Tag Archives: Monta Ellis

Andrew Bogut-Monta Ellis Trade Aftermath

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The trading of players is a common practice in the NBA and this year’s trade deadline kept the deals coming. However as common as trades are, equally as common are questionable trades. This year’s most debatable deadline move came in the form of Andrew Bogut and Stephen Jackson for high scoring guard Monta Ellis, Ekpe Udoh and Kwame Brown.

The first thing worth noting in this trade is the inclusion of Stephen Jackson, something which immediately raises questions about his inability to coexist with Golden State in his first stint with the team back in 2006 to 2010. Because of this, he was immediately moved to the Spurs for Richard Jefferson, a guy who hasn’t been a key player for years and is averaging a pedestrian 9.2 points per game this season. I don’t like this follow-up move for Golden State because it basically says you would trade Monta Ellis for Andrew Bogut in a one-for-one swap, and really, would you? I also don’t like giving up on Stephen Jackson, a player who, despite off court issues and track record, shows up to work every single day. He’s one of those hybrid players that can shoot the ball and drive to the rack aggressively because of his size and length; think of him as a very poor man’s Kevin Durant.

The positives I can see in this trade for Golden State is that for one they now potentially boast one of the most formidable front-courts in all of the NBA. David Lee’s dynamic ambidextrous play paired with Andrew Bogut’s ability to clog the lane and throw his body around should give the Warriors a big lift in the interior aspect of their team. The trade itself also indicates that Golden State saw Ellis as a hindrance in the development of rising star Stephen Curry. While Curry has played terrific basketball over the course of the last few seasons, his ability to stay healthy is a question mark and should not be overlooked as it is becoming a very real concern. A young player can only take so much damage without his skills being compromised, and having an elite scorer as a security blanket for Curry to not only play with, but learn from (Monta Ellis), could have been huge going forward. Curry will now be burdened with a lot more of the scoring load and may end up being the lone play-maker his team has, which will allow teams to focus on him. With Ellis on the court, Curry was dangerous as a wing shooter and as a play-maker, but without another slashing type of player Curry could struggle getting open looks. This will impact his value to his team as well as affecting his fantasy value going forward; pay very close attention to Curry’s stats in the upcoming few weeks as they will be very telling of the trade’s impact on him.

As I’ve talked about before in my previous blog posts, the lack of talented big men has made getting your hands on one a focus of every single General Manager in the NBA. Bogut is just that, very talented, but he does come with baggage. Bogut has shown in spurts that he can be the franchise Center team’s dream of, however he is another star plagued by the injury bug. Bogut is currently out for at least a few more weeks with a left ankle fracture and his return will be a gradual process. He hasn’t played in over 2 months and wasn’t exactly a dominant force when he did play this season.

Andrew Bogut to me seems to be the X-factor in this trade; Golden State traded their primary scoring option, and a top 10 scorer in the league, for an injured center that “could be” dominant at some point. I think Golden State panicked a little bit and got trigger happy when the thought of a physical force manning the paint came up. If anything, Monta Ellis was considered to be a prized asset at this year’s deadline, and letting him go in this type of trade does not reap the type of benefit the Warriors were entitled too. Had they received a valuable draft pick (or two) or another player of value I may see things differently, but that’s not how it panned out. The aftermath of this trade may be felt for years to come, and I hope Bogut returns and contributes for his new squad. If he doesn’t, this may well be one of the most regrettable trades the NBA has seen in quite a while.

The Value Of Dwight Howard

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If you’ve watched the NBA for the past decade you know that it’s a Guard’s league now. The scoring prowess of players like Kobe Bryant, Tracy McGrady and Vince Carter forever shifted the game of basketball in a new direction. This greatly opposes times of old when players like Shaquille O’Neal, Charles Barkley or Karl Malone used their physical stature to beat you down and really wear you down throughout the game.

Today’s NBA may feature guard play more because of how fast and strong these Guards have become ( just take a look at the build of a guy like Russell Westbrook if you need evidence), but I attribute it more to a lack of talent at the Center position. If you scour around the entire NBA you’d have a tough time naming me three centers that are truly dominant at their position, but you should have no problem naming me one. Since coming into the league out of high school in 2004, Dwight Howard has been the incarnation of the Center position of old; being tough, physical and a giant of a man. In his career he has never averaged below ten rebounds per game for a season, even his rookie campaign, and this season he is averaging a whopping 14.9 RPG.

