HoopsHype.com NBA Blogs - Eddie Johnson

As I continue to watch the great improvement of players like Kevin Durant, Monta Ellis and Brandon Roy, my eyes tend to focus on the players that – although maybe putting up numbers – are still playing below the standards they should be setting. That’s why they have made my Top 10 disappointments list for the first half of the season. I am becoming increasingly disturbed with all the excuses that come from players’ mouths about why they are struggling.

I will admit that the athletes that grace our NBA courts today are better overall athletes compared to players 15 years ago, but in the same sense they are probably the softest and most mentally timid I have ever seen.

The league has relaxed the rules to a point that if you can actually put the ball on the floor two times, an average player becomes pretty good offensively. Still they complain when a player makes contact. Don’t they realize we had to play through hand checking from end to end? Don’t they realize there was a time a defender could put two hands in your back on the post? Don’t they realize when you drove the lane players would take you out without the threat of a flagrant foul or ejection?

If Michael Jordan, Dominique Wilkins, Larry Bird, Karl Malone and Charles Barkley played in today’s game with these rules, only two current players would be still getting superstar attention: Kobe Bryant and LeBron James. Why? Because they are physically and mentally tougher than anyone in the game.

Young players like Carmelo Anthony, Dwyane Wade, Dirk Nowitzki, Chris Paul, Deron Williams, Amare Stoudemire, Dwight Howard, etcetera, would be very good players… But would trail behind the players I listed. My word to players in today’s game is to toughen up both mentally and physically. And, most importantly, stop complaining.

If I hear one more coach or announcer complain about a team playing back-to-back games or four times in five nights, I am going to scream. If those great players listed above did not have to play three games in three nights or six games in seven days back then, what kind of numbers would they have had? I sometimes think the players today think NBA players have always flown charters, had equipment managers to wash their uniforms and carry them. Most importantly, I assume they think teams provided meals before and after games.

What David Stern should do every year for two months is take away the charters and make them fly commercial, force players to wash their own uniforms and play three games in three nights in three different time zones. I would bet that the appreciation would return immediately for how good this league has become and the part they play in it.

I picked these players as my mid-season disappointing Top 10 for various reasons. Most of them have very good stats, but could be playing much better and hopefully they will turn it around for the sake of their teams in the second half of the season.

10. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio

I know he has been injured over the last few years, but so have Kobe Bryant and Amare Stoudemire. He seems to have aged five years since last season. He went 0-10 against OKC the other day and I would not have ever imagined a player that gets to the basket like Ginobili would have that kind of night. 40 percent from the field is horrible for a scorer like Ginobili, so you would hope he improves dramatically in the second half and gets back in rhythm.

9. Mehmet Okur, Utah

This guy is a classic underachiever. Okur has everything a complete player needs except the toughness to top it off. He can post up, shoot from anywhere on the court and pass the ball, but yet Jerry Sloan never knows what he’s going to get from Okur. No way should he be shooting 42 percent from the field with his all-around game. I know they are trying to trade Carlos Boozer and that could be the wrong move if Okur does not become a more consistent player.

8. Vince Carter, Orlando

This is not all Vince Carter’s fault. Why would a team that made the Finals a year ago allow a player to come in and take a team-leading 15 shots per game while he is shooting a terrible 39 percent from the field? Carter is doing what he has always done. He should have been instructed by the most dominant player on the team, Dwight Howard, that he wants the ball and Carter could have made it happen. Carter is streaky and when healthy will explode, but the Magic will not repeat as Eastern champs if Carter is taking most of the shots.

7. Dwight Howard, Orlando

He’ the only superstar on this list. And that’s because he’s too nice. Howard is averaging 10 free-throw attempts a game while attempting 9 shots. Yes, I know that equates to more attempts than it really shows. But here is the problem… Rashard Lewis, Vince Carter and Jameer Nelson are shooting terrible from the field. Howard has to demand the ball more and convince those three that their percentage and confidence will rise accordingly. He will get them to the bonus early in quarters and thus soften the defensive pressure on his jump shooters. Every scorer knows the way to consistent shooting is getting to the line and Howard is the highway to getting them there.

