Quarter Pole Review
Now that everyone has finally played 20 games, it’s time for the fourth annual QPR…
ATLANTIC
Boston Celtics (18-2)
Surprise – The intensity they consistently play with night in and night out.
Disappointment – Ray Allen leading them in minutes (38.6 mpg).
Overall – They are #1 in defensive field goal percentage (41.3%), opponent’s 3-point shooting (30.6%), rebound differential (+4.85) and point differential (+13.85). The only question is will they have anything left for the post season.
Toronto Raptors (13-10)
Surprise – Out of nowhere rookie Jamario Moon starting 17 games and putting up 7.9 ppg, 7.3 rpg and 1.68 bpg..
Disappointment – Chris Bosh (right groin), Andrea Bargnani (right knee) and T.J. Ford (left arm/thumb) all missing time already.
Overall – They still play hard, have great chemistry and are dangerous when healthy, but they are not the same team without role playing big man Jorge Garbajosa (left leg).
New Jersey Nets (9-13)
Surprise – Richard Jefferson being 6th in the league in scoring (24.9 ppg).
Disappointment – Nenad Krstic (left knee) having to shut it down due to poor conditioning.
Overall – These boys are in a bit of turmoil right now, but if everyone gets healthy and on the same page they should be fine.
Philadelphia 76ers (9-13)
Surprise – They are 4th in rebound differential at +3.36.
Disappointment – Rodney Carney shooting 34.2% from the field and 17.4% from 3.
Overall – They give an honest effort every night, play decent defense and rebound the ball. The problem with the Sixers is they just aren’t talented enough to compete.
New York Knicks (6-15)
Surprise – That President/coach Isiah Thomas is still employed.
Disappointment – They are dead last in opponent’s field goal percentage (48.1%).
Overall – They have a terrible mix of players, messy off the court legal troubles and are in salary cap hell until after the ’09-10 season. In other words, same shiest different year.
CENTRAL
Detroit Pistons (15-7)
Surprise – All five starters averaging between 29.8-35.2 minutes per game.
Disappointment – Coach Flip Saunders not playing Amir Johnson more in the fourth big man role.
Overall – They are flying under the radar right now, which I’m sure they enjoy. I’m interested to see what rookie Rodney Stuckey (left hand) adds to their mix when healthy.
Indiana Pacers (11-11)
Surprise – Mike Dunleavy Jr. having by far his best season as a pro putting up career highs in points (16.8 ppg), shooting (48.2%), 3-point shooting (43.6%) and PER 18.14.
Disappointment – Troy Murphy shooting a career low 39.5% from the field.
Overall – Not sure how it happened, but I underestimated coach Jim O’Brien’s ability to get everything he can from a roster. They are the biggest surprise in the league thus far.
Cleveland Cavaliers (10-12)
Surprise – They didn’t miss Anderson Varejao (holdout) that much at all.
Disappointment – They are 26th in defensive field goal percentage (46.5%).
Overall – They have played the 2nd toughest schedule thus far (.530) and will certainly be in the mix come playoff time, but man are they ever brutal without LeBron James.
Milwaukee Bucks (9-12)
Surprise – Andrew Bogut quadrupling his blocks up to 2.0 bpg while also leading the league in charges taken.
Disappointment – Charlie Villanueva completely going in the tank with career lows in points (9.0 ppg), shooting (43.5%), 3-point shooting (30.0%) and PER 14.24.
Overall – They can score with anybody and have depth everywhere but the point. However the Bucks won’t make the playoffs unless they start giving a consistent effort on defense.
Chicago Bulls (7-13)
Surprise – That there hasn’t been any negative chirping in the media from the players about coach Scott Skiles.
Disappointment – Kirk Hinrich has been plain awful averaging career lows in points (10.6 ppg), assists (5.5 apg), shooting (36.7%), 3-point shooting (26.8%) and PER (9.92).
Overall – Even though they are last in the league in shooting (40.7%), the Bulls are only one game in the loss column from the final playoff spot in the East. So don’t count them out just yet.
SOUTHEAST
Orlando Magic (16-7)
Surprise – They are an NBA best 11-3 on the road.
Disappointment – Rashard Lewis scuffling along to a career low PER of 15.55.
