Considering all the turmoil surrounding the Sonics -- continuous moving of players, a 16-43 record and the incessant commentary about whether they’re staying in Seattle or moving to Oklahoma City -- Kevin Durant deserves to be lauded for living up to his billing as the consensus preseason rookie of the year.
Once the Blazers' Greg Oden went down with microfracture knee surgery before the season even began, the expectations for Durant were immense. Although the circumstances surrounding the team have precluded success, there was some anticipation that he could hasten their improvement. It hasn’t happened, along with Atlanta’s Al Horford, he’s been consistently the most productive rookie.
But as so many of the rookies from the lottery have run smack into the proverbial wall in the final third of the season (not to mention their languishing teams), the final pick of the lottery – Al Thornton – has picked up a head of steam despite the seemingly inevitable implosion of the Clippers down the stretch.
Thornton, the 6-8, 220-pound forward from Florida State, has raised his numbers to 11.5 points and 4.1 rebounds on the strength of averaging 17.8 points and 5.8 rebounds over the past 17 games. Twice he has scored 33 points during that time and he’s had 23 or more points seven times.
And Thornton isn’t the only rookie from the bottom of the lottery to step up recently, as Thaddeus Young has played a role in the resurgent Sixers move into the seventh spot of the Eastern Conference. While the Sixers have won 12 of their past 17 games, Young, also a 6-8, 220-pound forward but from Georgia Tech, has averaged 10.8 points and 6.1 rebounds.
That’s not to minimize how Durant has lingered near 20 points a game all season, nor the way Horford has been on the verge of a averaging a double-double for the erratic Hawks the entire season. But this is the time of year when you learn a lot about rookies, and what kind of mental toughness they have now and for the future.
Meanwhile, we would be remiss not to recognize the great job free agent Jamario Moon has done for the Raptors, along with Luis Scola for the Rockets and Juan Carlos Navarro for the Grizzlies, but they’ve all played professional basketball for several years. This review is about how the young players are learning to deal with their first season playing with the big boys.
In other words, this is all about grading the impact the lottery picks have had on their respective teams – keeping in mind most of these guys are on teams that are still trying to figure out how to win games on a consistent basis with young players.
So this is what we’ve got so far, and we’ll check back after the season is over – which won’t be long for at least 10 of the 14.
1. Greg Oden, Portland Trail Blazers, 7-1, 270, C: The word on Oden needing major surgery came down a month before training camp even began. The affable 7-1 center remains at the core of what the future bodes for the Blazers, who were the surprise of the NBA before the first of the year and are still above .500. Just competing without Oden, with another lottery pick in the offing come June, he’ll have his shot at rookie of the year next season with a team on the rise. Grade: Incomplete.
2. Kevin Durant, Seattle SuperSonics, 6-9, 220 G-F: The Sonics have been a mess all season, but Durant has somehow managed to average around 19.4 points and 4.1 rebounds from the beginning. His shot selection has improved some from early season launching, but the team hasn’t helped him any with the revolving door not only on the floor, but on the roster. The usage of his quickness, long arms and great hands on defense has been gradually improving and helped the Sonics on occasion. Grade: B.
3. Al Horford, Atlanta Hawks, 6-10, 245, F-C: The Hawks looked like they were headed in the right direction in December – playoff-bound for the first time in nine years. But they’ve fallen apart since then. Not Horford. He’s been a rock, and arguably more consistently effective than Durant, although not as flashy. Over the past 17 games, he’s averaged 10.9 points and 10.1 rebounds – as opposed to his season average of 9.6 points and 10.0 rebounds. Tough physically and mentally, he’s been surprisingly consistent on a terribly inconsistent team. Grade: B-plus.
