Hoops Scoop

By Dalton Del Don – Senior Writer

If you’re in a keeper league, Andrew Bynum has to be toward the top of your list. While clearly still unpolished (he needs to learn how to stay out of foul trouble), Bynum is a future star. He’s even a fine short-term option with Kwame Brown sidelined. Speaking of, Brown going down may be the best thing to happen to the Lakers, as it’s forced Bynum into action. Brown is a nice defender and all, but it’s clear Bynum is the one with all the upside, and now come playoff time, with more experience for the 19-year-old, I think Los Angeles could be a tough out.

If Tony Allen didn’t have bad luck, he wouldn’t have any luck at all. What a way to lose your season. For those in deeper leagues, Rajon Rondo may be worth a flier since the C’s are so devastated by injuries.

I like Ron Artest’s defense and posting ability, but the guy simply can’t shoot. If you are shooting 25 percent from downtown, it’s probably not a great idea to attempt nearly four of them per game.

Can’t wait to see how Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson coexist.

What about Dikembe Mutombo? Did the Gold Club reopen or something? He’s grabbed double-digit rebounds in nine straight games, averaging 13.8 over that span. He’s also swatting shots like it’s 1999 – there isn’t a cooler celebration in sports than the Mutombo finger wag.

There isn’t a more disappointing team in the league than the Clippers, who are struggling to find a mix with “too much talent.” It’s actually simple – Elton Brand needs to be taking more than 14 shots per game. I still say Shaun Livingston is going to be special.

I argued against Steve Nash winning the last two MVP awards; that said, it’s pretty impressive that he’s easily having his best season yet. The Suns are going to be a tougher out in the playoffs this year as well. There’s no way a team other than Phoenix, Dallas or San Antonio wins the championship this year.

You might as well see if Josh Smith’s owner forgot how good he was before undergoing hernia surgery now that he’s back. Hopefully he has a couple of subpar games while getting back into shape and you swoop in with a good offer. In December, he was getting 8.4 rpg, 3.8 apg, 1.7 spg and 2.8 bpg, playing numerous games hampered by that hernia. Imagine what he’ll do now healthy.

The NBA’s Central Division is on a 12-game losing streak. The imbalance in East/West conferences is actually underrated; Houston’s 24-13 record has them in third place in their division, while Toronto’s 17-20 mark has them in first.

Is there anyone playing better under-the-radar basketball right now than Mike Miller? He’s hit a 3-pointer in 16 straight contests, including a remarkable three-game stretch that saw him drain 23 shots from downtown. During January, he’s averaging 7.0 assists and 23.8 points in five games. Apparently, Pau Gasol’s return is to going help, not hurt Miller’s production.


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3 responses to “Hoops Scoop”

  1. Shawn Avatar
    Shawn

    That Tony Allen showboating injury is hilarious….screw geography, can’t the NBA realign it’s conferences?

  2. Keith Avatar
    Keith

    Wow…it looks like the Warriors got rid of Dunleavy and Murphy…I guess it was too much to ask that they get rid of Foyle too, but wow. I really don’t like Stephen Jackson, and would have prefered Maggette, but Harrington should be decent, and getting out from under those contracts is a big win. I wish we didn’t have to lose Diogu, as he can actually score in the post, but I’m not sure if he has the size or athleticism to become a true 3 or 4. Crazy.

  3. RotoScoop Avatar
    RotoScoop

    Ya this def. looks good for G. State. Too bad they couldn’t pry J. O’Neal too since he wants to leave, but this is still a win getting out from under those contracts. I always liked Diogu tho and am a bit worried he does develop well. Still, it’s a solid move.

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