Who has the most to prove?
D-Wade, LeBron
Injuries are a staple of the first few days of training camp. It’s only natural when you have a collection of players who have spent the summer without constant 5-on-5 NBA competition, mixed with guys who are scrapping just to get a job in the League.
But there are a few players being watched more closely than your average, whose teams are terrified to see them so much as wince right now. They’re the ones coming back from injuries that grounded them for significant chunks of last season and distinctly hurt their teams in the process. Included on that list: KG, Monta Ellis, T-Mac, Michael Redd, Al Jefferson, Elton Brand, Amar’e, Manu Ginobili and Gilbert Arenas.
Then you have another group of guys, perfectly healthy, who have something to prove this season for other reasons. Whether it’s proving they can win the big one (LeBron, Dirk), that they don’t need to have the ball all the time (Ben Gordon, Vince Carter), that they can still produce like they used to (Steve Nash, Jason Kidd), or that they’re more than just hype (Greg Oden, Andrew Bynum, Brandon Jennings), they have their own agendas. (Not to mention it seems half the League is in a contract year.)
WHICH NBA PLAYER HAS THE MOST TO PROVE THIS SEASON?
(*Tell us your pick in the comments below, and we’ll use some of the best answers in an upcoming issue of Dime. We reserve the right to edit submissions for length and clarity.)
October 1st, 2009 at 8:23 am
sh!tfaced says:
Allen Iverson, on the court. Lamar Odom, off the court.
October 1st, 2009 at 8:25 am
bbb says:
Lebron for sure!! than kg, shaq, arenas,oden.
October 1st, 2009 at 8:27 am
Arrogant says:
Luol Deng… Big Contract. No Results(As Of Yet)
October 1st, 2009 at 8:39 am
YOUNGFED says:
Allen Iverson and T-Mac
October 1st, 2009 at 8:45 am
Shrink This says:
While I agree with the above comments, I respectfully submit the Rupaul of big men, Chris Bosh. Now that Colangelo has surrounded him with an improved supporting cast, it’s time for Bosh to either prove he’s a top tier player in this league (other than just statistically) and lead the team to something better than the lottery or a first round exit.
October 1st, 2009 at 8:48 am
smity far away says:
From the names mentioned above i’d say Arenas, Jennings and Oden all have to prove that they’re as good as people believe them to be.
Otherwise, i think Artest has to prove that his contribution to l.a can push them to that next level where a repeat isn’t something that’s just a possibility but a certainty.
and i’d like to see sacramento transition from “a young team” to “a young team with a lot of potential” like portland did gradually.
October 1st, 2009 at 8:54 am
POPPI GEE says:
For real, more than anybody, T-Mac has to come with something when he comes back. So many people have given up on dude. You talkin about a cat that used to be in discussion and comparisons with the likes of Wade and Kobe.
He actually has had more good in his career then bad, depending on how you look at it but the bad outweighs the good so much.
He has had time off, has a squad to work with, a coach and system. At this point the only thing that can hold him back is him. He needs to really make this season one where he brings it!
October 1st, 2009 at 8:55 am
egypt says:
why are people saying AI? He is playing for free… he is obviously going to have freedom, why else would he sign with memphis if he couldn’t play how he wanted? If he wanted to be restricted and coached, he would have gone to Larry Brown…he’ll throw up a few early 20 point games, say all the right things and that will be the end of that story…
its mostly arenas, shaqince aka shaqprince, tmac before the deadline, gortat only cuz of his contract, ANDY VAREJAOAOAOAO and his contract….actually scratch all the rest, just Andy… just Andy… dime list me someone else this offseason that received more anger over his contract than Andy? and there is your answer
October 1st, 2009 at 8:57 am
ToAn says:
definitely Oden (NBA contract and high school game) & Bynum (big contract and no results)
iverson is definitely under pressure but he can only surprise ’cause almost everybody is down on him so the pressure isn’t that big i would say
and in no particular order – Carmelo, Tmac, Vince, Brand
October 1st, 2009 at 8:59 am
ctkennedy says:
the person with the most to prove this season is dwight howard his only comp is shaq in the paint if he dominates on the offense end he changes the whole game then nelson and carter wont matter as much except with five minutes left in the game
October 1st, 2009 at 9:02 am
ToAn says:
and I don’t think that Shaq has something to prove…he already showed in phoenix that he can’t take a team deep into the playoffs (or even to the playoffs). and he was in great shape, he’s just not that dominant. if Cavs fail then it’s all going to fall on Lebron. Shaq’s got 4 rings and he really is old…always a good excuse.
