The All-Star reserve list was announced on Thursday and with every announcement come a band of critics of the list. For instance, Al Jefferson didn’t make the All-Star team but some would argue that he’s not deserving because although he's playing great, his team is horrible. A lot of good players on bad teams never get the credit as All-Star talent because their team is sitting in the bottom of the standings. Some people call them All-Star snubs, some people call them Stat Stuffers on bad teams, either way here’s the best of the worst.
Here are the qualifications for this team:
Have to have played at least 40 Games
All-Starrish stats this season
Player's come from a team with a losing record
In the West:
Starting at Point Guard
Russell Westbroook, Oklahoma City Thunder (11-35)
Finding a good point guard in the West is easy. Finding a good point guard in the West on a losing team is impossible. There's Tony Parker, Chris Paul, Steve Nash on the winning side but the best on the losing side is Russell Westbrook. He has been amazing as a rookie. Westbrook has averaged 14 pts, 4 reb and 4 assists for the Thunder. And on another note, he should also be in the dunk contest instead of Rudy Fernandez.
Starting at Shooting Guard
OJ Mayo, Memphis Grizzlies (11-34)
This spot is hard to fill . I could have went a few directions but Mayo has been pretty consistent and has been an offensive threat for the Grizz. Mayo is averaging 19 pts per game and is a strong candidate for Rookie of the Year.
Starting at Small Forward
Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City Thunder (11-35)
The Thunder are in 13th place in the Western Conference but they got a young 20-year old Kevin Durant to build their franchise around for the future. KD has been a quiet all-star in OKC and has been averaging 25 points and 6.6 boards. In the West, Durant is the third highest scorer behind Kobe & Dirk.
Starting at Power Forward
Al Jefferson, Minnesota Timberwolves (16-28)
Probably the biggest All-Star snub, Al Jefferson has been averaging 22 pts, 10 rebounds & 1.6 blocks with the Wolves. Minnesota has been playing good ball as of late going 7-3 in their last ten. Jefferson is one of only three players in the league to average 20/10.
Starting at Centre
Andris Biedrins, Golden Sate Warriors (14-32)
Biedrins has been a beast on the boards for Golden State. He averages 13 pts & 12 boards on the season along with 1.2 steals & 1.6 blocks. The Latvian has been getting in done in Golden State with his double double consistency.
In the Eastern Conference where pretty much half of the teams have losing records...
Starting at Point Guard
Devin Harris, New Jersey Nets (20-26)
New Jersey has been a perfect opportunity for Harris. He landed a lead point guard role and has flourished with the Nets. He has been the biggest suprise for the Nets averaging 22 pts & 6 assists, he deserves to be on this year's All-Star team.
Starting at Shooting Guard
Vince Carter, New Jersey Nets (20-26)
I mean the Nets unload Jason Kidd & Richard Jefferson, who else is supposed to pick up the scoring?
Starting at Small Forward
Danny Granger, Indiana Pacers (18-28)
Granger isn't all-star snub as he made the All-Star reserves. Granger's scoring has been bananas lately averaging 27.6 points in the last month including a game against the Warriors where he dropped 42.
Starting at Power Forward
Antawn Jamison, Washington Wizards (9-36)
Jamison is averaging 21 pts, 9 rebounds and 2 assists. He has been a consistent 20/10 threat each night but the Wiz just stink. Someday Gilbert Arenas will be healthy for the Wizards.
Starting at Centre
Chris Bosh, Toronto Raptors (19-29)
Of course, CB4 is an all-star he's one of the best big men in the East. But unfortunately, the Raps have not lived up to their expectations. CB4 has been the leader on the Raps and since the Eastern conference is so bad, the Raps have an opportunity to make a run for the playoffs with Bosh leading the way.
Photo credit: (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
Raptors 107, Net 106
We at Hoop Heads North love to let the Canadian side of the game shine whenever possible, so we'd be remiss not to showcase, the Miami Heat's shot blocker extraordinaire, Runnin' Rebel, and Montreal, Quebec, Canada native, Joel Anthony. By the way, it's pronounced JO-EL!
With Toronto, Ontario native and Kentucky Wildcat Jamaal Magloire also on Miami's roster, I'm thinking we might get a chance to see some Heat players doing charity events or making other event appearances throughout Canada in the future.
Sun Sports feature on Joel:
Not quite sure why he's rockin' the Terror Squad Ice but this is pre-2005 NBA dress code. Maybe this was when he dropped his hip hop album which later flopped leading to the institution the '05 NBA dress code to get back at hip hop, who knows.
