Post by SkRoUsE on Aug 11, 2010 15:22:27 GMT -5
Rookie of the Year
There seems to be only two candidates for Rookie of the Year and in some eyes only one. But when you dig a little deeper there seems to be about seven standout rookies who are having significant impact on their teams.
7. Jordan Roberson (Sonics) 12.4 PPG 5.3 RPG 1.2 APG 1.0 BPG 0.9 TPG
Perhaps the best value pick in the draft, the only down side is his F potential… This may be as good as it gets for Jordan Roberson, which is sad for him and the Sonics. He started off this season on the bench and his steady play has landed him a starting role as of late. Averaging 12 points, 5 rebounds and a block per game a playoff team like the Sonics should be ecstatic about the 38th overall pick. I’m sure no one expected numbers like this from this 18 year old. As for ROTY, not really competing with the top dogs but to be drafted 39th and have top 10 impact in year one earns you some serious respect.
6. Caron Butler F(T-Wolves) 12.5 PPG 5.8 RPG 2.3 APG 1.1 SPG 1.4 TPG
Butler has been in the starting lineup for the T-Wolves most of his Rookies season. He started off with the role of 6th man but worked his way into the starting SF position and has stayed there. Being in a slow paced offense it’s hard for players to get a high volume of shots without being the #1 or #2 scoring option, but being #3 has worked out fairly well for this rookie averaging almost 13 points per game. But where he really helps is filling out the rest of the stat sheet. He has great hustle stats for a SF with about 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal per game, and those stats should help a playoff team like the T-Wolves in the post season. These are the type of numbers you hope to get from a top 10 pick, not quite good enough for ROTY but the T-Wolves can be very happy with this pick.
5. Ryan Humphrey (Lakers) 11 PPG 8.1 RPG 1.4 APG 2.5 BPG 1.2 TPG
Humphrey is not the type of player that will knock your socks off, but is a steady big who you can really rely on and that is valuable in the NBA. He’s getting double digit points night in and night out and grabs about 8 boards, but where he really helps in on defense. He’s getting about 2 – 3 blocks a game and having a guy who isn’t one of your main scoring options putting decent numbers, rebounding well and blocking shots is a great piece to have. The Lakers hope to be back in the playoffs next year and this top 5 ROTY candidate should be a big help.
4. Dejuan Wagner G (Grizzlies) 18.6 PPG 3.8 RPG 2.5 APG 1.3 SPG 3.8 TPG
After playing PG in college Wagner was immediately moved to the SG position when he arrived at Grizzlies’ camp. He has a great ability to score the ball and his 18.6 points per game show it. The major down side to his game is his inability to take of the ball, he turns it over almost 4 times a game and one would think he’d be able to pass well. Think again, only 2 and a half assist per game must be disappointing for this former point guard and the Grizzlies’ coaching staff. But there is a lot of upside to this scoring machine. He’s loaded with potential and being only 19 has plenty of time to gain some ball control. Not quite ROTY, but he could very well end up having one of the best if not the best careers out of this class.
3. Jay Williams G(Bulls) 12.7 PPG 4.4 RPG 5.9 APG 1.2 SPG 2.0 TPG
A lot of GMs salivated quite a bit over this prospect, coming out of the one of the best college programs in the nation, Jay Williams impressed many scouts prior to the draft, and continues by impressing everyone in the NBA. Williams was shuffled around a little bit this year by being in one of the biggest trades this season, but he has stepped right into the Bulls lineup and done well for them. His numbers don’t blow you away but he is pretty efficient at everything. Scores well with about 13 points a game, he pretty good ball control as a rookie, getting about 6 assists and 2 turnovers per game, and he gets the hustle stats at the PG position by getting about 4 rebounds and 1 steal per game. Like his predecessors not quite ROTY, but with a great set of talent around him, the Jay Will and the Bulls will be out to make a big splash in the loaded Eastern Conference next year.
