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New Orleans
Chris Andersen
Overview: An athletic power forward with very good mobility and leaping ability, but a limited feel for the game. Mostly effective as a shot-blocker and rebounder. Displays tremendous foot speed and quickness for a player his size. Jumps out of the gym off of one leg, but isnt as explosive from a stand still. Possesses good length and passable physical strength. Needed to get back into game shape after an extended absence. Can contribute on the boards, finish at the rim, and contest shots defensively. Struggled academically and with commitment issues, had to play in a handful of domestic minor Leagues and spend some time in China to make it to the NBA out of Blinn Junior College. Spent time at the University of Houston before leaving the school for Blinn. Was the first player to be called up from the NBDL in 2001. Expelled from the League in 2006 for violating the Leagues drug policy. Reinstated in 2008, and (understandably) struggled badly in the brief looks he got. Needs to show he hasnt lost his athleticism to receive another contract after this season. A fan favorite.
Offense: An adequate offensive player due to his athleticism, not his skill. Gets the vast majority of his offense from dump downs from drives, offensive rebounds, and off of cuts. Doesnt display much of a jump shot, and prefers to attack defenders than shoot when open. Not very apt at putting the ball on the floor for more than one or two dribbles at a time. Can get to the rim when he faces a slower matchup. Moves extremely well without the ball. Will find holes in the defense. Receives a ton of passes under the basket. Can finish at a very solid clip, but is susceptible to fouling. Wont shoot a good percentage from the line. Loves to run the floor and dunk the ball. Will play above the rim when he gets a chance. Great offensive rebounder. Sets solid screens. Wont wow anyone with his production or skills, but does the little things necessary to make himself useful.
Defense: Has the foot speed and athleticism to make some impressive plays. Displays the lateral quickness necessary to guard the power forward spot and the strength to defend some centers. Will commit some silly fouls, but can be very effective in spurts. Wont always stay focused, and doesnt always get in a good stance. Loves to block shots. Will try to make some plays that he probably shouldnt. Does a good job boxing out, but cant always hold position. Doesnt explode to the ball when it comes off the rim.
Offense: An adequate offensive player due to his athleticism, not his skill. Gets the vast majority of his offense from dump downs from drives, offensive rebounds, and off of cuts. Doesnt display much of a jump shot, and prefers to attack defenders than shoot when open. Not very apt at putting the ball on the floor for more than one or two dribbles at a time. Can get to the rim when he faces a slower matchup. Moves extremely well without the ball. Will find holes in the defense. Receives a ton of passes under the basket. Can finish at a very solid clip, but is susceptible to fouling. Wont shoot a good percentage from the line. Loves to run the floor and dunk the ball. Will play above the rim when he gets a chance. Great offensive rebounder. Sets solid screens. Wont wow anyone with his production or skills, but does the little things necessary to make himself useful.
Defense: Has the foot speed and athleticism to make some impressive plays. Displays the lateral quickness necessary to guard the power forward spot and the strength to defend some centers. Will commit some silly fouls, but can be very effective in spurts. Wont always stay focused, and doesnt always get in a good stance. Loves to block shots. Will try to make some plays that he probably shouldnt. Does a good job boxing out, but cant always hold position. Doesnt explode to the ball when it comes off the rim.
Hilton Armstrong
Ryan Bowen
Overview: A veteran defensive specialist who has adequate size and below average athleticism. Pretty tall and long. Can defend both forward spots depending on the match up, but doesnt show typical characteristics at either position. Is not quick or explosive. Maximizes his physical assets by giving his best effort on every possession. A consummate hustle player. Wont do much offensively other than accumulating some occasional garbage points and executing his teams sets. Not the defender he once was. Still passable, but doesnt make plays at the rate he used to. Was one of the best defenders in the Big 10 during each of the four seasons he spent at Iowa. Has spent some time overseas between NBA contracts. Not an ideal rotation player, but a good spot player due to his experience, hustle, and tremendous intangibles. One of the good guys in the League. May be retained for that reason alone if no significantly more useful players are available when he becomes a free agent this offseason.
Offense: A mediocre offensive player who struggles due to his lack of athleticism and scoring skills. Barely touches the ball offensively. Gets the vast majority of his shots up from spot up and transition opportunities. Displays mediocre shooting mechanics, and doesnt finish his follow through. Consistently leaves the ball short. Not going to put the ball on the floor to score. Will run the floor hard, set good screens, and get position for offensive boards. Not a risk taker. Wont turn the ball over, and sports a solid assist to turnover ratio. Sporadic foul shooter. Not a great asset on the offensive end, in fact, ranks as one of the leagues worst per-minute scorers.
Defense: A hustle defender who can really get underneath peoples skin. Will make plays by staying focused, but not by being overly aggressive. Lets the game come to him. Doesnt show great lateral quickness, but will work hard to stay in front and anticipate drives to the rim. Displays very active hands when hes defending the ball. Always boxes out, but is just an average rebounder. Shows and willingness to give smart fouls and pursues long rebounds. Does the little things to be effective.
