11/17 Roster Highlights By: 2K Insider | Wednesday November 18 2009 Latest News – The first trade of the 2009-10 season was completed on Monday and to no one’s surprise, it included the openly disgruntled Stephen Jackson. Rumors in recent weeks linked him to Cleveland where he would have stepped in as the starting shooting guard for the Cavaliers, replacing last season’s starter, Delonte West, who is dealing with personal issues. However, rather than join a contender which Jackson stated was his preference, he was sent to Charlotte along with Acie Law in exchange for Raja Bell and Vladimir Radmanovic. Jack was so eager to leave Golden State that he played a whopping 45 minutes Monday night with the Bobcats in Orlando, just hours after the trade was completed. Clearly this was a salary dump for the Warriors who rid themselves of the $27.8 million over 3 years owed to Jackson. Raja Bell announced today that he will opt for surgery to repair his fractured wrist and miss the remainder of the season, before becoming a free agent this summer. Wait Warrior fans, it gets even better. Monta Ellis, yet another talented and valuable player, is actively being shopped around the league. Let’s see how much, or in this case, how little Golden State management can yield in return this time. Has any other NBA franchise tested the patience and loyalty of their fans more than the Warriors? It’s time for a complete overhaul starting at the top (I’m looking at you Chris Cohan) and continuing down the chain of command (Robert Rowell, Larry Riley, Don Nelson and the entire front office). The Golden State faithful deserve better.
Speaking of unhappy NBA players who get paid millions to play a game, the Memphis Grizzlies officially ended their relationship with Allen Iverson by waiving him on Monday. What everyone is wondering now is which team will step forward and take a chance on A.I. Word is that the Knicks are interested (somewhat) and I actually think that could be a good move. Iverson would take over the starting point guard job from a struggling Chris Duhon and get the green light to launch shots to his heart’s content in the D’Antoni no-such-thing-as-a-bad-shot style offense. I could picture him instantly becoming a fan favorite in Madison Square Garden. What’s the worst that could happen? Iverson pouts about his role after a week on the court, the Knicks waive him and get ridiculed by fans and the media for even thinking it could work. Hey, it’s Iverson and the Knicks we’re talking about so I’d say that’s par for the course.
Rashard Lewis made his season debut for Orlando vs Charlotte after serving his 10 game suspension for testing positive for a banned substance. The rust was apparent as he shot 4-15 from the field, including 0-6 from 3 point range. Nevertheless, Lewis makes the Magic a stronger team by providing another potent scorer and a long range shooter which gives Dwight Howard more space to operate on the low blocks.
The past week saw some major injuries which will result in extended time away from the court. Philadelphia’s Marresse Speights strained the MCL in his left knee and is out for 6 to 8 weeks. He had been playing well in a reserve role for the Sixers and so his absence places added pressure for Elton Brand and Samuel Dalembert to break out of their respective slumps. The Trail Blazers will be without Travis Outlaw for 6 to 8 weeks with a stress fracture in his left foot. Look for Rudy Fernandez to get the bulk of the bench minutes in the meantime. Kelenna Azubuike suffered a torn patellar tendon in a loss to the Bucks and will miss the remainder of the season. Fortunately for the Warriors, they have plenty of depth at his position so expect Anthony Morrow and Corey Maggette to fill his void.
The underachieving Hornets fired coach Byron Scott and then lost Chris Paul to a severely sprained ankle for at least 3 to 4 weeks. Rookie point guard, Darren Collison, has been starting with Bobby Brown playing backup. At this stage of the young NBA season, very few teams are playing worse than New Orleans who are seemingly lottery bound.
Rounding out the list of guys out with various ailments are Eric Gordon (groin), Andris Biedrins (groin), Courtney Lee (groin) and Randy Foye (ankle). Players recently returning from injury include Vince Carter (ankle), Nate Robinson (ankle), Mike Miller (shoulder) and Daequan Cook (shoulder).
Making his return to the NBA is Jamaal Tinsley who signed with Memphis over the weekend. He missed all of last season but reportedly has been working out and is leaner than when we last saw him on the court. On the flip side, Pops Mensah-Bonsu (Rockets), Quincy Douby (Raptors) and Paul Davis (Wizards) were all waived by their respective teams.
Biggest Movers – Brandon Jennings had hoops fans buzzing Saturday night when he dropped 55 points on the visiting Warriors. Yes, Golden State is not exactly known as a defensive powerhouse but Jennings’ performance was still impressive. His 55 points came off of “only” 34 shot attempts which is a tribute to his efficiency and further proven by his 0.478 FG% on the season. He also made history as the first player to be included in back-to-back Biggest Movers since Living Rosters started in 2K9.