October 1st, 2009 at 9:15 am
Just a Fan says:
the answer is everybody and everything that can be judged.
October 1st, 2009 at 9:25 am
flavur says:
Greg Oden and Luol Deng have the most to prove
October 1st, 2009 at 9:38 am
Pakman says:
Arenas for sure,Deng was never even that good but he should’ve been and T-Mac,AI and Vince have never won a championship so that has to be on top of those players agenda
October 1st, 2009 at 9:46 am
karizmatic says:
I seriously doubt that Ben Gordon’s mindset coming into this season is to prove that he doesn’t need the ball all the time.
October 1st, 2009 at 9:47 am
sh!tfaced says:
@egypt
AI because he needs to prove he isn’t a team cancer as he was made to be in Detroit
-because no one offered him a long-term contract
-because most team didn’t want to give him a chance
-because he needs to let them see that he’s still got it
-because he needs to prove that he can still be a winner
-because he has to show he can still carry a team
-because he has to let them all know they were wrong about him
-because he’s out to prove that it isn’t all about practice
-etc etc etc
October 1st, 2009 at 9:54 am
matthew says:
1. Greg Oden has to prove he’s on his way to being a legit top 3 center; that he can stay healthy and out of foul trouble
2. LeBron has to prove he can win a title. This is his 7th season and the argument that his supporting cast isn’t good enough has become increasingly weak.
3. Durant has to prove he’s more than just a scorer; that he can play enough defense to at least get his +/- out of the sub-subbasement.
October 1st, 2009 at 9:55 am
rodney says:
i say mister vince carter
the second coming of jordan
this guy was IT ,all the talent of the world
he should be better than kobe , but he lacks the killer instinct that kobe has
he used to own the nba from 99 to 02 then slowy faded away year by year
the crowd of the other teams used to pray that vince carter would get by their own defender’s
he just needed this to revive his career and prove he belongs with the best
October 1st, 2009 at 9:56 am
Lionheart says:
Micheal beasley…that he deserved to be picked 2nd and that he is not a druggie and he has to be a 20/10 type of player so wade doesn’t have to work so hard
October 1st, 2009 at 9:59 am
freshouttatime says:
as already mentioned numerous individual players have something to prove, because of injuries, questions about age and productivity, etc etc. but more importantly teams as a whole that have an agenda are the realistic championship contenders… cavaliers and celtics, spurs, lakers and the nuggets. these teams appear ready right now to run deep into the postseason, where as other teams (and i’m throwing last seasons finalist orlando, chicago, portland, utah and the like in here) still will be proving themselves as postseason contenders throughout the season.
October 1st, 2009 at 10:08 am
The REAL Tyrone says:
Ain’t no doiubt ya’ll that my boi M.Redd has be gotta be provin this year. Cat’s a sweetass shooter yo, but he ain’t got no ability to be playin dem defense or be dishin dem dopey dimes. Cat’s be injureds and ain’t be playing much yo.
True thugs NEVER lie.
The Real Tyrone
October 1st, 2009 at 10:18 am
Dee says:
Elton Brand needs to show Philly he is worth the money!
October 1st, 2009 at 10:21 am
Ric Hardwood says:
AI… because if he doesn’t do well in Memphis, he might as well retire… I was embarassed for him when no one wanted to sign him. 2 years ago this cat averaged 26 ppg and 7 apg… He has to prove that he can get back to that level.
Agent ‘0′ needs to show that he deserves that 100 million contract…
This season couldn’t start early enough…
October 1st, 2009 at 10:29 am
rick773 says:
I gotta agree with Flavur Oden and Deng seem like they’re under the most to prove IMO.