6. Derrick Rose, Chicago

The last Rookie of the Year has not excelled in terms of leadership in the fashion I expected. He should be averaging much more than 6 assists a game even if running mate Ben Gordon is not there. Defensively, he has not improved either. Just one steal per game. I admit the Bulls are in a little turmoil lately, but this should not be affecting Rose, who has the ability to become one of the top point guards in the league for many years to come. I expect Rose to take off in the second half and one signal is his ability to score consistently in the fourth quarter when his team needs him most.

5. Andrew Bogut, Milwaukee

The Australian center is putting up very good numbers, but a No. 1 pick should be a star. He has excellent footwork and a high IQ on the court, but it seems like he is satisfied with just being OK. I saw him miss a game-tying layup from point-blank range against the Suns last week. He tried a finger roll instead of emphatically tearing the rim down. I like Brandon Jennings, but do you think Hakeem Olajuwon or Shaquille O’Neal in their prime would allow a rookie to jack up three-point shots with 15 seconds on the shot clock.

4. Elton Brand, Philadelphia

I honestly thought Brand would make an easy adjustment from Achilles surgery because he plays well below the rim, but he looks slow and mechanical. He has had some solid games and has sent messages that he can get it done on some nights, but not at the consistent level coach Eddie Jordan would like. I think we should wait a while before we solidify that Brand will not get back to an All-Star level, but the window is slowly closing.

3. Ben Gordon, Detroit

Detroit has not had a good run when it comes to acquiring players lately. Gordon is a fabulous offensive talent, but I just questioned where he would fit on a team with a plethora of swingmen. He needs to be the center of attention in a halfcourt game, but they have Richard Hamilton, Rodney Stuckey and a fireball in Will Bynum. I would not be surprised to see Gordon somewhere else next season.

2. Caron Butler, Washington

A few years ago this was one of my favorite players, but something has happened and I don’t like it. I see a player that had a good body looking overweight and out of shape. He is not as explosive as he once was and most importantly I don’t see the hungry and dirty approach to the game in terms of a physical presence. He is shooting 42 percent from the field and that has to come up, but only if he loses a few pounds and works on his conditioning.

1. LaMarcus Aldridge, Portland

He is No. 1 because I think he should be an All-Star every year if he wanted to. He plays the game too soft and seems to back further and further away from the basket the more physical it gets. He has a decent post game and excellent mid-range shot, but does not know how to mix it up. This will be a major problem as we enter the second half of the season. Juwan Howard will not be able to continue to log big-time minutes as the season winds towards the playoffs. Aldridge should be a better field-goal percentage shooter – similar to Amare Stoudemire. But the most surprising stat is he is a terrible shot blocker. The Blazers have lost two centers and now it’s time for Aldridge to get tougher and play like he is capable of or they will struggle to make the playoffs.

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More than three months into the season, I guess it’s time to update my Top 25. Here you go…

25. Al Jefferson

Jefferson bumps Shawn Marion out the last spot and gets in over players like Devin Harris, Rajon Rondo, Jameer Nelson and Mo Williams. When Shaq retires, Jefferson will probably become the game’s most dominant low-post scorer. He has a variety of moves and stays so low on his drives, it is extremely difficult for players to guard him. The Wolves have improved at a fast rate since Kevin McHale took over and Jefferson has been dominant. That should be no surprise since McHale was the best post player of his time.

24. Ray Allen

Allen should have probably been here already. He is one the best shooters ever and has played as well or better than Garnett and Pierce the first half of the  season. Pick any player you want to take a game-tying jump shot to tie or win the game and Allen will be definitely at the top of the list. He replaces Tracy McGrady, who can’t stay healthy enough to warrant a spot.

23. Danny Granger

A scoring machine who plays on the ground although he can elevate on a defender when he needs to.  He is the most improved player in the game and I see him getting better. Granger can play 15-plus years and be productive with his efficiency towards the game. The Pacers are very competitive despite their poor record and  that is why first-time All-Star Granger moves in and  Caron Butler drops out.