2. Amar’e Stoudemire F (Suns) 23.2 PPG 7.0 RPG 1.4 APG 0.1 BPG 1.7 TPG
This was one can’t miss prospect. Long, athletic, dominate scorer in the paint, the only thing lacking is some defensive intensity. As a rookie scoring 23.2 points per game is outstanding, he is the teams #1 scoring option which helps and is a little odd considering they have a great scoring SF in Antoine Walker but that’s beside the point. He can rebound fairly well but for 7 foot you expect a little bit more than 7 a game. He has super star potential and if he keeps up the scoring while improving on the defensive end and a little bit on the glass he will be a superstar for many years. In most rookie classes this would be your ROTY but the number one pick this year lived up to the hype and has this year’s ROTY on lock down.
1. Yao Ming C (Nets) 23.3 PPG 10.1 RPG 3.0 APG 1.0 BPG 2.3 TPG
Yao Ming, this staggering 7’ 6”, 310 pound Chinamen was the #1 overall pick in the 2002 TMB NBA Sim draft and for good reason. He’s averaging 23 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 block per game. Those are borderline MVP numbers and he has been a monster all season. There were a number of GMs praying for the lottery Gods to answer their prayers, but unfortunately for most, only one could be answered. Being 1 of only 2 rookies averaging over 20 points and the only 1 averaging a double-double should earn this instant superstar ROTY honors.
Defensive Player of the Year
The Defensive Player of the Year award is often hard to judge because of the different ways great defensive players contribute to a game. It’s hard for a great defensive G or SF to dominate a game on the defensive end, getting steals and holding great scoring opponents to low numbers are generally the marks that define them. However for a C or PF to be great defensively people, tend to just look at blocks and rebounds. Most big men that are great defensively can dominate not only their man but can shutdown great driving forwards and guards from attacking the paint. Therefore, they usually are the front runner for this honor.
When looking for a great defensive player I first look for great defensive teams. I see what teams hold opponents to not only low scoring but low shooting percentages. Teams that block shots, force turnovers, and don’t foul as much as other. When looking through this season’s team defensive stats 4 teams showed up more than any other, the Raptors, Fighting Kahns, Nuggets, and Jazz. Here’s how the rankings look.
Fighting Kahns oPPG(1st) oFG%(6th) o3P%(14th) BPG(3rd) SPG(1st) oFGA/oTO Ratio(1st) oFTAPG(2nd)
Nuggets oPPG(2nd) oFG%(1st) o3P%([t]1st) BPG(1st) SPG(10th) oFGA/oTO Ratio(23rd) oFTAPG(1st)
Jazz oPPG(3rd) oFG%(2nd) o3P%([t]1st) BPG(8th) SPG(4th) oFGA/oTO Ratio(7th) oFTAPG(4th)
Raptors oPPG(17th) oFG%(3rd) o3P%(2nd) BPG(2nd) SPG(3rd) oFGA/oTO Ratio(14th) oFTAPG(28th)
oFGA/oTO Ratio – These teams were a bit lower in opponent turnovers per game however, they do all play at a very slow pace, resulting in the opposing teams having less possessions. So instead of turnovers per game I figured out their turnover to shot attempt ratios. The Nuggets were a disappointing 23rd.
After looking through these stats I looked to see what players on these teams seem to have the great impact, and only 3 names showed up, Raef LaFrentz, Theo Ratliff, and Alonzo Mouring. The T-Wolves are a solid defensive team because they play great team defense. They are slow paced, not allowing the team to control the ball, they play aggressive forcing turnovers and blocking shots, and they are in your face making shots difficult. But they lack the one player that anchors the team. The other three teams have that, and here are my top 3 candidates.
3. Theo Ratliff C/PF
He’s averaging 3.5 blocks per game and grabbing about 10 boards per game. But like the T-Wolves, Ratliff is on a team that plays great team defense. When trying to be a great defender it helps to have guys like fellow C Greg Ostertag on the court with you. Ostertag is averaging just shy of 2 blocks per game himself and is also a slightly better rebounder. I don’t see Ratliff winning the DPOTY this year because he’s on a team that provides a lot of help on the defensive end and if he weren’t there they would probably still be a great defensive team.
2. Raef LaFrentz PF/C
Raef like Ratliff is a beast when it comes to blocking shots. He swats about 3 per game and he also dominates the glass leading his team at 10.4 rebounds per game. He is the defensive anchor on his team and without him his team wouldn’t be quite as good but I believe they could manage. They have 4 other players each averaging a block a game and grabbing quite a few rebounds. If they were to split up Raef’s 35 minutes per game those number would most likely all go up.