October 1st, 2009 at 10:30 am
rick773 says:
uner the most pressure to prove their worth the draft selection and big contract repectively
October 1st, 2009 at 10:36 am
Amar says:
Kyrylo Fesenko needs to prove the jazz did not have to draft 3 centers in the draft after drafting him. (Kosta Koufos, Ante Tomic, Goran Sutton)
October 1st, 2009 at 10:49 am
ProphetGK says:
Um.. the Magic and their ridiculous insurance policy? Big mouth Jennings, and Reggie Evans making Barney into a real dinosaur…
October 1st, 2009 at 10:52 am
chiaki says:
the knicks.. they gotta prove that they have a direction/future or whatever so that they can pick up some big fish in the next offseason..
October 1st, 2009 at 10:56 am
Harris11 says:
Gilbert Arenas, he got paid a huge contract then played like 15 games in the past two seasons, hes gotta shows he still has it
October 1st, 2009 at 11:10 am
Heckler says:
tracy mcgrady and vince carter! hands down.
think back to 2000. vince carter ruled the league (although i personally never drank that kool aid; just like i dont drink the carmel aid).
Vince has years left on his deal, o he is not playing for a contract. he has a championship level team around him. he is going to get heavy minutes and have the ball at crunch time. his ass has to produce. no excuses.
tracy mcgrady will be the HIGHEST paid player in the league next season. he’ll be playing for a new contract and the team finally made it past the 1st round WITHOUT him. if his career ended today, what would be his legacy?…… ….EXACTLY; thats why he has to produce. dont nobody want that legacy
October 1st, 2009 at 11:18 am
MSkittle says:
Arenas and Brand
October 1st, 2009 at 11:20 am
Jake says:
Agent Zero for sure, especially after all the smack talking he’s been doing. And Greg Oden has to do something or he’ll be labeled a total bust.
October 1st, 2009 at 11:43 am
Taj says:
T-MAC.. AI… ODEN… GILBERT…
October 1st, 2009 at 11:46 am
doc says:
lol-Bron aint got shit to prove.Only people who doubt him are the haters.He be 25 in December right.This his first year with a legit all star right?So why should he have something to prove?Kobe just got his first chip as the man at 30 years old.Mike won his first chip at 29.Thats who the haters compare him against right?So why should he have to prove he can win the chip 4 years before Mike did?Give Bron Scottie Pip and Rodman or Gasol and Bynum and its a wrap also.
October 1st, 2009 at 11:49 am
doc says:
T-Back got something to prove,as does Gil,they have to prove they healthy.Oden and Bynum gotta prove they can play at least 75 in a season.AI gotta prove he can be a team player.Vince gotta prove he’s a winner because when he teamed up with D12 expectations are chip or bust.Elton Brand gotta prove he actually used to be a beast in Philly.And thats what Im looking for.
October 1st, 2009 at 11:50 am
EddieC says:
Baron Davis. He came home to LA last year with a big contract and as the key off-season acquisition. He bombed big time, quitting on the team probably half way through the season. This year he needs to show everyone who he is: a top-tier point guard who can lead hos team to the playoffs, or a quitter who’s best days are behind him.
October 1st, 2009 at 11:57 am
ab_40 says:
T-Mac, michael beasley, greg oden, anthony randolph and gilbert arenas. let em all play together:D
October 1st, 2009 at 12:03 pm
Mellmeister says:
Players that has something to prove this Season:
Allen Iverson
- to prove to everyone that he still got somethin’ left on his arsenal. he can still run with “the young cats and can dish dopey dimes” hahahaha! the real tyrone possessed me.
Carmelo Anthony
- needs to prove that he can take his game to the next level, yes he showed everybody what he’s made of in the playoffs, but he needs to be consistent and show why he’s the nuggets franchise player, and why he should be talked about in the same breathe as lebron,kobe and wade.
G.Arenas/T-Mac/Elton Brand/KG/Amare
-They Need to show that they are healthy, and they’re still relevant in the league.
Vince Carter
-should prove that he can contribute in crunch time, and woouldn’t take ill advised shots come playoff time. should prove that he can cover what Hedo did for the Magic.
