(interbasket.net) -- With the NBA playoffs set to begin in a couple hours, Ibn would be remiss not to talk about the unprecedented competitive Western
Conference this year and the roles that international players are
having on every playoff-bound team. There is no less than 20
foreign-born players playing important roles on those eight teams.
Interbasket will break down each team's international player and how
important they are to their team's success.
1. Los Angeles Lakers Key Rotation Players: Pau Gasol, Ronny Turiaf, Vladimir Radmanovic, Sasha Vujacic International Importance: 8.5/10 Notes: The Lakers have the most players in their likely playoff
rotation with four and the newest one, Pau Gasol, has arguably been the
most important player for the Lakers since being stolen from Memphis.
The Lakers went from being serious pretenders to contenders with the
late-season addition of the Spanish Superstar and World Champion.
Vladmir Radmanovic starts for the Lakers because he has the
potential to become a game-changer with his outside shot, the problem
is the 6-10 Radman isn't very consistent with his play. If Radmanovic
isn't breaking his leg in skiing accidents and lying about it, he can
be a game-changer for Los Angeles.
I'm convinced that Ronny Turiaf is posed to make a splash in this
year's playoffs. With his energy, all-out hustle, defense (he led the
team in blocks with 1.4 a game), and with opposing teams focusing on
other players -- Turiaf is going to that X-factor player that everyone
talks about this time of year.
What a difference a year makes. The former-baby-faced Slovenian has
longer hair, facial hair, and grown up this year for the Lakers -
bringing consistency and competitiveness off the bench. Sasha Vujacic
is the sniper that the Lakers need, is showing feistiness on defense
while leading the Lakers in three-point shooting percentage (43.7).
2. New orleans Hornets
Key Rotation Players: Peja Stojakovic International Importance: 5/10 Notes: Peja not only brings his well-known three-point shooting,
but also brings the most playoff experience to the inexperienced
Hornets. Peja's range keeps the middle open for Chris Paul, David West
and Tyson Chandler to manuever inside.
I'm hoping Peja can help the Hornets advance and have a better
playoff showing that his last couple years in Sacramento. Peja's always
been a better second or third option player, and with Chris Paul
dancing around the paint and the threat of David West, Peja is free to
roam the arc for open shots.
3. San Antonio Spurs
Key Rotation Players: Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Fabricio Oberto International Importance: 10/10 Notes: International players have always played a big role with
the championship Spurs teams, and with every year that Tim Duncan gets
older, the more the Spurs seem to rely on French point guard Tony
Parker and Argentine superstar Manu Ginobili, whom is arguably been
their best player this year. If the Spurs win it this season, it would
be surprising if Manu wasn't named the Finals MVP (he was ROBBED last
year).
And Manu has a good repoire with Fabricio Oberto, the Spur's
starting center and glue guy. The Argentine center clogs up the middle,
cleans up the messes and rolls to the hoop for easy baskets. Oberto is
sometimes the forgotten Spur, but that doesn't mean Fab isn't important
to their overall success.
4. Utah Jazz Key Rotation Players: Andrei Kirilenko, Memo Okur International Importance: 8/10 Notes: AK and Memo Okur are the #3 and #4 players for the Jazz
and their play is hugely important for the Utah Jazz to advance on
their progress from last year. As some of you may recall, Kirilenko
wasn't in the best place last season and Memo Okur couldn't find his
outside stroke in the playoffs despite earning a reputation for being a
big-time shooter. Kirilenko is playing this season as if last season
didn't happen, with renewed confidence. It's likely he got a shot of
adrenaline from leading Russia to the gold medal in the European
Championships (and the automatic bid to this years Olympics).
Okur was well on his way to becoming the best Turkish player in the
world before he lost his outside shot last season and before Hedo
Turkoglu found his career in Orlando. Okur has suggested that his down
year hasn't affected him, that he'll take the shots as they come. With
Carlos Boozer demanding double teams and Deron Williams passing the
ball, the Jazz are certainly hoping that Okur is on his game this
playoff season.