1. Alonzo Mourning C
Zo is a beast down low, you can call me biased because I am the Nuggets GM, but that also make me quite informed on just how bad they were last year. Leading TMB NBA Sim in blocks he’s averaging a little more than 4 per game, that’s more swatted shots than the rest of the team collectively. He is a beast on the glass as well, averaging just less than 12 rebounds per game. Earlier this year, his front court side kick Zach Randolph missed close to 60 days, and thanks to Zo dominating defensively the Nuggets are just 2 games out of the 4 spot in the Western Conference. Without Zo the Nuggets would be waiting for another lottery pick to fall their way and that’s why I believe he will win the Defensive Player of the Year.
Most Valuable Player
5. Grant Hill SF 31.5 PPG 8.0 RPG 4.0 APG 1.4 SPG 3.9 TPG
Grant Hill is having a great year with the 76ers and is 2nd in the league in scoring behind only Kobe Bryant. He is stellar on both ends of the court and is also a great contributor on the glass. But he has another great player on his team in Antonio McDyess. McDyess is playing superb and even with both of them the 76ers are fighting their playoff lives. Currently 8th in the East this team is lacking defense, and they have a hungry Wizards team on their heels. I just don’t see Hill grabbing the MVP this year with quite a few other candidates doing more with less.
4. Shaquille O’Neal C 29.5 PPG 12.7 RPG 3.5 APG 1.0 SPG 2.1 BPG 3.5 TOPG
Speaking of doing more with less, Shaq, the reigning MVP, has carried his team. Without his 30 points, 13 boards, and 2 blocks per game I’m not sure the Wizards would even be sniffing the playoffs. Right now they’re in the hunt for the 8th seed in the East and have a tough 76ers team ahead of them. I’m not sure they get in and there is no way the MVP goes to a team that doesn’t make the postseason.
3. Alonzo Mourning C 30.8 PPG 11.7 RPG 3.3 APG 1.2 SPG 4.2 BPG 3.2 TPG
Zo has been a monster on both ends of the court all year. He leads the league in blocks, is top 3 in scoring and is top 5 in rebounding. He has carried one of the best defensive teams that have missed last year’s ROTY for almost a third of this year. The biggest obstacle in his way is that his team is currently 5th in the much weaker Western Conference. If they continue this hot streak and work their way into a top 3 spot in the West he may just snag the MVP. But with the best player in the TMB NBA SIM league eyeing his first MVP it will be tough.
2. Chris Webber PF 30.0 PPG 11.8 RPG 4.2 APG 1.2 SPG 1.5 BPG 2.7 TPG
Chris Webber, the best player on what is my opinion the best team in TMB NBA SIM. Webber is also one of only 2 players averaging a double-double while scoring at least 30 points per game. He has led his team to what is so far the best home record in TMB NBA SIM and is having just a terrific season. He is definitely deserving of the MVP and if he wins it will not be a surprise at all.
1. Kobe Bryant SG 34.4 PPG 7.3 RPG 4.7 APG 1.8 SPG 3.3 TPG
Kobe is the most talented player in the league today and with MJ retiring after one last title run Kobe wasted no time letting everyone in TMB NBA SIM know. He is leading the league in scoring by almost 3 points per game. He is also averaging great numbers in rebounding, steals and assists. He is the best player on a top 3 team in TMB NBA SIM and I think he is this year’s MVP.
Here are my predictions for the 3 1st Team player awards.
All NBA 1st Team
PG Jason Kidd
SG Kobe Bryant
SF Grant Hill
PF Antonio McDyess
C Alonzo Mourning (barely)
Honorable Mention: Shaquille O'Neal
All Rookie 1st Team
PG Jay Williams
SG Dejuan Wagner
SF Caron Butler
PF Amar’e Stoudemire
C Yao Ming
All Defensive 1st Team
PG Jason Kidd
SG Kobe Bryant
SF Shawn Marion
PF Raef LaFrentz
C Alonzo Mourning
There seems to be only two candidates for Rookie of the Year and in some eyes only one. But when you dig a little deeper there seems to be about seven standout rookies who are having significant impact on their teams.