Devin Harris/Blake Griffin
-needs to prove that they are their team’s franchise player.
Kevin Durant
-Needs to prove that he ain’t like “Kevin Martin”. He should be able to Score and Win games for his team.
Kidd and Nash
-should prove that they can still run the point efficiently on a fast paced NBA. that this game is played with wits not by athleticism alone.
October 1st, 2009 at 12:14 pm
loons says:
the way you guys are on the wizards nuts, i would say they as a team have a whole lot to live up to
October 1st, 2009 at 1:17 pm
dial up says:
doc-get off brons nuts. No one cares how old this guy is, he’s been in the league for 7 seasons. Kobe has 4 rings by 31. Doesn’t matter if he was the man or not, the only man on the cavs is shaq. Lebron should prove he’s not just a taller a.i.. PS: look beyond the lbj poster your wakkin off to in your room
October 1st, 2009 at 1:33 pm
Deebo says:
Amare has the most to prove. He needs to show that he can stay healthy the entire season and warrant his position as an integral part of the Suns rebuilding process and core. He wants a max contract, just re-earned his status as captain, and wants to show that he can in fact actually play defense. Look for Amare to be a total beast this year, as he regains his status as one of the best PF in the league.
October 1st, 2009 at 1:35 pm
Brado says:
How did AI and Boozer not make this list? Both feel they are worth more than they’re paid and were proven unwanted commodities (yes even Boozer since nobody was willing to offer the jazz and value in a trade).
October 1st, 2009 at 1:39 pm
JBaller says:
AI and Tmac…AI doesn’t want to see his carreer fizzle out like it seems to be. He needs to play his knd of ball to impress anyone, but not even his crappy team in Memphis wishes to see him hog it up. Tmac is the highest paied player in the league this year. He is going to lose his earning potential if he doesn’t produce again. He’ll end up another AI when he a free agent and he’ll play for the veteran min.
October 1st, 2009 at 1:40 pm
Will Purdue says:
Mark Jackson
October 1st, 2009 at 1:57 pm
KenAdams says:
I’m going with Boozer. He wants to get paid like an All-Star, but no one wanted to pay him like it. If he wants a big paycheck next year he has to prove he can play and stay healthy. Boozer, inc. could be done after this year. Maybe he can be Paul Millsap’s back up?
October 1st, 2009 at 2:06 pm
J.Tobias says:
Iverson, he was still awaiting a contract up until two weeks ago. From a talent standpoint this Memphis team gives him two scoring options in Mayo and Gay which was something he never had in Philly but didn’t work out to well in Denver with Smith and Anthony. He even grew his braids back and said this year he feels like a rookie with something to prove. If he comes out like the A.I. of old the league will be on notice and we will all know “The Answer” to this question.
October 1st, 2009 at 3:08 pm
Cha-Ching says:
Coach Mike Brown of the Cavs. His whole career is at stake. No ring and Lebron walks, its a wrap.
October 1st, 2009 at 3:12 pm
Cha-Ching says:
I don’t know why you guys say Arenas. His contract is ludacris. His got the bullets by the balls.
Deng, YES!, the hype, the contract and you let a journey man take your spot.
October 1st, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Amar says:
To me the list would go as follows:
TMac – is he still an elite caliber player, or does he drop down to the second tier of stars who can play, but better suited in a supporting role
AI – needs to show growth and change, needs to decide if he wants to be winner or just get his. I love AI, always have, but he’s at a point in his career where his me first attitude needs to evolve to being more about team
Artest – is he the missing piece for another lakers dynasty, or is he the disruptive talent who you love/hate, he wants to win and I think Phil can get the most out of him
Bosh – as stated before, needs to show he can lead a team, has the right pieces around him, its on him now to take the raps to the next level
October 1st, 2009 at 5:00 pm
doc says:
@dial up-man up and use ya real name.In b-ball age matters.Which is why Bron gets hyped.If he was 35,some other 25 year old would be getting it.
October 1st, 2009 at 6:02 pm
Da_Griff says:
Elton Brand – Used to be an ironman. Will he ever be again? And can he be a team player.
