21. Allen Iverson, Denver: AI’s low shooting percentage and his unwillingness to be less than the number one gun dropped him this far. Sure, by the end of the season Iverson can climb the charts to his once rightful position, but the game he plays in Denver is not the one he played in Philly. In the wide-open Nuggets offense AI must be a facilitator, an enabler for Carmelo Anthony, and lastly a scorer. On defense he only has to continue to be one of the smartest passing lane defending guards in the history of the NBA. Overall, it’s not that tall a task, but it’s a different and potentially one for AI. Let’s see how he handles the responsibility for an entire season.

22. Michael Redd, Milwaukee: Redd’s injury kept the Bucks from the playoffs last season. The Bucks were 3-17 without Redd in the lineup last season and an above .500 team with him. Since NBA reporters constantly argued that wins and losses meant so much that Dirk Nowitzki was the hands down MVP last season, it could be argued that Redd was far more valuable to the young Bucks than was to Dirk to the Mavericks. So much for the cred of the voters. Redd is a shooter and a quiet but efficient leader. Because he relies on his jumper for the lion’s share of his points and is only a fair defender, Redd cannot be ranked higher. Milwaukee will be in the hunt again this year and Redd must add to his game for the Bucks to be a viable playoff team in the increasingly more competitive Eastern conference.

23. Luol Deng, Chicago: Deng is good, very good. He’s underrated in every aspect of the game, yet he is the linchpin of the Bulls. He is much like a younger Manu Ginobili, except with a higher upside. He can shoot from anywhere on the court and has nice post moves. He rebounds well. He defends well. And he plays with fire. This season expect to see Luol bust out.

24. Jermaine O’Neal, Indiana: What is it about JO? Maybe it was the money. Maybe it was the Palace Revolution. Maybe he just got old too fast. But whatever it is, something is missing from O’Neal’s game. All the negative swirl around the Pacers doesn’t help, either. And all that proves is that JO doesn’t hold that leadership sway over his teammates that he thinks he does. He’s all-around above average, which got him this spot. But when you look at him, you think, damn he should be top 10. And that’s exactly why he’s number 24.

25. Shawn Marion, Phoenix: Finally a place for the Matrix. Marion does nothing well on his own, but does everything well enough to get his on his own. He doesn’t have a dribble-drive move. He doesn’t pass well. He defends only sometimes. And he’s much more interested in spotting up in the left corner waiting for Stave Nash to kick him the rock for a three than he is hitting the boards, initiating the break and filling the lane as a trailer. But. Matrix is the best garbage man in the game. So, he grabs plenty of rebounds, scores plenty of points, and does what he needs to help to be the Suns number two defender to Raja Bell. This is the conundrum that is Shawn Marion. He will never be good enough to be “the Man” on any team, but he is just good enough to complain about why he isn’t. Oh yeah, and he’s soft as butter mentally. After years of dealing with his whining, the Suns are growing tired of babysitting his psyche. More of the same can be a team killer, let alone a Marion killer. It will be an interesting 2007-08 season for the Matrix.

26. Dirk Nowitzki, Dallas: I read the posts in the comment section when I had Dirk in the top 10. Then I thought and thought and thought. And you know what? Dirk isn’t that good. Yea, he added some defense to his game, but he was still a below average defender. He actually co-led the Mavericks - with Josh Howard - to the Lig’s best regular season record, but wilted in the playoffs. The Dallas unseemly first round exit to the Golden State Warriors highlighted Nowitzki’s glaring deficiencies. Dude better add something from the post to his game or he’s going to drop even more next season. And when I think about it, the Warriors provided the blueprint on how to stop Nowitzki and I don’t know if he has the physical talent to overcome a smaller, but quick and tough defensive player. A whole lot of forwards will be looking to enhance their reps off Dirk this season. We’ll see if he’s up for it.

27. Antawn Jamison, Washington: ‘Tawn proved exactly what his status is in the NBA during the Wizards first round loss in the ‘Offs last season. Jamison’s 32 ppg in the first round against Cleveland actually put a scare into the Cavs every game, though the ex-Boulez still got swept. Not many pundits five Jamison props, but watch him this year. Now that he knows he can get off regardless of the opposing defense’s tactics, we could well see a 25 and 10 year from the Washington forward.

28. Josh Howard, Dallas: That’s right, I feel Josh Howard is that close to Dirk. Howard was the Mavericks’ best defender last season. He often played point forward, two guard and acted as a swing man. What more could you ask for from a player? One more year with confidence, that’s all. One more year and he can vault right over his more ballyhooed German teammate.