Although Howard’s stats tell a lot about his impact on the game, his true value is the effect he has just being on the court. Known as the league’s best shot blocker, Howard changes the mindset of his opponents with his style of play, whether it be through a vicious dunk, a huge rebound or even a good hard foul, you always know Dwight is controlling the paint. Because of his size (6-11, 265 Lbs) and incredible fitness D12 is not only stronger than other Centers, but he is much quicker and skilled than the rest of his counterparts. His value is seemingly endless and since the Center position is so drained of talent this only adds to Howard’s value. The disparity between Howard and a mediocre Center is enormous, while the difference between an elite guard like Dwyane Wade and a pretty good guard like Brandon Jennings is not nearly as vast. If Howard ever decided to get truly aggressive on the offensive end, teams better watch out because he’s capable of being a 30-point & 20-rebound type of guy every single night. There is simply nobody in the league today who can stop him.

The knock I have on Howard is his inability to take over offensively (the majority of the time) as well as his willingness to defer to his teammates that are, quite frankly, not as talented as he is (Hedo Turkoglu and Jason Richardson come to mind). These are areas he can improve on by being more selfish.

Since Howard has requested a trade from Orlando I would make him my focus if I were a General Manager of any NBA team. Howard is a generational talent that instantly turns a bad defense into a solid one, and a good defense into a great one. There are few players worth gutting your roster to get, but I believe by the end of his career we may talk about Howard as the most dominant Center of all-time, as his potential is limitless. Rumors have Dwight going to New Jersey, but that trade seems hedged on the fact that Brook Lopez can stay healthy and show that he can contribute (Lopez did look good the last few games until he suffered another injury, this time to his ankle), something that is not so clear-cut right now. Regardless, the Nets should prioritize getting Howard now because if they wait until the off-season, “Dwight Mania” will simply take over and the Nets may not be able to match offers of teams that are just as desperate for a superstar.

What separates Howard from other attractive free agents is his ability to impose his will on a game as well as the toughness that he implements into the team mentality. Even when he struggles to score, he never takes a night off on the glass or on the defensive end of the floor; his effort level is incredible. The only other player that I see in the NBA that even comes close to matching Howard in terms of physicality and defensive strength is Tyson Chandler, and even as a Dallas Mavericks Fan (Thank You Tyson for that Championship), I know that Howard is a far superior player. Also, not to be underrated is Howard’s ability to stay relatively injury free, which adds to his value, and for a man of his size is something to be marveled at, especially when you see potential big man stars like Greg Oden and Brook Lopez struggling just to stay on the court much less be productive players for their teams.

Quite frankly, Dwight Howard is the most important free agent to become available since Shaquille O’Neal (Ironic?) and teams better offer him everything short of team ownership to get him to sign. If you look at the impact Tyson Chandler had on the Mavericks team that won the Championship last season, one can only imagine the effect Howard would have had in the same scenario; it would have been scary. A contender wrapping up Dwight Howard this off-season could result in that team winning multiple Championships in my opinion, considering he’s only 26 years-old ( just beginning to hit his prime), is starting to learn how to be dominant at both ends of the floor and is hungry for a championship(s).

Although the Nets seem to have the edge in adding the big man, don’t be surprised if suitors start showing up out of everywhere because as I said, Howard can win a good team a Championship since he will make that team great defensively, and that’s where Championships are won and lost. Dwight Howard is a special player and in the coming years he will change the scope of the NBA power structure with his new team, whatever team that may be…

Where Do You See Howard Ending Up? Is He The League’s Top Center? Let Me Hear Your Thoughts!

Monta Ellis is a Fantasy Basketball Beast

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Forget about Tony Parker.  Forget about Chris Paul.  Forget about Derrick Rose.  Forget about Steve Nash.  Monta Ellis is better than all four.

Everyone knows that Derrick Rose is a top notch guard.  Everyone doesn’t know that Monta Ellis has more points and steals than Derrick Rose.  Monta Ellis has always been known for his ability to score, but what is separating Ellis is his ability to distribute the basketball.  Ellis is averaging 21.4 points and 7.1 assists a game.  Ellis is also averaging just about 2 steals and 3 rebounds a game to boot.  He is putting up numbers any team would desire from a starting guard.  He’s out scored nearly every guard in the NBA this season.  Monta Ellis plays for the Golden State Warriors and their high power offense, but this year is different than seasons past.  This season Ellis has been playing under the direction of first year head coach Mark Jackson and his game has been elevated.  Jackson, once a great NBA point guard, has got Ellis playing better than ever before.  With the kind of focus and determination Jackson has instilled in all of his players, Ellis especially, the entire Warriors team is playing smarter, high efficiency basketball.  Mark Jackson, who is third all time on the NBA career assist list with 10,334 (more than Magic Johnson and Oscar Robertson), seems to be rubbing off on the former shoot first play of Monta Ellis, who is now averaging a career high in assists per game.

