A nation shared its proudness and appreciation Sunday. Basketball was MADE IN THE USA, after all. LeBron James, among all players, was the man of red, white and blue, representing the United States with a sense of pride and grace and led the U.S. to back-to-back Olympic gold medals. He, among all players, jumped for joy in celebration near the bench, wearing a widened smile as if he was a kid who opened a brand new Spalding basketball with MJ’s signature on it. As he led the Americans in the gold-medal game, he was entitled to jubilate with his U.S. teammates, he was entitled to laugh and crack jokes with the youngest one on the team, Anthony Davis.
The man who is the most polarizing figure is suddenly an American hero for restoring hope in U.S. basketball, for reducing the embarrassment of falling from grace in a game we originated, dominated, popularized, and then produced NBA’s finest studs to showcase a new era of talented stars. The man who is the most loathed player is suddenly a savior, a humble and unselfish human being. You don’t have to like him, no, but what he’s done for U.S. basketball is beyond incredible — it’s athletic brilliance and staying power. Maybe after he searched for U.S. coach Mike Krzyzewski on the sideline and greeted him with a hug, you perceive him differently. Maybe after he stood on the podium, aglow with pride, fighting back tears as the Star Spangled Banner belted out of the loudspeaker, you have gained more respect for James. Lauded in these games, he wrapped the American flag around his shoulders and sprinted a victory lap around the court, and then celebrated with the guys proudly and happily.
He didn’t just make the country proud — he escaped hatred, anger and antipathy as one of the most recognizable athletes in the world. It marked the first time, since the megalomaniacal spectacle he televised to announce that he would be signing with the Miami Heat, that he’s pleased millions nationwide. It marked the first time, since he departed Cleveland abruptly to outrage most of the town, that he’s beautifully appreciated for an unpaid effort to compete for our country and be honored for healing America’s basketball woes. The dominance of the United States men’s basketball team, mainly because of James’ leadership and humility, has been profoundly crafty and unbeatable. With James on the U.S. side, the basketball program has risen to the top of the world again, built with NBA stars from a number of franchises that came together and contended against world-class athletes as the game is globalized. You may not love LeBron, but he loves you, willing to sacrifice his vacation months to represent this country in a respectful manner. That’s what he did this summer — unselfishly and willingly — and didn’t mind playing for his country. Before they partied in London, with gold medals hanging from their necks, James poured in 19 points, grabbed seven rebounds and had a team-high four assists, all while he was in foul trouble.
So he finally smiled, breathed a sigh of relief, realizing he had just done something good for America, where he’s despised and demonized because of jealousy or bitterness. But now, we can only send our thanks and bow to the King after his excellent performances throughout the tournament. There’s no doubt, just no doubt, that James would have been named the MVP in the Olympics, if such an honorable award existed. But in America, he’s clearly our Most Valuable Player, the global superstar we are impressed by and call our superhero. For James, the reigning NBA champion after winning his first title for the Miami Heat, he’s the iconic face of American sports, particularly for what he’s accomplished in these Olympics. And by no means were Kobe Bryant and Kevin Durant underachievers in London, as the team almost featured a different star on a nightly basis.
Durant, meanwhile, scored 30 points and collected nine rebounds and Bryant scored 17 points. This time, respectfully so, the United States needed James in the fourth quarter. As time dwindled down in the final period — like he did last spring for the Heat — he came through when it counted the most to prove to the world that he’s a clutch performer. He carried Team USA on his shoulders, just as he carried the flag proudly when it all came to an end on the last day of the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, a chance for the players to get to know one another as they came together as respected teammates. But most of all, even if you hate James, he did this for you, he did this for America, and he did this for me.
