Dennis: To a point I agree only because of Kobe Bryant's presence and the fact that the Lakers play a triangle offense, which uses the big man up at the key. However, Shaq did do his thing in post with them, so there's no reason Bynum can't if he's just that dang good. But, switching from the post to the perimeter, how about Leandro Barbosa? The guy is simply burning the nets, scoring at a 20 point clip and hitting threes galore... he's already had two games where he's hit five bombs. However, we pretty much knew that he could score. What has impressed me is his assists average. which is nearly six a game. And when Steve Nash was out for two games, Barbosa did fairly well - 26 and 3 dimes vs. Philly for the win and 15 and 11 assists on a hot Utah club for a loss by only three points. Barbosa has really been impressive.
Mike: I agree. He is making about half of his three-point attempts and you can call him the frontrunner for Sixth Man of the Year.
Dennis: Yeah, I think many would agree with you on that one. Okay, with all the players that are doing well that we've mentioned, there's buond to be those that have disapppointed. Who's on your list?
Mike: As a Nuggets fan I would have to say Kenyon Martin's right knee really disappointed me. He said he'd be healthy coming into the season and now he's done for the year. Considering the money and draft picks the Nugs gave away for this guy, I would have to say that next to giving Adonal Foyle 40-something mill, this is one of the worst signings in history. And the Nuggets probably could have signed Boozer that year for less money.
Dennis: Yeah, definitely agree with you on all points. Kenyon has always been one of those players whose health was the only thing standing in his way from being very good. Keeping the theme of knee surgery, we've talked about this before and I'm not writing him off as a disappointment right now necessarily, but Amare Stoudemire is performing below some of the expectations many had for him this season. Thus far, he's shown some signs of becoming the dominating Amare of the past, but overall, I think we can say he's been average - 14 points and 7 rebounds for the season, although starting for the Suns past six games he's doing up 19 points and 9 boards, so there's definitely hope. I think as the season goes along and he gains strength and confidence, he'll do fine, but right now, he's not at that superstar level, so he's more of a neutral than a down player. Beveryone is looking for that 26 point scorer from two seasons ago.
Mike: We need to give the man some time. He'll be okay.
Dennis: But all of us fantasy owners that drafted him in the third round need him now!!!
Mike: What about Stephon Marbury. No injury, just struggling. Steph has always put up good numbers, but never proved to be a winner. Now he's putting up poor numbers and still hasn't proven to be a winner. Rumor has it that Isiah could take him out of the starting lineup, which would most likely result in a much needed trade. Marbury has the coach that he wanted and doesn't have anyone to blamem but himself for the disappointing season so far.
Dennis: The only thing Steph is good for this season are his cheap sneaker prices for which I personally thank him. In all seriousness, I don't know what's up with Starbury other than what you said - he's just not a winner and, again as you said, there's no one to blame but himself. I'm sure somewhere Larry Brown is cracking his butt up. Someone who isn't laughng so much though is Boris Diaw. What happened? I'll tell you what happened. Amare Stoudemire and Kurt Thomas are healthy. Remember, Diaw had his incredible season last year because both players were injured. But I wonder if getting less PT (36 minutes per games to 29 mpg this season) along with minutes that will be up in the air could get to Diaw? He got some good money this offseason, but isn't peforming to that standard. He's still starting, but playing like a bench player. He still has talent... that doesn't disappear just like that at this point in Diaw's career, but I think Diaw probably just needs a solid role to play.
Mike: You're exactly correct. Amare and Thomas are back and there goes Boris. Last year wasn't a fluke by any means for the 6-8 guard/forward/center, the team needed him and he stepped up. With the return of Thomas and Amare, he's not needed as much as he was last year.
Dennis: Exactly and for that I think some people may be disappointed, and probably most of all Diaw.
Mike: I know the Hawks aren't disappointed, ha!
Dennis: Hahahahaha. Nice. Okay, let's talk teams now. Who's surprising you with their play right now?
Mike: Watch out 1995-96 Bulls, here come the Jazz... Okay, I'm not going to go that far with it even though they're on pace for a 70-plus win season, but I see the Jazz making some noise in the West throughout the entire regular season and into the playoffs. Do I see them winning the West? Probably not, but we can lock them down as the Northwest champs already. And you don't know how difficult it is for me to say that. We've mentioned two Jazz players already as surprises, so it only makes sense that the Jazz top my list as the surprise team in the NBA. They'll slow down, but the question is how much?