Yes, despite all the mileage, off the court distractions and nagging injuries Kobe Bryant is still the best of the best amongst all guards.  Kobe is from another planet, averaging 30 points a game, along with about 6 rebounds, 6 assists and one steal, but every fantasy team needs at least 2 guards, and Monta Ellis is an underrated, under the radar beast. Monta Ellis is a very good fantasy pick.

Rising To The Occasion: NBA Players Poised for Breakout Fantasy Seasons

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The term “breakout year” is one of the most commonly misconstrued expressions in fantasy sports. Sports analysts toss the term around like second nature to the point where it often sounds like they’re saying every player in the NBA is on track to have an MVP caliber season; yes that may be a slight exaggeration but you get the point. Now with that being said, I’m on a mission to restore some sanctity to an expression I love to use, “The Breakout Year.” For today’s article, I’m going to uncover the players in the NBA that I believe are ready to step into the next echelon and become stars for their respective franchises and fantasy owners. Although some of the players I’ve listed are undoubtedly already playing at a very high level, I don’t think any of them have peaked yet, which is welcome news for all who pick them on their daily fantasy teams. Now without further ado, I introduce to you five players that are going to be NBA stars after they have there “breakout year(s)” in the 2011-2012 fantasy basketball season.

5. Deandre Jordan, Center, Los Angeles Clippers: The cross-town rivals to the Lakers enjoyed a busy off-season that saw additions of Chris Paul, Caron Butler and Chauncey Billups (all solid daily fantasy picks). However the biggest change in Clipper land may be internal, with the rise in play of Deandre Jordan. For a team that will undeniably score in bunches, defense seems to be the key to their success. Well I introduce to you…. Deandre Jordan. Deandre Jordan will be a good fantasy pick because he’s a shot blocking machine (he can also catch the alley pretty well. See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KFnQlH32d1M). Jordan has come out of the gates swatting this year, averaging 3 blocks a game. The only knock I have on Jordan’s game is his rebounding. His career best of 7.2 rebounds per game (averaging 7.4 this year) is simply not good enough, and may be a turn off to fantasy owners. Although he has Blake Griffin to lessen his load on the boards, a 7 footer has to give you at least 8 to 9 rebounds a game. If Jordan can get more aggressive on the glass I think he’ll become an elite fantasy center because he’ll help you both in the blocks and rebounding categories. He may not be elite offensively but he can be a Mutombo-like center (defensive stopper), and every single team in the NBA would love to have one of those. Deandre Jordan is a great fantasy basketball pick.

4. Stephen Curry, Point Guard, Golden State Warriors: Stephen Curry has been on everyone’s radar since his draft day when the Knicks said they really wanted to draft him (Golden State ended up picking him one pick earlier). Curry had a very good year last season averaging 18.6 points and 5.8 assists, but has struggled early this fantasy basketball season mostly due to a series of right ankle sprains (he’s had 3 in just over two weeks and 7 in the past 15 months). Although the injuries are piling up, this could ultimately benefit you fantasy owners because his price will drop, making him easier to pick on your daily fantasy team. If you have a chance to pick him up when he’s healthy you must; he can score, pass and shoot the 3, what else can a fantasy owner ask for? I look for Curry to average 20 points and 8 assists this year because he plays with ball controlling guard Monta Ellis. For Curry to get to the next level, the Warriors front office has to commit to him as their guy and give him the ball and make this his team. If this happens, I fully expect Curry to be an elite fantasy point guard by season’s end and an excellent fantasy pick. He’s a special player with game changing talent. For your daily fantasy team he’s a must own. With the injury bug surrounding him you have a chance to pick Curry on a nightly basis for a favorable price. Get him while he is still affordable. Stephen Curry is a great underrated fantasy basketball pick.

3. John Wall, Point Guard, Washington Wizards: John Wall had what I’ll call an O.K. rookie season last year. Not that he played poorly averaging 16 points and 8 assists, but those just aren’t John Wall numbers. I watched Wall torch opponents with his play-making abilities and quickness at Kentucky and I thought he’d come into the league averaging 20 and 10 (the threshold for elite fantasy point guards in my opinion), but he didn’t. Wall took a year to learn the NBA game and despite not having the best supporting cast, I look for Wall to up his averages to 18 points and 9 assists this fantasy basketball season (currently averaging 15 points and 7 assists). Since his talent was never in doubt and he’s shown uncanny play-making for a struggling Wizards team, I think he’s a lock to become elite if not this season than next season. In fantasy leagues he’s been playing very well of late and seems to be playing like he wants to prove himself to the league, both great signs for John Wall fantasy owners. If you pick him in your daily fantasy basketball league just sit back and enjoy watching a young stud become a top contributor for your team. John Wall is a great fantasy basketball pick.