It’s about America, not LeBron. The absence of King James could have smudged Team USA’s gold-medal ambitions, but, of course, Krzyzewski lobbied for him to join Team USA and restore a winning personality internationally. We can make better sense of it, when perhaps James had the best fourth-quarter performance of the afternoon, silencing haters and doubters. It looks a lot like James isn’t selfish and egocentric, but a competitor who opted for a change of scenery and seized the opportunity to venture elsewhere to win a championship. The chosen one, the man of the fourth performed to hold off Spain late in the closing minutes. James basically rebranded U.S. basketball and repaired his bad-boy image. The nail-biting scare was when James took over, as the Americans coasted to a 107-100 victory.
The Spaniards tried to cut into a lead the U.S. owned, but down the stretch Chris Paul made a couple of baskets that extended the lead. The signature play happened when James drove to the lane for a dunk that gave the U.S. a 99-91 lead and put the icing on the cake. When Spain pulled within six points, LeBron was still playing aggressive, although he had four fouls, and responded by hitting a three-pointer that gave Team USA an eight-point advantage. At age 33, entering his 16th season, Bryant is still the best closer but isn’t as dominant. There’s the notion that Team USA could have taken home silver, if not for James, as the U.S. beat Spain by 11 points. In today’s game, LeBron is gradually stepping into the closer role in his prime, and four years from now in Rio, he’ll definitely be the star all eyes will be on.
The Americans are back to take back what was theirs at the Summer Olympics with the likes of Bryant, Paul, Durant, Carmelo Anthony, Tyson Chandler, Deron Williams and James Harden, doing it without the presence of Derrick Rose, Dwight Howard and Dwyane Wade.
But it’s about the USA and thanking James.
Showing posts with label Deron Williams. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Deron Williams. Show all posts
Sunday, August 12, 2012
Monday, July 2, 2012
Deron Williams Key to Nets Debut In Brooklyn
Hints as to where he will sign are vague and unknown at this point, but nonetheless we will speculate where free agency’s ultimate prize will end up shortly after Independence Day. As of now, that is, expect Brooklyn Nets general manager Billy King to aggressively work on a long-term deal to hold on to Williams. It’s a very provocative tableau, wondering whether or not he will stay to hopefully team up with Dwight Howard, who demanded a trade to Brooklyn. But knowing his ever-changeable mind, Howard could, as usual, change his mind about joining the new-look Nets. And, according to reports, the Nets have dropped out of the Howard sweepstakes and looked into another direction for now, with an agreement in principle to acquire guard Joe Johnson from the Atlanta Hawks.
It’s all in Kings’ hands to make sure the deal gets done, and with a tremendous amount of pressure on him, he could be the first GM to come through on a deal that wheedles him to build a foundation in Brooklyn. If he can’t talk Williams into staying, which is likely as the three-time All-star is leaning toward the Dallas Mavericks and the Nets, the idea of building one of the bona fide tandems in basketball falls apart. Williams, who grew up in the suburbs of Dallas — and now as the most coveted free agent — some are speculating his next destination is with the Mavericks. But even better, under the new CBA rules, he can sign a five-year deal worth approximately $100 million, whereas Dallas can offer him $75 million over four years.
Wherever he goes, Williams is a consolation prize any team would like to have on board, expected to keep on a Nets uniform after the team has relocated, in a nearby town next to Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudimire. If the Nets manufacture a raft of star power that can put butts in seats and churn out revenue for a franchise on the horizon — with enough victories — this team could respectfully be given the nod in the Eastern Conference and turn into instant semifinalists in their flashy new home. No one, least of all the Brooklyn folks, cares about the business aspect of it. But they do know they want to see Williams in a Nets uniform come next season. That’s all that matters. He’s all that matters.
If it does happen, he’s going to be the face of the franchise and will handle the point guard duties. He’s proven to be a trusty guard who runs the offense and is one of the best scoring point guards in the league with his elite passing and sharp ball-handling. The man, in addition to all of this, plays where he can make the money, and if it happens to be in Brooklyn, well, then he will most definitely call it home and be the Nets franchise player as long as the team continues to pay him. There isn’t a bigger blockbuster name out there who is worth keeping around, and the Nets are desperately hoping to finally persuade Williams to forge his signature for a long-term commitment, when much promise is suddenly coming to life.