The other rookie turning heads of late is Sacramento’s Tyreke Evans who has benefited greatly from the absence of Kevin Martin. As predicted, Evans is more comfortable playing the off guard rather than running point. Consequently he’s averaged 23.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 5.0 apg and 1.4 spg over his last 5 contests.
Toney Douglas has seen a recent spike in minutes played due to Nate Robinson’s injury and he’s responded with some nice games. D’Antoni has given him freedom to shoot at will, especially since they’re getting nothing offensively from Chris Duhon who is averaging a meager 6.5 ppg on 0.228 FG%. As Mark Jackson would say, “C’mon man…you’re better than that!”
Both Chris Kaman and Andrew Bynum are off to strong starts with their L.A. teams. Kaman has been much more assertive offensively, something which the Clippers coaching staff has encouraged him to do. Specifically, they want him to look for his jumper rather than always passing up open shots then powering to the hoop with his head down. His improved play earned him Western Conference Player of the Week. Andrew Bynum is healthy again and putting up nice stats while Pau Gasol recovers from a sore hamstring. Over 9 games, he’s averaging 20.3 ppg, 11.8 rpg and 1.8 bpg.
A couple young centers who have established themselves in the middle this season are Joakim Noah and Roy Hibbert. Noah had a strong playoff run vs the Celtics and it’s carried over into this season. He’s finally getting the minutes (something which didn’t happen last year) and has responded with 12.1 ppg, 12.4 rpg and 2.0 bpg. Roy Hibbert, like Noah, is getting more consistent minutes compared to last season and is averaging 12.6 ppg, 9.1 rpg and 2.5 bpg.
Now for the guys who have been playing poorly and therefore received downgrades with this latest update. Samuel Dalembert (6.2 ppg, 6.8 rpg), Caron Butler (16.8 ppg, 0.397 FG%), Raymond Felton (11.4 ppg, 5.2 apg, 0.364 FG%), Zydrunas Ilgauskas (7.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg, 0.370 FG%), Jarrett Jack (6.6 ppg, 2.8 apg, 0.362 FG%) and David West (15.5 ppg, 7.1 rpg).
Caron Butler has struggled out the gate averaging 16.8 ppg on 0.397 FG% over 8 games. Perhaps he won't struggle as much when Antawn Jamison finally returns to the lineup.
Mid-range %
3pt %
Sacramento Kings - Tyreke Evans
Tyreke Evans has flourished since Kevin Martin went down with injury, averaging 23.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 5.0 apg and 1.4 spg. His confidence is sky high right now which bodes well for his eventual return to running point for the Kings.
Passing
3pt %
Milwaukee Bucks - Brandon Jennings
Brandon Jennings lit up the Warriors for 55 points Saturday night in a performance that had everyone talking. The Bucks finally got it right and looks to have gotten the steal of the draft this year.
Mid-range %
3pt %
Los Angeles Clippers - Chris Kaman
The bright spot for the Clippers has been Chris Kaman's improved offense of 21.8 ppg on 0.543 FG%. The NBA recently recognized him by naming Kaman the Western Conference Player of the Week.
Low Post
Block
Los Angeles Lakers - Andrew Bynum
Andrew Bynum is holding it down in the middle for the Lakers with 20.3 ppg, 11.8 rpg and 1.8 bpg averages. It's nice to finally see the young big man healthy and productive after some unfortunate injuries in recent years.
Low Post
Rebounding
New York Knicks - Toney Douglas
Toney Douglas has provided the Knicks with bench scoring over the last few games. No doubt Mike D'Antoni is frustrated with Chris Duhon's lack of scoring this year.
Mid-range %
3pt %
Chicago Bulls - Joakim Noah
Joakim Noah is averaging 12.1 ppg, 12.4 rpg and 2.0 bpg and providing a presence in the paint. This is exactly what the Bulls were hoping for when they made him their 2007 lottery pick.
Close-range %
Block
Indiana Pacers - Roy Hibbert
Second year center, Roy Hibbert, has improved significantly by averaging 12.6 ppg, 9.1 rpg and 2.5 bpg. He looks to be in better shape and understands his role better this time around.
Block
Rebounding
Philadelphia 76ers - Samuel Dalembert
Samuel Dalembert's production has taken a dip with averages of 6.2 ppg and 6.8 rpg. Now that Marresse Speights is out for extended time, the Sixers need Sammy D to step it up.