4. Mike Conley, Memphis Grizzlies, 6-1, 175, PG: Drafted by a team that already had three point guards, this never made sense from the beginning, and the slim and young Conley wasn’t physically ready at the beginning of the season to run the team. But his minutes have picked up considerably since the first of the year as the woeful Grizzlies packed it in anyway. He’s averaged 10.8 points and a shade less than 5.0 assists the past 17 games during which the Grizz have managed to win just three – which isn’t that much better than the 9.3 points and 4.6 assists for the season. He’s got great floor awareness, quickness and delivers the ball well … unless they ruin him. Grade: C.
5. Jeff Green, Seattle SuperSonics (from the Boston Celtics), 6-9, 235, F: Acquired in the Ray Allen as the yang to Durant’s yin, he’s been yanked in and out of the line all season by coach P.J. Carlesimo, so it’s been difficult to get a read on what Green can do. He’s smart, tough and strong, but he’s been a typically erratic rookie on an even more erratic team. Green seems destined to be the starting small forward on this team for many years, with Durant sliding back to shooting guard – although some believed Green would fill out to be a power forward. As it is, he’s been right around 9.0 points and 4.9 rebounds all season. They wanted a solid character role player and got him. Grade: C.
6. Yi Jianlian, Milwaukee Bucks, 6-11, 235, F: A controversial pick from the beginning, Yi made it clear he didn’t want to go to Milwaukee, but eventually caved when they wouldn’t trade his rights. He played well in the preseason, responded once the regular season began as well. But the slim 7-footer has hit double figures only twice over the past six weeks, and really began the big fade after the first of the year. Averaging just 7.4 points and 3.8 rebounds over the past 17 games, the fade has dropped his average below the solid double figure scoring and 6-plus rebounds he was averaging into January to 8.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and dropping. Grade: C-minus.
7. Corey Brewer, Minnesota Timberwolves, 6-8, 185, G-F: The Wolves expected instant impact from one of the key components of the two-time defending NCAA champion Florida Gators, but are still waiting. He’s been given plenty of opportunity, but can’t manage to get his numbers above 5.8 points and 3.8 rebounds. He is a superb defender, with great quickness and hands, which helps a lot on a bad team like the Timberwolves. But he’s got to develop a more consistent jump shot – always in question at Florida too – while getting to the rim when it is there. The latter will come with time, but his shot needs work. Grade: C-minus.
8. Brendan Wright, Golden State Warriors (from the Charlotte Bobcats), 6-10, 200: It was hard to figure how Wright would break into the Warriors lineup this season for any number of reasons considering how deep they are on the wings, plus coach Don Nelson’s history of letting rookies sit. Essentially, that’s been the story for the long, skinny and athletic North Carolina product. He’s played in only 22 games all season for the 36-22 W’s, but has averaged 7.2 points and 5.0 rebounds in the six game he’s played over the past month. However, something must be happening because Nellie has played him the past two games and he’s averaged 12.5 points, 7.0 rebounds and 2.5 blocks. He’s perfect for the system and it will be interesting to see how the final six weeks pan out – he should be handed the minutes Grandpappy Chris Webber is getting. Grade: C.
9. Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls, 6-11, 235, C-F: Aggressive on the floor and outspoken off of it, this season has hardly been a picnic for Noah or the Bulls. He was in and out of the lineup before Scott Skiles was fired and it’s only been slightly better with Jim Boylan. But the dealing of Ben Wallace has opened the door for him to be the center, period. He’s averaged 7.8 points and 5.7 rebounds in the six games since the big trade, which isn’t really measurably better than the 5.3 points and 4.8 rebounds for the season. This season has been a disappointing mess for them, and we’ll get a better take on him next year. Grade: C
10. Spencer Hawes, Sacramento Kings, 7-0, 245, C: Questions about his knees bore out right away when he was sidelined early in the season, and his lack of strength overall explained why so many told him coming out after his freshman year was too soon. But he is a very skilled basketball player with great hands, touch and passing ability. What we don’t know is if he can hold up physically as the Kings center of the future when Brad Miller is finished. Most of his appearances have been token, averaging just 3.5 points and 2.4 rebounds – slightly better (4.9 and 2.9) over the past 17. Nobody will question his talent, but he has a long way to go to prove his body can handle playing in the NBA. Grade: C-minus.