Offense: A mediocre offensive player who struggles due to his lack of athleticism and scoring skills. Barely touches the ball offensively. Gets the vast majority of his shots up from spot up and transition opportunities. Displays mediocre shooting mechanics, and doesnt finish his follow through. Consistently leaves the ball short. Not going to put the ball on the floor to score. Will run the floor hard, set good screens, and get position for offensive boards. Not a risk taker. Wont turn the ball over, and sports a solid assist to turnover ratio. Sporadic foul shooter. Not a great asset on the offensive end, in fact, ranks as one of the leagues worst per-minute scorers.
Defense: A hustle defender who can really get underneath peoples skin. Will make plays by staying focused, but not by being overly aggressive. Lets the game come to him. Doesnt show great lateral quickness, but will work hard to stay in front and anticipate drives to the rim. Displays very active hands when hes defending the ball. Always boxes out, but is just an average rebounder. Shows and willingness to give smart fouls and pursues long rebounds. Does the little things to be effective.
Rasual Butler
Overview: A role player who will knock down outside shots when open and make some plays with his athleticism. Possesses very good size and terrific length. Isnt very physically strong. Displays good overall athleticism, but isnt tremendously quick or explosive. Something of a shooting specialist, but isnt as consistent enough for that to be his calling card. A little bit too one-dimensional considering that he consistently shoots around 40% from the field, and does not get to the free throw line. Was a prolific scorer during all four of the seasons he spent at LaSalle. Played a simply ridiculous number of minutes in those four years. Brings a nice scoring presence off the bench, but will have a hard time finding the success he saw when got extended minutes with the Hornets in the 2006-2007 season, and looks fairly overpaid considering his production.
Offense: A semi-useful offensive role player who gets almost two-third of his shots from spot up opportunities. Displays a smooth jumper that is absolutely gorgeous when hes in rhythm, but hasnt been falling the way it did earlier in his career. Isnt great when he has to shoot on the move. Will release the ball on the way down, leading to misses. Takes more shots from beyond the arc than inside of it. Can put the ball on the floor if he has to, but isnt an aggressive or creative ball handler. Knows hes not quick enough to beat his man off the dribble with his poor ball-handling skills. Will use pump fakes to get recovering defenders off the ground and then step in for a mid range jumper. Not great off the dribble. Can be a zone buster, but doesnt have a lot of successes when there arent a few other threats on the floor. Runs the floor well and does a good job getting to the open spot on the perimeter. Good foul shooter, but doesnt head to the line at a pitiful rate since he lacks the ball-handling skills, strength and toughness. Will get some easy shots around the basket in transition and by being active without the ball. Not a threat on the offensive glass or from the post. Almost never turns the ball over, since hes primarily a spot-up shooter.
Defense: A solid defender who uses his size and phenomenal length to make it tough on his match up. Does a good job getting low and contesting shots one-on-one. Puts a good effort in, and understands the nuances. Isnt much of a factor as a help side defender or shot-blocker. Plays solid defense and isnt a risk taker. Makes an effort to stay in front of his man, but doesnt always have a favorable matchup. Stiff hips make it tough at times not to get beat. Hes smart, though, and knows how to recover. Rebounds at a decent rate. Will commit some blocking fouls when he cant get deny penetration. Not the best defender, but far from the worst.
Offense: A semi-useful offensive role player who gets almost two-third of his shots from spot up opportunities. Displays a smooth jumper that is absolutely gorgeous when hes in rhythm, but hasnt been falling the way it did earlier in his career. Isnt great when he has to shoot on the move. Will release the ball on the way down, leading to misses. Takes more shots from beyond the arc than inside of it. Can put the ball on the floor if he has to, but isnt an aggressive or creative ball handler. Knows hes not quick enough to beat his man off the dribble with his poor ball-handling skills. Will use pump fakes to get recovering defenders off the ground and then step in for a mid range jumper. Not great off the dribble. Can be a zone buster, but doesnt have a lot of successes when there arent a few other threats on the floor. Runs the floor well and does a good job getting to the open spot on the perimeter. Good foul shooter, but doesnt head to the line at a pitiful rate since he lacks the ball-handling skills, strength and toughness. Will get some easy shots around the basket in transition and by being active without the ball. Not a threat on the offensive glass or from the post. Almost never turns the ball over, since hes primarily a spot-up shooter.
Defense: A solid defender who uses his size and phenomenal length to make it tough on his match up. Does a good job getting low and contesting shots one-on-one. Puts a good effort in, and understands the nuances. Isnt much of a factor as a help side defender or shot-blocker. Plays solid defense and isnt a risk taker. Makes an effort to stay in front of his man, but doesnt always have a favorable matchup. Stiff hips make it tough at times not to get beat. Hes smart, though, and knows how to recover. Rebounds at a decent rate. Will commit some blocking fouls when he cant get deny penetration. Not the best defender, but far from the worst.
Tyson Chandler
Overview: An incredibly long and athletic center who has developed a reputation as one of the Leagues top rebounders. Possesses great height and a huge wingspan, even for the center position. Still very thin, but has improved his frame since entering the League. Simply a ridiculous athlete for his size. Possesses tremendous quickness and leaping ability. Doesnt have the best feel for the game offensively, but has become a savvy rebounder and defender. Will score some points occasionally on the offensive end by virtue of his size and athleticism, but is still working on his back to the basket game. Not the same player he was coming out of Dominguez High School. Was one of the most highly touted preps in the nation after leading Dominguez to three straight state titles. Has blossomed since landing in New Orleans after five seasons with the Bulls, partially due to the presence of Chris Paul. Has matured off the court. Still has room to grow as a player given his age. Plays with a lot of heart.