It can be the most exciting franchise, and it can be more fun with Williams as a marquee name, a centerpiece for a blueprint to awe New Yorkers a couple of rivers over, on the busy streets of Brooklyn. And here comes a re-branded and resuscitated Nets team that fled Newark and opened the new Barclays Center in Boerum Hill, and here comes flamboyant billionaire owner Mikhail Prokhorov, one of Russia’s richest and charismatic moguls. What’s a boon for the Nets and Brooklyn homers, as a result of Brooklyn having money to spend in hopes to invest and build a winning product, is how Prokhorov is willing to do whatever it takes to convince Williams to not turn down the Nets and leave for Dallas.
He is, as a competitor and savvy tycoon, not going to lose his battle to Mark Cuban if he can re-sign Williams by putting together a sturdy supporting cast and building a workable nucleus. If Williams walks out on the Nets, however, Brooklyn won’t even qualify for the playoffs, especially now that the team has rebuffed interest in Howard. This is the biggest offseason for the Nets, and it feels almost like they are aggressively fighting for the most attractive free agent available. It would be a colossal disappointment if Brooklyn misses out on Williams, and fails to retain his services, as the Nets are styling a new logo and new jerseys. There’s no way he’d turn down the Nets, unless they refuse to give him the asking price and take care of him for the next five years.
In a perfect world, it shouldn’t be a problem financially, and not only do you have one of the wealthiest men investing billions on one team, but you have a famous minority owner in Jay-Z. At no better time, the Nets are fortunate and have $40 million in salary-cap space, a flashy new arena and, in a matter of days, could even re-sign Williams. In the meantime, the addition of Johnson, who is owed nearly $90 million over the next four seasons, was a strategy to woo Williams to stay. Flirting with Johnson, team executives would not have pursued him if he couldn’t persuade Williams to make his home in Brooklyn.
There’s still no guarantee Williams re-signs with the Nets, but maybe he’s now intrigued, realizing that he has assistance in the backcourt. In exchange for Johnson, the Nets sent Jordan Farmar, Johan Petro and Jordan Williams — including a signed-and-traded DeShawn Stevenson and a 2012 first-round pick from Houston to Atlanta. A $7.6 million hold for restricted free agent Brook Lopez will put them in serious salary-cap trouble. Very soon, Lopez is expected to re-sign, and when he does the Nets will be at $59 million — over the cap, but under the $70.3 million luxury-tax.
The best part — or maybe the foretelling part — following the recent transitions to meet a superstar’s demands when it comes to surrounding him with a supporting cast — is that this might have just kept Williams in Brooklyn.
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Are Elite Point Guards Needed For Playoff and Championship Success
Elite point guards are fun to watch because they can dictate the tempo of a game. With their ability to handle the basketball, drive to the hoop, shoot from the outside, and their solid defend.
Yet, is it a reality in the NBA that having an elite point guard isn't necessarily that beneficial for success in the playoffs?
Are role playing point guards the better fit for a team?
In the last 10 years the Los Angeles Lakers have won four championships, the San Antonio Spurs three, along with the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, and Detroit Pistons.
The starting point guards for those teams have been Derek Fisher, Tony Parker, Chauncey Billups, Jason Williams, and Rajon Rondo.
Only Billups was considered as one of the better point guards in the league primarily for his ability to defend and hit big shots. What about the opponents in the Finals for the teams that won championships? Eric Snow, Jason Kidd, Fisher, Billups, Jason Terry, Snow, Rafer Alston, and Rondo.
Out of all the point guards on teams to make the Finals, Kidd and Billups were the only two that could be considered elite.
Starting with Derek Fisher, who has played 14 seasons including two stints with the Los Angeles Lakers, a short time with Golden State Warriors, and a season with the Utah Jazz.
