JazzFan 4 Life

What a letdown tonight ... a 97-96 loss in overtime to the crappy Knicks. This is probably the worst loss of the season (even though it is only by one point) just because of the effort level. Let's get into it ...

SWEET MUSIC

D. Will plays big, again (23 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals) -- He made the 3-pointer with 10 seconds left to send the game into OT. He made another 3-pointer with 1:15 left in OT to tie the game at 94-94. Finally, he hit the shoulda-been game-winner with 3 seconds to go to give Utah a 96-95 lead. What else could the guy have done better?

Okur plays on offense (19 points, 4-7 on 3-pointers, 9 rebounds, 4 assists) -- He had two big 3-pointers in the last three minutes of the 4th quarter (and another in OT). The outside shooting touch was there tonight for Memo, but his defense (we'll get to that later) was not.

SOUR NOTES

Okur doesn't play defense (again) -- Nevermind that that storied Knicks trio of Ronaldo Balkman, David Lee and Channing Frye outrebounded Okur and Boozer 45-19. Nevermind, also, that Lee looked like a white Dwight Howard all night. Okur is on this list for not even attempting to foul Stephon Marbury as he drove the length of the court for the game-winning lay-up! That's right, a game-winning lay-up! How soft do you have to be to be right under the basket and allow a lay-up as time expires? Just ask Memo.

Boozer dozes off for 3 quarters -- Boozer: 23 points, 10 rebounds. Boy, that sure looks nice. Oh wait, what's that? You had seven turnovers, four fouls and you scored 17 of the 23 points in the first quarter? Thanks a lot. There's no reason why Boozer (or the rest of the Jazz's front line) should have been settling for jump shots. Get whatever big guys they have in foul trouble and get to the basket.

Bench does diddly -- The following guys played tonight: Harpring, Millsap, Collins, Giricek and Brown. Combined shooting for them was 4-18, they amassed 7 of the Jazz's 23 personal fouls and did a nice job of killing Utah's 34-20 lead after the first quarter.

AK's poor play -- His all-around game was working yesterday in Indiana, but tonight he just wasn't all there. He seems dead set to not shoot the open mid-range jumper and has no confidence in even attempting the shot. He also had a really stupid foul on Marbury with 53 seconds left in overtime that gave the Knicks a 1-point lead.

OK, so I missed a game (Wolves/Jazz, if you want to call that a game), but we're back at it with tonight's 101-79 whomping of the Mavericks. Let's hear some sweet music and sour notes as we celebrate Jerry Sloan's 1,000 career victory ...

Sweet music

The Harp Dog: 15 points, 8 rebounds, 3-4 FT -- Harpring provided a nice spark off the bench tonight and hit the boards for some tough rebounds when the Jazz needed it. He and Boozer had a nice little inside (Harpring) and outside (Boozer) combination going in the second quarter, when the Jazz were still slugging it out with Dallas. He did a good job of keeping Devean George from becoming any kind of offensive factor.

AK-47's quiet impact: 10 points, 6 assists, 2 rebounds, 4 blocks -- It is games like this that make me think AK-47 seems to be finding his way in this low-post offense that features Boozer. He's doing well this year when he gets the ball on the wing and can look over the defense and make a good pass. He had a sick pass between the legs of a couple Mavs, but Jarron Collins blew the layup, but some of his other passes were right on. His late steal off Josh Howard caused Howard's sixth foul and he had another near steal earlier in the game.

Boozer: 31 points (13-25 FG), 11 rebounds, 5-6 FT -- After playing the role of Kevin Garnett's woman in the loss to the T-Wolves, Boozer bounced back and slapped around the Mavs front line of Erick Dampier, DeSagana Diop and DJ Mbenga with some tough drives to the hoop. It seems to be this year that as he goes, so goes the offense and hopes of a win.

Sour notes

Fouls: 28 fouls in the game (10 of those in the 1st quarter) -- Utah fouls a lot. We all know this. But when they started hacking away in the first quarter, it got a little ridiculous. Granted, the officals tonight weren't calling everything right, but that's usually the case. The main reason Dallas stayed in the game early was free throws. If they had made a few 3s, Utah would have had a much tougher night.

