks sixth man, or possible starting two guard if they decide to go small. Atlanta is a team that has made tremendous strides the past couple of seasons, going from laughing stock of the league to legitimate playoff contenders. So is this the season the Crawford finally sees post season action? The East has dramatically improved, which could spell disaster for the Hawks and Crawford. Preseason outlooks show the Hawks finishing as a likely sixth to eighth seed, which leaves a lot of uncertainty to Crawford’s bid at the post season. While we still have to wait to see how the season plays out, it will be interesting to see if the Basketball God’s will be smiling at Crawford’s good fortune, or laughing at his continued futility. http://www.alldaynba.com/nbageneral/will-the-basketball-gods-finally-give-jamal-crawford-a-break/ http://bleacherreport.com/articles/221182-will-the-basketball-gods-finally-give-jamal-crawford-a-break

I agree it doesnt really make sense for their roster, unless they feel big ben can teach Charlie V basic defence. He should be a vocal leader if nothing else

I agree. did u think the same thing when the wolves took Jonny Flynn after Rubio? I did too. With what Miami had at the time, it would make the most sense to take Lopez, although Mayo was working on his pg abilities because thats what he sees his future as, a point guard. So if Miami took the time to groom him as a point guard, then I could see it making sense, but really I think Lopez would have been the right call.

i still remember when he used to play, he could have been so good. I agree that the knicks should pick him up. He just wants to try and make a comeback, so hed probably take a 1yr contract, and on a team like NY he would probably play too.

My votes miller. He looks like a rat Kamen and swift are sooo close though lol

I like the idea, I just wish you went into more detail because I agree, its hard to build around big guys now. I think you need a versitile slasher at SG or SF to win in this league.

Ya i got questions about harris, but like ATL said, hes 26. And ATL i think you might be the first person who agreed with me about Rondo ahead of Rose. Although I think Rose will overtake him after this year. As for stuckey over Westbrook. Thats very interesting, and Ill be honest, I didnt really consider stuckey. Stuckey and Monta Ellis are two "point guards" who could have made this list. While they do play the point guard position, I dont really consider them point guards. They are both more suited to shooting guard. But if Stuckey were to play well at that position this year, he could very well be on this list. Ellis I dont think Ill ever buy as a point guard though. Westbrook how ever is no doubt a point guard, and I agree does play erratic. But he made a huge transformation over the year, and along with Durrant, Green, and Harden, should have a very productive year. Im also a sucker for guys who play hard defence.

ya u could have found better picks of Jolie. IDK about this one though, based on those pics Berry

IDK about Bosh and Bargs, they will be a great offensive duo, but their defence will be one of the worst in the league.

Ya i always forget that. Made some changes. Thanks

KG hes the more complete player. Dirk has improved his rebounding, but still has poor defence. KG can do it all, and has a very good midrange game.

Ya i got that alot. Rondo barely wins because he did everything the celts asked. He lead the big 3 to a championship, improved his shot when asked, and registered countless triple doubles. Rose will be better then him as far is im concerned though too, just not yet. I say by December though this list would be changed. I was thinkin about doing this article again next yr. Williams wouldnt be eligible, and i think rose would jump to #2, possibly #1 if the bulls do well.