Overall – Dwight Howard is a stud, Jameer Nelson is playing a little better and they are 2nd in defensive field goal percentage (43.1%). The Magic should win the Southeast Division easily.
Washington Wizards (12-10)
Surprise – Caron Butler averaging career highs in points (22.6 ppg), shooting (51.2%), 3-point shooting (45.1%) and PER 22.74.
Disappointment – Losing Gilbert Arenas (left knee) for three months.
Overall – While they certainly aren’t as talented sans GA, they do play more of a “team” style without Arenas, and that seems to suit the rest of the fellas just fine.
Atlanta Hawks (10-11)
Surprise – Marvin Williams finally showing a pulse and averaging career highs in points (15.8 ppg), shooting (48.3%), rebounds (5.8 rpg) and PER 17.10.
Disappointment – Zaza Pachulia regressing big time to the tune of a career low PER (9.45).
Overall – I know the “P-word” is being bandied about liberally in the ATL, and I suppose anything’s possible in the East, but I just don’t see this crew having what it takes over the long haul.
Charlotte Bobcats (8-12)
Surprise – That they’ve been relatively competitive with basically one competent big man (Emeka Okafor).
Disappointment – Jason Richardson shooting career lows from the field (40.1%) and the free throw line (61.4%).
Overall – I probably overestimated them in the pre-season. The Cats play hard but without some more front court help they are likely lottery bound once again.
Miami Heat (6-16)
Surprise – Dorell Wright finally showing sings of being a bona fide NBA player.
Disappointment – Shaquille O’Neal averaging career lows in points (14.4 ppg), shots (10.1 fgapg) and assists (1.4 apg).
Overall – I never thought they could possibly be bad enough to miss the playoffs in the East with a healthy Shaq and Dwyane Wade. As is turns out, they just might be.
SOUTHBEST
San Antonio Spurs (17-5)
Surprise – Manu Ginobili has easily been their best player so far (27.34 PER, 4th overall).
Disappointment – They are 20th in the league in field goal defense (45.9%).
Overall – Even with injuries to Tim Duncan (right knee & ankle) and Tony Parker (right ankle) they are cruising along as you’d expect, and taking the early season a little more seriously than usual.
New Orleans Hornets (14-8)
Surprise – They have a better record on the road (8-3) than at home (6-5).
Disappointment – Coach Byron Scott inexplicably banishing Hilton Armstrong to the “Brandon Bass Memorial” dog house.
Overall – They are very good when healthy and hitting their outside shots, but don’t have the depth to sustain injuries to Peja Stojakovic (left groin) and Morris Peterson (back).
Dallas Mavericks (14-9)
Surprise – Brandon Bass not only being a key contributor off the bench but a go-to-guy in the low post.
Disappointment – Dirk Nowitzki shooting the worst he has since his rookie year from 3-point range (29.5%).
Overall – They are coasting on most nights, but that’s exactly how I thought they’d play this season. The “real” Mavs won’t arrive until after the All-Star break.
Houston Rockets (12-11)
Surprise – Steve Francis playing “team” ball on the rare occasions he gets any minutes.
Disappointment – Coach Rick Adelman’s insistence on starting Chuck Hayes over the far superior Luis Scola.
Overall – It’s taking them some time to gel, but that’s to be expected with a new coach and system. I don’t think we’ve even remotely seen the best of the Rockets yet.
Memphis Grizzlies (6-15)
Surprise – Rudy Gay stepping up his game and consistency from mediocre to good to lead them in scoring at 18.7 ppg.
Disappointment – They are 29th in field goal defense (47.3%) and 25th in rebound differential (-2.28)
Overall – This is a young squad with oodles of potential down the road, but the Griz struggle because they play in the toughest division in the NBA and don’t defend or rebound.
NORTHWEST
Denver Nuggets (14-8)
Surprise – Kenyon Martin looks well on his way to being the first player to successfully overcome microfracture surgery on both knees.
Disappointment – They are 26th in rebound differential (-2.40).
Overall – With all their injuries (Chucky Atkins, Nene Hilario, Anthony Carter & Steven Hunter) the Nugs have hung tough, but their chemistry is still extremely questionable
Utah Jazz (13-10)
Surprise – Ronnie Brewer stepping into the starting SG spot to average 13.3 ppg on 53.2% shooting and 2.09 spg.