11. Acie Law, Atlanta Hawks, 6-3, 195, PG: Allegedly, the Hawks finally got their point guard after opting not to take Deron Williams, Chris Paul and even swing guard Brandon Roy in the previous two drafts. But it just hasn’t worked for them, as Law has struggled all season with a chronic wrist problem that needs to be resolved in the offseason. An overachiever at Texas A&M, you’ve got to love his attitude and work ethic, but he’s a long way from proving he can consistently run a team. And that’s why they trade for Mike Bibby, who still has plenty of tread left on his tires. Law’s average of 4.6 points and 2.3 assists for the season is reflective of any portion of the season – probably half of what they wanted and needed from his as the 11th pick. Grade: C-minus.
12. Thaddeus Young, Philadelphia 76ers, 6-8, 220, F: A lot of people liked Young coming out of Georgia Tech – smart, athletic and very coachable. But he was so young and seemingly raw …it was hard to figure he would contribute much this season. But he’s one of those guys with great work habits and continues to improve as a result of that ethic. His contribution was minimal until after the first year, since then he has blossomed in the rotation. Over the past 17 games, Young has averaged 10.8 points and 6.1 rebounds, including a stretch of 10 games during which he reached double figures in scoring. Besides, he’s extremely quick and thriving when coach Maurice Cheeks has them press – averaging 2.0 steals a game over the past 10. Grade: B.
13. Julian Wright, New Orleans Hornets, 6-8, 225, F. Ironically, he has suffered the same fate as Brendan Wright, struggling to find minutes on the playoff-bound Hornets. Nonetheless, it doesn’t translate to two Wrights making a wrong. The former Kansas star has played in only 34 games, 11 over the past two months – managing to average just a couple of points and a rebound. With the lack of depth the Hornets have, he should have been able to earn some minutes by now. It’s a wasted year for him, without question, when he could have been raising his game to another level and helping the Jayhawks compete for a national championship. Grade: D.
14. Al Thornton, Los Angeles Clippers: 6-8, 220, F. Thornton had such a great preseason for the Clippers – particularly since Elton Brand was sidelined with an Achilles tendon tear. And with Oden out for the year, he became the sleeper pick for rookie of the year. But once the regular season started, he rapidly lost his effectiveness and minutes. But injuries kept hurting the Clippers, and coach Mike Dunleavy turned back to Thornton again around Christmas. Gradually, he regained the confidence of the preseason and started putting up numbers to get his season’s averages up to 11.5 points and 4.1 rebounds. But it’s the nearly 18 points and 6 rebounds of the past 17 games that have turned everyone’s head. He’s a tough guy and will only get better. Grade: B.
so Durant is your pick for ROY eh? high praise for a guy who is shooting UNDER 40 PERCENT...there are a whole lot of role players in the league who could average 19 jacking up as many shots as KD...then again his only comp for ROY is Horford (who ought to win but wont), because the rest of this draft is awful...count me among the idiots who thought Brewer was gonna be good...ugh
Thornton is shaping up to be a great pick by the lowly Clippers...maybe someday he can join the Varsity L.A. squad. You know the Donald west won't pry open his wallet ever again after this season's collapse. Sterling is the worst owner EVER.
Durant is not making his team any better. Taking so many shots only ensures the Sonics will not grow together. Horford and Thornton are having solid years but their temas are not going to do much. Thaddeus Young is a key component of an overachieving Sixers team that is going to make the playoffs. We should rethink our criteria for the league's most valuable rookie.
A couple of things ... Durant has looked bad a lot this season (I've seen most of the Sonics games this season), but he's managed to improve and win games despite all the distractions and moving parts of the team. They've started three different point guards, four different centers and three different small forwards. He's managed to maintain his scoring average and actually improve his decision-making and shot selection.