7. Jordan Roberson (Sonics) 12.4 PPG 5.3 RPG 1.2 APG 1.0 BPG 0.9 TPG
Perhaps the best value pick in the draft, the only down side is his F potential… This may be as good as it gets for Jordan Roberson, which is sad for him and the Sonics. He started off this season on the bench and his steady play has landed him a starting role as of late. Averaging 12 points, 5 rebounds and a block per game a playoff team like the Sonics should be ecstatic about the 38th overall pick. I’m sure no one expected numbers like this from this 18 year old. As for ROTY, not really competing with the top dogs but to be drafted 39th and have top 10 impact in year one earns you some serious respect.
6. Caron Butler F(T-Wolves) 12.5 PPG 5.8 RPG 2.3 APG 1.1 SPG 1.4 TPG
Butler has been in the starting lineup for the T-Wolves most of his Rookies season. He started off with the role of 6th man but worked his way into the starting SF position and has stayed there. Being in a slow paced offense it’s hard for players to get a high volume of shots without being the #1 or #2 scoring option, but being #3 has worked out fairly well for this rookie averaging almost 13 points per game. But where he really helps is filling out the rest of the stat sheet. He has great hustle stats for a SF with about 6 rebounds, 2 assists and 1 steal per game, and those stats should help a playoff team like the T-Wolves in the post season. These are the type of numbers you hope to get from a top 10 pick, not quite good enough for ROTY but the T-Wolves can be very happy with this pick.
5. Ryan Humphrey (Lakers) 11 PPG 8.1 RPG 1.4 APG 2.5 BPG 1.2 TPG
Humphrey is not the type of player that will knock your socks off, but is a steady big who you can really rely on and that is valuable in the NBA. He’s getting double digit points night in and night out and grabs about 8 boards, but where he really helps in on defense. He’s getting about 2 – 3 blocks a game and having a guy who isn’t one of your main scoring options putting decent numbers, rebounding well and blocking shots is a great piece to have. The Lakers hope to be back in the playoffs next year and this top 5 ROTY candidate should be a big help.
4. Dejuan Wagner G (Grizzlies) 18.6 PPG 3.8 RPG 2.5 APG 1.3 SPG 3.8 TPG
After playing PG in college Wagner was immediately moved to the SG position when he arrived at Grizzlies’ camp. He has a great ability to score the ball and his 18.6 points per game show it. The major down side to his game is his inability to take of the ball, he turns it over almost 4 times a game and one would think he’d be able to pass well. Think again, only 2 and a half assist per game must be disappointing for this former point guard and the Grizzlies’ coaching staff. But there is a lot of upside to this scoring machine. He’s loaded with potential and being only 19 has plenty of time to gain some ball control. Not quite ROTY, but he could very well end up having one of the best if not the best careers out of this class.
3. Jay Williams G(Bulls) 12.7 PPG 4.4 RPG 5.9 APG 1.2 SPG 2.0 TPG
A lot of GMs salivated quite a bit over this prospect, coming out of the one of the best college programs in the nation, Jay Williams impressed many scouts prior to the draft, and continues by impressing everyone in the NBA. Williams was shuffled around a little bit this year by being in one of the biggest trades this season, but he has stepped right into the Bulls lineup and done well for them. His numbers don’t blow you away but he is pretty efficient at everything. Scores well with about 13 points a game, he pretty good ball control as a rookie, getting about 6 assists and 2 turnovers per game, and he gets the hustle stats at the PG position by getting about 4 rebounds and 1 steal per game. Like his predecessors not quite ROTY, but with a great set of talent around him, the Jay Will and the Bulls will be out to make a big splash in the loaded Eastern Conference next year.
