Post by A2J on Mar 24, 2008 21:24:31 GMT -5
I don't know if Krup was planning on writing one of these or not, but I was thinking about it right now and just wrote it up, so I hope that's cool. No pictures in my version.
Marc Jackson C 28 6'10'' 270 B C- D C+ C+ C
The Orlando Magic's Marc Jackson kicks off our list, having an incredibly productive season for an admitidly weak team. The Magic have attributed much of their recent success to Jose Calderon, but perhaps the accolads could go Jackson's way instead; the big man is averaging a team leading 17.6 PPG to go along with 8.0 RPG, only 1.6 TOPG and shooting 45.5% from the field. While he would likely be no more than a roleplayer on most contending teams, Jackson has shown a definite ability to produce above his ratings this season, and should find himself a place in the league for a few more years.
Juwan Howard PF 30 6'9'' 250 B+ C- C C+ C+ C
Playing alongside of Antoine Walker and Manu Ginobili in Boston, Howard is often overlooked or his strong contributions to the team's great success this season. Despite deficiencies on the defensive end, Howard finds a way to contribute consistently despite not being an option, averaging 15.5 PPG on 47.8% from the field. His rebounding (8.6), passing (2.8) and turnovers (1.5) are all efficient numbers, and he adds a lot to Boston's lineup while taking nothing away from their overall game.
Vin Baker PF 31 6'11'' 250 B+ C C C+ C+ C
While listed as a power forward, Baker has been taking the lion's share of Pheonix's minutes at small forward and not disappointing in the slightest. Forming an explosive scoring duo with Rashard Lewis, Baker is putting up a scorching 21.9 PPG, 7.6 RPG and 2.9 APG on 51.8% from the field, one of the top numbers in the league. The Suns have been playing well lately, and look to have solidified a place within the playoffs, where Baker will prove to be a difficult matchup for any team.
Juan Dixon SG 24 6'3'' 163 C A C+ C+ D B
Standing at just 6'3" and a mere 163 pounds, Dixon doesn't look like he'd be an effective player. But what his size doesn't account for is his lethal outside shot and likely some very high quickness, two attributes which allow Dixon to be on of the league's most efficient players. Averaing 17.9 PPG, 1.9 SPG and a mere 1.7 TOPG on fantastic percentages (49.4 FG%, 87.0 FT%, 50.0 3P%), Dixon might be the league's premier shooter. Throw in 3.9 APG and the fact that he's only 24 years old, and Dixon looks to be a hidden gem.
Sarunas Jasikevicius PG 27 6'4'' 199 C- A B- C D+ C
Perhaps the best producer for his ratings in the league, Jasikevicius is the unspoken reason why the Pistons are near the top of the East this season. Putting up a ridiculous 19.9 PPG, 7.4 APG, 4.3 RPG and 1.3 SPG on 50.1% from the field, 88.9% from the line and 47.6 from three, Sarunas can put up an argument for being one of the top 5 point guards in the league this season. His midrange shot is spectacular, and his B- handles doesn't limit decent assists and turnovers stats. With a lack of true PGs who can score and limit turnovers available, Sarunas is a huge component of one of the league's best teams.
Marc Jackson C 28 6'10'' 270 B C- D C+ C+ C
The Orlando Magic's Marc Jackson kicks off our list, having an incredibly productive season for an admitidly weak team. The Magic have attributed much of their recent success to Jose Calderon, but perhaps the accolads could go Jackson's way instead; the big man is averaging a team leading 17.6 PPG to go along with 8.0 RPG, only 1.6 TOPG and shooting 45.5% from the field. While he would likely be no more than a roleplayer on most contending teams, Jackson has shown a definite ability to produce above his ratings this season, and should find himself a place in the league for a few more years.
Juwan Howard PF 30 6'9'' 250 B+ C- C C+ C+ C
Playing alongside of Antoine Walker and Manu Ginobili in Boston, Howard is often overlooked or his strong contributions to the team's great success this season. Despite deficiencies on the defensive end, Howard finds a way to contribute consistently despite not being an option, averaging 15.5 PPG on 47.8% from the field. His rebounding (8.6), passing (2.8) and turnovers (1.5) are all efficient numbers, and he adds a lot to Boston's lineup while taking nothing away from their overall game.
Vin Baker PF 31 6'11'' 250 B+ C C C+ C+ C
While listed as a power forward, Baker has been taking the lion's share of Pheonix's minutes at small forward and not disappointing in the slightest. Forming an explosive scoring duo with Rashard Lewis, Baker is putting up a scorching 21.9 PPG, 7.6 RPG and 2.9 APG on 51.8% from the field, one of the top numbers in the league. The Suns have been playing well lately, and look to have solidified a place within the playoffs, where Baker will prove to be a difficult matchup for any team.
Juan Dixon SG 24 6'3'' 163 C A C+ C+ D B
Standing at just 6'3" and a mere 163 pounds, Dixon doesn't look like he'd be an effective player. But what his size doesn't account for is his lethal outside shot and likely some very high quickness, two attributes which allow Dixon to be on of the league's most efficient players. Averaing 17.9 PPG, 1.9 SPG and a mere 1.7 TOPG on fantastic percentages (49.4 FG%, 87.0 FT%, 50.0 3P%), Dixon might be the league's premier shooter. Throw in 3.9 APG and the fact that he's only 24 years old, and Dixon looks to be a hidden gem.
Sarunas Jasikevicius PG 27 6'4'' 199 C- A B- C D+ C
Perhaps the best producer for his ratings in the league, Jasikevicius is the unspoken reason why the Pistons are near the top of the East this season. Putting up a ridiculous 19.9 PPG, 7.4 APG, 4.3 RPG and 1.3 SPG on 50.1% from the field, 88.9% from the line and 47.6 from three, Sarunas can put up an argument for being one of the top 5 point guards in the league this season. His midrange shot is spectacular, and his B- handles doesn't limit decent assists and turnovers stats. With a lack of true PGs who can score and limit turnovers available, Sarunas is a huge component of one of the league's best teams.