Offense: An average offensive player at best who gets about half of his touches from post ups and offensive rebounds. Percentage wise, the best finisher around the basket in the league, making him very efficient overall from the field. Will get a few garbage baskets each game. Works hard without the ball. Runs the floor like a much smaller player and uses his length to his advantage when grabbing offensive rebounders. Sets very solid screens and does a good job rolling to the front of the rim. Will fight for position on the block, but doesnt have the bulk to get the ball consistently. Fairly mediocre going one on one in the post, more of a catch and finish guy. Rarely puts the ball on the floor and cannot go left at all. Will use some spins and quick jabs that let him use his length to his advantage. Has a decent right handed hook shot, but it lacks polish. Needs to work on his consistency and footwork. Will get pushed out of his shooting motion, leading to misses. Needs to find a consistent release point in all of his moves. The same can be said for his jump shot. Doesnt take many at all, but it could be a weapon for him if he would simply develop a consistent, high release point, and some basic touch. Will get most of his points in situations when he receives a dump pass or gets the ball at the rim in a non-post up situation. Dunks almost everything in those situations. This feature of his game, coupled with the number of touches he gets at the rim makes him an extremely efficient player based on what he is asked to do. Will finish with contact, but not when a defender really gets a body on him. Goes to the line at a decent rate and shoots a mediocre percentage. Still somewhat turnover prone, but not as much as he used to be. Outstanding offensive rebounder.
Defense: A tremendous defensive presence due to his mix of length and athleticism. Has the quickness to defend the high post and challenge shots from the weakside. Shows good timing when blocking shots, and has improved his one-on-one defense. Doesnt block as many shots as you might think, but plays very good defense regardless. Still commits some questionable fouls, but is vastly improved in that department. Does a great job boxing out and exploding to the ball to grab rebounds. Can hedge the pick and roll. Will change his fair share of shots and carry the load on the glass.
Offense: An average offensive player at best who gets about half of his touches from post ups and offensive rebounds. Percentage wise, the best finisher around the basket in the league, making him very efficient overall from the field. Will get a few garbage baskets each game. Works hard without the ball. Runs the floor like a much smaller player and uses his length to his advantage when grabbing offensive rebounders. Sets very solid screens and does a good job rolling to the front of the rim. Will fight for position on the block, but doesnt have the bulk to get the ball consistently. Fairly mediocre going one on one in the post, more of a catch and finish guy. Rarely puts the ball on the floor and cannot go left at all. Will use some spins and quick jabs that let him use his length to his advantage. Has a decent right handed hook shot, but it lacks polish. Needs to work on his consistency and footwork. Will get pushed out of his shooting motion, leading to misses. Needs to find a consistent release point in all of his moves. The same can be said for his jump shot. Doesnt take many at all, but it could be a weapon for him if he would simply develop a consistent, high release point, and some basic touch. Will get most of his points in situations when he receives a dump pass or gets the ball at the rim in a non-post up situation. Dunks almost everything in those situations. This feature of his game, coupled with the number of touches he gets at the rim makes him an extremely efficient player based on what he is asked to do. Will finish with contact, but not when a defender really gets a body on him. Goes to the line at a decent rate and shoots a mediocre percentage. Still somewhat turnover prone, but not as much as he used to be. Outstanding offensive rebounder.
Defense: A tremendous defensive presence due to his mix of length and athleticism. Has the quickness to defend the high post and challenge shots from the weakside. Shows good timing when blocking shots, and has improved his one-on-one defense. Doesnt block as many shots as you might think, but plays very good defense regardless. Still commits some questionable fouls, but is vastly improved in that department. Does a great job boxing out and exploding to the ball to grab rebounds. Can hedge the pick and roll. Will change his fair share of shots and carry the load on the glass.
Melvin Ely
Overview: A role player who never developed into the player he could have been, and hasnt improved much since entering the league. Possesses good size, a 7-4 wingspan, and very good bulk for the power forward position, but spends a lot of minutes at the 5-spot, making him a bit of a tweener. Mobile player, but not incredibly explosive. Conditioning is questionable. Displays good scoring ability around the basket, but still isnt terribly efficient. Has the raw tools that you look for in a post scorer, but has yet to develop his individual skills. Basketball IQ is just OK. Had an impressive four year career at Fresno State after being declared ineligible as a freshman. Won the WAC Player of the Year Award as a junior and senior. Has struggled to live up to his late lottery selection. Faces questions about his work ethic and attitude, and needs to answer those questions to see playing time wherever he ends up.
Offense: An average offensive option who gets more than half of his offense one on one in the post. Not going to impress anyone with his jump shot. Doesnt show good touch from the midrange. Has a much better feel for the game around the basket. Can score a little bit from there. Displays soft hands and great touch from in close. Cant bully defenders like he did in college, so he isnt always able to get into a situation where he can use that touch. Displays a nice right handed hook shot, and will even go left from time to time. Needs to work on his consistency with both hands. Will get blocked pretty frequently due to his lack of quickness and explosiveness. Doesnt get to the free throw line at a great rate, and is mediocre once there. Really needs to extend the range of his offensive repertoire to improve his efficiency. Doesnt show great awareness when putting the ball on the floor, and has no left hand to speak of. A poor passer, and very turnover prone. Good at getting position on the block, but doesnt have the athleticism or length to be a great offensive rebounder.