29. Deron Williams, Utah: D-Will is a J Kidd clone with a twice as good shot. The young man is strong everywhere on the court, on both ends of the floor. He passes with the best of ‘em and plays defense better than the rest of ‘em. If Williams, like Kidd, can learn to feel successful on a given night scoring only eight points, but stay involved in the game and get his 13 assists and nine boards, control the tempo, and lead the Jazz to a win, he will be up in the top 15 next year.

30. Pau Gasol, Memphis: Pow! Without him the Grizzlies were nothing. With him the Grizz weren’t too much. The thing about Got Soul is that he has a smooth all-around big man game. He’s not bad on defense, though he could stand to put on a little more weight. Lets’ put it like this: Pau does everything well enough to get him into the top 30. He needs to stay healthy, though. Like many players in the 21-30 range, this is an important season for Gasol. Staying in the 25-30 range isn’t good enough.

Damn, this is tough! I though 1-10 might get me some kudos for insight, but instead I got drilled! Right off the bat there was the Kobe-Duncan debate and it didn’t stop all the way through to number 10. I’m sure 11-20 will be just as ugly —– at least for me.

But hey, it’s just one person’s opinion - mine. I’m trying to avoid stats as much as possible because they can be so misleading. For instance, if you look at 82games.com and their most proficient playoff players, Antonio Daniels is #6 and Darko is #7. Ummmmm, okay, I sure believe that one.

My criteria for the rankings (which I should have stated before I began with my Top 10 - my apologies) are different from what you might commonly think. I look at position and what is normally expected from the quintessential player of that position.

Does the player match what is expected from that position? Does he exceed it? What are his strengths and weaknesses within that position and how do they affect his teammates? How much these players impact their teams on and off the court? How they fit into the system in which they play? How do they impact a game on a night in, night out basis? How they match up with other players of their position and then against players of all positions?

Overall wins and losses do matter - but only to a degree. Sometimes, try as a player might, he can’t elevate his team beyond wherever it is he takes it. But because there is a fair amount of parity among the talent within the teams of the NBA, the bottom line does have weight.

It’s a tough proposition to go one through 50, but I don’t have three televisions, a dish (well, two) and the NBA package for nothing. So, here are my 11-20…. rip away!

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11. Carmelo Anthony, Denver: Melo had the best FIBA America ‘Chips of any US player (I know Hollinger had the straw marked “Bron Bron” out and in full effect). This is a pivotal season for the man picked after Darko Milicic in the 2003 NBA Draft. Anthony can score from any point on the floor and is explosive in the open court. We should see Melo abilities flower with a full season running with AI.

12. Chauncey Billups, Detroit: Chauncey is nothing if not consistent. Last season’s Pistons meltdown was blamed on a bickering locker room - and, to some extent, was a reflection of Billups’ leadership capabilities. But Billups is the top PG defender in the NBA and, when the offense flows, a master puppeteer. He nicks you here, touches you there, wets you in this little spot, wets you again in that little spot, and pretty soon your team is hemorrhaging points. With last season stuck in his mind, look for a stellar season from C-Bill.

13. Tracy McGrady, Houston: T-Mac is so damn gifted. I wonder, has he begun the practice of picking up a basketball and actually working on his game before training camp begins? McGrady sometimes refuses to take over games when the situation begs for him to do so. This instinct to lay back and watch costs him dearly; so does his balky back. Health is such an “if” for Tracy, he cannot be ranked higher.

14. Tony Parker, San Antonio: We all witnessed the breakout of Tony Par-kair last season, especially during the ‘Offs. The moment he scores five points and dishes 12 dimes and pulls down eight boards and he’s happy with that performance is the day he is elevated to the number one PG spot in the Lig.

15. Carlos Boozer, Utah: Booze is ——– nice. He has that slow, Jamaal Wilkes without the awkward spin jumper, he has low post moves that befuddle opponents. and he’s rough and tough without afro puffs on the glass and as a staunch and sturdy defender. Look for Carlos to start for the West in the All-Star game this year.

16. Amare Stoudemire, Phoenix: Will he expand his game beyond one low post move (with his leaping ability, Amare’s game is built for an up-and-under move)? Will he begin to take advantage of his physical ability to play better on-ball and team defense? He must if he wants to rise to elite status. Stoudemire seems like a determined player, the Jack McCallum painted a not-so-flattering picture of Amare’s work ethic in his book, “Seven Seconds or Less…” He’s another player who rises into the top 10 if he works on his game just —- that much more.

