Hoops Scoop
By Dalton Del Don
After a somewhat disappointing first month of the season, Kevin Durant is fast developing into a true superstar, averaging 25.1 points, 7.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists, 1.5 steals and 1.3 blocks in 15 December games. He even shot 47.2 percent from the field, including 41.9 percent from downtown. The move to small forward has been huge, as his 6-9 frame and rebounding ability were getting largely wasted as a two guard. Since Durant is also such a good free throw shooter and appears to have added the three-pointer to his repertoire, expect him to be a first round pick in fantasy leagues next year.
It’s sad watching Jermaine O’Neal hobble around on one leg. He’s still plenty serviceable in between injuries, but it’s become clear he’ll never be the same player he once was. It’s hard to believe he only just turned 30 years old, but like Tracy McGrady, his body is wearing down prematurely after joining the NBA out of high school…Sticking with the Raptors, do you realize Jose Calderon is a perfect 72-of-72 from the free throw line this season?!
The Celtics, Cavs and Lakers are a combined 53-2 at home this year. That’s pretty good.
It’s far too soon to judge Greg Oden, but the early returns are hardly encouraging. Everyone knew his defensive ability was way ahead of his offensive game, but 8.0 ppg? Foul trouble has really limited his time on the floor (his 3.8 PF per game are the second most in the NBA, but those have come in far fewer mpg than the league-leader, Paul Millsap’s 4.0 PF), which is correctable, but how can someone his size total just two blocks over the past six games? Maybe it’s the injuries that have held him back, and there’s still a ton of potential if he eventually reaches full health, but right now, it appears the Trail Blazers made a massive blunder taking Oden over Kevin Durant. It won’t go down as a Sam Bowie over Michael Jordan catastrophe, but Portland would be legit title contenders if they chose differently.
Speaking of disappointments, I certainly expected a better rookie season from Michael Beasley. It’s not that he’s been terrible, but it’s quite surprising that someone who led college basketball with 12.4 rpg last year took 32 games to reach double-digit boards for the first time in the NBA. Sure, he’s shorter than his 6-10 listed height, but that won’t cut it. Beasley has actually been more efficient since getting moved to the bench, but because of curtailed minutes, his stats don’t show it. After a down December, he makes for a decent buy-low target.
Is there a more maddening player than Tyrus Thomas? After going three straight games without a block and failing to score in double-digits, Thomas drops a massive line in his last game, scoring 15 points with eight rebounds, four assists and a whopping eight blocks. It’s apparent he has a ton of work to do on his offensive game, but anyone who can average 1.1 spg and 1.7 bpg in just 22:23 mpg offers huge upside. Just remember, the only thing consistent with Thomas’ game is his inconsistency.