Disappointment – Memo Okur suddenly forgetting how to play hard and having the lowest PER of his career (11.70).
Overall – If Okur can get his arse in gear and Matt Harpring’s right knee holds up, this squad is a legitimate contender for the crown.
Portland Trail Blazers (10-12)
Surprise – Travis Outlaw stepping up to average career highs in points (11.9 ppg), rebounds (5.2 rpg) and assist (1.4 apg).
Disappointment – Coach Nate McMillan not playing Sergio Rodriguez regular minutes at backup PG.
Overall – They are a typical young club that can wow you one day and frustrate you the next. With Greg Oden and another lottery pick on the horizon their future remains very bright though.
Seattle SuperSonics (6-17)
Surprise – Chris Wilcox stepping up his consistency to post a career high PER (17.58).
Disappointment – Robert Swift having to be shut down after five games with right knee tendinitis and plantar fasciitis in his left foot.
Overall – They can be entertaining for stretches during games, but have no clue how to play when it’s winning time.
Minnesota Timberwolves (3-17)
Surprise – Veteran Antoine Walker accepting his role without complaint.
Disappointment – That Vice President Kevin McHale is being allowed to rebuild the mess he created.
Overall – They are bad, really bad. A virtual lock for the most lottery ping-pong balls come May. On the flip side Al Jefferson has established he can play in the West.
PACIFIC
Phoenix Suns (17-6)
Surprise – Brian Skinner stepping into their eighth man role and producing a career high 17.23 PER.
Disappointment – Leandro Barbosa shooting a career low 33.3% from 3-point land.
Overall – It’s hard to tell from the bottom line, but I swear something isn’t right with them. They’ll still roll through the regular season, but come playoff time I’m not so sure.
Los Angeles Lakers (13-8)
Surprise – Andrew Bynum having the second most dunks in the entire Association and being tied for 14th in double-doubles (10).
Disappointment – Lamar Odom’s lack of aggression leading to career lows in assists (2.2 apg), shots (10.3 fgapg) and PER (11.70).
Overall – They have played the toughest schedule in the league (.537), are 5th in defensive field goal percentage (44.0%), 6th in rebound differential (+2.19), 2nd in bench scoring all while being the second youngest team in the NBA. So yeah, I’m pretty psyched about them.
Golden State Warriors (12-10)
Surprise – That Stephen “Captain” Jack would be the catalyst for their *defense* of all things (1-6 without him & 11-4 with).
Disappointment – They are 29th in rebound differential (-4.86).
Overall – When they are making their 3’s the Warriors are very tough to beat. However when opponents make an effort to execute their half court offense GS can be beaten rather easily.
Los Angeles Clippers (8-13)
Surprise – Chris Kaman stepping up in Elton Brand’s absence (left Achilles) to post career highs in points (18.4 ppg), rebounds (13.7 rpg), blocks (2.81 bpg), assists (1.9 apg) and PER (19.13).
Disappointment – Sam Cassell already missing time with his annual muscle pull (left calf).
Overall – They got off to a fast start (5-2) but couldn’t keep it up once their schedule got tougher. All things considered though, you’d have to be pretty happy if you’re a Clips fan.
Sacramento Kings (8-13)
Surprise – John Salmons putting up career highs in points (15.2 ppg), rebounds (4.7 rpg), steals (1.29 spg), shooting (48.9%), 3-point shooting (46.7%) and PER (17.81).
Disappointment – Losing Kevin Martin for four to six weeks with a strained right groin.
Overall – This group is half delusional/half malcontent. As in they think they’re better than they are so they’re mutinying on their second coach in two seasons.
Top 5 Teams I Watch
1. Lakers
2. Portland
3. Utah
4. New Orleans
5. Memphis
Top 5 Teams I Avoid
30. Minnesota
29. Seattle
28. New York
27. Philadelphia
26. Miami
Quarter Pole Awards
Defensive Player – Kevin Garnett (Boston)
Sixth Man – Manu Ginobili (San Antonio)
Coach – Jim O’Brien (Indiana)
Rookie – Al Horford (Atlanta)
MVP – LeBron James (Cleveland)
All NBA
PG – Chris Paul (New Orleans)
SG – Manu Ginobili (San Antonio)
SF – LeBron James (Cleveland)
PF – Kevin Garnett (Boston)
C – Dwight Howard (Orlando)
ATLANTIC
Boston Celtics (18-2)
Surprise – The intensity they consistently play with night in and night out.