Slow Memo: 9 points (2-5 FG), 4 rebounds, 4 PF -- He looked lost out there tonight, especially on defense when he did not (as usual) rotate over to help in the post. He hasn't played a good all-around game since last week's blowout win over Milwaukee. Plus, he left the game late in the 4th with a mild ankle sprain ... hopefully he'll get back to playing like himself soon.

The Paperboy is lost (Millsap): 13 minutes, 0 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, 4 fouls -- For every one good game Millsap has (see the win over Seattle), he takes a few steps back the next game and slows down. He didn't really have a favorable matchup tonight (he was guarding Josh Howard at one point), but that's life in the NBA. Things likely won't be easier against the Clippers on Wednesday night.

It's been a few weeks since I've posted on the Jazz (due to some family concerns), but life seems to be re-stabilizing, so it's time to hear some sweet music and some sour notes from a disappointing 109-107 win over the hated Sonics ...

Sweet Music

Memmmoooooo!!!!!: 12 points (2-2 on 3-pointers), 5 rebounds, 2 steals: Okur may look like he's drunk/tired/hungover most games, but he's always aware of that 3-point line and aware of what it means to be clutch. The guy has saved the Jazz at least four or five times already this season, and he came through tonight with a 3-pointer from the corner with 1.6 seconds left.

Boozer comes through again: 24 pts, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 blocks: When he's playing well, the rest of the offense seems to be clicking too. The key tonight is that the Jazz got him involved fairly early in the game (he had 10 of his points in the first half). He's already got seven blocks this year (had only 8 last year) and he seems to be on pace to shatter his "Jazz record" for blocks (24). Anytime he decides to get off his feet and contest a shot, it's a miracle.

Deron gets it done: 18 points, 9 assists, 2 steals: In the first night of the season that paired Williams with Derek Fisher, the Jazz got off to a slow start. But as the game wore on, Williams and Fisher played pretty well together (forget the fact Fisher did an OK job guarding Ray Allen). The Jazz nearly gave this game away (more on that later), but at least Williams took the ball to the basket in the 4th quarter throughout the game to keep Seattle's big men from becoming much of a factor.

Paul Millsap (aka The Paperboy) delivers: 16 points, 10 rebounds (4 offensive): More and more, this guy is looking like the steal of the draft. I don't think there is another player on the Jazz (except maybe Deron Williams or AK-47) who gets more out of every minute he plays. Millsap simply does not waste his opportunities when he gets on the floor and he was the spark in the first half to keep Utah alive against Seattle.

Sour Notes

Giricek's undefined role: On average, Gordan had been good for about 15-19 minutes, 5-7 points and a couple of 3-pointers. Last night, Jerry Sloan decided that Giricek should only play seven minutes and get two shots while Fisher and Matt Harpring/Andrei Kirilenko struggle to contain Allen. Giricek actually did OK against Allen (who only scored on a jumper and a free throw while Gira was guarding him). Utah's shooting guard spot remains a question.

Falling apart in the 4th quarter: This game was starting to remind me of last year's Warriors/Jazz game on Nov. 25 when the Jazz blew a lead to the Fisher-led Warriors. How you blow a 94-84 lead with 5:38 to go is beyond me, but at least Okur was able to save the Jazz from themselves. Utah's making too much of a habit of living on the edge this year.

Ladies and gentlemen, Andrei Kirilenko ...

Jazz beat the Suns, 108-104, in what could be a big game for Utah as the season wears on in terms of confidence. Let's hear some sweet music and sour notes ...

* Kirilenko shows up: 17 points (5-11 FG), 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks -- One game after looking totally lost, AK-47 was all over the place on Friday, blocking shots, grabbing rebounds (he even made a 3-pointer) and making some key passes to help Utah rally in the second half.

* Boozer keeps it going: 21 points (7-15 FG), 12 rebounds, 3 assists -- He had the game-winning slam dunk and the game-clinching rebound of Leandro Barbosa's miss. Can't ask much more of the guy and he seems to be comfortable in the offense with each passing game.

