Summer 2010 in the NBA is going to move some big names into different markets. Max contracts are going to be signed and jerseys are going to be sold out on shelves throughout the country. The landscape of NBA basketball as we know is about to change.
But all the PG’s, that aren’t going to be getting these 20 plus million dollar contracts, are rather dishing the ball to the so-called-superstars and taking a backseat in the limelight, are saying not so fast?
Russell Westbrook outdid Kobe Bryant. Westbrook is making just under $4 million dollars this year but the Black Mamba is making nearly 6 times that amount. Kobe had to play lock-down defense on him just to allow his defending championship team to advance to the second round.
Brandon Jennings $2 outplayed Joe Johnson $15. Jennings, a rookie, without the 2008 Olympic Gold Medalist Michael Redd and the up-and-coming Aussie center Andrew Bogut. He led the team in scoring with nearly 19 points a game and took Joe Johnson and the Hawks to 7 games.
Deron Williams $13 outdueling Carmelo Anthony $16 and now Kobe. Williams was shorthanded; AK47, a starter and All-Star was out the entire series and Okur ruptured his Achilles tendon in the first game. All Williams had to compliment him was Boozer against a stacked athletic lineup. Not to mention Carmelo playing the best series of his career; yet Williams found a way to the 2nd round.
Steve Nash $13 outwon Tim Duncan $22. Nash finally got past his kryptonite, the San Antonio Spurs who has lost to 6 times prior. 22 points, 8 assist, 5 boards, a black eye and 6 stitches later and ‘The Big Fundamental’ is gone is 4 games.
And Rajon Rondo outMVPed Lebron James. People may say its Lebron’s elbow, the lack of coaching for Brown or an array of different excuses but the reason is most definitely Rondo. He wasn’t even thought to be a good point guard getting picked 21st overall in 2006 behind JJ Redick and Adam Morrison. The ‘Three Amigos’, were bad, but now are worse. Paul Pierce has no games; his best move is a travel. Kevin Garnett has bad knees, a bad attitude and the biggest instigator in the league (case in point: suspension in the first round for elbowing Quentin Richardson). And Ray Ray would the silkiest stroke in the association but can’t find anyone to screen for him. Nate Robinson, need I say more. Sam Cassel, Leon Powe and Eddie House who were on the team in 2008 when they won the championship are departed the team and have yet to be replaced with the same quality of player. And if that wasn’t enough he went for 28-13-18 last night.
Although big names may put butts in the seats, may sell mass amounts of jerseys and merchandise, may be the faces of the franchise they can’t do it without their little helpers. So if you’re reading this (Any GM out there that is reading this probably should get fired) go after that big name player who can score the ball at will and carry the team, but also remember the Point Guards that can truly take a team to the promise land.
I agree that the PG is a pivotal position player, but if you look back at the last 30 years, that just what he has been, a position player.
ReplyDeleteIn the last 30 years, not only have the big names been putting butts in the seats, but they have been winning championships. Let's look at the MVP's of the Championship Series since 1980. There have been 5 point guards who have won that Championship Series MVP, Magic Johnson (twice, and let's face it, that's a forward that dished the ball a lot), Isiah Thomas, Chauncy Billups and Tony Parker.
Now let's look at the Championship Teams we remember. The 80's Celics didn't have a great PG, neither did the 90's Bulls, 90's Rockets, 00's Lakers, and the first two Spurs Chapionship teams.
A great point guard can result in great team, but a great team does not need an elite point gaurd. Just ask the two best point guards of the past decade, Jason Kidd and Steve Nash.
You make my argument Dunks.
ReplyDeleteThe point guard position makes a team run, is the coach on the floor, keeps all the egos in check and doesn't get in the limelight because of it.
The Celtics in the 80's had Tiny Archibald, a HOFer.
The Bulls in the 90's didn't have great great point guard but they did have, what most people considered the best player to ever live, Michael Jordan. And who did the Bulls beat, none other than John Stockton and the Jazz.
The Rockets in the 90's had 'The Dream' Olajuwon and no single point guard. But sharing the duties were Kenny 'The Jet' Smith, Verson Maxwell and a young Sam Cassell, all of which are solid, above average point guards. And again on the other side of the trophy was the Magic who had Shaq, but also Anfernee Hardaway who was an All-Star callabar point guard.
And the point guards that did get recognition for what they did were either superstar on their teams, aka Magic Johnson and Isiah Thomas, or were part of a bunch of equally powerful stars, aka Billups, or the superstars on their teams were too humble to take a compliment, aka Duncan and Robinson with Tony Parker.
And agreed you have to have a big time player to make it to the end, I'm not arguing against that at all. I'm simple saying there is always a point guard there (sometimes but only in rare cases do they shine above the rest) on a championship team.
So there you have it, the great teams have great point guards and the great point guards contribute to great teams.
So we are saying that the tiny PG's are the O-Linemen of the basketball world. haha
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