Defense: An adequate defender who has the physical tools to be much better. Has the size of a PF, but is forced to spend much of his time at the 5-spot due to his inability to defend on the perimeter. Doesnt get in a good stance or go straight up on the shot. Commits lots of unnecessary fouls. Can block shots and fight for position, but needs to improve his work ethic and focus. Lapses in judgment consistently take him out of games. Throws his weight around on the interior. Will grab his share of defensive rebounds, but maybe not quite as much as youd hope considering his limitations in other areas.
Offense: An average offensive option who gets more than half of his offense one on one in the post. Not going to impress anyone with his jump shot. Doesnt show good touch from the midrange. Has a much better feel for the game around the basket. Can score a little bit from there. Displays soft hands and great touch from in close. Cant bully defenders like he did in college, so he isnt always able to get into a situation where he can use that touch. Displays a nice right handed hook shot, and will even go left from time to time. Needs to work on his consistency with both hands. Will get blocked pretty frequently due to his lack of quickness and explosiveness. Doesnt get to the free throw line at a great rate, and is mediocre once there. Really needs to extend the range of his offensive repertoire to improve his efficiency. Doesnt show great awareness when putting the ball on the floor, and has no left hand to speak of. A poor passer, and very turnover prone. Good at getting position on the block, but doesnt have the athleticism or length to be a great offensive rebounder.
Defense: An adequate defender who has the physical tools to be much better. Has the size of a PF, but is forced to spend much of his time at the 5-spot due to his inability to defend on the perimeter. Doesnt get in a good stance or go straight up on the shot. Commits lots of unnecessary fouls. Can block shots and fight for position, but needs to improve his work ethic and focus. Lapses in judgment consistently take him out of games. Throws his weight around on the interior. Will grab his share of defensive rebounds, but maybe not quite as much as youd hope considering his limitations in other areas.
Mike James
Overview: A talented scoring guard who is better at shooting and creating his own shot than running the point. Possesses good quickness and speed, but is severely undersized for the position his skills suit him to play. Has great shooting ability, and can be a nice asset when he can get into a rhythm over the course of a season. Will put up decent assist numbers when he needs to facilitate an offense, but that doesnt seem to be his natural role. Has been a scorer since his days at Duquesne. Bounced around the world until he found a home with the Miami Heat. Won an NBA Title with the Pistons in 2004. Put up huge numbers for Toronto in 2006, which was a product of his surroundings. Hasnt had a comparable year since then due to his inability to adapt to his role. Thinks very highly of himself. Can still produce in the right situation if he is willing to adjust his style of play. Has a hard time sliding over to guard the shooting guard position due to his size, making him somewhat of a tweener considering his limitations as a playmaker. May not return to the form that garnered him national attention, but is still a very solid role player.
Offense: Gets almost one third of his touches as a spot up jump shooter with another third coming off of pick and roll situations. Tremendous catch and shoot player. Displays a quick, compact shooting stroke. Possesses good range, and is pretty consistent from beyond the arc. Doesnt show the same consistency in his midrange game that he did in the past. Pretty good ball handler, albeit somewhat turnover prone. Nice first step. Likes to drive left, but tends to take the ball all the way to the rim when he drives right. Good finisher at the rim, but doesnt get to the free throw line at a great rate. Finds a way to get open layups. Pretty good pick and roll player due to his ability to pull up from deep. Decent passer. Not a great distributor for a point guard. Often struggles with his shot-selection. Goes out of the offense and plays somewhat selfishly at times.
Defense: A staunch defender who needs to be motivated to be as good as he can be on that end. Doesnt always hawk the ball like hes capable of. Can really be a pest when he wants to be. Wont go after many rebounds. Does a good job closing out defenders off of skip passes. Will lock down ball handlers when hes amped up. Quick hands and a very aggressive attitude. Will commit some fouls trying to create turnovers, but when hes giving his best effort hes a real asset.
Offense: Gets almost one third of his touches as a spot up jump shooter with another third coming off of pick and roll situations. Tremendous catch and shoot player. Displays a quick, compact shooting stroke. Possesses good range, and is pretty consistent from beyond the arc. Doesnt show the same consistency in his midrange game that he did in the past. Pretty good ball handler, albeit somewhat turnover prone. Nice first step. Likes to drive left, but tends to take the ball all the way to the rim when he drives right. Good finisher at the rim, but doesnt get to the free throw line at a great rate. Finds a way to get open layups. Pretty good pick and roll player due to his ability to pull up from deep. Decent passer. Not a great distributor for a point guard. Often struggles with his shot-selection. Goes out of the offense and plays somewhat selfishly at times.
Defense: A staunch defender who needs to be motivated to be as good as he can be on that end. Doesnt always hawk the ball like hes capable of. Can really be a pest when he wants to be. Wont go after many rebounds. Does a good job closing out defenders off of skip passes. Will lock down ball handlers when hes amped up. Quick hands and a very aggressive attitude. Will commit some fouls trying to create turnovers, but when hes giving his best effort hes a real asset.