5. Houston Rockets Key Rotation Players: Luis Scola, Dikembe Mutombo International Importance: 7/10 Notes: When Yao Ming went down, every one thought that the Rockets would go down with the 7-6 Chinese center, but that hasn't been the
case. Not by a long shot. Houston definitely is more of a threat with
him in the lineup for the playoffs, but the team-based play and the
impending threat that Tracy McGrady
could go for 50 on any given night is what makes this current version
of the Rockets go. With that said, Mutombo, at age 57, is still
intimidating and blocking shots, while Scola's adapting to the NBA game
will help fuel the Rockets forward.
6. Phoenix Suns
Key Rotation Players: Steve Nash, Boris Diaw, Leandro Barbosa, Gordan Giricek International Importance: 10/10 Notes: Steve Nash by himself is a 10/10. The reigning MVP is
enough to say that international players really play important roles
for the Phoenix Suns, but we need to recognize the roles that
multi-talented small forward from France Boris Diaw, and power bench
players Leandro Barbosa and troubled Gordon Giricek play for the
revamped, re-Shaqed Phoenix Suns. Adding Giricek's shot-making ability
has made the Suns that much more dangerous, and his shooting will
become more important as Shaquille ONeal gets more comfortable in their
re-tooled offense.
7. Dallas Mavericks
Key Rotation Players: Dirk Nowitzki International Importance: 10/10 Notes: As the 7-0 German with the gimpy ankle goes, so goes the
playoff chances for the Dallas Mavericks. Enough Said. 10 out of 10.
It's going to be a ugly off-season filled with second-guessing if the
Mavs don't make it to at least game seven of the Western Conference
Finals.
8. Denver Nuggets Key Rotation Players: Linas Kleiza, Eduardo Najera, Nene International Importance: Notes: These three big guys cannot be more different from each
other and that's why they'll play important roles. Linas Kleiza has
become a surprisingly consistent offensive option coming off the bench
with his ability to not only shoot the three but put the ball down on
the floor and attack the basket with his 6-8, 255-pound frame.
Eduardo Najera really has created a great niche for himself. He's a
poor-man's jack of all trades and I don't mean that in a detrimental
manner. He plays defense, he rebounds, he gets on the floor, dribbles,
drives, and is efficient with his time. Najera has also added a
consistent three-point shot, the 6-7 Mexican forward has shot and made
more threes this season than in all of his seasons combined. his
newfound touch which will stretch the defense for Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony to work their offensive moves with more space to spare.
Nene is working his way back into the rotation after having a tumor
removed, but if the Brazilian power player can get into game shape, the
Nuggets will be in good shape on the inside. Even if Nene can give
10-15 minutes of smart play, strong defense and throwing his weight
around, the Denver interior will be fortified and that much more ready
for a rugged playoff run. The Nuggets will need his strength to
counter Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom in the first round.
What about the East? This isn't the case in the East where
the amount of international players in key roles can be counted on one
hand and two fingers - Hedo Turkoglu, Jose Manuel Calderon, Samuel Dalembert, Anderson VarejaoSasha Pavlovic, Carlos Arroyo, and Andrea Bargnani.
And none of those players are the true, unquestioned leaders that the
West has in Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki. Hedo Turkoglu plays a key
role in Orlando, and Calderon runs the Toronto team, but the rest of
those guys are solely role players. Teams like Washington (Darius
Songaila), Boston, Detroit (Walter Herrmann), and Atlanta (Zaza
Pachulia) have international players, but none of them play a
significant enough role.
This week we look at the Utah Jazz's international players, Andris Biedrins, Tony Parker and Manu without Tim Duncan, Anderson Varejao's holdout, Andrew Bogut's career thus far, discuss Hedo or Memo, and introduce Kyrylo Fesenko. Every Wednesday during the NBA season, interbasket takes a closer
look at ten international NBA players that has caught our eye. (This week is for period 11/29 - 12/05/2007)
The Warrior's Steady-Hand
When one talks of the Warriors most will first think of Stephen Jackson
and Baron Davis. Then they'll think of Monta Ellis, Al Harrington, and
Matt Barnes. Those five maybe the faces and the heart of the team, but I think the efficiency and work down-low of Latvian center Andris Biedrins is
hugely-underrated.