Baron Davis – Did he really only have one good year? Or is he destined to continue to be a traditional clipper?
Yi Jianlian – If he doesn’t bring it this year, he can join his chinese team mate, Wang Zhi Zhi, playing against other midgets in Asia.
Michael Beasley – Crack Pot or Crack Playa? He better get his sh!t together fast.
Michael Redd/Andew Bogut – Need to prove they can stay healthy all season. Without either one of these two players, the bucks stink more than Gerald Green.
October 1st, 2009 at 6:11 pm
Robert says:
Bosh – Are you worth all the recognition that seems to come your way? Consistently? Despite anything besides statistical results?
Durant – Are you a basketball player, or a really tall sprinter who can shoot?
Oden – Are you the coveted third option for the Blazers? Will you be gimpy your whole life?
J.R. – (This is solely internet based) Are you REALLY the unrecognized 3-time 6MoY? Are you really an All-Star? Can you prove it starting?
Gil – Are you really your own second coming? Re: contract worth – Are you DWade or KMart?
AI – You have a LOT to prove. To yourself, as always.
October 1st, 2009 at 6:38 pm
ctkennedy says:
the only player who got the most to prove is dwight howard after the big legends leave duncan kg and kobe he the only player who can stop lebron from bein the best player in the world hes the only player lebron or wade for that matter they dont have a answer for
ps basketball will always be a big man game the only player to win without a dominate big in nba history is MICHAEL JEFFERY JORDAN
October 1st, 2009 at 7:15 pm
KneeJerkNBA says:
Definitely AI.
October 1st, 2009 at 8:06 pm
denbutsu says:
Carmelo Anthony.
Melo’s rep gained a lot of ground with the progress he made last season defensively, followed by his breakout postseason performance. But now everybody is thinking the Nuggets are going to fall off because, they say, they didn’t make a marquee offseason acquisition and besides, Denver’s success was “just good luck”. It’s now on Melo to step up his game and his leadership role to prove that he and his team were no fluke last season, and that they still remain the caliber of team that can do things like finish 2nd in the West and make it to the Western Conference Finals… or beyond.
October 1st, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Dagomar says:
A 37-year-old Shaq is the best player Lebron has ever had on the Cavs. That should be enough to tell you he doesn’t have much to prove . . . .
I think Arenas has to show he’s healthy and can help a team win, Oden has to show he’s not a bust, AI that he’s not a selfish team-killer, Bosh that he can stay healthy and play D, Melo that he’s a genuine superstar, Vince that he’s got a heart, Amare that he’s a complete player, Shaq that he’s not selfish or egocentric, Lee that he deserves a better contract, Ellis that he’s a franchise centrepiece, Brand that he’s back . . . the list goes on.
October 1st, 2009 at 8:38 pm
jheck says:
suck vince carter…he cant prove anything..all he can do is to shoot that deep 3’s…and he hasnt have a D in his game…thats what he should work for…
October 1st, 2009 at 8:39 pm
KobeApologist says:
Gotta be T-Mac and Agent Zero – huge contracts, multiple seasons lost to injury.
AI if you’re talking about a need to prove the doubters wrong.
As far up-and-comers who need to prove it now or else: Oden and Bynum.
Team: I think it’s safe to say that the city of Cleveland will never see a championship, EVER, if this year’s Cavs don’t come through. THAT is pressure.
October 1st, 2009 at 9:50 pm
goarmy says:
kevin martin for sure.
that kid played only 51 games, and he was averaging at least 29 points before he got injured.
he posted 50 points in overtime game, and nba didnt even care about.
most underrated nba player ever.
October 1st, 2009 at 11:31 pm
arisloco says:
“Da_Griff says:
Yi Jianlian – If he doesn’t bring it this year, he can join his chinese team mate, Wang Zhi Zhi, playing against other midgets in Asia.”
Can you please tell me how tall are you? I’m only a 5′11 guy and tell you what, I can beat yo ass in a 1 on 1. Don’t underestimate the talent of Asians. Basketball is not only for tall players, it’s about TALENT and SKILLS! Moron!