Disappointment – Ray Allen leading them in minutes (38.6 mpg).
Overall – They are #1 in defensive field goal percentage (41.3%), opponent’s 3-point shooting (30.6%), rebound differential (+4.85) and point differential (+13.85). The only question is will they have anything left for the post season.
Toronto Raptors (13-10)
Surprise – Out of nowhere rookie Jamario Moon starting 17 games and putting up 7.9 ppg, 7.3 rpg and 1.68 bpg..
Disappointment – Chris Bosh (right groin), Andrea Bargnani (right knee) and T.J. Ford (left arm/thumb) all missing time already.
Overall – They still play hard, have great chemistry and are dangerous when healthy, but they are not the same team without role playing big man Jorge Garbajosa (left leg).
New Jersey Nets (9-13)
Surprise – Richard Jefferson being 6th in the league in scoring (24.9 ppg).
Disappointment – Nenad Krstic (left knee) having to shut it down due to poor conditioning.
Overall – These boys are in a bit of turmoil right now, but if everyone gets healthy and on the same page they should be fine.
Philadelphia 76ers (9-13)
Surprise – They are 4th in rebound differential at +3.36.
Disappointment – Rodney Carney shooting 34.2% from the field and 17.4% from 3.
Overall – They give an honest effort every night, play decent defense and rebound the ball. The problem with the Sixers is they just aren’t talented enough to compete.
New York Knicks (6-15)
Surprise – That President/coach Isiah Thomas is still employed.
Disappointment – They are dead last in opponent’s field goal percentage (48.1%).
Overall – They have a terrible mix of players, messy off the court legal troubles and are in salary cap hell until after the ’09-10 season. In other words, same shiest different year.
CENTRAL
Detroit Pistons (15-7)
Surprise – All five starters averaging between 29.8-35.2 minutes per game.
Disappointment – Coach Flip Saunders not playing Amir Johnson more in the fourth big man role.
Overall – They are flying under the radar right now, which I’m sure they enjoy. I’m interested to see what rookie Rodney Stuckey (left hand) adds to their mix when healthy.
Indiana Pacers (11-11)
Surprise – Mike Dunleavy Jr. having by far his best season as a pro putting up career highs in points (16.8 ppg), shooting (48.2%), 3-point shooting (43.6%) and PER 18.14.
Disappointment – Troy Murphy shooting a career low 39.5% from the field.
Overall – Not sure how it happened, but I underestimated coach Jim O’Brien’s ability to get everything he can from a roster. They are the biggest surprise in the league thus far.
Cleveland Cavaliers (10-12)
Surprise – They didn’t miss Anderson Varejao (holdout) that much at all.
Disappointment – They are 26th in defensive field goal percentage (46.5%).
Overall – They have played the 2nd toughest schedule thus far (.530) and will certainly be in the mix come playoff time, but man are they ever brutal without LeBron James.
Milwaukee Bucks (9-12)
Surprise – Andrew Bogut quadrupling his blocks up to 2.0 bpg while also leading the league in charges taken.
Disappointment – Charlie Villanueva completely going in the tank with career lows in points (9.0 ppg), shooting (43.5%), 3-point shooting (30.0%) and PER 14.24.
Overall – They can score with anybody and have depth everywhere but the point. However the Bucks won’t make the playoffs unless they start giving a consistent effort on defense.
Chicago Bulls (7-13)
Surprise – That there hasn’t been any negative chirping in the media from the players about coach Scott Skiles.
Disappointment – Kirk Hinrich has been plain awful averaging career lows in points (10.6 ppg), assists (5.5 apg), shooting (36.7%), 3-point shooting (26.8%) and PER (9.92).
Overall – Even though they are last in the league in shooting (40.7%), the Bulls are only one game in the loss column from the final playoff spot in the East. So don’t count them out just yet.
SOUTHEAST
Orlando Magic (16-7)
Surprise – They are an NBA best 11-3 on the road.
Disappointment – Rashard Lewis scuffling along to a career low PER of 15.55.
Overall – Dwight Howard is a stud, Jameer Nelson is playing a little better and they are 2nd in defensive field goal percentage (43.1%). The Magic should win the Southeast Division easily.