Shoutouts to San Fran for the tip!
Ever since the New Year, Andrea Bargnani has really stepped it up. The production from the former #1 draft pick has increased dramatically. He has moved from a Darko comparison to a Dirk comparison. In this same time frame, Andrea looks to have stopped shaving and has grown a ridiculous beard that only the Gasol brothers could be jealous of.
Here is the statistical analysis of the bearded Bargnani vs. beardless Bargnani.
Beardless Bargnani (15 games before New Years Eve)
Averaged: 7.5 ppg, 31% FG pctg , 23% 3PT pctg, 3.2 rebounds
(picture from 12/29 game vs. Golden State)
Notable games:
Dec 5th @ Utah: 7 pts on 3-12 shooting, 6 rebounds
Dec 10th vs Ind: 0 pts on 0-4 shooting, 4 rebounds
Dec 17th vs Dal: 3 pts on 1-5 shooting, 3 rebounds
Dec 20th @ SA: 2 pts on 1-5 shooting, 2 rebounds
Dec 22nd @ LAC: 3 pts on 1-5 shooting, 1 rebound
Dec 29th @ GSW: 7 pts on 3-8 shooting, 6 rebounds
Words to describe Beard-less Bargs' play:
No confidence, hesitant, soft, no defense, can't rebound, sucks, Darko, Kwame, Bust-nani, inconstistent, defensive liability
"There is no chin behind Andrea Bargnani's beard. There is only another fist."
Bearded Bargs (15 games after New Years Eve)
Averages: 21 ppg, 52% FG pctg , 49% 3PT pctg, 6.7 rebounds
Notable games:
Dec 31st vs Den: 26 pts, 6 rebounds
Jan 4th @Mil: 21 pts, 5 threes, 8 rebounds
Jan 7th @ Was: 25 pts, 4 threes, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks
Jan 12th @ Bos: 23 pts, 8 rebounds
Jan 14th vs Chi: 31 pts on 10-14 shooting, 10 rebounds
Jan 19th @ Atl: 20 pts, 10 rebounds
Jan 25th vs Sac: 24 pts, 7 rebounds
Words to describe Bearded Bargs' play:
Confident, Tough, talented scorer, swagger, consistent, gritty, Rebel Without A Cause
Other Notable Beards:
Chuck Norris, Sean Connery, Clint Eastwood, Abe Lincoln, Mr.T
Ever since the growth of the beard, here are the percentage improvements on Bargnani's stats:
Scoring is up 184%
Assists are up 110%
Rebounds up 108%
3 pt percentage up 62%
FG percentage up 113%
Toughness is up 400% (just watch below)
Raptors 113, Kings 97
Raptors 114, Bulls 94
...because Jose sank some shots.
Jose made his return, A.P. moved back into the shooting guard slot and J.O was ready to showcase for Pat Riley as the Raps were ready to get revenge on the Bulls last night. And guess what? The Raps didn't blow it. They actually ended their 7 game losing streak, finishing off the Bulls 114-94. The Raps actually fixed some of their mistakes and played some good D. Jose Calderon didn't show any signs of rust.
The game started and my girlfriend got a glimpse of Bulls coach, Vinny Del Negro and was like "Is that Luke Wilson?" I've never seen the resemblance until she mentioned it.
Derrick Rose is too freaking quick, he just blew by the Raps for easy layups. Jose came out strong passing the ball to get everyone good shots and he nailed his jumpers, I mean all of them. The Raps looked so much better without Roko/Solomon running the point. Joey Graham had a nice jam to get the Raps an early lead 24-17. Tyrus Thomas then had a block on Chris Bosh and then just posterized Jermaine O'Neal.
The wheels started to fall off for the Raps again in the fourth. Ben Gordon nailed a J to get it to a five point game and then the Bulls went on a 16-6 run to get within one. Derrick Rose who scored 17 in the fourth at the last game, was non-apparent in the fourth and sat most of the quarter. Anthony Parker came up big, nailing his corner threes to build the Raps lead, as the Raps went on another run getting back up to ten. Jose was clutch in this game, going 8 for 9 from the field as the Raps finished off the Bulls on a 23-4 run.