* Harpring gets hot in 4th quarter: 17 points (6-12 FG), 4 rebounds -- Harp had a nice overall night, but when he made a critical double-clutch jumper off a high-low play with Kirilenko late in the 4th, it proved why the Jazz keep this guy around. He creates mismatches on the block with his strength.

* Fisher makes his mark (again): 18 points (5-10 FG), 2 rebounds, 3 assists -- When the Jazz play he and Deron Williams together, they have a pretty solid combination of ball handling and shooting. Fisher is the steadying force the team has lacked the last few years and I think he's providing the never-give-up attitude a playoff-caliber team needs.

Sour notes

* Poor interior defense -- The Jazz only had 2 blocked shots (both by AK-47). While Utah has been bullish on the glass (they outrebounded Phoenix 48-32), but need to do a better job of contesting shots or fouling and wrapping up around the basket.

* Welcome to Utah, youngsters -- In the season-opening win over Houston, Ronnie Brewer and C.J. Miles played key roles. Tonight ... not so much. Brewer played 3 minutes (0-1 FG, rebound, 2 fouls) and Miles played 17 minutes (2 points, 1-5 FG, 2 assists, 2 steals, 1 turnover, 2 fouls). Sloan is just DYING to make Fisher the starter ... and I can't say I blame him.

Let's see what's going on in Jazz land today:

* I've always thought that when the Gordan Giricek trade went through in 2004, the Jazz seemed to get the best of the deal, especially when you consider the big man heavy 2004-05 roster (Okur, Boozer, Humphries) that would have allowed him to be a lights-out 3-point shooter. Throw in the fact the Jazz gave him a 4-year deal after 2004 and he seemed to be the shooting guard of the team's future.

The 2004-05 season was a wash and Giricek was lost in the shuffle of bad play that year. He also seemed to wear on Jerry Sloan because he often broke off plays and didn't play defense every time down the floor. These were warts in Giricek's game when he played in Memphis and Orlando, and they still exist.

Now comes news that Giricek didn't play in the opener against Houston because coach Jerry Sloan says Giricek hasn't worked hard enough to warrant time.

"I don't have anything against him personally," the Jazz coach added. "I just think it's important that he works. He's got a lot of talent, and I think he wastes it. Right now, he's wasting some of it."

Giricek can score and make some shots, but I think he's wearing out his welcome in Utah. He didn't get along with Arroyo when he was here. Arroyo, coincidentally, couldn't get along with Sloan at times and now he's a backup point in Orlando. I wouldn't be surprised if the Jazz try to ship Giricek to Charlotte, Atlanta or some other outpost for a second rounder.

* The Jazz won't have set captains this year, but instead Sloan will nominate different players each game.

* This has nothing to do with the Jazz, but a recent NBA.com survey of rosters, Warriors SG Jason Richardson is Mr. Average ... well at least in terms of height, weight and age. Most interesting fact from the study: NBA players are shrinking, getting lighter and younger.

* Not a good sign ... Leandro Barbosa might start tonight. He averaged 13.0 ppg against the Jazz last year, but he's been playing really well this season. In addition, when the Suns have played both Diaw and Kurt Thomas together, their tempo has slowed a little bit. Mike D'Antoni is trying to speed things up (of course) and that doesn't bode well for the Jazz.

Here's some links from the other side -- The Phoenix Suns:

* Jalen Rose needs a home and the Suns always need more forward/guard players to go along with Raja Bell, Jumaine Jones, Eric Piatkowski, James Jones and Boris Diaw.

* Amare Stoudemire isn't at full strength yet (duh) and wishes he were playing more.

* Leandro Barbosa might be starting soon.

Game 3 of the preseason got underway last night (Jazz/Blazers), with Utah taking a 104-90 victory. Let's hear some sweet music & sour notes ... \

Sweet Music

* The Naked Russian: 15 pts (5-7 FG; 5-5 FT), 6 reb, 7 assists, 6 blocks - Don't try to tell this guy preseason games are worthless. After missing the past two preseason games with lower back trouble (uh-oh), Kirilenko went crazy against the Blazers. When he's playing this well, it's easy to find more sweet music.