October 2nd, 2009 at 12:37 am
SD says:
To me its two people…Kobe and Artest.
Kobe has to prove he can play as a team and win. Lets face it, the Lakers werent a great team. He won the title playing Kobe ball, which is pretty damn impressive, but he wont be able to do that again this year. All the top contenders arent going to have their best players get hurt again. There are too many personalities on the team, add to that you just won a chip so there will be that hangover. Im not worried about Kobe’s game AT ALL. I wanna see what will happen when everyone is half-assing it besides Kobe and Artest and what Ron Ron will do when Kobe decides “nobody else is worth a damn tonight so im going to shoot 40 times” Or what Kobe will do when Ron Ron does one of his patented 12 second backdown maneuvers.
October 2nd, 2009 at 12:42 am
cheif youngblood says:
i’d like to start by saying AI doesn’t have shit to prove to me and shouldn’t to anyone else, he was the best player in basketball for many years and deserves at least a little respect for helping hold the nba together those years after jordan left.
their may be some questions about jennings but i think he’ll answer em’ pretty quickly.
deng does have alot to prove obviously , the pistons as a franchise , my hometown hornets have alot to prove.
and my main man adam “the conundrum ” morrison ( secure that 8th spot in the rotation )
October 2nd, 2009 at 2:41 am
Peter says:
AI already has his ticket punched for the HOF. By definition he has nothing left to prove to anyone. I think that the guy he’s trying to prove something to is himself: that’s the blessing and curse carried by all of the all-time greats.
Monta has the most to prove of this group. He has always been “potential.” Despite the massive contract he has never been a star. He has to make the step to stardom in the worst environment of any of the players listed. Some facts:
- His owner, Chris Cohan, has never produced a winner and is best known for threatening to sue players who don’t perform and friends who don’t cave in.
- His coach doesn’t like him.
- His coach loves his replacement-in-waiting, Steph Curry.
- The best players in his supporting cast are a volatile veteran captain who’s publicly asked for a trade and a 20-year-old phenom who is going to be asked to play out of position against a brutal group of Western Conference power forwards.
October 2nd, 2009 at 2:58 am
Nyosha says:
I think Dirk, Lebron, Tmac, Yao and Nash have alot to prove this season. These guys have never won a ring in their entire stay in the NBA. And Shaq has a whole lot of wieght on his shoulders because he should try and show Kobe that he is better and he can win another ring in almost any condition just as Kobe did
October 2nd, 2009 at 7:53 am
egypt says:
@44 HAHAHAHAHAHA thats sikwitit
totally disagree about AI though… read his latest interview… its obviously not about the money or he would’ve went to Greece… dude wants to win, but its a lose/lose either way… if he goes out and scores 25 and still loses then you’ll say he is shooting too much… if he goes out and scores 11 and still loses then he didnt help the team enough…. and if he wins, you’ll credit everyone around him… u think he cares? i mean people love to blame ai for anything, its easy to sell… its not so easy to sell AI when he does something right… dude can score… memphis will win games with him
October 2nd, 2009 at 7:54 am
egypt says:
@64…. he did that on south beach already… Shaq is in the discussion as 1 of the greatest, if not the greatest, centers of all time… he is in that discussion…
October 2nd, 2009 at 11:53 am
Chicagorilla says:
Derrick Rose – He has to show the rest of the NBA Elite why they should want to come to Chicago in 2k10 Free Agency. No one will want to come here if he doesn’t show the ability to take a team on his shoulders and all he needs is a little help to get him over the top.
Allen Iverson – Has to show he is about winning to get his Legacy to the next level with the Birds, Magics, MJ’s, and J.West of the world. Otherwise he’s stuck in purgatory with D.Wilkins, Bob Macadoo, and George Gervin.
Dwight Howard- Is he going to be the kinda player who has all the tools to win, but can’t step his own game up enough to beat the Elite NBA Ballers.
October 2nd, 2009 at 1:32 pm
biditch says:
Gilber Arenas…gotta show that the hibachi still sizzles
October 2nd, 2009 at 9:33 pm
Rob says:
David Lee has to prove he’s worth that 10m he was asking for this summer.