Key Notes:
Jose Calderon was unstoppable in his return: 23 points, 10 assists, 0 turnovers, 9-10 from the floor in 29 minutes of action
Bargs had 22 pts, 5 assists
Joey Graham had 16 points
The Bulls had 23 turnovers
Kirk Hinrich had 17 pts, 5 rebounds and 7 assist off of the bench for the Bulls
Raps shot 56% from the floor
Raps are home against Sacamento on Sunday
Ever considered ankle insurance? After seeing this new viral ad for the Nike Zoom Kobe IV you may want to invest in some :) I think the satire in this is genius. Shouts to my homie AB for hitting me with this!
Pistons 95, Raps 76
Raps got blown out by the Pistons last night, leading to their 7th loss in a row as the Raps just fell apart in the second half. The Raps stayed close in the first two quarters only to get outscored 30-19 in the third quarter. This was the first game that the Pistons had Rip Hamilton coming off of the bench. Jermaine O'Neal made his return to coming off the bench for the Raps.
Nathan Jawai made his NBA debut last night. The Aussie Baby Shaq got the ball in the post only to be called for a travel.
His line: 3:05 minutes, 1 turnover
Yep, that's how exciting the game was, the Nathan Jawai's 3 minutes of garbage time was the highlight of the night.
Key Notes:
Joey Graham sucked. Your starting shooting guard had 0 points in 22 min. Need I explain more? If the Raps even think about winning a game, Joey Graham has to do something.
Rodney Stuckey didn't suck. He took it to the Raptor guards going for 17 pts & 7 assists. Iverson got the start at the two and Rip Hamilton was last night's sixth man. The Billups-Iverson trade has really displayed what type of talent this kid has.
Roko Ukic sucked. He also had a donut off of the bench (0 pts, 3 assists, 2 reb). Sometimes he looks unstoppable on the the floor and then sometimes you just have to cringe when he tries to create his own offense. On back to back possessions, Roko decided to get the offense going on his own but had no luck.
Tayshaun Prince didn't suck. Tayshaun just torched the Raps for 25 pts on 11-16 shooting.
The Raptors in the second half sucked. The Raps only scored 33 points in the second half and gave up 49 to the Pistons. They got killed on the boards....Raps defense, Raps offense were just terrible all the way through.
The Bosh/Bargnani comobo didn't suck. They weren't great but Bosh/Bargs did their thing offensively. Bosh started off strong and finished with 19 pts & 5 rebounds. Bargs had 16 pts 6 rebounds.
But 12 combined rebounds from the Raps Bigs (O'Neal/Bosh/Bargnani)? That's horrible.
Rasheed Wallace sucked. 'Sheed didn't get anything going offensively, which I guess the Raps Bigs did do something right defensively. Rasheed finished with three points on 1-6 shooting.
Jason Maxiell didn't suck. J-Max had 16 points and 11 rebounds off the bench. Wow, he played better than anyone on the Raps roster last night. Jason Maxiell eats babies.
The Raps have to do something soon, this Marion-O'Neal trade has to happen or the Raps just have to start thinking about next year's draft. Raps play the Bulls on Friday.
In true Conan O'Brien style, here is NBATV's exclusive interview with the Atlanta Hawks star, the quiet, soft spoken Joe Johnson.
"In all of Atlanta sports, I am the best athlete, embrace me!"
Remember Reggie Slater? Me neither. But I do remember Doug Christie and Alvin Williams.
Check out this classic Toronto Raptors' Maple Leafs spot.
Hawks 87, Raps 84
Ok here's the situation:
Score: 84-85 Hawks
0:41 Chris Bosh defensive rebound
0:35 Jamario Moon misses 26-foot three point jumper
WTF.
Why oh why would Jamario Moon chuck a quick three during one of the last Raps' possessions down 1? Ugh...Raps dropped their sixth game in a row.
Triano went with the same lineup change today with AP at the point and Joey Graham at the two. As the J.O./Sean Marion trade rumors swirl, Jermaine O'Neal sat out and Jose Calderon sat today as well.
First quarter, Joey Graham started with a sick dunk. Josh Smith had a couple of nice dunks as well in the first quarter with his Hawks down 24-21. Raps were up 24-23 after one. The Raps took control in the first half, Roko was just blowing by the Hawks with layups, Bosh & Bargs also had it going as the Raps got up 11, 51-40. Raps shot 50% in the first half holding the Atlanta Hawks to 39% shooting. The Raps also outrebounded the Hawks 23-17 in the first half.
The Raps stunk it up in the second half, Joe Johnson hit a jumper in the third to get it to a 58-53 Raps lead. Then the Raps went cold going 0 for 7, while Mike Bibby cut it to one point. Raps led 64-62 after the third quarter. Toronto only scored 13 points in the third. The Raps continued to tank as they shot 9-32 throughout the second half, shooting under 30%. The Raps fell behing 76-71 until Jamario Moon hit a three to tie it at 78. The Raps started to hit shots as Chris Bosh hit a jumper to get up 2.