Jannero Pargo
Overview: A tremendous scoring combo who is a good stylistic compliment to Chris Paul. Possesses only average size and physical strength for the point guard spot. Shows good quickness and lateral speed. Wont play above the rim, but can get there occasionally. Plays with a scorers mentality, and isnt known for his playmaking skills. Incredible shot-maker from the perimeter, but is a bit streaky. Never gets rattled, and never loses sight of what he brings to the table. Will play tough defense. Tough player in general with outstanding intangibles. Has become a useful role player. Spent time at Neosho County Community College before playing for Arkansas. Signed with the Lakers as an undrafted free agent, but had to spend time in the minor leagues before returning to the NBA. His playoff performances with the Bulls and then the Hornets were huge for his career. Fits in well with the Hornets. Younger brother Jeremy is a guard at Gonzaga.
Offense: A good offensive point guard who will run the pick and roll and hit spot up shots from the perimeter. Displays a very fundamentally sound shooting stroke and can stretch the floor after he initiates the offense. Good catch and shoot guy. Just as capable off the dribble. Would much rather pull up than attack the rim due to his lack of size and leaping ability. Has the quickness to create separation off the dribble. Can absolutely take over a game at times with his stroke, and change the complexion of the contestmaking him a tremendous option to bring off the bench as a change of pace guard. If his shooting stroke isnt on, though, he can become a liability. Never been known as a terribly efficient player throughout his career, partially due to his struggles converting shots around the rim. Not quite as good as a pure point guard as he is as a scorer. Has improved significantly throughout his career in that respect, though. Used to be very turnover prone. Handles the ball well, and while he may not be a great creator, he is a very solid passer. Very rarely gets to the free throw line. Handles pressure well, and can hit his free throws at a very high rate. Plays within himself, which is a trait that took him time to develop. Extremely confident.
Defense: A very good defender who uses his quickness to hawk the ball, but does not have great length at 6-2. Can be a real nuisance for less athletic point guards. Moves his feet extremely well and maintains a low stance. Will get too aggressive sometimes and get beaten off the dribble, but not often. Commits some fouls by nature of his assertiveness. Does his best to keep the ball out of the lane. Not a risk taker, but plays with a physicality that allows him to be a very good defensive point guard. Struggles when forced to defend shooting guards, though, which happens fairly often. Not strong enough at times to fight through screens on the pick and roll. Lacks the height to contest shots and make an impact on the glass, but will run down long rebounds and do his best to get a hand up when he can.
Offense: A good offensive point guard who will run the pick and roll and hit spot up shots from the perimeter. Displays a very fundamentally sound shooting stroke and can stretch the floor after he initiates the offense. Good catch and shoot guy. Just as capable off the dribble. Would much rather pull up than attack the rim due to his lack of size and leaping ability. Has the quickness to create separation off the dribble. Can absolutely take over a game at times with his stroke, and change the complexion of the contestmaking him a tremendous option to bring off the bench as a change of pace guard. If his shooting stroke isnt on, though, he can become a liability. Never been known as a terribly efficient player throughout his career, partially due to his struggles converting shots around the rim. Not quite as good as a pure point guard as he is as a scorer. Has improved significantly throughout his career in that respect, though. Used to be very turnover prone. Handles the ball well, and while he may not be a great creator, he is a very solid passer. Very rarely gets to the free throw line. Handles pressure well, and can hit his free throws at a very high rate. Plays within himself, which is a trait that took him time to develop. Extremely confident.
Defense: A very good defender who uses his quickness to hawk the ball, but does not have great length at 6-2. Can be a real nuisance for less athletic point guards. Moves his feet extremely well and maintains a low stance. Will get too aggressive sometimes and get beaten off the dribble, but not often. Commits some fouls by nature of his assertiveness. Does his best to keep the ball out of the lane. Not a risk taker, but plays with a physicality that allows him to be a very good defensive point guard. Struggles when forced to defend shooting guards, though, which happens fairly often. Not strong enough at times to fight through screens on the pick and roll. Lacks the height to contest shots and make an impact on the glass, but will run down long rebounds and do his best to get a hand up when he can.
Chris Paul
Overview: Likely the best point guard in the NBA already, despite his age. Lightning quick and is almost impossible to stay in front of. Can play above the rim despite his lack of height. Doesnt have an imposing frame, but compensates with great heart and athleticism. Plays bigger than he is. One of the best passers in the game today. Outstanding scorer when needed too. Plays tremendous defense when motivated. Already a franchise player. Garnered first team All-American honors during his sophomore season at Wake Forest. Was obviously a special player from day one with the Demon Deacons. Won the NBA Rookie of the Year Award in 2006. Played in the 2008 All-Star game. Displays great leadership skills for a player his age. Has a chance to become one of the all-time great point guards in the NBA if he continues along the same trajectory.
Offense: One of the top distributors in the League. Gets about half of his offense in pick and roll situations, but is also capable of starting and finishing the break and taking his man one-on-one. Has improved his jump shot dramatically since entering the League. Forces defenders to respect his three point shot, a key to his development. Becoming a very consistent catch and shoot guy. Makes a killing off the dribble. Extremely efficient in general offensively. Impossible to stay in front of and can either pull up or finish at the rim. One of the most creative finishers in the game. Isnt limited by his height unlike most comparably sized players. Runs the pick and roll as well as anybody. Turns the corner and then breaks down the defense with his tremendous ball handling ability. Gets in the lane, draws the defense, and finds his teammates. Does a very good job seeing the floor and reading defenders. Fantastic at controlling tempowhich is a key to New Orleans success. Makes everyone around him considerably better. Does not turn the ball over at all for how much he handles it. Turning into one of the games most dynamic offensive players.