He's never been an elite point guard even though he's won five championship rings in his career. For his career he have averaged 9 points, 3.2 assists, 2.2 rebounds, 1.1 steals, on 40.2 percent shooting, 37.3 percent from three, and 81.2 percent from the free throw line.
What has helped Fisher thought be part of teams that have gotten to the Finals as well as winning those five rings is his knack for clutch shooting and his ability to defend. Any scoring that Fisher did was just an added bonus for the Lakers.
The championship teams of the Lakers include the likes of Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Trevor Ariza, and Pau Gasol.
For Tony Parker, it was a little bit different. He's not known for his defense, which is about average for a point guard. He was counted on as more of a change-up for the Spurs offense.
The reason is Parker is lightning quick and could lead the break very well for the Spurs. He allowed the team to run. He was the second leading scorer for the Spurs behind Tim Duncan.
In the three championship this decade for the Spurs, Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Stephen Jackson and Bruce Bowen played major roles in the championships. With Jackson only being around for one of the championships.
Parker has averaged 16.6 points, 5.6 assists, 3.1 rebounds, a steal, on 49 percent shooting, 31.2 percent from three, and 72.8 percent from the free throw line.
Another example of that is with the Boston Celtics and winning their championship this decade. The Celtics had Rondo who is a great defensive point arguably the best in the NBA right now.
Rondo, like Parker, was used more as a change of pace because of his athleticism. Rondo could get into the open court more easily than the likes of Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce.
This is one of the reasons why Rondo is able to get to the rim so much. His major weakness though is his shooting from outside 12 feet. Rondo has one of the worst jumpers in the NBA, which was exploited in the Finals by the Lakers especially in game seven.
Rondo basically disappeared from the late first quarter until the closing minutes of the game. Rondo disappeared because Bryant had dared him to shoot from about 15 feet out and Rondo missed the shot badly.
When the Celtics won the championship, Rondo was the fourth option offensively. He helped get Pierce, Allen, and Garnett the best looks possible and he played his role extremely well that the Celtics were able to defeat the Lakers in six games.
In his young career so far Rondo has averaged 10.7 points, 6.8 assists, 4.4 rebounds, on 48.9 percent shooting, and 63 percent from the free throw line.
When the Miami Heat won the championship they had Jason Williams running the point. Again, a role player for the season and in the playoffs!
Williams in his career has been known for his flashiness and ability to set up teammates. That's what the Heat counted on him to do to help Dwyane Wade and O'Neal.
In his career, he has averaged 10.8 points, 6 assists, 2.3 rebounds, 1.2 steals, on 39.9 percent shooting, 32.8 percent from three, and 81.3 percent from the free throw line.
Billups the only elite guard to make the list that won a championship. It had less to do with his passing ability as a point guard but more to do with his defensive abilities and hitting clutch shots.
He also got help from Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace, and Ben Wallace. The Pistons strength was its defense as the likes of Billups, Prince, and both Wallace's played huge roles in defeating the Lakers in five games.
Billups in his career has averaged 15.4 points, 5.6 assists, 3 rebounds, a steal, on 41.6 percent shooting, 38.8 percent from three, and 89.2 percent from the free throw line.
Again, on those championship teams and those Finals teams, there were no point guards by the name of Paul, Williams, or Nash.
Even looking at the 1990s when the Chicago Bulls and Houston Rockets combined for eight of the 10 championships, neither team had an elite point guard. The point guards on those teams were Steve Kerr, B.J. Armstrong, John Paxson, Kenny Smith, Sam Cassell, and Scott Brooks.
Bulls had Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. The Rockets was Hakeem Olajuwon. Yet, none of the point guards on the Bulls or Rockets were elite.
The two other teams that won championships in the decade were the Spurs and Lakers. The point guard again for the Lakers was Fisher and the point guard for the Spurs was Avery Johnson.