* Carlos Boozer: 23 pts (8-13 FG), 7 reb, 4 assists and 2 BLOCKS!! - Nice to see Boozer playing defense and boxing out once in a while. Just stay healthy and AK-47 will make you look like an all-star.

* Mehmet Okur: 13 pts (6-10 FG), 12 reb, 2 blocks - It's nice when the frontline contributes. Okur will probably have more games like this (minus about 3 rebounds and 2 blocks) on most nights provided The Naked Russian and Boozer do their jobs.

Sour notes

* Jazz fall asleep on lead - Utah led by as many as 17 points before the Blazers closed the gap to three with 8:16 left in the fourth quarter. Not a good sign against any team, but a really bad sign considering it was Portland. The Blazers will probably be challenging for the worst record in the league, so you've got to put them away early.

* Brandon Roy & Jarret Jack - They scored only 27 points combined, but had Juan Dixon found his shot last night (4-13 FG), the crappy Jazz defense in the backcourt would have been exposed once again.

* C.J. Miles struggles - I like that Ronnie Brewer and Matt Harpring played well, but Miles is supposed to be the future, too. A one-for-three night from the floor with 2 fouls in 16 minutes isn't too good. He seems to be having trouble getting into a groove.

Jazz vs. Lakers -- Preseason Game 1

Well, after a few months of waiting and a little bit of hype, the Jazz finally kicked off the 2006-07 campaign. The results? Disappointing, I would say. Utah fell to the L.A. Lakers, 94-79. During the season, we'll review each game and provide the sweet music (good stuff) and sour notes (bad stuff) from each game. Here's our first go at it:

Sweet music

* Deron Williams: 16 pts (7-13 FG, 2-3 3-pt FG, 5 assists, 5 rebounds, blocked shot) - This guy is proving why the Jazz picked him No. 3 overall. He may not have the flashy moves and crossovers like Chris Paul, but he's looking like the right kind of point guard for this Jazz team. I like that he's taking charge of the offense and he's gradually looking more and more like the Jason Kidd-style point guard many expected him to become.

* Carlos Boozer: 18 pts, 12 reb (9-13 FG, 2 assists, steal) - Six of Boozer's rebounds were on the offensive glass. Any playing time Boozer can get is a plus and if he stays healthy during the preseason, he might be OK when it counts, too.

* Rafael Araujo: 7 rebounds (3 offensive), 2 steals, 4 turnovers, 4 fouls - OK, he missed all 4 of his shots, but the 7 rebounds are a nice make-up for the 0-fer. He's gotta cut down on the fouls (which is supposedly his biggest weakness), but I think he could be a solid, Greg Foster-type backup center for the Jazz.

Sour notes

* Defense (or lack thereof) - Maurice Evans. I like the guy, he's a solid role player, but he scored 10+ points in only 2 of his last 17 games with Detroit last year. He had 12 points on Tuesday, which, on it's own isn't so bad. But throw in that Luke Walton (11 points) and Sasha Vujacic (13) and we see problems here.

* Slow go for Kirilenko - 12 minutes, 4 points, rebound. Plus, the Salt Lake Tribune reports that Kirilenko's back might be acting up again. Great ...

* Gordan Giricek: 6 points (3-10 FG, 4 reb, 3 ast) - I'm not wild about Matt Harpring's ability to miss layups, but at least he tries to fight for some points and not fall in love with the jump shot. Giricek is supposedly healthy, but he's played awful for the last 2 years and should not be starting. We'll have to see if Brewer develops into a viable option at the 2 guard spot.

Gilbert Arenas on cooking, getting paid and laundry.

Sixers/Suns just ended on ESPN2 with the Sixers edging by, 103-100. It's NBA preseason, but it was a pretty good game, especially the furious comeback by the Sixers. Few things I noticed:

* During the broadcast, multiple points were made about how the Suns have to play better defense in 2006-07 if they want to get to the Finals. Despite all the talk about how Steve Nash has improved on defense and the Suns are making it a priority this year, Nash still looks like he couldn't guard Rick Brunson (and he didn't).

* Rodney Carney tore it up! 14 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals and a block. Oh yeah, and the game-winning 3-pointer. Willie Green should watch out, because his replacement might be a few seats down on the bench.