That's not to minimize what Horford has done and I consider him nearly as strong a candidate and would have no problem if he won the award. But Durant is a special talent and I've seen it a lot.
And yes, Oden will be a rookie again next season and I make that point at the top of the blog when reflecting on Oden.
Vamoriello ... obviously, I've been very impressed with what Young has done for the Sixers over the past 17 games ... but that's 17 games. Let's see what he does the next 17 games - and not ignore the previous games. The two Andres - Miller and Iguodala - are the primary reasons the Sixers have been winning. Young has been a big help.
And I also believe Durant and Horford shouldn't be penalized for being on horrible teams - particularly the turmoil in Seattle.
QWXOTC,
you say Durant is shooting under 40% (39%), but I bet you didn't know that LeBron shot only 41% his rookie season. So before you pass judgment on Durant, how bout you give him some time?
As it is, he's in the same boat as LeBron was, because he has ZERO supporting cast and defenses focus on him as their number one priority. Even LeBron had Zydrunas and Boozer to help out a little. Who does Durant have thats even near that level?
isnt it Brandan not Brendan Wright? anyways I know Durant is just a scorer really but I expected more from him. And I know its not his fault but im kinda mad oden was out it wont be the same next year with him as a rookie than it would this year vs Durant, there was so much hype
If the Hawks end up in the playoffs it will be because they added Bibby. Horford is good but Durant still gets the ROY. Although he is shooting a low percentage and taking a lot of shots he is the best player on his team as a rookie! He has no one to take the pressure off of him but just about every other rookie that was drafted in the 1st round does. If Ray Allen was still there I'm pretty sure things would be a little different.
I am afraid the Blazers have another Sam Bowie on their hands. Durant reminds me of Clyde the Glide w/o the dunking displays to this point. He is not afraid to take the open shot and the sky is the limit for this kid.
I appeciate the positive comments about Luis Scola, Mike. He is a lunch pail kind of player who took half of the season to adjust to the NBA game but he is going to be good for a while-maybe a future all-star. I hope you get to see Carl Landry in the next couple of weeks. The Rockets stole him with the first pick of the second round. His explosive leaping ability and the way he constantly attacks the goal are a sight to see. The announcers on the Rockets broadcast said that opponents are beginning to game plan for him because of the way he attacks the goal and gets the crowd involved with explosive dunks. He has great hands and a nice mid range jumper. Check him out.
I agree that Durant is the best of a thin talent field this year.
hey Bear_down: get off his back about spelling errors. haven't you ever made a mistake? it's very common for people to over look something like that; you don't have to be a smartass about it.
Well Pbdiddy, Im not "passing judgment" on him I just dont think he deserves ROY. and the reason the defenses focus on him is because the sonics are trying to establish him as a superstar instead of implementing move-the-ball offenses that other less talented teams like the Wiz use. they traded away players like K Thomas and Ray Allen to make Durant the focal point. and its working because hes already getting superstar calls which account for a good portion of his 19ppg average. But dont compare him to lebron because his rebounds assists and all around game arent even in the same zip code.
Ok, most lottery picks do not wind up on good or even decent teams and such was the case with Durant. Nobody expected him to take the Sonics to the playoffs anytime soon. Their owner will take them to Oklahoma (Ick) long before that happens, but he is a great talent. I think he will bulk up a bit over the next couple of years, improve his shot selection and make others around him better. Is he my pick for ROY? Right now it's a toss up, but having watched him play in Austin for a year and having seen many of his games this year, I'm leaning that way. We'll see what happens down the stretch.
Hey Kahn, how bout MVP? Kobe or Paul? As far as I can see, nobody else is even in the running (the King included).
Last edited by whatever21 on March 4th at 1:01 PM.
At the very start of the season I could see the Clippers made a great deicision with Al Thornton. He reminds me alot of Josh Howard from the Mavs, and I like both of the way they play. Still hjas alot to learn though like rookies do.