Fisher was a role player with O'Neal and Bryant leading the way. As was Johnson for the Spurs. The Spurs two most important players were David Robinson and Tim Duncan. However, Johnson came up huge for the Spurs because the New York Knicks were daring him to take 15 foot jumpers and he was making them.
The teams that made the Finals were the Lakers, Trail Blazers, Suns, Knicks, Magic, Supersonics, Jazz, and Pacers. As for the point guards on these teams they were elite in the 90s at least for most of the Finals appearances.
This list includes Magic Johnson, Terry Porter, John Stockton, Kevin Johnson, Greg Anthony, Penny Hardaway, Gary Payton, and Charlie Ward.
Of this group that got to the Finals, five of them were elite point guards and three were role players.
In the 70's, the 10 championship teams were the Milwaukee Bucks, Lakers, Knicks, Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Trail Blazers, Washington Bullets, and the Supersonics.
Of those teams, the point guards were Oscar Robertson, Flynn Robinson, Walt Frazier, Jo Jo White, Butch Beard, Lionel Hollins, Tom Henderson, Gus Williams, and Magic Johnson.
In the group, only Robertson, Frazier, and Johnson were elite point guards. The rest were role players for their respective teams.
The Celtics dominated in the 60's. Here's a look at the championship teams in the decade. Bob Cousy, K.C. Jones, Mal Graham, and Em Bryant. The 76ers and Knicks were the only two teams to win a championship in the 60's as well.
Point guards on those teams were Frazier and Wali Jones. Cousy in the first championship was elite but the following three seasons he became a role player. Jones was a role player, and Graham and Bryant were more of bench players than anything because John Havlicek could handle the ball for the Celtics.
For the 50's era, the Celtics started their dominance at the tail end of the decade.
The Minneapolis Lakers started out the NBA's first decade by winning three straight titles and four out of the first five. The Rochester Royals, Syracuse Nationals, Philadelphia Warriors, and the St. Louis Hawks twice also won championships.
For the teams their point guards were Slater Martin, Bobby Wanzer, George King, Jack George, Jack McMahon, and Cousy.
First decade in NBA history didn't see too many elite point guards.
Only two could be considered elite that won championships that was Cousy and George. Also during this time it truly was based on the dominance of big men with the likes of George Mikan, Wilt Chamberlain, Bob Pettit, and Bill Russell.
What do the last two decades prove?
It is beneficial to have a shooting guard that can handle the ball and make plays the chance of a championship is better. In the last 17 out of 20 seasons, the shooting guard was one of the best players on the team.
When a team had a big man, it was 15 out of 20 seasons that the center or power forward was one of, if not the best, player on the team that led the team to a championship.
For small forwards, 10/20 the small forwards was amongst the better players on the team.
Finally, for point guards only one out of the 20 seasons was there a point guard that could be considered elite amongst the best players to lead their team to a championship.
The reason why it has been difficult for a point guard to lead their team to a Finals appearance or championship is because of unselfishness. A point guard's primary responsibility is to distribute the ball first and score second. It's difficult for them to change their mindset to score first and then get teammates involved.
In the playoffs, defenses get tighter and are more willing to dare a point guard to score, which goes away from a point guards first instincts which is to get his teammates involved in the offense.
Yet, there's a reason why out of the position players, the shooting guard has been the most successful. A shooting guards main purpose is to score and pass second. The opposite of what a point guards responsibilities are and hence why the shooting guards have had more success.
Even going by the two teams being predicted to win the championship for the 2010-2011 season, neither team has an elite point guard. Both point guards on those teams are going to be role players.
If the last two decades are any indication of how the NBA has gone, elite point guards are not necessary for playoff success or for winning a championship.
The Bulls and Lakers combined over the last two decades have won a total of 11 championships without an elite point guard.