17. Shaquille O’Neal, Miami: Everybody sing along: Shaq! Hawwwww! He is the master of the universe! O’Neal’s been in the Lig now, what 29 years, and the refs still don’t know how to call a foul against opposing players when they foul him? when healthy and when motivated, Shaq is still the most dominant player in the NBA today. He’s has a tough offseason with the divorce from his wife and all. Then, Heat head everything Pat riley called a midnight practice to open training camp. there were three players who did not match the Riley body fat legal limit ——– and Shaq was not one of them, So, it appears we can expect a motivated O’Neal. If the Heat gets a healthy O’Neal, everyone will be forced to sing in unison: Shaq! Hawwwwww! He is the master of the universe!

18. Baron Davis, Golden State: The Black Baron proved in the Golden State Warriors stretch run and in the playoffs that he is a bad man. Is he better then Steve Nash? Yes. But. He’s not as consistent. So, no he’s not. Can he control a game without scoring? Probably, but he’d rather not. And when he scores he… Just. Gets. Off. On the ball slipping through the nylon. And, with his heavy, strong build, he can bully opposing point guards to uncomfortable spots on the court on the defensive end of the floor. This is a really important follow-up year for Davis. If he plays like he did late last season and in the ‘Offs, he’ll be knocking on the door for the top PG spot.

19. Chris Bosh, Toronto: C-Bo (not the Northern Cali C-Bo) is diez y ocho for now, but by the end of the year he might just crack the top 12. The schmoove Texan has taken the KG-style of big man play to the 21 century next level. He is a Garnett-Jermaine O’Neal mix who anchors the Raptors defense as well as either of his predecessors. If he improves his shooting percentage from 49.6% to around 53% this season, his scoring average will jump five to seven points. Patience, young man, patience.

20. Gilbert Arenas, Washington: It took long enough, but Gilberto Gil is mos’ def a top 20 NBA baller. He said yesterday that his knee is actually stronger than it was before the injury late last season. He can drive. He can shoot. He plays solid enough defense. But, like Tony Parker, Baron Davis, and to a lesser degree Steve Nash, can his team be successful is he does not score? If Arenas establishes himself as a team leader the wizards will challenge to break into the upper echelon of the Eastern Conference.

Etan Thomas has heart – problems; Isiah must pay; C-Webb stays stateside; Whisenhunt’s quandary; Bad Newz dogs not so bad after all

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Etan Thomas’ irregular heartbeat

During a routine physical Washington Wizards center Etan Thomas was found to have an irregular heartbeat:

Veteran Washington Wizards center Etan Thomas did not participate when training camp opened Tuesday after a recent cardiac test revealed an irregularity that could potentially be career-threatening.

Thomas, who was slated to compete with Brendan Haywood for the starting center job, learned of the test results late last week following a routine physical, according to Ernie Grunfeld, the team's president. Thomas remained in Washington on Tuesday awaiting the results of further tests.

Wizards head coach Eddie Jordan indicated that he did not expect Thomas to return to the Wizards before training camp breaks.

Isiah must pay – for the moment

New York Knicks head coach Isiah Thomas was found guilty of sexual harassment by a jury and must pay $11.6 million in punitive damages:

A jury decided Tuesday that New York Knicks coach Isiah Thomas sexually harassed a former top team executive, subjecting her to unwanted advances and a barrage of verbal insults, but also said he does not have to pay punitive damages.

After an ugly, three-week trial, the verdict gives Thomas a partial victory in the $10 million lawsuit filed by Anucha Browne Sanders.

The jury did find that Madison Square Garden committed harassment against the woman, and decided that she is entitled to punitive damages from MSG.

U.S. District Judge Gerard E. #### called it an “eminently reasonable” verdict and said the jury will be asked to return later Tuesday to hear brief arguments on punitive damages.

The Knicks and Thomas feel differently about the court outcome:

“I’m innocent, very innocent, and I did not do the things she has accused me in this courtroom of doing,” Thomas said. “I’m extremely disappointed that the jury did not see the facts in this case. I will appeal this, and I remain confident in the man that I am and what I stand for and the family that I have.”

Madison Square Garden also said it would appeal.

C-Webb chooses the States

Hoopsworld Toronto Raptors writer Ryan McNeill scooped me to this news tidbit Saturday. Then we discussed it during our NBA podcast. The news?