Then this is where it started to go sour. First, Jamario bit on a Mike Bibby pump fake that sent Bibby to the line where Bibby went 2/2 from the line to get up 85-84. With 54 seconds left, the Raps inballed the ball to Bosh who just lost it off the dribble which lead to a Hawks steal. Luckily, Mo Evans completely missed a layup giving the Raps a perfect opportunity to set up for the go-ahead basket. But as Jamario ran down the floor, he decided to go for the quick three. A quick three? Ugh. Ugly. Leo and Matt Devlin couldn't believe it along with the rest of the Raps nation. This set up Joe Johnson to nail a clutch jumper to get up three. Raps had 12 seconds to get a decent shot, but they couldn't a decent shot at all. The Raps lose another "OHHH, SO CLOSE" game again.
Raps have Detroit on Wednesday.
Photo credit: (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)
Lebron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers didn't suck.
Last Week Average: 29 pts, 13 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, 1 block
Obviously he doesn't suck but 'Bron-'Bron had three double digit rebounding games last week. Averaging 29 points and 13 rebounds, that's just sick.
Check out this video: "Flight 23" and select the HD version.
Gerald Wallace of the Charlotte Bobcats didn't suck.
Last Week Average: 24 pts, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1.5 blocks
Wallace had a bad-ass game going 31-16 against Portland Blazers and this nasty dunk on Greg Oden.
Suns 117, Raps 113
The good news is that the Raps next nine games include seven against the Eastern Coference. So this is a the stretch where the Raps can either make or break their season. Yesterday, Triano made some lineup changes putting Anthony Parker as the starting point guard and puttting Joey Graham as the starting shooting guard. Apparently, these guys along with Bosh, Bargs and Moon were the only ones who could get it going in the fourth of the Raps-Pacers game.
The Raps came out swinging in this one starting off with 18-6 start over the Suns as this would be a high scoring affair. Then the Terry Porter Phoenix Suns looked more like the D'Antoni Suns Sunday afternoon as J-Rich hit a three to lead the Suns to five buckets in a row to get up on the Raps 27-26. Phoenix would continue the hot streak going on a 21-9 run to get up 36-34. The Raps would shoot a hot 64% but the defense let Phoenix shoot a sweltering 72%. The hot offense continued until halftime, the Phoenix Suns led 71-67.......at halftime, yes halftime. Steve Nash was scoreless at the half but had 11 assists.
Pacers 111, Raptors 104
Man, the Pacers pulled off a Raptor-esque performance by blowing their 24 point lead after the third quarter. It all started with a 10-1 run by the Raps in the first. Jermaine O'Neal made his first appearance in Indiana and got a mixed review with both boos and claps. After the first quarter, the game was tied 20-20.
In the second is where the wheels started to fall off for the Raps. The Raps fell behind 41-30 and then the Pacers started to hit the threes. Danny Granger hit a big three, Troy Murphy had an open three and then Dunleavy hit a three. The Raps defense was too slow, and their shots were just ugly as nothing was falling for the Raps. The Pacers were up 56-42 at half.
Jamario Moon started the third quarter with an airball. Toronto continued to turn the ball over and Troy Murphy hit a three to get up 81-59 on the Raps. Former Raptor, TJ Ford hit a late jumper to end off the third up 24 points.
In the fourth, Bosh started off with back to back baskets as the Raps went on a 11-0 run to start the fourth. Bargs continued to struggle shooting 4-13. Raps contined to rally as AP passed to an open Bosh for the dunk. Toronto continued to go on a 17-5 run. Then Bargs hit a three to make the game close to get within nine. Jason Kapono hit an open three and then Danny Granger who was 7-22 missed an open three. Bosh continued to go on a tear and hit two free thrown to get within three. Then Anthony Parker hit a jumper to get within 1. Even though the Raps made the 4th quarter run, the Pacers hit key free throws to put the Raps away.
Key Notes:
Toronto had 20 turnovers leading to 29 Pacer points
Danny Granger had 23 pts on 8-24 shooting
Bosh had 25 pts, 16 rebounds
Jermaine O'Neal had 2 points and 7 boards in his return
Raps are home to Phoenix on Sunday.
Photo Credit: (Photo by Ron Hoskins/NBAE via Getty Images)
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