Block
Rebounding
New York Knicks - Chris Duhon
Chris Duhon can't hit the side of a barn, averaging 6.5 ppg on 0.228 FG%. This has allowed Toney Douglas to get significant run in recent games.
Mid-range %
3pt %
Latest News
Golden State Warriors - Kelenna Azubuike
Kelenna Azubuike tore his left patellar tendon and is done for the season. Swingmen Anthony Morrow and Corey Maggette will share the extra minutes.
Charlotte Bobcats - Stephen Jackson
Stephen Jackson got his wish and was traded to Charlotte where he gets a fresh start. Acie Law joins him in exchange for Raja Bell and Vladimir Radmanovic.
Golden State Warriors - Raja Bell
Raja Bell immediately opted for surgery to repair his fractured wrist, thus ending his season. His top priority is to get healthy for free agency rather than play for the lowly Warriors.
Orlando Magic - Rashard Lewis
Rashard Lewis has finished serving his 10 game suspension and is starting at power forward again. It should take him a couple weeks to work off the rust and get back into game shape.
Philadelphia 76ers - Marreese Speights
Marresse Speights strained the MCL in his left knee and is out 6 to 8 weeks. He had been providing a nice scoring punch off the bench this season.
Portland Blazers - Travis Outlaw
High flyer Travis Outlaw has a stress fracture in his left foot and will miss 3 to 5 months. Rudy Fernandez and Martell Webster are more than capable of picking up the slack.
Memphis Grizzlies - Jamaal Tinsley
The Grizzlies took another gamble and signed troubled point guard Jamaal Tinsley. J.T. had been out of the NBA for over a year so expectations are low.
New Orleans Hornets - Chris Paul
Chris Paul severely sprained his ankle and is out at least 3 to 4 weeks. Rookie Darren Collison takes over the starting gig with Bobby Brown backing him up
Washington Wizards - Caron Butler
Caron Butler has struggled out the gate averaging 16.8 ppg on 0.397 FG% over 8 games. 
Sacramento Kings - Tyreke Evans
Tyreke Evans has flourished since Kevin Martin went down with injury, averaging 23.0 ppg, 5.8 rpg, 5.0 apg and 1.4 spg. 
Milwaukee Bucks - Brandon Jennings
Brandon Jennings lit up the Warriors for 55 points Saturday night in a performance that had everyone talking. 
Los Angeles Clippers - Chris Kaman
The bright spot for the Clippers has been Chris Kaman's improved offense of 21.8 ppg on 0.543 FG%. 
Los Angeles Lakers - Andrew Bynum
Andrew Bynum is holding it down in the middle for the Lakers with 20.3 ppg, 11.8 rpg and 1.8 bpg averages. 
New York Knicks - Toney Douglas
Toney Douglas has provided the Knicks with bench scoring over the last few games. 
Chicago Bulls - Joakim Noah
Joakim Noah is averaging 12.1 ppg, 12.4 rpg and 2.0 bpg and providing a presence in the paint. 
Indiana Pacers - Roy Hibbert
Second year center, Roy Hibbert, has improved significantly by averaging 12.6 ppg, 9.1 rpg and 2.5 bpg. 
Philadelphia 76ers - Samuel Dalembert
Samuel Dalembert's production has taken a dip with averages of 6.2 ppg and 6.8 rpg. 
Chris Duhon can't hit the side of a barn, averaging 6.5 ppg on 0.228 FG%. 
Golden State Warriors - Kelenna Azubuike
Kelenna Azubuike tore his left patellar tendon and is done for the season. 
Charlotte Bobcats - Stephen Jackson
Stephen Jackson got his wish and was traded to Charlotte where he gets a fresh start. 
Raja Bell immediately opted for surgery to repair his fractured wrist, thus ending his season. 
Orlando Magic - Rashard Lewis
Rashard Lewis has finished serving his 10 game suspension and is starting at power forward again. 
Marresse Speights strained the MCL in his left knee and is out 6 to 8 weeks. 
Portland Blazers - Travis Outlaw
High flyer Travis Outlaw has a stress fracture in his left foot and will miss 3 to 5 months. 
Memphis Grizzlies - Jamaal Tinsley
The Grizzlies took another gamble and signed troubled point guard Jamaal Tinsley. 
New Orleans Hornets - Chris Paul
Chris Paul severely sprained his ankle and is out at least 3 to 4 weeks. 