22. Steve Nash

No player has been asked to change his game this year more than Nash. He has been asked to slow down his tempo and creativity. I guess it is similar to buying a Ferrari and only being able to drive it 55. The reason Nash has dropped is not because of his abilities, which I think are still there. It’s his inability so far to grasp the new system and give us the production we have seen and been spoiled with the last few years. I still consider Nash the most unselfish player in  the league and its best all-around shooter.

21. Brandon Roy

Moves in as Baron Davis drops out. Roy is the cousin of Manu Ginobili. He finds a way to attack the basket regardless of the defensive tactics of the opposing team. He uses his left hand better than some left-handers. He is dangerous because he has continued to stretch his range and now can run off numbers at a rapid pace. The Blazers are the most talented team in the league 1 through 12 and one way Roy can continue to move up is not becoming too shot happy and getting his teammates involved more in the early parts of the game.

20. Manu Ginobili

Moves up four spots and I am sure my Spurs readers will still not be happy. The guy is just a pure nightmare to guard and he is definitely one the toughest clutch players in the league, but I still can’t stand how he flops consistently when touched. I will still give him the benefit of the doubt and call him one the top 10 offensive players with the game on the line. And yes, I would love to have him play on my favorite team.

19. Deron Williams

Has been dealt a tough blow. He gets hurt to start the season and he loses his running mate Carlos Boozer as well. He falls eight spots by no fault of his own. I still think he is the second best point guard in the game and will be in the Top 10 at season’s end if he gets healthy. He is the only player in the league that gives Chris Paul problems on a consistent basis.

18. Shaquille O’Neal

Stays at number 18 and probably deserves to be rated higher. Please name me a  true center other than Howard that has played better than Shaq? The reason he stays at 18 is because although he is playing extremely well, the Suns as a team have struggled. I would like people to finally applaud Shaq for improving not only on his conditioning but his free-throw shooting as well.

17. Amare Stoudemire

Falls 10 spots and, if he does not improve his basic defensive skills, could fall further. Amare potentially could be the best power forward in the game, but has not shown an overall consistency on the defensive end to warrant staying at number 7.  I admire how Amare was able to rebound from ACL surgery and regain his explosiveness, but we need to see more growth on the court with regards to the dirty parts of the game, like defense and rebounding.

16. Joe Johnson

Moves into the Top 25 as Allen Iverson drops out. He has proven that the Hawks’ run last year was no fluke and his ability to lead and become a  top-notch scorer was real as well. He has the best handle (next to LeBron and Kobe) for players over 6-foot-5. He has become a triple threat and is one of the league’s best defenders as well.

15. Pau Gasol

Gets in the Top 25 and Elton Brand drops out because I am convinced that he is determined and motivated to get to the level I expected him to. I thought  he would take a back seat to Andrew Bynum, but he did not. His passing ability is the reason why he scores so easily around the post. I still think he can be a better shot blocker and he will have to now with Bynum down.

14. Carmelo Anthony

Has had tough luck come All-Star time, but he is one of the best players in the league and he moves up three spots. I think he is the most versatile small forward in the game offensively with his ability to post and knock down the three-point shot. I have always wondered when he would start to show the leadership abilities that he showed at Syracuse during his NCAA championship run.

13. Chauncey Billups

Jumps nine spots and could be higher if Denver continues to play consistent basketball. Billups has undoubtedly become the best pick-up this season based on the improved play of the up-and-down Nuggets. Billups has helped them realize working hard every game and staying focused will have them in most games – and, most importantly, beat bad teams. The Nuggets are 20-1 against sub .500 teams all because of Billups’ leadership.

12. Dirk Nowitzki

Stays at number 12 and deservedly so. He is really starting to gain momentum and the Mavericks seem to be regaining their swagger back as a team. Dirk is the best shooting seven-footer ever and if he can continue to improve defensively the Mavericks will make a serious run come playoff time.

11. Paul Pierce

I think Paul is the best scoring small forward in the game not named LeBron. He scores whenever he wants and does not run come crunch time. Garnett is the Celtics’ MVP, but Pierce is their MIP (Most Important Player). He is also the biggest trash talker in the league, which I happen to think fuels his consistency.

10. Chris Bosh

Could have dropped more because he has not shown me an ability to put his team on his back and get them through tough times. He is so unorthodox offensively that he is impossible to figure out. His mid-range shot has improved big time and has shown a willingness to take the big shots. I still believe we should be seeing better leadership abilities and, if not, I can’t see him staying at this spot for long.