October 3rd, 2009 at 8:58 pm
Colton says:
Its hard to choose an individual, id have to say from a purely individual standpoint id have to go with Gilbert Arenas. He has so much potential that has been plagued by injuries the last two years. He can light people up like the best of em when hes healthy and im absolutely rooting for him.
On a side note, id have to say that the Miami Heat organization are gonna have to bend over backwards to keep Dwyane Wade, hes the heart and soul of that team.
October 3rd, 2009 at 10:42 pm
TCL says:
Personally, I think Andrea Bargnani has a lot to prove. He signed a nice extension in the summer and finally gets a full season with the starting job. Will he be able to produce like the second half of last season? Will Reggie Evans make him tougher and a better rebounder? Will he be ready to take the reins if Chris Bosh walks in the summer? I certainly hope so.
October 5th, 2009 at 8:26 am
Darkness says:
Trevor Ariza
I watched him his freshman year at UCLA, and I was surprised to hear he was coming out in that draft. Although I could see he had potential, I didn’t think he was anywhere close being ready for the NBA, yet my Knicks drafted him. For the season and a half he played in NY, I felt the same way about him as I did in UCLA. In Orlando, same thing, and in LA, same thing, UNTIL…the 09 playoffs. Sure he had a good run, but his numbers weren’t spectacular (11.3 ppg, 1.6 spg but 1.65 tpg, 2.3 apg, 56% FT). I mention the playoffs specifically because that’s what his supporters point to as a sign of things to come. Well newsflash, although he is young in age, he’s entering his 8th year, yet has never averaged over 9 PPG. I would love to have him on my team moreso for his versatility and defensive presence, but I think the Rockets and other basketball heads are talking themselves into “Trevor Ariza: Untapped Potential”. I see “Trevor Ariza: Broke Man’s Andre Iguodala.”
October 5th, 2009 at 3:13 pm
Ruhong says:
It’s T-Mac hands down. Here’s why:
He was considered one of the best in the league when he was in orlando. He was labeled as having the talents to be the best EVER. Yet he fell short of expectations. He had heartbreaking playoff exit to Detroit and he NEVER took his team beyond the first-round.
Now, he’s not even relevant. Houston advance to 2nd round without him. Everyone wrote off Houston now that Yao is out. People simply are not getting excited about T-Mac’s return. Everyone is questioning the cat’s fire: he got no ambition, his game is gone, he’s done and out.
T-Mac has to show his passion now. Remind everyone why he’s the best paid baller in NBA. It’s now or never. He has to take Houston to respectability.
I’ll tell you some counterpoints to why other cats aren’t as urgent as T-Mac too.
Arenas: He has an excellent team around him and he will do well. Everyone expects him to do well and noone thinks he’s a bust.
Bynum: As long as lakers keep winning and the league has little to no quality Cs, he’ll keep getting paid.
Brand: He’s not the man in Philly, he just needs to contribute
LeBron: the dude is 24. He’s already considered phenomenal. Noone is blaming him for not having a ring yet.
AI: My man here… hope he DOES feel like he has something to prove but technically, balling in Memphis with all those black holes, he will be successful if he can just hold the team together.
October 7th, 2009 at 3:09 pm
Soda says:
Shaq
The “big witness protection” is the key to not only securing the Cav’s and Lebron a championship, but to also keep LBJ in Cleveland. If Shaq and Lebron don’t win, is it safe to say the Cav’s as a franchise will dismantle?
If Lebron leaves Cleveland the franchise tag goes to Mo Williams. Ouch!
October 9th, 2009 at 12:03 am
Da_Griff says:
@arisloco
So the import height restriction in the asian leagues of 6′6″ doesn’t exist any more?
That’s what i’m talkin’ about when I say Wang is beating up on midgets in the asian leagues. They’re not even allowed to import big guys.
And so you know, i’m 6′0″. Bring it bitch, i’ll paint your ass all over the key.
October 9th, 2009 at 12:05 am
Da_Griff says:
And I got nothin’ against asians. Them Philo ballers are crazy.