Defense: Very good on this end when he puts his mind to it, considering his limitations. Uses his unbelievable lateral quickness and 6-4 wingspan to dart in front of passes to create turnovers. Displays very good anticipation and quick hands when going for strips and deflections. Tough to get by due to his speed and improved strength. Struggles on the pick and roll, often late getting out and doesnt do a great job fighting through screens. Can get posted up effectively due to his lack of size, or shot over the top of on the perimeter. Solid rebounder for his size and position. Will get anything that bounces long off the rim. Never late to a loose ball either.
Offense: One of the top distributors in the League. Gets about half of his offense in pick and roll situations, but is also capable of starting and finishing the break and taking his man one-on-one. Has improved his jump shot dramatically since entering the League. Forces defenders to respect his three point shot, a key to his development. Becoming a very consistent catch and shoot guy. Makes a killing off the dribble. Extremely efficient in general offensively. Impossible to stay in front of and can either pull up or finish at the rim. One of the most creative finishers in the game. Isnt limited by his height unlike most comparably sized players. Runs the pick and roll as well as anybody. Turns the corner and then breaks down the defense with his tremendous ball handling ability. Gets in the lane, draws the defense, and finds his teammates. Does a very good job seeing the floor and reading defenders. Fantastic at controlling tempowhich is a key to New Orleans success. Makes everyone around him considerably better. Does not turn the ball over at all for how much he handles it. Turning into one of the games most dynamic offensive players.
Defense: Very good on this end when he puts his mind to it, considering his limitations. Uses his unbelievable lateral quickness and 6-4 wingspan to dart in front of passes to create turnovers. Displays very good anticipation and quick hands when going for strips and deflections. Tough to get by due to his speed and improved strength. Struggles on the pick and roll, often late getting out and doesnt do a great job fighting through screens. Can get posted up effectively due to his lack of size, or shot over the top of on the perimeter. Solid rebounder for his size and position. Will get anything that bounces long off the rim. Never late to a loose ball either.
Morris Peterson
Overview: Role-playing swingman who has seen his role decrease in recent seasons. Has very good size, length and strength for the shooting guard spot. Displays decent athleticism, but his physical tools arent the best. Can knock down shots from the perimeter and put the ball on the floor with decent effectiveness, but has become more and more of a one-dimensional shooter as of late. Knows how to score, but was never the most efficient player around. Will make some plays defensively, but used to be better on this end of the floor. Improved during each of his five seasons at Michigan State, especially as a shooter. Won an NCAA Championship with the Spartans in 2000. Had his ups and down during the first seven years of his career in Toronto, but was always an asset for them. Can do some nice things within his limitations and fits his role well.
Offense: Off the ball lefty that is mostly a shooter for the Hornets. Really takes a lot of 3s. Over 55% of his attempts from behind the arc. Displays a very consistent jump shot and has very consistent three point range. Great catch and shoot guy. Good footwork on the perimeter. Not as effective off the dribble. Average ball handler. Only a decent finisher too. Rarely gets to the free throw line. Moves the ball on the perimeter, but doesnt create for his teammates. Doesnt turn the ball over much either. Brings a lot to the table as a perimeter scorer, but doesnt do a whole lot in close. Runs the floor well. Knows how to get open and can finish the break. Shows good hustle and has no problem taking physical contact when he gets a lead pass in transition. Knocks down his free throws at a decent clip.
Defense: A solid perimeter defender whose intensity allows him to use his size and strength to his advantage. Has a 6-10 wingspan. Couples his physical stature with above average lateral quickness, which has begun to decline as of late. Using his hands a little too much these days. Gets in a low stance and shows good footwork. Uses his length well to contest shots, but can get beat off the dribble. Doesnt take many risks, which is probably good for a player who lacks elite athleticism. Average rebounder for his position. Plays smart. Shows solid defensive intangibles. Will create some turnovers, but isnt consistent on that front. Effectiveness on the defensive end has decreased as of late, and in turn so have his minutes.
Offense: Off the ball lefty that is mostly a shooter for the Hornets. Really takes a lot of 3s. Over 55% of his attempts from behind the arc. Displays a very consistent jump shot and has very consistent three point range. Great catch and shoot guy. Good footwork on the perimeter. Not as effective off the dribble. Average ball handler. Only a decent finisher too. Rarely gets to the free throw line. Moves the ball on the perimeter, but doesnt create for his teammates. Doesnt turn the ball over much either. Brings a lot to the table as a perimeter scorer, but doesnt do a whole lot in close. Runs the floor well. Knows how to get open and can finish the break. Shows good hustle and has no problem taking physical contact when he gets a lead pass in transition. Knocks down his free throws at a decent clip.