2. Amar’e Stoudemire F (Suns) 23.2 PPG 7.0 RPG 1.4 APG 0.1 BPG 1.7 TPG
This was one can’t miss prospect. Long, athletic, dominate scorer in the paint, the only thing lacking is some defensive intensity. As a rookie scoring 23.2 points per game is outstanding, he is the teams #1 scoring option which helps and is a little odd considering they have a great scoring SF in Antoine Walker but that’s beside the point. He can rebound fairly well but for 7 foot you expect a little bit more than 7 a game. He has super star potential and if he keeps up the scoring while improving on the defensive end and a little bit on the glass he will be a superstar for many years. In most rookie classes this would be your ROTY but the number one pick this year lived up to the hype and has this year’s ROTY on lock down.
1. Yao Ming C (Nets) 23.3 PPG 10.1 RPG 3.0 APG 1.0 BPG 2.3 TPG
Yao Ming, this staggering 7’ 6”, 310 pound Chinamen was the #1 overall pick in the 2002 TMB NBA Sim draft and for good reason. He’s averaging 23 points, 10 rebounds, 3 assists and 1 block per game. Those are borderline MVP numbers and he has been a monster all season. There were a number of GMs praying for the lottery Gods to answer their prayers, but unfortunately for most, only one could be answered. Being 1 of only 2 rookies averaging over 20 points and the only 1 averaging a double-double should earn this instant superstar ROTY honors.
Defensive Player of the Year
The Defensive Player of the Year award is often hard to judge because of the different ways great defensive players contribute to a game. It’s hard for a great defensive G or SF to dominate a game on the defensive end, getting steals and holding great scoring opponents to low numbers are generally the marks that define them. However for a C or PF to be great defensively people, tend to just look at blocks and rebounds. Most big men that are great defensively can dominate not only their man but can shutdown great driving forwards and guards from attacking the paint. Therefore, they usually are the front runner for this honor.
When looking for a great defensive player I first look for great defensive teams. I see what teams hold opponents to not only low scoring but low shooting percentages. Teams that block shots, force turnovers, and don’t foul as much as other. When looking through this season’s team defensive stats 4 teams showed up more than any other, the Raptors, Fighting Kahns, Nuggets, and Jazz. Here’s how the rankings look.
Fighting Kahns oPPG(1st) oFG%(6th) o3P%(14th) BPG(3rd) SPG(1st) oFGA/oTO Ratio(1st) oFTAPG(2nd)
Nuggets oPPG(2nd) oFG%(1st) o3P%([t]1st) BPG(1st) SPG(10th) oFGA/oTO Ratio(23rd) oFTAPG(1st)
Jazz oPPG(3rd) oFG%(2nd) o3P%([t]1st) BPG(8th) SPG(4th) oFGA/oTO Ratio(7th) oFTAPG(4th)
Raptors oPPG(17th) oFG%(3rd) o3P%(2nd) BPG(2nd) SPG(3rd) oFGA/oTO Ratio(14th) oFTAPG(28th)
oFGA/oTO Ratio – These teams were a bit lower in opponent turnovers per game however, they do all play at a very slow pace, resulting in the opposing teams having less possessions. So instead of turnovers per game I figured out their turnover to shot attempt ratios. The Nuggets were a disappointing 23rd.
After looking through these stats I looked to see what players on these teams seem to have the great impact, and only 3 names showed up, Raef LaFrentz, Theo Ratliff, and Alonzo Mouring. The T-Wolves are a solid defensive team because they play great team defense. They are slow paced, not allowing the team to control the ball, they play aggressive forcing turnovers and blocking shots, and they are in your face making shots difficult. But they lack the one player that anchors the team. The other three teams have that, and here are my top 3 candidates.
3. Theo Ratliff C/PF
He’s averaging 3.5 blocks per game and grabbing about 10 boards per game. But like the T-Wolves, Ratliff is on a team that plays great team defense. When trying to be a great defender it helps to have guys like fellow C Greg Ostertag on the court with you. Ostertag is averaging just shy of 2 blocks per game himself and is also a slightly better rebounder. I don’t see Ratliff winning the DPOTY this year because he’s on a team that provides a lot of help on the defensive end and if he weren’t there they would probably still be a great defensive team.
2. Raef LaFrentz PF/C
Raef like Ratliff is a beast when it comes to blocking shots. He swats about 3 per game and he also dominates the glass leading his team at 10.4 rebounds per game. He is the defensive anchor on his team and without him his team wouldn’t be quite as good but I believe they could manage. They have 4 other players each averaging a block a game and grabbing quite a few rebounds. If they were to split up Raef’s 35 minutes per game those number would most likely all go up.