9. Tony Parker

I keep trying to figure out why I put Parker seven spots up from 16. I just flat out think he is a point guard with a center mentality. The guy constantly is in the Top 5 in scoring in the paint.  Name me a point guard historically that dominated like that consistently. He now has improved his mid-range jump shot, which makes him virtually impossible to guard. He also has become one of the best clutch players in the league as well.

8. Yao Ming

Drops two spots but only because Tracy McGrady and Ron Artest can’t stay on the floor. Yao is the most unguardable center in the game because of his ability to shoot from 20 feet and post up without fear of a hand in his face. I would like him to get tougher, but there is not one team that would not think about trading their best player for him other than the Lakers, Hornets, Spurs and Cavaliers. I still say the Rockets, if healthy, can win the Western Conference.

7. Dwyane Wade

He is proving how good a player he is when in top shape. I have said consistently over the last  few years that he has a bad body and will always have injuries. But with a new body and demeanor, Wade is showing why he is one of the best players we have ever seen. What he is doing with Miami is equivalent to what Chris Paul is doing in New Orleans.

6. Kevin Garnett

I would love to be a psychologist and sit in a room with KG for a day. He goes from calm to incredibly psychotic within minutes. The one thing I enjoy about KG is that he has always been like this on the floor. There is no fake in him when it comes to exuberance on the court. The Celtics have molded themselves around him and that’s why a small blip of losing games did not affect them for long.

5. Tim Duncan

Drops a spot and mainly because of one little blemish that seems to be always correctable and that is the Spurs’ slow start against teams above .500. The  Spurs are 11-11 against top teams.  Duncan is ageless. Just when you think he is losing a step, he makes you look bad for speaking too soon. I think he is the most professional player on and off the floor in the NBA. And its best leader.

4. Dwight Howard

Moves up four spots because he has become the second coming of Shaq. The Magic is his team and he has elevated everybody’s games – especially first-time All-Star Jameer Nelson. That appealing smile is hiding a nastiness that opposing players fear and Howard seems to get a kick out it. Just remeber one early season incident where he elbowed Suns rookie Robin Lopez and received a technical foul. As they retreated, he mockingly patted Lopez on the rear, thus sending a message… It’s not personal, but I will hurt you next time you get in my way.

3. Chris Paul

If there was a wonder how valuable Paul is, just witness the Hornets’ second half meltdown against the Blazers and the beat-down from the Chicago Bulls in the first two games of Paul’s  groin injury. I have not seen a team fall to such levels since Magic Johnson missed games. Paul has re-defined the two-man game and how to guard against it. He is the toughest player in the game pound for pound.

2. Kobe Bryant

His drive to succeed is beyond reason. He is the best late-game assassin offensively I have seen since Jordan and Bird. I really have enjoyed his willingness to allow his talented teammates to excel, but with Bynum down are we ready to see the old Kobe surface again? The 61 points and 0 rebounds against the Knicks were probably a sign of things to come. I feel sorry for all the players who have to guard Kobe from here on out, but will it be for the good of the Lakers?

1. LeBron James

He continues to hold on to the No. 1 spot because he is doing the best job of carrying a team since Hakeem Olajuwon carried the Rockets to back-to-back championships. Also, his follow up to Kobe scoring 61 against the Knicks was downright ridiculous. Scoring 50-plus is one thing, but getting a (quasi) triple-double to boot was the icing on the cake that has kept LB on top. I watched that game and he could have easily gotten 60 if he wanted to.

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A new NBA season is upon us and we have no idea who will win the championship. There’s a reason why… We have an abundance of teams that are more than qualified – like the Lakers, Hornets, Spurs, Jazz, Rockets, Mavericks and Suns in the Western Conference. The Eastern Conference might not have as many powerhouses as the West, but there still are plenty of qualified teams. Cleveland, Detroit, Orlando, Philadelphia, Toronto and Atlanta all proved last year they can be tough opposition come playoff time to try to dethrone Boston.