Defense: A solid perimeter defender whose intensity allows him to use his size and strength to his advantage. Has a 6-10 wingspan. Couples his physical stature with above average lateral quickness, which has begun to decline as of late. Using his hands a little too much these days. Gets in a low stance and shows good footwork. Uses his length well to contest shots, but can get beat off the dribble. Doesnt take many risks, which is probably good for a player who lacks elite athleticism. Average rebounder for his position. Plays smart. Shows solid defensive intangibles. Will create some turnovers, but isnt consistent on that front. Effectiveness on the defensive end has decreased as of late, and in turn so have his minutes.
Peja Stojakovic
Overview: A tremendous shooter who will score at a high rate despite his lack of elite athleticism. Great size and decent bulk for the small forward spot. Doesnt show great foot speed or leaping ability, but can get by on his anticipation and experience. Has an impressive offensive repertoire, but does most of his damage with his jump shot. Adequate defender due to his basketball IQ. Grew up in Serbia, but spent quite a bit of his career in Greece. Didnt make the move to the NBA immediately after being drafted. Wasnt an overnight success either. Turned the corner during his second year with the Kings. Has had quite a few injuries, but finally managed to stay healthy for the first time in years in 07/08. One of the top European players in the game has the reputation of getting extremely hot from three point range. Two time Three-Point Contest champion. Three time All-Star.
Offense: One of the best shooters the game has to offer. Does most of his damage in that way whether hes moving off of screens, spotting up, or getting open in transition. Has one of the quickest and purest releases on the planet. Almost impossible to contest due to his size and the quickness in which he gets his shot off. Doesnt care if theres a hand in his face. Almost as consistent when defended than when open, which is truly unusual. Lights out from three point range. Only decent off the dribble. Arguably the best catch and shoot player in the League. Doesnt do a whole lot of scoring at the rim, but works off the ball to find easy looks. Runs the floor well and finds his way to his hot spots in transition. Pretty good ball handler. Rarely gets to the free throw line, but is one of the leagues best once there. Isnt flashy or quick, but can get where he needs to go. Decent passer, but turns the ball over at a miniscule rate. Moves the ball well on the perimeter, but doesnt create shots for his teammates. Pretty effective post game. Not just a great shooter, but a very seasoned and polished player across the board.
Defense: A decent defender who plays with savvy. Isnt athletic or explosive enough to be a lock down defender. Doesnt have the lateral quickness to stay in front of many offensive players. Uses his basketball IQ to anticipate and funnel players towards his help defense, instead of relying on his physical skills. Great size helps in this regard. Uses his hands extremely well. Will create some turnovers due to his length and intelligence. Not going to be able to defend every player hes matched up with. Will do his best when it counts. Can defend both forward spots, but doesnt have the ideal tools for either one. Average rebounder.
Offense: One of the best shooters the game has to offer. Does most of his damage in that way whether hes moving off of screens, spotting up, or getting open in transition. Has one of the quickest and purest releases on the planet. Almost impossible to contest due to his size and the quickness in which he gets his shot off. Doesnt care if theres a hand in his face. Almost as consistent when defended than when open, which is truly unusual. Lights out from three point range. Only decent off the dribble. Arguably the best catch and shoot player in the League. Doesnt do a whole lot of scoring at the rim, but works off the ball to find easy looks. Runs the floor well and finds his way to his hot spots in transition. Pretty good ball handler. Rarely gets to the free throw line, but is one of the leagues best once there. Isnt flashy or quick, but can get where he needs to go. Decent passer, but turns the ball over at a miniscule rate. Moves the ball well on the perimeter, but doesnt create shots for his teammates. Pretty effective post game. Not just a great shooter, but a very seasoned and polished player across the board.
Defense: A decent defender who plays with savvy. Isnt athletic or explosive enough to be a lock down defender. Doesnt have the lateral quickness to stay in front of many offensive players. Uses his basketball IQ to anticipate and funnel players towards his help defense, instead of relying on his physical skills. Great size helps in this regard. Uses his hands extremely well. Will create some turnovers due to his length and intelligence. Not going to be able to defend every player hes matched up with. Will do his best when it counts. Can defend both forward spots, but doesnt have the ideal tools for either one. Average rebounder.
Bonzi Wells
Overview: A veteran shooting guard who has proven to be a very gifted offensive talented when hes able to put it all together. Has great bulk for a shooting guard. May even be a little bit overweight, but he hasnt done much about it. Possesses decent athleticism. Displays all the talents you look for in a volume off the bench scorer. Shoots it well from mid-range. Uses his dribble well. Makes some plays at the rim. Even shows some effort defensively, but not often enough. Was a dominant player at Ball State garnering the MAC Player of the Year Award in 1996 and 1998. Has had his share of problems off the court and with coaches, and has bounced around the league considerably for that reason. Shot-selection, body language is often questionable. Will be a free agent in the summer of 2008. At age 31, and considering his off-court track record and recent decline after foolishly turning down a massive contract offer from Sacramento, he isnt quite as attractive a prospect as he once was.
Offense: Somewhat of an undersized 4-man who has semi-effectively made the transition to playing on the perimeter, but still retained many of his advantages as a mismatch threat. Capable scorer who can put up bigger numbers inefficiently. Gets a quarter of his touches in spot up situations with another third coming off of isolations and post ups. Has a reliable jumper, but isnt very consistent from three point range. Can really score from midrange and in. Knows how to use his body to create separation. Not a great catch and shoot guy. Likes to use his dribble to set up his shots. Likes to go to the basket when driving left. Needs to improve his free throw percentage. Adequate ball handler. Moves to ball well around the perimeter. Gets a little too aggressive off the dribble at times, leading to excessive turnovers. Good post game. Great hands, touch around the rim. Uses fakes to create opportunities around the basket. Solid finisher due to his strength and length. Very good offensive rebounder.