Washington Wizards (12-10)
Surprise – Caron Butler averaging career highs in points (22.6 ppg), shooting (51.2%), 3-point shooting (45.1%) and PER 22.74.
Disappointment – Losing Gilbert Arenas (left knee) for three months.
Overall – While they certainly aren’t as talented sans GA, they do play more of a “team” style without Arenas, and that seems to suit the rest of the fellas just fine.
Atlanta Hawks (10-11)
Surprise – Marvin Williams finally showing a pulse and averaging career highs in points (15.8 ppg), shooting (48.3%), rebounds (5.8 rpg) and PER 17.10.
Disappointment – Zaza Pachulia regressing big time to the tune of a career low PER (9.45).
Overall – I know the “P-word” is being bandied about liberally in the ATL, and I suppose anything’s possible in the East, but I just don’t see this crew having what it takes over the long haul.
Charlotte Bobcats (8-12)
Surprise – That they’ve been relatively competitive with basically one competent big man (Emeka Okafor).
Disappointment – Jason Richardson shooting career lows from the field (40.1%) and the free throw line (61.4%).
Overall – I probably overestimated them in the pre-season. The Cats play hard but without some more front court help they are likely lottery bound once again.
Miami Heat (6-16)
Surprise – Dorell Wright finally showing sings of being a bona fide NBA player.
Disappointment – Shaquille O’Neal averaging career lows in points (14.4 ppg), shots (10.1 fgapg) and assists (1.4 apg).
Overall – I never thought they could possibly be bad enough to miss the playoffs in the East with a healthy Shaq and Dwyane Wade. As is turns out, they just might be.
SOUTHBEST
San Antonio Spurs (17-5)
Surprise – Manu Ginobili has easily been their best player so far (27.34 PER, 4th overall).
Disappointment – They are 20th in the league in field goal defense (45.9%).
Overall – Even with injuries to Tim Duncan (right knee & ankle) and Tony Parker (right ankle) they are cruising along as you’d expect, and taking the early season a little more seriously than usual.
New Orleans Hornets (14-8)
Surprise – They have a better record on the road (8-3) than at home (6-5).
Disappointment – Coach Byron Scott inexplicably banishing Hilton Armstrong to the “Brandon Bass Memorial” dog house.
Overall – They are very good when healthy and hitting their outside shots, but don’t have the depth to sustain injuries to Peja Stojakovic (left groin) and Morris Peterson (back).
Dallas Mavericks (14-9)
Surprise – Brandon Bass not only being a key contributor off the bench but a go-to-guy in the low post.
Disappointment – Dirk Nowitzki shooting the worst he has since his rookie year from 3-point range (29.5%).
Overall – They are coasting on most nights, but that’s exactly how I thought they’d play this season. The “real” Mavs won’t arrive until after the All-Star break.
Houston Rockets (12-11)
Surprise – Steve Francis playing “team” ball on the rare occasions he gets any minutes.
Disappointment – Coach Rick Adelman’s insistence on starting Chuck Hayes over the far superior Luis Scola.
Overall – It’s taking them some time to gel, but that’s to be expected with a new coach and system. I don’t think we’ve even remotely seen the best of the Rockets yet.
Memphis Grizzlies (6-15)
Surprise – Rudy Gay stepping up his game and consistency from mediocre to good to lead them in scoring at 18.7 ppg.
Disappointment – They are 29th in field goal defense (47.3%) and 25th in rebound differential (-2.28)
Overall – This is a young squad with oodles of potential down the road, but the Griz struggle because they play in the toughest division in the NBA and don’t defend or rebound.
NORTHWEST
Denver Nuggets (14-8)
Surprise – Kenyon Martin looks well on his way to being the first player to successfully overcome microfracture surgery on both knees.
Disappointment – They are 26th in rebound differential (-2.40).
Overall – With all their injuries (Chucky Atkins, Nene Hilario, Anthony Carter & Steven Hunter) the Nugs have hung tough, but their chemistry is still extremely questionable
Utah Jazz (13-10)
Surprise – Ronnie Brewer stepping into the starting SG spot to average 13.3 ppg on 53.2% shooting and 2.09 spg.
Disappointment – Memo Okur suddenly forgetting how to play hard and having the lowest PER of his career (11.70).
