Hoops Scoop

By Dalton Del Don

Since Marc Lavaroni was fired and Lionel Hollins instituted a much more friendly system for guards, Mike Conley has finally stopped looking like a bust. During February, he’s averaged 14.7 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.7 assists and 1.0 steals. He’s never going to score a bunch of points, but he’s clearly establishing himself as the team’s future at point, something that seemed unlikely when his name repeatedly came up in trade rumors before the coaching change.

Quietly, Ronny Turiaf ranks third in the NBA in blocks, swatting 2.2 per game despite playing just 19:53 mpg. Chris Andersen, AKA The Birdman, ranks fourth with 2.0 bpg while playing just 18:41 mpg. Either would be a monster if Golden State or Denver were to suffer injuries in their respective frontcourts. And really, it would be an upset if Kenyon Martin and Nene Hilario were both able to remain healthy over the course of the season.

Don’t look now, but Tyrus Thomas is finally living up to his massive potential. A Drew Gooden (groin) injury has helped, but there’s no removing the previously inconsistent LSU star from the starting lineup now. After averaging 1.3 steals and 2.3 blocks during January, Thomas’ numbers this month are eye-popping: 17.8 ppg, 10.6 rpg, 2.4 apg, 1.4 spg and 2.0 bpg. Add in the fact he’s a good free throw shooter (78.4 percent) as a power forward, and you’re looking at a fantasy beast.

Speaking of fantasy assets, you won’t find many with more value than Rajon Rondo, despite his low scoring output (11.2 ppg). The point guard is averaging 8.3 rebounds and 10.9 assists in February. Moreover, his 2.0 spg ranks fourth best in the NBA. He still needs to improve his shooting from the charity stripe, but rare is the point who shoots better than 50 percent from the field. The Celtics’ big-three has officially become a big-four.

Seriously, what has Scott Skiles been thinking this year by holding back Ramon Sessions? It’s fine to be rigid in your ways, but sometimes coaches shoot themselves in the foot with their “doghouses.” Sessions averaged a respectable 13.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, 13.1 assists and 1.7 steals while in the starting five last season, and yet Skiles barely considered him an option entering the year. Skiles has criticized Sessions for not knowing all his assignments, but I’d be shocked if Luke Ridnour is a better defender. Luckily, multiple injuries have forced Skiles’ hand, as Sessions has started the past eight games. During February, all he’s done is average 26.0 points, 4.8 rebounds, 10.5 assists and 2.5 steals on 54.7 percent shooting from the floor. Milwaukee is currently the last seeded playoff team in the Eastern Conference, and it’s a joke Sessions was wasted on the bench for much of the season.