Defense: A solid defender who doesnt always bring the effort he needs to. Has improved since his rookie season, but still wont exert himself consistently. Doesnt have the quickness to keep some swingmen out of the lane. Can use his strength against those same players to push them off the block if they try to post up. Would rather go after rebounds than close out shooters. Much more apt at defending forwards than guards. Good rebounder. Will swipe and the ball and strip it away once a game or so. Plays smarter than he once did. Doesnt always maximize that.
Offense: Somewhat of an undersized 4-man who has semi-effectively made the transition to playing on the perimeter, but still retained many of his advantages as a mismatch threat. Capable scorer who can put up bigger numbers inefficiently. Gets a quarter of his touches in spot up situations with another third coming off of isolations and post ups. Has a reliable jumper, but isnt very consistent from three point range. Can really score from midrange and in. Knows how to use his body to create separation. Not a great catch and shoot guy. Likes to use his dribble to set up his shots. Likes to go to the basket when driving left. Needs to improve his free throw percentage. Adequate ball handler. Moves to ball well around the perimeter. Gets a little too aggressive off the dribble at times, leading to excessive turnovers. Good post game. Great hands, touch around the rim. Uses fakes to create opportunities around the basket. Solid finisher due to his strength and length. Very good offensive rebounder.
Defense: A solid defender who doesnt always bring the effort he needs to. Has improved since his rookie season, but still wont exert himself consistently. Doesnt have the quickness to keep some swingmen out of the lane. Can use his strength against those same players to push them off the block if they try to post up. Would rather go after rebounds than close out shooters. Much more apt at defending forwards than guards. Good rebounder. Will swipe and the ball and strip it away once a game or so. Plays smarter than he once did. Doesnt always maximize that.
David West
Overview: A talented young power forward who is one of the most underrated players in the game today. Not terribly tall for a power forward, but has a 7-4 wingspan, and good bulk. Not super quick or explosive. Simply knows how to play the game effectively, and has improved his skill-level dramatically thanks to his terrific work ethic and drive. Has a big heart, and is a true competitor. Tremendous offensive player from the midrange in. Very savvy rebounder. High basketball IQ. Had a distinguished four year career at Xavier. Won the A10 Player of the Year Award as a sophomore, junior, and senior. Was a First Team All-American as a senior. Really came on during his third season in the League. Has great chemistry with Chris Paul. Played in the All-Star game in 2008.
Offense: A very good offensive talent who makes a living with his ability to score from midrange. Gets about half of his offense from spot ups in the midrange and back to the basket opportunities in the low post. Displays a consistent midrange jumper which allows him to float out of the post and knock down the numerous open looks he sees. Capable ball-handler for a player at his position. Nice turnaround jump shot. Decent hook as well. Good back to the basket game, but not spectacular. Prefers to face-up and create a good scoring opportunity for himself in the mid-range, like a small forward would. Average finisher at the rimnot terribly explosive vertically. Moves well in transition and in half court settings. Takes contact well. Shoots a decent amount of free throws, at a good clip. Rebounds well on the offensive end. Sets very good screens. Displays good awareness when moving into open areas. Plays hard, smart, and with a polish beyond his years.
Defense: A very solid defensive power forward who isnt dynamic, but very serviceable. Uses his strength to his advantage, but lacks to athleticism or size to be a lock down defender. Blocks quite a few shots for a player who isnt an explosive leaper, mostly thanks to his timing and length. Knows how to use his feet to defend the post rather than using brute force alone. Uses his hands well when defending the block. Boxes out on every possession. Would rebound at a higher rate if Tyson Chandler wasnt around. Does a good job rebounding his area. Not foul prone. Plays like a veteran.
Offense: A very good offensive talent who makes a living with his ability to score from midrange. Gets about half of his offense from spot ups in the midrange and back to the basket opportunities in the low post. Displays a consistent midrange jumper which allows him to float out of the post and knock down the numerous open looks he sees. Capable ball-handler for a player at his position. Nice turnaround jump shot. Decent hook as well. Good back to the basket game, but not spectacular. Prefers to face-up and create a good scoring opportunity for himself in the mid-range, like a small forward would. Average finisher at the rimnot terribly explosive vertically. Moves well in transition and in half court settings. Takes contact well. Shoots a decent amount of free throws, at a good clip. Rebounds well on the offensive end. Sets very good screens. Displays good awareness when moving into open areas. Plays hard, smart, and with a polish beyond his years.
Defense: A very solid defensive power forward who isnt dynamic, but very serviceable. Uses his strength to his advantage, but lacks to athleticism or size to be a lock down defender. Blocks quite a few shots for a player who isnt an explosive leaper, mostly thanks to his timing and length. Knows how to use his feet to defend the post rather than using brute force alone. Uses his hands well when defending the block. Boxes out on every possession. Would rebound at a higher rate if Tyson Chandler wasnt around. Does a good job rebounding his area. Not foul prone. Plays like a veteran.