Chris Webber to Greece to play Euro League ball for Olympiakos and make $10-12 in the process.

Well C-Webb turned the dollars down:

“I’m not going to Greece,” Webber said. “It’s no disrespect to [Olympiakos], but I can’t do that. I’m an NBA guy. I don’t want to just chase money. I want to make sure I respect the game.

“To tell you the truth, it’s kind of stupid in a way to turn down stupid money, as my dad would call it, but I can’t just do it for the money. If I’m going to play, I’m only going to play as a Piston … unless something crazy happens.”

Hmmmm. During the podcast with Ry I felt that if any NBA player would take the, ‘this sets my family up for life’ dollars it would be Webber. I also felt that of anyone - outside of Kobe Bryant - in the NBA would be able to handle Europe emotionally it would be C-Webb. I felt that he might take his family with him and have a two-year sabbatical from U.S. life and enjoy Europe.

Webber has a history of making vain attempts to flip the system on its ear. He was the leader of the Fab Five - choosing Michigan with four other players rather than allow schools to recruit them - which was a conscious choice that signaled to the world, ‘there’s a new, more aware black athlete coming down the highway.’ So, I thought that Webber would set precedent for other players and help them to realize that, because they are the product that makes sports, they can control the system that is professional sports. I thought he’d”go global.” But no.

I forgot that, of all the Fab Five, Webber especially valued playing on television and taking money under the table more than making a statement by playing for an HBCU (Historically Black College and University). So, of course, when faced with a final choice that would define him as a person and an athlete, he chose to stay stateside.

Whisenhunt’s quandary

Though they’ve won consecutive games, the Arizona Cardinals might be headed for turmoil. In a move more suited to Bobby Bowden than to any NFL head coach, Cardinals head coach Ken Whisenhunt is playing shuttling quarterbacks with Matt Leinart and Kurt Warner. Warner looked great against the Steelers – after Troy Polomalu left the game with a back injury. Yahoo Sports’ Michael Silver details Leinart’s feeling about the situation (oh, and notice how nicely Silver treats missing in action father, Leinart):

Having given way to backup Kurt Warner for much of the Cards’ 21-14 upset of the previously undefeated Pittsburgh Steelers, Leinart’s day had been filled with bitterness, frustration and prideful defiance. Now, as he finished his meal at City Hall steakhouse, there was only detached bewilderment.

“I just want them to ride or die with me,” Leinart said softly of 2-2 Arizona. “If I’m the franchise quarterback, play me and let me stumble, because I’ll fight through it, and that will help me and our team in the long run. I know coaches want to win now, and I guess they have their reasons. But I don’t understand it, and this switching back and forth is almost worse than getting benched.”

This is going to come to a head at some point this season. It might be used as the reason the Cardinals don’t make the playoffs - again - or, if ‘Zona stays in the playoff hunt, the players will demand that either Leinart or Warner lead them. Either way, Whisenhunt can’t play go and win this battle with the players, especially when you have the guy you used to coach floating around dropping bombs behind your back:

“The whole thing is weird,” says Roethlisberger, who admittedly is not a fan of Whisenhunt, his former offensive coordinator. “He sits Matt all that time, then puts him back in and has him throwing deep? It’s just weird. I don’t see how it can work. But that’s just me.”

(addendum: Silver, a longtime sports journalist, was called a “blogger” on “Jim Rome’s Rome is Burning” show yesterday.)

Bad Newz dogs not so bad, after all

All but one of the dogs that John Goodwin and the Humane Society (HSUS) wanted killed have been found to be - in time - fit to be placed with families:

All but one of the dogs seized in the Michael Vick dog fighting case will be placed with families or put in a “sanctuary,” where they will interact with people to overcome their fear and lack of socialization, according to court order filed Monday.

One of the 49 seized dogs “has a history biting humans” and will be euthanized, according to a motion filed in Virginia in U.S. District Court.

U.S. Attorney Chuck Rosenberg said the dog — identified as number 2621 — “exhibited intense aggression to humans to the point where the evaluation could not safely be completed.”

The recommendation came more than a month after the court ordered the dogs evaluated by U.S. Department of Agriculture contractors.

How interesting. The public was led to believe that all of these dogs showed signs of dog fighting and were otherwise useless. Despite reporting on May 24 that the dogs were mostly in fine condition, I was told there was no truth to this; that all the dogs showed signs of dog fighting injuries. Now we find that the report was correct all the time.

What else is a lie?