Biedrins is averaging 10.1 rebounds, and the 12
players that average more rebounds per game than Biedrins, Biedrins
averages the least amount of minutes. Did I mention that he leads the
league in FG% too?
Game by game, Biedrins stats may look inconsistent, but it's more
the coach and style than the ups-and-downs of the 6-11 center with long
arms and great hands. Don Nelson loves his small ball, and he'll start
Harrington in the middle against teams with dominant centers, as he did
with Dwight Howard. And Harrington played the majority of minutes when
they played Yao Ming. So although Biedrins is good for a double-double
each game, Harrington's effectiveness in hitting threes determines
Andris's playing time about 30% of the time.
I think Nelly may be learning that though Biedrins isn't going to
draw opposing centers outside 10-feet, Biedrins is very effective in
the pick-and-roll with Baron Davis.
Dare I say that Andris more than held his own against Dwight Howard
too and I don't think it was a coincidence that the Warriors started
their run when Biedrins was in the lineup.
I am not complaining about Nelson at all. Being in the bay area, I'm
lucky to catch many of the Warriors games; and they've perfected the
up-and-down, shoot-the-first shot-offense while still getting back to
scrap on defense. Additionally, Nelson was the one that first gave
Biedrins (and Ellis) his shot, I just wish Biedrin's minutes were more
consistent.
Hedo or Memo?
When it came down to whom was the better Turkish player - Memo Okur or Hedo Turkoglu,
the last couple of years had only strengthen my belief that Memo Okur
was the better player. But things have flipped around this season. Both
players are playing for teams that have great records and are
contributing, but it's Turkoglu this year that is having the better
season, not just of the two players, but of his career.
I've always thought that Hedo Turkoglu's decision making towards the
end of games has been terrible, but I have to commend his play this
year. He is key to Orlando's start, I would even go to say that outside
of Dwight Howard, he is the most important player on the Magic. I have
no qualms in saying that Orlando wouldn't be near where they are at
this point of the season without him.
Thus far, Hedo has scored in double figures in every game this year
and though his shooting percentages have taken slight dips, his
offensive stats have skyrocketed. His eighth season in the NBA,
Turkoglu is averaging career-highs in points this year (18.6), rebounds
(6.1), and assists (4.1).
It's early, and outside of a complete collapse, the Magic should be
in the playoffs this season. To me, this is the time when Hedo will
prove his worth to me. As I mentioned earlier, his decision making has
never been great, and when the Magic are in a close playoff game this
year, Hedo is their only truly-playoff-tested player. Let's see if he
has learned from his mistakes.
Mehmet Okur
on the other hand has never had problems hitting in the clutch. Even
last year in the playoffs when he hit a cold streak, he still found
ways to hit a couple big time shots when they counted. But unlike Hedo,
Memo is having a rough start to the 2008 season.
He truly had a great season last year; not only because he was one
of the main cogs on an up-and-coming Jazz squad, he was also named to
the NBA all-star team after putting solid numbers, and earned himself a
reputation for hitting clutch shots.
But things have dropped this year - maybe because of Andrei
Kirilenko's renewed involvement (see below) and the continuation of
Boozer's dominance -- however, Okur is playing roughly around the same
amount of minutes an only shooting 1.5 less shots a game than last
year, so it just might be a matter of raising his shooting percentage.
"I just go out there and play,"
Okur said. "(Carlos) Boozer, Deron (Williams), Ronnie (Brewer) — those
guys, they step up their game, especially on offensive end. So I just
want to try to shoot open shots," Okur has taken the team-first perspective when talking about his productivity this year "I'm
gonna do what I'm doing out there because Boozer is doing a great job
on the block, and Deron creates open shots for us. ... If I'm open, I'm
gonna shoot it. If not, I'm gonna pass to whoever's open."
In addition to Memo shooting problems on the court, Okur went down
with a slight injury that caused him to miss a game. He did come back
strong the next game with 25 points in a win over Miami.
Who is Kyrylo Fesenko?