Overall – If Okur can get his arse in gear and Matt Harpring’s right knee holds up, this squad is a legitimate contender for the crown.
Portland Trail Blazers (10-12)
Surprise – Travis Outlaw stepping up to average career highs in points (11.9 ppg), rebounds (5.2 rpg) and assist (1.4 apg).
Disappointment – Coach Nate McMillan not playing Sergio Rodriguez regular minutes at backup PG.
Overall – They are a typical young club that can wow you one day and frustrate you the next. With Greg Oden and another lottery pick on the horizon their future remains very bright though.
Seattle SuperSonics (6-17)
Surprise – Chris Wilcox stepping up his consistency to post a career high PER (17.58).
Disappointment – Robert Swift having to be shut down after five games with right knee tendinitis and plantar fasciitis in his left foot.
Overall – They can be entertaining for stretches during games, but have no clue how to play when it’s winning time.
Minnesota Timberwolves (3-17)
Surprise – Veteran Antoine Walker accepting his role without complaint.
Disappointment – That Vice President Kevin McHale is being allowed to rebuild the mess he created.
Overall – They are bad, really bad. A virtual lock for the most lottery ping-pong balls come May. On the flip side Al Jefferson has established he can play in the West.
PACIFIC
Phoenix Suns (17-6)
Surprise – Brian Skinner stepping into their eighth man role and producing a career high 17.23 PER.
Disappointment – Leandro Barbosa shooting a career low 33.3% from 3-point land.
Overall – It’s hard to tell from the bottom line, but I swear something isn’t right with them. They’ll still roll through the regular season, but come playoff time I’m not so sure.
Los Angeles Lakers (13-8)
Surprise – Andrew Bynum having the second most dunks in the entire Association and being tied for 14th in double-doubles (10).
Disappointment – Lamar Odom’s lack of aggression leading to career lows in assists (2.2 apg), shots (10.3 fgapg) and PER (11.70).
Overall – They have played the toughest schedule in the league (.537), are 5th in defensive field goal percentage (44.0%), 6th in rebound differential (+2.19), 2nd in bench scoring all while being the second youngest team in the NBA. So yeah, I’m pretty psyched about them.
Golden State Warriors (12-10)
Surprise – That Stephen “Captain” Jack would be the catalyst for their *defense* of all things (1-6 without him & 11-4 with).
Disappointment – They are 29th in rebound differential (-4.86).
Overall – When they are making their 3’s the Warriors are very tough to beat. However when opponents make an effort to execute their half court offense GS can be beaten rather easily.
Los Angeles Clippers (8-13)
Surprise – Chris Kaman stepping up in Elton Brand’s absence (left Achilles) to post career highs in points (18.4 ppg), rebounds (13.7 rpg), blocks (2.81 bpg), assists (1.9 apg) and PER (19.13).
Disappointment – Sam Cassell already missing time with his annual muscle pull (left calf).
Overall – They got off to a fast start (5-2) but couldn’t keep it up once their schedule got tougher. All things considered though, you’d have to be pretty happy if you’re a Clips fan.
Sacramento Kings (8-13)
Surprise – John Salmons putting up career highs in points (15.2 ppg), rebounds (4.7 rpg), steals (1.29 spg), shooting (48.9%), 3-point shooting (46.7%) and PER (17.81).
Disappointment – Losing Kevin Martin for four to six weeks with a strained right groin.
Overall – This group is half delusional/half malcontent. As in they think they’re better than they are so they’re mutinying on their second coach in two seasons.
Top 5 Teams I Watch
1. Lakers
2. Portland
3. Utah
4. New Orleans
5. Memphis
Top 5 Teams I Avoid
30. Minnesota
29. Seattle
28. New York
27. Philadelphia
26. Miami
Quarter Pole Awards
Defensive Player – Kevin Garnett (Boston)
Sixth Man – Manu Ginobili (San Antonio)
Coach – Jim O’Brien (Indiana)
Rookie – Al Horford (Atlanta)
MVP – LeBron James (Cleveland)
All NBA
PG – Chris Paul (New Orleans)
SG – Manu Ginobili (San Antonio)
SF – LeBron James (Cleveland)
PF – Kevin Garnett (Boston)
C – Dwight Howard (Orlando)
posted by D$ at 7:13 PM
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