The NBA’s New Duos
Maggette needs to mesh with SJackWhen the Sixers opened their second exhibition game against the Knicks, there were a couple of pretty surprising developments, none of which had anything to do with Andre Miller‘s haircut. On the first play of the game, Elton Brand popped out for a pass at the elbow. I was expecting his patented 15-foot jumper. But Sam Dalembert curled around a down screen and Brand hit him for an easy bucket.
These two are going the extra mile to mesh together, as they’re both being accompanied by a more talented frontcourt mate than they’ve ever played with before. And the work in practice is paying off.
“They’re figuring it out,” said assistant coach Jeff Ruland. “I think they’re way ahead of schedule. From what I’ve seen, I think they’re getting there.”
For the Sixers to realize their dream of playing past the second round of the playoffs, the cooperation of these two guys will be essential. But across the League, which new pair needs to get on the same page right away?
* Chris Bosh/Jermaine O’Neal
Of the Raptors’ five games to date, the only time that both of these guys hit double-figures in the same game was their first game against Cleveland. Bosh and JO both finished with a whopping 11 points.
* Mo Williams/LeBron
On day one, this was a match made in heaven. Now it’s back to Earth.
* Chris Paul/James Posey
CP3 was picking the Wizards defense apart in Europe, finding Posey for a number of three’s to further embarrass the depleted Washington roster.
* Tracy McGrady/Ron Artest
One of the first times that that they were on the floor together, T-Mac got tossed for getting in Eddie House/Bill Walker‘s grills. But Ron had his back.
* T.J. Ford/Danny Granger
Though T.J. has looked good, Granger has needed to make some excuse for his awful shooting. After going 3-15 against the Mavs, he’s listed day-to-day with a sore foot.
* Baron Davis/Al Thornton
With Boom leading the break, it’s important that there’s someone who can finish trailing behind him.
* Stephen Jackson/Corey Maggette
SJack supposedly has the reins to the franchise now. But during the first three games of the preseason, Maggette looked like the go-to guy.
Source: Philly.com
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October 17th, 2008 at 11:41 am
control says:
SJack getting his weekly props, good job Dime.
See his new rap video?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L0NYzfokrXE&feature=related
It’s pretty damn catchy, but with that hat, you’d think he was on Denver.
October 17th, 2008 at 11:44 am
gangsta of love says:
Is the Dalembeast really that much more talented than Kaman?
October 17th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Spliff 2 My Lou says:
Athletically Dalembert is better than Kaman but production wise he isn’t. I think DIME is selling Kaman short with that comment.
October 17th, 2008 at 12:10 pm
Octopus Jonny says:
No RJ/Mike Redd?
October 17th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Joe says:
Ain’t no doubt that if Brand and Iggy get rockin’ from the start, them 76ers are gonna be real legit and gonna go deep into them playoffs y’all.
True thugs never lie.
Tyrone
October 17th, 2008 at 12:38 pm
Joe says:
I’m guessing that’s what Tyrone would have said
October 17th, 2008 at 1:04 pm
isotope says:
Andre Miller is still the key to that Philly squad.
True, Redd and Jefferson should be on that list.
I dont think JO is that much relevant.
Is TJ even going to be starting?
Chris Paul and James Posey? Really?
Yeah.
True Morons Never Grow Out Of It
Joe
October 17th, 2008 at 1:25 pm
Octopus Jonny says:
I guess I can see why Redd/RJ were left off as they really haven’t played with each other at all this preseason. For the first time since the Big 3 of Allen/Robinson/Cassell, I’m feeling some optimism (cautious optimism) about the Bucks. RJ has looked absolutely awful during this preseason in the games he’s played. Hopefully he gets it together over the next few weeks and starts playing like someone that can average 20 points and 5 boards. With Ridnour at the point, one of the best 3 point shooters in the game on one wing, RJ on other, I think that defenses will actually have to respect the offense instead of doubling Redd and watching everyone else stand there.
October 17th, 2008 at 1:36 pm
dagwaller says:
First of all, yea, Brand has had Kaman, and if I’m not mistaken, Artest back when they were with the Bulls. Both of those guys are miles ahead of Dalembert.
And Joe, you definitely need to put more “cats” in there.
October 17th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Kudabeen says:
Chris Paul has David West…
I think Baron and Al Thorton have the most to gain by being more familiar with one another early on. The same goes for all of the clippers. I think the Clippers will make the playoffs as high as the 5th seed baring injury. They have everything covered except chemistry. We’ll see what Dunleavy can do about that…
October 17th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
dmitry of jersey says:
wow I can’t believe no one has mentioned Pau Gasol/ Andrew Bynum.
Granted they are not “new” since they have been teammates for a while, but they never played together. If they mesh than not only is Bynum sure to get that 80million extension but the Lakers will be back in the Finals for sure.
dmitry
October 17th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
dmitry of jersey says:
and btw … Chris Paul/Posey…. CP can mesh with a damn kitchen table if that’s his teammate. I don’t think any Hornets fan needs to worry about that one.
October 17th, 2008 at 3:21 pm
wanabballer says:
i think the Mo Williams/Lebron will be the most interesting new duo to watch.
October 17th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
QuEsT??? says:
lol @ mo and lebron, but i think the real duo in new orleans is still cp3 and dWest or maybe even cp3 and tyson
October 17th, 2008 at 8:46 pm
Drink the Haterade (Kobe Rocks) says:
@ Joe–
You forgot LOL “those cats be gettin sick n’ nasty buckets and dishes dope dimes.”
At least thats what Tyrone always says… BTW what happened to Tyrone?
I didn’t know true thugs could take the day off.
October 17th, 2008 at 9:58 pm
J says:
no mention of greg oden and either broy or aldridge? Ill let you guys in on a little secret, not sure if it is on you tube but sergio rodriguez and rudy fernandez are sick together. In the first preseason game, there was an ally oop for a layup that nearly rivals the dwight dunk. sorry to be a homer
October 17th, 2008 at 11:32 pm
Jeffco says:
you guys forgot about gasol and bynum
thats a new pair