I definitely thought Acie Law would have had a more productive season........but I don't think he's motivated playing for Mike Woodson........I definitely wouldn't give on this kid though, I bet the stats that the Hawks were expecting from him they will get next year and some........kid's got heart and will for days........he'll be allright when he develops a consistent outside J.
Al horford is the Rookie of the year
Al thornton will be the best player in future from this draft class.
Durrant is good and he has the opportunity to be Rookie of the year but his effiency isnt good at all. i think Horford grade should have been an A- and thornton a B+.
I agree with most of what you have said, but I think your grade of Yi is a bit harsh. Everyone knew he would be raw coming out of China. He doesn't have the size to be immediately dominant like Yao, but he has put together some nice games. He has had to make a lot of adjustments. I remember when he played his first Summer League game and fouled out in like 10 minutes. His learning curve from then to know seems like something that should be lauded as much as Durant's improved shot selection. I mean, who was Yi playing against in China? I'm willing to bet no where near the level of competition in Major College, or Europe.
It does look as though he has hit a wall. His numbers have decreased, but so have his minutes. It looks as though he has been playing significantly less since the last half of January. Which is the leading factor here? Worsening play leading to reduced minutes on a team that isn't sniffing the playoffs? Or reduced minutes due to overall physical and mental fatigue that have led to a drop off in numbers?
Last thing. I like the fact that you check your comments, and respond. Keep it up.
Straight up, games i seen the sonics play they look better with Durrant on the bench then when he is on the floor. Some said it perfectly, any role player in the league could average 19 points if they are giving the opportunity to shoot alot.
what Al horford has been doing, is amazing. No one expected him to be a scorer but he is doing what everyone expected him to do and more. He is a force on the boards(we expected that), and when he gets the ball to score he is very efficent shooting over 50 percent. He makes his team better when he is on the court.
If Al Thorton was playing all season he would be the Rookie of the year without a doubt. This is a guy who can score and might be more talented then Durrant.(i think he will be better even do Durrant is more talented) This is a weak rookie class but no one expected anyone to have a great rookie year instead of Durrant and Oden. Durrant is getting his points but i think he has been a little disappointment so far. And he doesnt make his team better. Thorton and Horford does(especially Horford)
Trust me their will be alot of stars from this years draft, just give some of them time to develope.
ROY is just like the All Stars Game, there is more hypes than facts and the player with the best stats won't always win it. For example, The year when LeBron James won the ROY, Carmelo Anthony average more points, more rebounds, better field goal % and better free throw %, better Turned over rate and play less minutes than LeBron James. His team have a better record and played in the WEST yet ROY still went to LeBron James because everyone expected that way. This year it will be the same, Al Horford deserved to be the ROY but Kevin Durant will walk away with it
Thornton right now is the best pick in the draft. But in the long run Durant and Oden will probably be better. Thornton will eventually be an all star or close to it. Once our team is whole again will be puting the hurt on all the teams in the league again. Watch out Laker fans and the league we are taking over next year.
You are correct about that. The clippers with thornton will surprise and be one of the NBA elite teams for years to come. The Lakers, the college varsity team will be back to eighth seed again or worse. Its so funny that Laker fans call themselves a College team. Ha! Ha! ha!
Its nice to see Mr. Young stepping up on the Sixers, I am still not sure if he justified such a high draft pick but at least Billy King is looking a little less like an #### as he pursues his next job. The Sixers still suck! I went to see them in Oakland on Friday night and they looked pathetic. Baron Davis couldn't hit the broad side of the barn and they still killed the Sixers.