Original article can be found here http://bleacherreport.com/articles/441239-are-point-guards-really-needed-for-playoff-success-and-championships
Yet, is it a reality in the NBA that having an elite point guard isn't necessarily that beneficial for success in the playoffs?
Are role playing point guards the better fit for a team?
In the last 10 years the Los Angeles Lakers have won four championships, the San Antonio Spurs three, along with the Boston Celtics, Miami Heat, and Detroit Pistons.
The starting point guards for those teams have been Derek Fisher, Tony Parker, Chauncey Billups, Jason Williams, and Rajon Rondo.
Only Billups was considered as one of the better point guards in the league primarily for his ability to defend and hit big shots. What about the opponents in the Finals for the teams that won championships? Eric Snow, Jason Kidd, Fisher, Billups, Jason Terry, Snow, Rafer Alston, and Rondo.
Out of all the point guards on teams to make the Finals, Kidd and Billups were the only two that could be considered elite.
Starting with Derek Fisher, who has played 14 seasons including two stints with the Los Angeles Lakers, a short time with Golden State Warriors, and a season with the Utah Jazz.
He's never been an elite point guard even though he's won five championship rings in his career. For his career he have averaged 9 points, 3.2 assists, 2.2 rebounds, 1.1 steals, on 40.2 percent shooting, 37.3 percent from three, and 81.2 percent from the free throw line.
What has helped Fisher thought be part of teams that have gotten to the Finals as well as winning those five rings is his knack for clutch shooting and his ability to defend. Any scoring that Fisher did was just an added bonus for the Lakers.
The championship teams of the Lakers include the likes of Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, Ron Artest, Trevor Ariza, and Pau Gasol.
For Tony Parker, it was a little bit different. He's not known for his defense, which is about average for a point guard. He was counted on as more of a change-up for the Spurs offense.
The reason is Parker is lightning quick and could lead the break very well for the Spurs. He allowed the team to run. He was the second leading scorer for the Spurs behind Tim Duncan.
In the three championship this decade for the Spurs, Duncan, Manu Ginobili, Stephen Jackson and Bruce Bowen played major roles in the championships. With Jackson only being around for one of the championships.
Parker has averaged 16.6 points, 5.6 assists, 3.1 rebounds, a steal, on 49 percent shooting, 31.2 percent from three, and 72.8 percent from the free throw line.
Another example of that is with the Boston Celtics and winning their championship this decade. The Celtics had Rondo who is a great defensive point arguably the best in the NBA right now.
Rondo, like Parker, was used more as a change of pace because of his athleticism. Rondo could get into the open court more easily than the likes of Ray Allen, Kevin Garnett, and Paul Pierce.
This is one of the reasons why Rondo is able to get to the rim so much. His major weakness though is his shooting from outside 12 feet. Rondo has one of the worst jumpers in the NBA, which was exploited in the Finals by the Lakers especially in game seven.
Rondo basically disappeared from the late first quarter until the closing minutes of the game. Rondo disappeared because Bryant had dared him to shoot from about 15 feet out and Rondo missed the shot badly.
When the Celtics won the championship, Rondo was the fourth option offensively. He helped get Pierce, Allen, and Garnett the best looks possible and he played his role extremely well that the Celtics were able to defeat the Lakers in six games.
In his young career so far Rondo has averaged 10.7 points, 6.8 assists, 4.4 rebounds, on 48.9 percent shooting, and 63 percent from the free throw line.
When the Miami Heat won the championship they had Jason Williams running the point. Again, a role player for the season and in the playoffs!
Williams in his career has been known for his flashiness and ability to set up teammates. That's what the Heat counted on him to do to help Dwyane Wade and O'Neal.
In his career, he has averaged 10.8 points, 6 assists, 2.3 rebounds, 1.2 steals, on 39.9 percent shooting, 32.8 percent from three, and 81.3 percent from the free throw line.
Billups the only elite guard to make the list that won a championship. It had less to do with his passing ability as a point guard but more to do with his defensive abilities and hitting clutch shots.