Boston is the favorite until someone beats them and the Lakers are the favorite in the West, especially with Andrew Bynum back in the lineup, but I don’t want to focus on teams this early. I am targeting players and where they rank coming into this season.

Here are my Top 25 players in the league and my reasons for ranking them.

25. Shawn Marion

The most versatile forward in the game. Shawn gives a team a little of everything and a lot of solid defense. Underappreciated for what he brings, he will command a ton of attention at the trade deadline if the Heat can’t reach a contract agreement with him.

24. Manu Ginobli

The guy is a winner and a competitor. Definitely the best foreign player in the league when it comes to effectiveness in clutch situations. Led the Spurs in scoring and carried them in crunch time. The most disliked player in the league on the road due to his playing style… But every team would love to have him.

23. Tracy McGrady

The key for Tracy is to stay healthy. I wonder how committed he is in the weight room. Body has not changed much during his career, which is a negative. Definitely one the best scorers in the league, but on-the-ball defense will be huge for Houston this year. He needs to back off on deferring to the three-point shot. I always felt he is a mid-range shooter and that’s what the Rockets need him to be.

22. Chauncey Billups

He has great leadership abilities, but I think he has to step it up even more. He seemed to get along with ex coach Flip Saunders, but allowed his teammates to step out of line too often last year. I think at times he’s a little too unselfish because he is the best scorer on the team with his ability to get a jump shot or drive to the basket at will. I expect more this year to validate being 21 on my list.

21.  Caron Butler

Gilbert Arenas will have to take a back seat to Butler when he gets healthy. He has become the heart and soul of the Wizards. He has an ability to create shots when none seem available and his jumpshot has improved every season. A true warrior who has battled injuries the last few years.

20. Elton Brand

When healthy, he’s one the best power forwards in the game. The Sixers now have one of the best post players and screeners in the game. Brand has a lot to prove this year and eyes will be on him all season long, but he will prevail with consistent offense and sneaky shot blocking ability.

19. Baron Davis

I will not believe Davis leaving Golden State was on his own accord. The Warriors are going to suffer without Davis and the Clippers will be rewarded. He has the most underrated on-the-ball hands in the league defensively. And we all know of his ability to change the opponent’s defense when he has the ball on the perimeter or the post.

18. Shaquille O’Neal

Quite honestly, in my opinion he is still the most dominating presence in the game today. He changes the game when he is on the floor and that makes him still one of the best players in basketball. People tend to talk about his commitment to staying in shape, but look at it this way… How many big men like Shaq have lasted this long? Zero. Give him credit for maintaining what he has with that massive body. Stanley Roberts, Benoit Benjamin, Oliver Miller… No, not great players like Shaq, but they could not stay in shape because of the bodies they had. He will produce some big numbers at times this year with the Suns slowed offense.

17. Carmelo Anthony

A combination of finesse and power. A tremendous offensive rebounder and finisher around the basket. Anthony would be higher if he developed better leadership abilities and trusted his teammates more often on the court. He will definitely wind up in the top twenty in scoring when his career is done, but championships will elude him if he does not continue to improve his overall package.

16. Tony Parker

Please find me someone who can stop him from getting to the basket?  You will not find that person. Speed and underrated strength allows Parker to get in the paint and complete shots. Parker is a true winner and is the most dangerous penetrator in league history.  His jump shot in the two-man game with Duncan has made him a true force.

15. Paul Pierce

His nickname is The Truth. Well, true it is. He has an uncanny ability to score on anyone off the dribble or in the post. He loves contact and is definitely one of the best go-to clutch players in the league. His leadership qualities really came to light during the championship run. That has elevated Pierce among the greats in Celtic history.

14. Allen Iverson

The toughest player pound for pound in the history of the league. A medical marvel that never runs out of energy. I often wondered if Iverson would last five years in the league, but I understand now why he has endured. He was one of the best quarterbacks in the country when he decided to focus on basketball and now we understand the ignorance to pain when it comes to him. He is downright relentless and a joy to watch.