1. Alonzo Mourning C
Zo is a beast down low, you can call me biased because I am the Nuggets GM, but that also make me quite informed on just how bad they were last year. Leading TMB NBA Sim in blocks he’s averaging a little more than 4 per game, that’s more swatted shots than the rest of the team collectively. He is a beast on the glass as well, averaging just less than 12 rebounds per game. Earlier this year, his front court side kick Zach Randolph missed close to 60 days, and thanks to Zo dominating defensively the Nuggets are just 2 games out of the 4 spot in the Western Conference. Without Zo the Nuggets would be waiting for another lottery pick to fall their way and that’s why I believe he will win the Defensive Player of the Year.
Most Valuable Player
5. Grant Hill SF 31.5 PPG 8.0 RPG 4.0 APG 1.4 SPG 3.9 TPG
Grant Hill is having a great year with the 76ers and is 2nd in the league in scoring behind only Kobe Bryant. He is stellar on both ends of the court and is also a great contributor on the glass. But he has another great player on his team in Antonio McDyess. McDyess is playing superb and even with both of them the 76ers are fighting their playoff lives. Currently 8th in the East this team is lacking defense, and they have a hungry Wizards team on their heels. I just don’t see Hill grabbing the MVP this year with quite a few other candidates doing more with less.
4. Shaquille O’Neal C 29.5 PPG 12.7 RPG 3.5 APG 1.0 SPG 2.1 BPG 3.5 TOPG
Speaking of doing more with less, Shaq, the reigning MVP, has carried his team. Without his 30 points, 13 boards, and 2 blocks per game I’m not sure the Wizards would even be sniffing the playoffs. Right now they’re in the hunt for the 8th seed in the East and have a tough 76ers team ahead of them. I’m not sure they get in and there is no way the MVP goes to a team that doesn’t make the postseason.
3. Alonzo Mourning C 30.8 PPG 11.7 RPG 3.3 APG 1.2 SPG 4.2 BPG 3.2 TPG
Zo has been a monster on both ends of the court all year. He leads the league in blocks, is top 3 in scoring and is top 5 in rebounding. He has carried one of the best defensive teams that have missed last year’s ROTY for almost a third of this year. The biggest obstacle in his way is that his team is currently 5th in the much weaker Western Conference. If they continue this hot streak and work their way into a top 3 spot in the West he may just snag the MVP. But with the best player in the TMB NBA SIM league eyeing his first MVP it will be tough.
2. Chris Webber PF 30.0 PPG 11.8 RPG 4.2 APG 1.2 SPG 1.5 BPG 2.7 TPG
Chris Webber, the best player on what is my opinion the best team in TMB NBA SIM. Webber is also one of only 2 players averaging a double-double while scoring at least 30 points per game. He has led his team to what is so far the best home record in TMB NBA SIM and is having just a terrific season. He is definitely deserving of the MVP and if he wins it will not be a surprise at all.
1. Kobe Bryant SG 34.4 PPG 7.3 RPG 4.7 APG 1.8 SPG 3.3 TPG
Kobe is the most talented player in the league today and with MJ retiring after one last title run Kobe wasted no time letting everyone in TMB NBA SIM know. He is leading the league in scoring by almost 3 points per game. He is also averaging great numbers in rebounding, steals and assists. He is the best player on a top 3 team in TMB NBA SIM and I think he is this year’s MVP.
Here are my predictions for the 3 1st Team player awards.
All NBA 1st Team
PG Jason Kidd
SG Kobe Bryant
SF Grant Hill
PF Antonio McDyess
C Alonzo Mourning (barely)
Honorable Mention: Shaquille O'Neal
All Rookie 1st Team
PG Jay Williams
SG Dejuan Wagner
SF Caron Butler
PF Amar’e Stoudemire
C Yao Ming
All Defensive 1st Team
PG Jason Kidd
SG Kobe Bryant
SF Shawn Marion
PF Raef LaFrentz
C Alonzo Mourning