* Amare Stoudemire looked OK. If he gets a consistent 15-foot jumper, he'll be the closest thing to a Karl Malone-Elvin Hayes-Shawn Kemp hybrid we'll ever see. He supposedly worked on his jumper while rehabbing, but all I saw today was a guy trying (unsuccesfully) to dunk on everyone.

No, it's not the theme song for a gay rights march. That's is actually the "theme song" for the Jazz in 2006-07. According to the Jazz Web site, "The song will be featured in team advertising and in arena during games." Have a listen and be warned ... it couldn't sound more gay. I know when I hear it, I can only picture a cheesy 80s style music video with former Jazz guard "playing" the saxaphone Jay Humphries and Bobby Hansen on the drums.

After those couple of cute preseason games in Europe, as part of the NBA Europe series, we get some real NBA action back in the USA! Sure, it's meaningless NBA preseason to some, but to me it's the start of another year of headaches and agony. I'm interested to see how the Northern Exposure version of the Suns looks this year (aka the Raptors). Chris Bosh was an all-star last year on an awful team. If he can be a part of the offense in Toronto like Amare Stoudemire was in Phoenix, watch out. I think Bosh is one of the most fundamentally skilled young bigs in the league.

Stats
Height/Weight: 6-6/215 lbs
Games played: 23 (0 starts)
PPG (2005-06 season): 3.4
RPG (2005-06 season): 1.7
Blocks (2005-06 season): 16

What he's good at
It's hard to say what C.J. is good at ... he hardly played last year. Sure, he appeared in 23 games, but he only played about 10 minutes a month. Not exactly quality time to get acclimated to the NBA pace. C.J. had a good finish to the season, scoring 32 points in the final 3 games (10.6 ppg for all you math majors out there). Granted, 23 of those points came against the Warriors in the season finale, but scoring 23 points in an NBA game as an 18-year-old ain't easy. The biggest knock on Miles was his confidence (or lack thereof) and him questioning his decision to sign with the Jazz rather than go play a few years at Texas. Miles was helped tremendously, confidence-wise, by playing in the NBA Developmental League from January to February.

What he's not-so-good at
Much like what he's good at, it's hard to say what Miles is bad at. My guess would be playing major minutes for a playoff-type team (aka the Jazz this year). Reports are he's rounded into form athletically, which is good to hear. As long as he's not playing more than 10-12 minutes a night, Miles' flaws shouldn't be too exposed.

What to expect in 2006-07
The skills that Miles has, although raw, are enough to make any Jazz fan salivate. Rare is the player that is both athletic and hard-working that comes through Utah, but it seems Miles may just be that type. You could see him getting a serious look if Gordan Giricek struggles. I'm predicting about 4.5 ppg and 3.4 rpg this year for Miles. The stats aren't eye-popping, but I think his play this year might be.

NBA.com gives the Jazz some love, particularly to Deron Williams. I know I'm keeping AK-47 on my Sportsline league team ...

Everything I've been reading in the off-season about AK-47 says he's bulked up, worked on his shot and is ready for a breakout year. NBA.com lists Kirilenko as being 6-9, 227 pounds and I can't imagine he's added more than maybe 5-10 pounds of muscle. In addition, Kirilenko has worked on improving his off-season diet and nutrition.

All of this is really great to hear, but my concern is that a heavier Kirilenko may not be a better Kirilenko. AK-47 is one of the fastest baseline-to-baseline players in the NBA. How many times have we seen him miss a shot on offense, the other team gets a fast break, and AK-47 somehow gets back quick enough to block the other team's shot? It's something Kirilenko pulls off at least one or two times a week during the season.

Kirilenko is at his best when he's able to use his wiry wingspan and athleticism on defense and pulls off one of those herky-jerky shots on offense around the basket. My concern is that AK-47's extra weight might not make him as athletic as he was the last few seasons. But hey, if all this work helps him make the All-Star team again and shut down Crymelo Anthony a few times a year, I'm all for it.