He also got help from Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace, and Ben Wallace. The Pistons strength was its defense as the likes of Billups, Prince, and both Wallace's played huge roles in defeating the Lakers in five games.
Billups in his career has averaged 15.4 points, 5.6 assists, 3 rebounds, a steal, on 41.6 percent shooting, 38.8 percent from three, and 89.2 percent from the free throw line.
Again, on those championship teams and those Finals teams, there were no point guards by the name of Paul, Williams, or Nash.
Even looking at the 1990s when the Chicago Bulls and Houston Rockets combined for eight of the 10 championships, neither team had an elite point guard. The point guards on those teams were Steve Kerr, B.J. Armstrong, John Paxson, Kenny Smith, Sam Cassell, and Scott Brooks.
Bulls had Michael Jordan and Scottie Pippen. The Rockets was Hakeem Olajuwon. Yet, none of the point guards on the Bulls or Rockets were elite.
The two other teams that won championships in the decade were the Spurs and Lakers. The point guard again for the Lakers was Fisher and the point guard for the Spurs was Avery Johnson.
Fisher was a role player with O'Neal and Bryant leading the way. As was Johnson for the Spurs. The Spurs two most important players were David Robinson and Tim Duncan. However, Johnson came up huge for the Spurs because the New York Knicks were daring him to take 15 foot jumpers and he was making them.
The teams that made the Finals were the Lakers, Trail Blazers, Suns, Knicks, Magic, Supersonics, Jazz, and Pacers. As for the point guards on these teams they were elite in the 90s at least for most of the Finals appearances.
This list includes Magic Johnson, Terry Porter, John Stockton, Kevin Johnson, Greg Anthony, Penny Hardaway, Gary Payton, and Charlie Ward.
Of this group that got to the Finals, five of them were elite point guards and three were role players.
In the 70's, the 10 championship teams were the Milwaukee Bucks, Lakers, Knicks, Celtics, Golden State Warriors, Trail Blazers, Washington Bullets, and the Supersonics.
Of those teams, the point guards were Oscar Robertson, Flynn Robinson, Walt Frazier, Jo Jo White, Butch Beard, Lionel Hollins, Tom Henderson, Gus Williams, and Magic Johnson.
In the group, only Robertson, Frazier, and Johnson were elite point guards. The rest were role players for their respective teams.
The Celtics dominated in the 60's. Here's a look at the championship teams in the decade. Bob Cousy, K.C. Jones, Mal Graham, and Em Bryant. The 76ers and Knicks were the only two teams to win a championship in the 60's as well.
Point guards on those teams were Frazier and Wali Jones. Cousy in the first championship was elite but the following three seasons he became a role player. Jones was a role player, and Graham and Bryant were more of bench players than anything because John Havlicek could handle the ball for the Celtics.
For the 50's era, the Celtics started their dominance at the tail end of the decade.
The Minneapolis Lakers started out the NBA's first decade by winning three straight titles and four out of the first five. The Rochester Royals, Syracuse Nationals, Philadelphia Warriors, and the St. Louis Hawks twice also won championships.
For the teams their point guards were Slater Martin, Bobby Wanzer, George King, Jack George, Jack McMahon, and Cousy.
First decade in NBA history didn't see too many elite point guards.
Only two could be considered elite that won championships that was Cousy and George. Also during this time it truly was based on the dominance of big men with the likes of George Mikan, Wilt Chamberlain, Bob Pettit, and Bill Russell.
What do the last two decades prove?
It is beneficial to have a shooting guard that can handle the ball and make plays the chance of a championship is better. In the last 17 out of 20 seasons, the shooting guard was one of the best players on the team.
When a team had a big man, it was 15 out of 20 seasons that the center or power forward was one of, if not the best, player on the team that led the team to a championship.
For small forwards, 10/20 the small forwards was amongst the better players on the team.