Go Scorriors!!
imagine the clippers lineup healthy ?
jees its gonna be a good season
C Kaman
PF Brand
SG Mobley
SF Thornton
PG Livingston
even tho the clippers always make us clippers fans frustrated UGH... im glad cassell is gone that crybaby and now we need to sign Brand to hope we got a purpose to play next year because i think maggette is gona after this year he is tired of losing and you can tell :/
I think that Durant will win rookie of the year, but I would not be suprised if Al Horford wins it. He has been a large part of the Hawks semi-success this year. I am glad the Brandon Wright has finally started playing well for the warriors. I hope that Nellie keeps starting him. His name will get mentioned more towards the end of the season.
Durant would have been better off in a number of other places than Seattle. Another team may have been able to ease him into the scorer's role, rather than it having been forced on him with the Sonics. More of a concern than his shooting should be for someone who handles the rock as much as Durant does, is that he avg's 2 assists a game vs 3 turnovers. He needs to put on a few lbs or he'll spend his career on the perimeter.
My rookie pick is Horford. His consistency should be rewarded. 10 boards a game for a rookie is impressive.
The worst of this lot by far is Hawes. He needed another yr or two in college. Put him back in the Pac 10 now and he's not even close to the best center in the conference...Kevin Love would abuse him. Terrible decision to come out early.
The one legged, adopted, helmet wearing, window lickers, that have the honor of occupying the same building as the greatest franchise in all of sports will always be second tier. Donald Sterling is the worst owner ever, Kaman is a neanderthal, Brand is gimpy, Mobley ain't no cat, Livingston is obviously Ethiopian (somebody tell Keith Closs to get his mini me a sandwich for Christ sake...he's starving), Maggot-ee looks the part, but he's only average on the court, and Dunleavy is a Laker re-tread. Thanks for seasoning Borat Radmanivich & L.O. for us though...that's what the minor league team is for...good job.
look at the pic, somebody is fibbing. Either Oden is shorter than 7'1" or Durant is taller than 6'9". They don't look 4 inches apart. I'm willing to bet Oden is closer to 6'11"
You are funny purple and gold. I go ahead and agree that the Lakers are a college varsity team and you still have to attack the clippers. You really think Lamar Odom is seasoned. As much as I like him his game has to many holes in it. The guy has been the same player since he came into the league. Maybe worse since he has been on the Lakers. Only reason he is doing well now is because teams are not focusing on him anymore. Don't worry teams will adjust to the Lakers. Like I have said before they are not as good as Laker fans think. Don't think Radmonovich was so seasoned last year. The guy is awful one day and good the next. I would rather have consistent players such as Brand. You could say the same for Lamr he is just as up and down.
Don't forget Orange county we will have a high draft pick due to this years injuries. There are many things that we can do with it. From trading it for a proven player to just keeping the player or trying to move up in the draft. We will be back.
I have no clue why they consider KD for ROY. Look, Texas is a much better TEAM this year and are national title contenders. the same people are on the team. Even Rick Barnes said that KD was just a scorer. This is the same for the supersonics. He jacks up tons of shots (like he did for texas last year) and that does not help his team. it might put on a good show but if he doesnt change his ways any team he is on wont have a shot at the NBA title.
If i were looking for ROY the year cantidates, i would not forget to check out the rockets Louis Scola, he may not have durants numbers, but he is coming up big (especially in yao's absence)
I agree that Durant will likely be Rookie of the Year, but I'm not as impressed as I expected to be. It's true he doesn't have a lot of talent surrounding him, but his shot selection has not been the best and I thought he would bring better passing skills than he's shown. Frankly, Horford deserves the ROY more, but Durant had the publicity coming in and people will look at that PPG average without considering how many shots it took to get him there.
Frankly, I'm a lot more impressed with Jeff Green than Durant. He's been yo-yo'd in and out of the lineup (Carlesimo's subsitution patterns often make no sense), but I like Green's inside game and defensive potential. He may end up being a 3/4 'tweener in terms of size, but his feel for the game can't be taught...his passing instincts are tremendous. Too bad he's stuck on such a poor team, but at least the lack of pressure playing for a team nearly everyone expects to leave Seattle might help him develop in the long run.