2. Andrew Bynum, Center, Los Angeles Lakers: Although this guy is probably already a household name, I don’t think anyone considers him elite….yet. I’ve always felt Bynum was in a situation where he could succeed and that his time would ultimately come; hopefully that time is now. He’s started this fantasy basketball season averaging 19.8 points and 15.8 rebounds, both massively eclipsing his previous career bests. Bynum also benefits from how watered down the center position has become. When I watched him play vs. the Rockets a few nights ago, he grabbed 22 rebounds and made it look real easy. Bynum is no SHAQ (the player he’ll always be compared to), but in today’s NBA he can put up SHAQ-type fantasy numbers. Pick him in your daily fantasy leagues and know that he will finish the year (barring injury) as an elite fantasy center. Most people still aren’t sold on Bynum, I am. Andrew Bynum is an excellent fantasy basketball pick.

1. Kevin Love, Power Forward, Minnesota Timberwolves: The UCLA product is a fantasy basketball owner’s dream and has improved each season he’s been in the league. Starting with his rookie season in 08’ where he averaged 11 points and 9 rebounds, he’s raised that to a stellar 20 points and 15 rebounds last season. So how could Kevin Love possibly improve? Well to start this year he’s averaging 25.7 points and 15 rebounds, which is just incredible. At this point no other player gives you elite scoring coupled with absurd rebounding numbers like Love. If anyone saw his 30 and 30 performance last year (the first of its kind in 28 years, yeah 28 years) vs. the Knicks, you already saw him beginning to blossom. In daily fantasy leagues Love is a safe pick and really gives you everything, especially with the improved range he’s shown this season. Kevin Love is a great fantasy basketball pick.

Dark Horse – Evan Turner: A young shooting guard for the Philaphelphia 76ers, but has never put up big numbers in his career. The 7 points a game average he had his rookie season last year raised no eyebrows, and his 10 points and 5.7 rebounds a game averages to start this year have also not helped. But I watched this guy play last postseason vs. the Heat and I came away impressed. The announcers constantly compared him to Andre Igoudala (his teammate) and said he’d ultimately replace him as the go to guy. Although that hasn’t happened yet, I think Turner has the ability to become a go to type guy. He dribbles the ball well, is very aggressive driving to the rack and can create his own shots (the most undervalued attribute a player can have). If the Sixers coaching staff gives Turner more opportunities, I see him becoming a 20 points and 8 to 9 rebounds per game average guy in the near future, which would qualify him as a fantasy sleeper pick. For daily fantasy leagues I’d suggest taking a chance on him, what have you got to lose when the guy is so unsought, meaning you can get him for a very affordable price early on in the fantasy basketball season. He has the talent to be great but his climb to elite status will be a tough path to say the least. Evan Turner is a smart fantasy basketball sleeper pick.

What do you think of these players? Who else is going to be a star? Let Me Know!

The Golden State Warriors and the Little Three

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As much as I miss Mark Jackson’s proverbs and shouts of “hand down man down,” his Warriors are one of the most interesting teams of the new NBA season.  The little three as I like to call them, or Monta Ellis, Steph Curry, and David Lee, have been in the purgatory of other California teams for far too long.  Now that the Lakers’ supremacy looks shaky, it seems every other team in the state is coming for the throne.  After blowing a halftime lead to the Clippers in the season opener, the Warriors easily handled the Chicago Bulls in the second game of the year.  The problem for the Warriors is they have a delicate balance.  Monta Ellis is a purebred scorer that can be selfish on the floor.  Last year, he attempted nearly 600 more field goals than Steph Curry, even though Curry had a better field goal percentage.  In the win over the Bulls, both Curry and Ellis had over 20 points, and more importantly, Ellis had 7 assists and Curry had 10.  This is the sort of play that can win them games.  There potent scoring attack has to stay balanced.  The true key, however, to a successful season for the Warriors, is David Lee.  Lee was highly coveted after his impressive years with the New York Knicks.  He was averaging 11.7 rebounds per game in his last 2 years with the Knicks, yet in his first year with Golden State, he only averaged 9.8.  Lee is also a dynamite scorer, but this specific team needs a big body to get 2nd chance points and good pick and roll defense.  The Warriors outside shooting should allow Lee plenty of offensive rebound opportunities and easy put backs.  Any of these three are great fantasy investments, but they’re also a team with a clear shot of making the playoffs in a struggling Western Conference.