13. Steve Nash

Every time I see Steve Nash I ask God why couldn’t I have been born 10 years later. Nash is the most unselfish player in the league. He honestly dislikes taking a bunch of shots. His enjoyment comes in the form of an Amare Stoudemire or Shaq dunk or a Raja Bell three-pointer than actually scoring 20 points a night. That’s why he won back to back MVPs  and that is why he is still one of the best players in the league. Nash will be counted on to use that stroke more this year because he will play off the ball more than usual. That’s a great move because he is the best shooter in the league.

12. Dirk Nowitzki

He is the best shooting big man in the league, but needs to improve individual leadership on a team in need of it. He also has to stop deferring to the three-pointer and become more assertive around the basket, which he can do with ease. (I apologize to Dirk and all Maverick fans for the oversight. He clearly belongs on the Top 25).

11. Deron Williams

Williams will do something unheard of in Utah if he continues to improve every year. Yes, I will say it… Make people stop thinking about John Stockton. The Jazz are right back at the level Stockton left when it comes to a point guard that leads and produces victories on a consistent basis. Williams is definitely the strongest point guard in the league and equally as smart when it comes to making decisions in a Jerry Sloan offensive system.

10. Dwyane Wade

Would be higher if he could just stay healthy. I mentioned a few years ago that he would not last long in the league if he continued to hit the floor 50 times a game. Wade was fantastic this summer in the Olympics and showed me that he could possibly lead the league in steals. He has really gotten himself into great shape so I expect him to get back on track to becoming the great player we all expected him to be when he led Miami to a title.

9. Chris Bosh

Reminds me of Bill Cartwright, but athletic. I would be terrified to guard him because his body seems to be going in twenty different directions when he attacks, but it works and gets him to the free-throw line consistently. Now with Jermaine O’Neal beside him, he should take off even more. He really needs to develop a go-to move inside and stop trying to incorporate a thousand moves, which I think gets him in trouble at times.

8. Dwight Howard

Can be as good as he wants to. He has the body to maneuver anywhere he wants to on the court and that is huge at this level. His rebounding ability and presence on the court alone warrant Howard this spot. Must improve free-throw shooting if he plans on moving up any further.

7. Amare Stoudemire

The most feared power forward in the game because of the embarrassment factor. He is what I call “dirt strong” and it’s deceiving because of his slender build. His shooting stroke is picture perfect and consistent.  Terry Porter’s new offensive system will allow Amare to get more post-up opportunities, thus improving his trips to the charity stripe, where he hovered around 80 percent all year. He should average 25-plus points again this year and improve defensively.

6. Yao Ming

Injuries cost Yao last year, but before he left for the season he was playing like the best center in the league statistically and one must wonder if Houston would have broken the Lakers’ 33-game winning streak if he did not go down at the beginning of it. He is difficult to guard when in top shape. I expect him to have a great year leading the Rockets deep in the playoffs. Ron Artest will keep him from picking up cheap fouls with his great one-on-one defense.

5. Kevin Garnett

Kevin is the here because he finally got a chance to combine his talents and leadership with All-Stars Paul Pierce and Ray Allen. He is the most persistent player I have ever seen. I have never seen Garnett take a night off emotionally. If you have watched Garnett over his career, he is in constant dialogue with himself for 48 minutes and 82 games. That, my friends, is special in itself and now he is a champion.

4. Tim Duncan

This guy is pure professionalism. I would love my son to live with him for a summer. His demeanor and unselfishness with his teammates is pure gold. He could average huge numbers every year, but understands winning championships is more important. No way does Ginobili lead the team in scoring without Duncan allowing him to. Give credit to David Robinson for instilling that in Duncan.

3. Chris Paul

He is here because I personally think he is the best leader right now in the NBA. He has admitted studying Steve Nash and it is obvious when you watch his interaction with his teammates. Paul is a clone of Isiah Thomas and he showed it last year. The best pick-and-roll guard in the league.

2. Kobe Bryant

The closest in talent to Michael Jordan and in a lot of ways better than MJ. Dislike him if you want, but he is the perfect example of preparation when it comes to basketball. He is the smartest player in the league and makes the game look easy.

1. LeBron James

The best physical tools in the history of the game. He has the smarts of Magic Johnson, the brute strength and athleticism of George McGinnis and the speed of Ricky Green rolled into one massive body. I have said this since he has been in the league… If he continues to improve his jump shot, he will become the best ever.

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