Finally, for point guards only one out of the 20 seasons was there a point guard that could be considered elite amongst the best players to lead their team to a championship.
The reason why it has been difficult for a point guard to lead their team to a Finals appearance or championship is because of unselfishness. A point guard's primary responsibility is to distribute the ball first and score second. It's difficult for them to change their mindset to score first and then get teammates involved.
In the playoffs, defenses get tighter and are more willing to dare a point guard to score, which goes away from a point guards first instincts which is to get his teammates involved in the offense.
Yet, there's a reason why out of the position players, the shooting guard has been the most successful. A shooting guards main purpose is to score and pass second. The opposite of what a point guards responsibilities are and hence why the shooting guards have had more success.
Even going by the two teams being predicted to win the championship for the 2010-2011 season, neither team has an elite point guard. Both point guards on those teams are going to be role players.
If the last two decades are any indication of how the NBA has gone, elite point guards are not necessary for playoff success or for winning a championship.
The Bulls and Lakers combined over the last two decades have won a total of 11 championships without an elite point guard.
Original article can be found here http://bleacherreport.com/articles/441239-are-point-guards-really-needed-for-playoff-success-and-championships
Saturday, May 1, 2010
NBA Playoffs 2010: Can The Jazz Create a Competition Against L.A.?
The Jazz have fallen close a lot for the past few years in the playoffs. It brings back memories to the 1997 and 1998 NBA Finals as John Stockton and Karl Malone fell to Michael Jordan's heroics in those games.
The Jazz haven't made it to the Finals since.
Now the Jazz need to make things happen for this year with a new team. Deron Williams would be the John Stockton and Karl Malone would obviously be Carlos Boozer. The Jazz also have their other key players like Mehmet Okur, Andrei Kirilenko and Paul Millsap. The Jazz also still have their same coach from the 90's era: Jerry Sloan.
This is a new team with a new dream.
Second round of the playoffs. The Jazz will have to create a competition. Deron Williams will most likely be a game-time decision, but if he plays, he can create some havoc on Lakers' aging point guard in Derek Fisher.
But we don't need to worry about Williams if he struggles. He's ready.
"I'm all right," Williams said when asked about his elbow. "Ready to go."
Wesley Matthews versus Kobe Bryant looks to be interesting and I'd like to see or Kirilenko does versus Ron Artest if he is able to play. But even if Kirilenko doesn't play for Game One on Sunday at 3:30, he is ready for the other games.
"It feels great, feeling better and better," Kirilenko said. "Update on the game-wise—probably not Sunday, maybe Tuesday or pretty much sure Game 3."
Carlos Boozer looks to dominate on Pau Gasol but will have to guard him well. Gasol was very valuable in Game Six when LA took on the Oklahoma City Thunder. Kobe missed his game-winning jumper, which he usually makes. Gasol came up and battled for the rebound and tipped it back in.
Fesenko is going to have to put up a fight against Andrew Bynum. It's going to be interesting, though. Jazz really wish Mehmet Okur wasn't out for the season, huh? Jazz will also have to defend Lamar Odom, too.
But although these match-ups will seem entertaining to watch, who is going to stop this Los Angeles Lakers team? The last two years, nobody has been able to stop this advanced squad.
What the Jazz need to pay attention to is to stop Kobe and Bynum as much as possible. You never know if Gasol will do good or bad and Odom is a sixth man. Boozer can hold down Gasol but Bynum looks to dominate Fesenko.
But I think the Jazz can create a problem for this Lakers' team. Boozer will be productive but the key for the Jazz to get this done is if Kirilenko can show up strong and Deron Williams. Injuries will have to be at the very low minimium after Game One.
I believe this series willl indeed go to seven games, but who will come out on top? Don't underestimate the Jazz because they're at the fourth seed. They were underestimated a bit against the Nuggets and they showed up big there.
They could show up big here against L.A.
Oh well, I guess we'll see. Enjoy the series, folks.
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