With the aforementioned injury to Memhet Okur (and to Carlos Boozer), 7-1, 288lbs Ukranian center Kyrylo Fesenko got called up from
the Utah Flash, his NBDL team, for the Jazz's game against the Los
Angeles Lakers Friday.
Fesenko, who would also leave the game with an injury, did well in his short NBA debut -- accumulating six points and seven rebounds in only 11 minutes.
Fesenko is a physical, energetic, and agile center. Constantly
moving, looking for contact, aggressive with hair-flying. The way
Kyrylo plays, I can see him being a more-effective Zaza Pachulia.
His
naivete might be his biggest asset, he doesn't come into the NBA afraid
of anyone and though light-hearted off the court, his intensity
on-court will be hard to match. The 20-year old kid wants to dunk the ball like Shaq every time he touches it " I like (Shaq's) animal rage under the basket, his power," he said. "When you look at him even on TV, you are afraid of him. He is huge, big..."
While trying out for the Pistons last year, Fesenko got a chance to meet his childhood idol Shaquille
O'Neal. So what did Fesenko when he had a chance to chat with his
basketball hero? He reportedly told Shaq in a half-joking fashion "I will dunk over (you), if (you) play one or two more years."
This kind of humor and blase attitude off the court has apparently made quite an impression on the Utah media and his Jazz teammates, even though he's only been a in Utah a month or so "He might be so unaware, he plays well," said Carlos Boozer speaking of Fesenko's
In his only NBA game thus far, Fesenko was hit on the side of the
head Chris Mihm while attempting to rebound a missed shot. He left that
game, but was activated for the next game against Miami, but with Okur
and Boozer back from injury, Fesenko didn't play norget the chance to dunk on Shaq (he also didn't play last night against Seattle).
Things, however are looking up for Kyrylo as his short 20-day stint in the NBDL has made an impression on Jerry Sloan "His
demeanor out here is 100 percent better than what it was when he left.
Not even playing basketball, just being around his teammates and being a little bit more professional about what he's doing." And Fesenko wasn't phased when he moved to the D-League, "I want to play in D-League and to be here, to get enough of game time to adjust to American basketball," he said before being called up "I
repeat it 100 time, I am not upset about it. I glad to be here. What
can be better than to have enough of game time — and a guaranteed
contract with the NBA?"
I guess it's Utah Jazz talk this week. I would be remiss to not mention Andrei Kirilenko's progress this season. His renewed perspective has him filling up box-scores again including
the third triple-double of his career (that seems odd that he wouldn't
had had more by now) -- 20 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists, 6 steals
and 4 blocks.
The great thing about Kirilenko, for Kirilenko fans, Utah Jazz fans
and Fantasy teams that have him on their team -- it's never just points
or rebounds or assists, whenever he is on his game -- you can always
account on great block and steal numbers too.
Andrew Who Again?
Has there been any #1 draft pick in the last ten years that has flew under-the-radar as Andrew Bogut
has thus far? In his third season, the 7-0 center from Australia is
having another decent season by putting up 12.6 points, 8.6 rebounds
and 2.3 blocks, but I really haven't heard anything about him; there
just isn't much discussion of Bogut. Has he shown any potential to eventually become worth a #1 pick overall?
What I am saying is personally, I haven't heard anything about
Bogut, and for being a #1 overall pick, that's a little odd to me.
We're still tracking the progress of Andrea Bargnani. Everyone knows all about LeBron James and Yao Ming. We're still talking about Allen Iverson
and Tim Duncan. Greg Oden hasn't put on an NBA jersey and we're still
talking about him. We know that Olowakandi and Kwame Brown were
complete busts; that's been discussed and proven. So what of Andrew
Bogut?
Is it because he is playing in Milwaukee and no one cares outside of brewtown? I mean, I feel Yi Jianlian will consistently get more press. The question is, what can we expect from the
Australian center? The #1 pick of 2005 hasn't really had the chance to
become the focus point because of the Milwaukee's perimeter-orientated
offense with great guards Mo Williams and Michael Redd.
I wonder whether it's because Bogut hasn't asserted himself enough.