C'mon, this shouldn't even be a debate; Durant is the ROY hands-down. Horford's definitely a great talent too; definitely the 2nd best rookie out there.......but averaging only about 10 & 10 while playing along side Joe Johnson/Josh Smith/Marvin Williams.....he doesn't have defenses geared up specifically to stop him......only 10 and 10? Durant gets almost 20 & 5...plus more assists, more steals, I think even more blocks, and he D's up against the top wing players and does a very respectable job. Imagine if the two of them changed places....Durant playing off of an All-Star (JJ) who would be getting all the attention/creating easy open looks for him......no contest guys.
The guy the lottery teams wish they would have picked is Carl Landry who went to the Houston Rockets with the first pick in the second round. Carl started getting significant playing time in the second half of the season and even more with Yao Ming out for the year. Carl would be a very high lottery pick if they were to rerun the draft now.
Reply to the Problem "no liltx if Ray Allen was there nothing would be different. If Ray Allen with Rashard Lewis got them nowhere, why you think Durant would be better
I was talking in terms of defenses keying on him as the number #1 person to stop on offense.
Yi deserves every piece of criticism he gets. not only for trying to get out of milwaukee, but then demanding a certain amount of playing time. now china is crying for the bucks to go easy on him cause hes getting worn out for the olympics, ridiculous
Everytime I read the purple and gold bleeders posts they get funnier and funnier to me. It must really bother you a lot that there are people who know the Lakers are not winning anything with this team.
AAAWWW...are we missing Sam I am...
how about some green eggs and ham??
Now that that oompa loompa has jumped ship to an actual contender, are you lonely?
Call Dr. Laura for a shoulder to cry on chica..
PLEASE..PLEASE change that pathetic screen name, you seem somewhat reasonable...your blind loyalty to a franchise who's OWNER doesn't even care if they win, suggests that you are a glutton for punishment...Do you have a domineering wife too, was mommy abusive? Why align yourself with the team on the cover of Sports Illustrated calling it the joke of professional sports? Do you pay a dominatrix to spit on you too??
Sorry Beaver..I'm piling on like Eddie Haskell huh?
You should't set yourself up like that Corky.
Back of the shortbus for you junior...
hurry along now.
night night
Last edited by BleedPRPL&GLD on March 4th at 11:39 PM.
I'm not for certain on this one... But I dont think that Oden was drafted by Seattle. I'm going to go on a limb here and say he was drafted by Portland. Just a huess though
I read the comments about ROY and decided to throw my 2 cents. For years the NBA has based the ROY and MVP on points scored, case and point Lebron and Bryant. Yes they're both valuable because they have the green light to shoot. Then you look at Chris Paul and the contribution he makes to his team and to me that's your true MVP, they did it with Steve Nash 2 years in a row. As for the ROY, you have teenagers with talent but still learning how to play NBA level basketball. Add the fact that they may not be on the team with a coach and or system that maximizes their talent. That said these kids come doing what they did that got them drafted and because the NBA likes to shove certain players down our throat, we end up hearing Durants name mentioned more that Al Thorton or other who are having a good year and maybe a better career. The overvall numbers should be the deciding factor not just points.
In other words, this is all about grading the impact the lottery picks have had on their respective teams – keeping in mind most of these guys are on teams that are still trying to figure out how to win games on a consistent basis with young players.
6. Yi Jianlian, Milwaukee Bucks, 6-11, 235, F: A controversial pick from the beginning, Yi made it clear he didn’t want to go to Milwaukee, but eventually caved when they wouldn’t trade his rights. He played well in the preseason, responded once the regular season began as well. But the slim 7-footer has hit double figures only twice over the past six weeks, and really began the big fade after the first of the year. Averaging just 7.4 points and 3.8 rebounds over the past 17 games, the fade has dropped his average below the solid double figure scoring and 6-plus rebounds he was averaging into January to 8.9 points, 5.3 rebounds and dropping. Grade: C-minus.