Sonics PF Nick Collison is one of the hardest-working guys in the NBA. As such, he's willing to work hard for his big payday. In other Sonics news, Kareem Rush is still in the NBA (sort of) ... Looking for a payday, but not finding it -- Michael Pietrus, Dahntay Jones, Beno Uterus ... Being a Knick has finally cracked Malik Rose ... I took a Spanish class, but I know I couldn't explain what "Jail Blazers" means in Spanish any better. ... Does playing zone defense in the NBA make you retarded? ... The Magic's arena needs a new corporate sponsor. For now, the kids are calling it "The O-rena." How creative!

Not much happening with the Jazz today ... here's a quick rundown:

* Jerry Sloan doesn't mind the new NBA ball and David Benoit finds a home

* Counting 1,2,3 with rookie Ronnie Brewer

* Derek Fisher + 3-pointers = more wins this year?

Interesting stuff from Portland, namely that Darius Miles and Zach Randolph aren't on the team's tickets this year. Also, Miles finds playing pro basketball tiresome. Everyone together now ... AWWWWWWWW!!! ... We know the Bobcats have had trouble with injuries, but now coaches are casualties? ... It's really hard to hate Chauncey Billups. ... Nellie goes back to basics with the Warriors ... Live, from New York! It's blame the ex-coach! Starring Stephon Marbury! ... KG as part owner? And can someone pick up Eddie Griffin? ... And lets call it a day with NBA Executive VP Stu Jackson talking about his new balls

A quick rundown of what's happening with the Jazz today:

* Matt Harpring is trying not to do anything stupid ... always a good plan

* Two different takes on Dee Brown: 1. Go out there and work hard and 2. Just get your butt kicked by a better player/former college teammate

* Jerry Sloan cleans out his closet

* Stop me if you've heard this one before: Carlos Boozer is healthy and he likes playing for Utah

Stats
Height/Weight: 6-11/255 lbs
Games played: 79 (41 starts)
PPG (2005-06 season): 5.6
RPG (2005-06 season): 4.2
Blocks (2005-06 season): 27

What he's good at
Jarron Collins has made a niche for himself on the Jazz as a hard-working player who tries his best to get the most out of his ability. You can pretty much figure that out when a guy has career highs of 22 points and 14 rebounds. The fact Collins has managed to get two different guaranteed NBA contracts during his career is a testament to his willingness to play within his limits and improve himself enough each season to make his paycheck worthwhile. Although Collins had only 27 blocks last year, it was a career high and he posted career highs in rebounds (333) and assists (97). Jarron won't block a lot of shots, but he plays good position defense and doesn't back away from a challenge. He gives the Jazz a different look at center when Okur falls asleep on defense each night.


What he's not-so-good at
Anything overly athletic or quick is pretty much lost on Collins. He's an out-and-out banger in the post and a bit clumsy with the ball (although more graceful than Ostertag ever was). Since Collins is the at times the only guy who will battle on defense in the post for the Jazz, he gets in foul trouble often (252 fouls last year - 2nd on Jazz).


What to expect in 2006-07
It wouldn't be a stretch to expect another Collins-like season this year (6.0 ppg, 4.4 rpg), but I'm thinking he might get closer to 7.1 ppg and 5.5 rpg this year. The Jazz rewarded him with a new contract and the Spurs showed interest in him, so there is talent there that Collins can still use. He always shows up to camp in shape, does what he can do on the floor and has always been on of Jerry Sloan's favorites. If the Jazz are to make it back to the playoffs, either he or Rafael Araujo will have to provide decent scoring when Okur is out of the game.

If you haven't heard this at SlamOnline.com, it's funny. Kevin Garnett gives his thoughts on why some college players suck, cooking, yard work and direct deposit ...

A quick rundown of what's new in the NBA today:
Shane Battier: When you PEAK, you win ... Allan Houston, welcome to Bristol (maybe) ... Ron Artest takes his "other" show on the road ... After reviewing the Knicks train wreck roster, Isiah Thomas realizes he might need some help ... Tyronn Lue (aka MushMouth), take those warm-ups off ... The Suns' resident shot doctor is working with new PG Marcus Banks ... Keep an eye on Delonte West, I think he's going to have a great year

Today's story by the Salt Lake Tribune indicates that Dwight Manley, the agent for former Jazz PF Karl Malone, purchased Malone's home in Utah for roughly half of its original price. The house, described as a "17,230-square-foot trophy home," has everything you'd need, such as a pool and water slide, indoor shooting range, basketball courts, home gym and a five-car heated garage and five fireplaces!!