The brash, confident, and dominant college player that we saw at Utah
has yet to surface. Is he still learning the NBA game? Can anyone in or
outside of Milwaukee let me in on what's going on?
Will Anderson Varejao Still be a Fan Favorite if he Returns to Cleveland?
So Anderson Varejao
decides to sign an offer sheet with the Bobcats... 3 years for 17
million... The Cavs have said that they'll match the offer, but as of
this writing nothing is solid. Varejao can opt out of the deal after
the second season and become an unrestricted free agent - which is
likely in either case.
Why? I think it's plainly obvious that Andy is settling for 5.5
million a season and playing for the Bobcats for transparent reasons.
Nothing wrong with playing with the improving-Bobcats, but if the
choice is to play for $5.5 million on the maybe-playoffs Charlotte
Bobcats or play with LeBron James and the Cavs, the Eastern conference
champions? Andy's got dollar signs in his eyes still.
It seems to me that Varejao's plan is to play his #### off, opt-out when the time comes, and play
the free-agent game again trying to get his ridiculous 10/mil. Andy my
friend, you better pull in 20 and 10 this season to even get close to
that -- good luck. You're competing with a lot of other up-and-coming
Bobcats that have already established themselves offensively with the
Cats -- Okafor, the under-rated Raymond Felton, Gerald Wallace, Matt
Carroll, and Jason Richardson. Whoa, on second thought you better focus
on grabbing 15 rebounds, blocking 5 shots, and play D like Ben Wallace
circa 2004 in order toget the 10 mil you are looking for. Maybe the Bulls will sign you?
Seriously, I'd rather pay Fesenko 10x his salary, I think he has much more potential than Varejao.
Nash done with Canada? Steve Nash has said that he probably won't participate in next year's Olympics in Beijing even if Canada qualifies, and many believe that the two-time NBA MVP might be done with the Canadian National Team altogether.
Though Nash is saying that he is still undecided, he is leaning
towards not participating. citing his responsibilty to the Phoenix Suns
"I would say no, but I can't really talk about it until the situation arrives and this season's come to a conclusion," Nash said. "But in my mind right now, I'm not going to play for Canada anymore. I just can't do both."
Many speculate that when Canada decided to part ways with Jay
Triano, the Canadian National Team coach from 1998-2004 and a good
friend to Nash, they knew that the decision would not entice Nash to
come back.
Unlike many countries (and their press), Canadians aren't calling
for the Steve Nash's head. Overall, it seems they take a nicer and more
understanding approach to Nash's likely decision.
"We can't fault him." said Triano, whom is currently an assistant coach for the Toronto Raptor "Nash
has given so much over so many years. I mean, you can't expect guys to
play until they can't walk any more. Especially now, when he's playing
on a team that plays so deep into the summer."
Current national team coach Leo Rautlins was quoted as saying "(Steve's) got a young family, and he's got to do what he feels is best for him ... And whatever he feels is best, we all support him."
Coincidentally, Nash and his Phoenix Suns will be in Toronto tonight
to play the Raptors. Even with the disappointing news, no doubt the
Canadians will be giving the Victoria BCnative a warm welcome/thank you.
Tony Parker, Ginobili Bigger Factors than Ever
With Tim Duncan going down with an injury that will keep him out the next few games, it will be time for Tony Parker to quiet those critics that assert his success is only based on Duncan's inside presence. Given, the numbers of those critics have
grown smaller over the last few years, but when Duncan went down, it
was inevitable that I would come across something to that fashion.
While people drum up something to complain about the Spurs, they
continue rolling through the regular season again at 15-3, with the
second-best record in the league. And they're doing it with
less-reliance on Tim Duncan as Parker and Manu Ginobili are both averaging career-highs in points, FG attempts, 3pt FG attempts, FT Attempts, Assists and Rebounds.
Yes, without Duncan, they would be a different team, but the Spurs
wouldn't have had the last couple championships without the play of
Manu and Tony Parker. The fact that the Spurs are still successful with
less-effective Tim Duncan, shows that the Spurs are special and says a lot about the system Popovich has in place.