The Point guard position has always been considered the most important part of any basketball team. It is hard to win a championship without a playmaker at the guard position, who can handle the ball with ease, pass effectively, shoot, drive, guard, and most importantly lead. As we look at some of the great point guards in the league, some of the obvious choices for best in the league would be Steve Nash and Jason Kidd. While they are no doubt great players, this list looks to show the next generation of great point guards. While these players are already well known, they are still young and have a chance to leapfrog over the likes of Nash and Kidd, to become considered some of the best to play the game. No. 5 Russell Westbrook- Age 20 Russell Westbrook is one of the most physically gifted players in the NBA. A 6’3 point guard, who’s just as lethal off the ball. He has the ability to get to the rim at will, and is known as being a tenacious defender. Drafted fourth overall in 2008 by the Oklahoma City Thunder, Westbrook began his career in the NBA coming off the bench to play good defence and look to slash to the rim. Later in his rookie season, he exploded down the stretch, earning Western Conference Rookie of the Month awards in December and February, and finished fourth in Rookie of the Year voting. He also was the first rookie since Chris Paul (you’ll hear that name again) to record a triple double, with 17 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists. With a young nucleus of Kevin Durant, Jeff Green, and James Harden, Westbrook should look to add to his assists total from last year, and continue to grow as a player, now that he is their starting point guard. No. 4 Derrick Rose- Age 20 At just 20 years old, Derrick Rose has more accolades than some seasoned veterans. He played college ball at the University of Memphis, where he lead the team to the National Championship game, coming up just short in overtime. He quickly jumped ship to the NBA, and was rewarded with the number one overall pick to his hometown team, the Chicago Bulls. Rose started all but one game in his rookie season, which resulted in the Rookie of the Year award after averaging almost 17 points per game to go with 6.3 assists, which lead all rookies, and 3.9 rebounds. Rose is already being compared to some of the great point guards before him, as his height and long arms create mismatches with most guards in the league. He has the ability to get to the rim at will, and has a nice mid range game. If he continues to work hard and develop a more consistent three point shot, he could be the most dangerous scoring point guard in the league. No. 3 Rajon Rondo- Age 23 Rajon Rondo is one of the truly surprising characters in the NBA. He is a gifted athlete, and plays with heart every game. He is known as a rebounding point guard, and is always in the top ten in steals, earning NBA all-defensive second team honours. He has also improved his jump shot to keep defenses honest, but remains a slasher first. Rondo was drafted 21st overall by the Phoenix Suns, but like many of their draft picks was traded away for nearly nothing. In his rookie year, he split time with the likes of Sebastian Telfair and Delonte West. He put up a respectable 6.4 points, 3.8 assists, 1.6 steals, and 3.7 rebounds per game in 78 games as a rookie, earning second team all rookie honors. It wasn’t until his second season that we truly saw what Rondo was capable of when he was teamed with the big three in Ray Allen, Paul Pierce, and Kevin Garnett. He flourished in their system, creating enough looks to keep his superstars happy while upping his own statistics across the board. Rondo earned an NBA championship that year, and earned the respect of the NBA fans and players alike. No. 2 Deron Williams- Age 25 Williams is the oldest member of this list, but there is no doubt he is anything less than one of the great young players in the league. Williams is known for being one of the top assist men in the league year in and year out, and is also one of the bigger guards that can overwhelm the opposition. He is a good lockdown defender, and has a nice midrange game, but gets most of his points near the rim. Williams was taken third overall in the 2005 draft by the Utah Jazz, and immediately filled the void left by John Stockton. He earned all-rookie second team honours, mainly coming off the bench, yet still putting up an impressive 11 points, 4.5 assists, and 2.4 rebounds per game. He was the only other player besides Chris Paul to receive a first place vote for rookie of the year honours, with one. Since that first year he has been one of the best guards in the league, yet always overshadowed by the other high profile point guards in the league, having yet to make the All-Star game. While he doesn’t play with flash, he is the calming presence Coach Jerry Sloan loves in his point guards, and Williams has earned his absolute trust. This alone shows Williams’ value in this league, when he can come in and fill in for the great John Stockton without missing a beat. He should continue his competitive rivalry with the man at the top of this list for another decade or so, as these two warriors will be forever compared. No. 1 Chris Paul- Age 24 Chris Paul is without a doubt the best point guard in the NBA. He possesses the ability to score, assist, steal, and rebound, all at the height of 6'0". He’s one of the quickest players in the league, as well as one of the most elusive. His shooting has improved dramatically since his rookie season, and he has possibly the best court vision of any player in the NBA. He plays passing lanes well, and has a high IQ for rebounding considering his size and position. He has been an NBA All-Star twice, an All-NBA first and second team selection, an All-NBA defensive first and second team selection, not to mention Rookie of the Year in 2006 and the first runner up to the NBA MVP award in 2008. Chris Paul has increased his scoring average every year he has been in the league, plus has lead the league in assists, and steals in the same season, twice, and last year was second in total triple doubles behind LeBron James. He is also the record holder for consecutive games with a steal, which lasted 108 games. This guy is simply a monster, and a fantasy players dream. He has helped rebuild a struggling franchise in New Orleans, and is the starting point guard on the USA Olympic National team that recently won the Gold medal. Needless to say, the other players on this list have a lot of work to do to catch Paul. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/217550-the-five-best-point-guards-under-the-age-of-25#page/1 http://www.alldaynba.com/nbageneral/the-five-best-point-guards-under-the-age-of-25/#more-108

some ppl seem to be taking this different ways. Most of these teams just added 1 or 2 players to try and put them over the top, but shouldnt improve all that much. Cavs, Magic, Celts, Lakers, and Spurs should all have relatively identical records next yr as they did this year. That being said they all made moves to put them in better position to win a championship next yr. Thats why I chose raps. Yes im a raps fan, but the changes they made should deffinately give them the edge for most improved. They went from lottery pick to possible playoff bound team. They wont win a championship next year, but they will be much better.

dang thanks. I got it edited twice on bleacher report and they didnt catch that