How much did Manley pay for this little treasure? Though the house was appraised at more than $5 million, Manley shelled out a mere $2.75 million to purchase it at an auction. Manley is expected to turn around and sell it for a big gain.

I'm coming for you, Dwight Manley

ESPN.com had an interesting article about which little-known players will have a breakout season much like the Suns' Boris Diaw did last season.

First candidate: Carlos Arroyo (Orlando)

As a Jazz fan, I feel like I've heard this one before (say around the start of the 2003-04 season). Arroyo has great offensive talent and has some of the best moves with the ball that you'll find in the NBA. The problem with Arroyo is he struggles to do things without the ball and he often will spend so much time trying to break his man down one-on-one that he forces up a bad shot or makes an even worse pass. His defense is also nothing to write home about. He's generally healthy each season (and should be this year), but how he fits in with PG Jameer Nelson and how Brian Hill divides minutes between the two will be a question. Arroyo, like most NBA players, is at his best when he's starting or playing major minutes.

Second candidate: Gerald Wallace (Charlotte)

What an exciting young player! But he's much like AK-47 in that he is athletic and a defensive menace, but he doesn't have a go-to move or a dependable jump shot (career 47.8 FG pct and 25.6 3-pt FG pct). Throwing out my Jazz bias, I'd have to say Gerald is probably not at AK-47's level as far as all-around ability, but you can see the Bobcats have a team that could allow Wallace to showcase his talents if Sean May is healthy, Adam Morrison isn't a bust, Raymond Felton develops ...

Third candidate: J.R. Smith (Denver)

I am not a fan of this guy, but then again, I'm not a huge fan of his team, either. He falls into that Arroyo category in that he was supposed to be a "surprise" player (except his surprise season was supposed to be last year). Problem was, he did a great job of taking himself out of the Hornets playing rotation with bad practice habits, worse defense and a bad attitude. While his former coach in New Orleans, Byron Scott, is no NBA rocket-scientist, I feel that Scott did the right thing in benching a player that was exhibiting his behavior. Denver needs 3-point shooting and Smith shot 37 percent from outside and is already boasts a career 31.6 percentage from 3-point range. If he matures and can co-exist with a volatile coach like George Karl, who knows what could happen.

Fourth candidate: Hakim Warrick (Memphis)


Has anyone actually seen this guy play? We all know he was exciting to watch back at Syracuse, but he appeared in 68 games last year, played about 10 minutes and averaged 4 points. That's not too shabby and with Pau Gasol's injury, Warrick should see a little more production. But you've gotta think that Mike Fratello would go with Eddie Jones, Mike Miller and Brian Cardinal as his top scorers than Warrick.

Fifth & Sixth candidates: Raymond Felton (Charlotte) & Beno Udrih (San Antonio)
The guy who wrote this section for ESPN.com says Felton was second on his rookie of the year ballot?!!! Felton had a great finish to the season (16.6 ppg the last three months of the season) and showed improvment, but I don't think scoring a ton on a bad team means you're poised for a breakout season. I like Felton and he's a key part of what Charlotte's trying to build, but he needs some work on his shot selection.

Beno Udrih (aka Beno Uterus) is another one of those international Spurs players that seems to be able to do it all. Problem is, he can't get consistent minutes. When he did play last year (10.9 mpg in 54 games), you could tell that the drop in minutes from his rookie season (14.4 in 80 gms) had gotten to him. He seemed to think a little too much on the court and was more concerned with making plays to keep him on the floor rather than just making good plays.

Seventh candidate: Luol Deng (Chicago)

Giricek's killer defense strikes again

Well, this is my first attempt at joining the blogosphere. I hope to follow in the tradition of several NBA blogs that I enjoy, such as The NBA Source, Basketbawful and others that I'm sure I'm missing. Stay tuned to see how well this goes ...