http://www.yardbarker.com/content/player/4692 Recent articles about Nate Robinson en-us Ahhhh, can you smell it? It's that time of year where NBA rookies, along with journeymen, undrafted players, and guys just trying to make a paycheck all come together to play pick-up basketball. This smell can mean only one thing, the NBA Summer League. This year's summer league has been displaying front line talent with top draft picks Derek Rose, Michael Beasley, O.J. Mayo and Kevin Love. Rose and Beasley were the first to play in Orlando, while Mayo and Love have caught the attention of many in Vegas. But why should anyone care that much about the games these guys are playing? In the first game of his NBA career, do you think Derek Rose will be facing off against the likes of Antonio Graves and Anthony Morrow? Will Kevin Love be posting up against Josh Powell and Antwan Scott? I'm going to have to say that they won't be any time soon, except for their next summer league game. Some of the games air on NBATV throughout the day and can be interesting to watch at times. Some great dunks have come from the summer league, such as Gerald Green's monstrous dunk in 2006 over some poor guy who is referred to as "some white guy" in the Youtube clip. But does the Summer League really show us much about how guys will translate into the NBA? These guys who are top picks may be playing hard but aren't working their butts off night in and night out at these games. The play is sloppy from players who are expected to play better and it seems that the only guys who want to win are players on the fringe of making a team or a practice squad. There is no team that takes the NBA Summer League as seriously as our own New York Knicks. This year's first round pick, Danilo Gallinari, had a very poor first half in his summer league debut, but came back with a solid 2nd half. My question is, who cares? So Gallinari can make Darnell Jackson look like a fool on defense. Is that really so impressive? Should people be saying how Knicks fans can sit back and relax about their Italian stallion. Last year's summer league MVP was Nate Robinson, and he has been one of the most inconsistent players on the east coast for the past year. While the summer league is a nice opportunity to watch some of the top picks and their raw talent, it isn't helping them mature and mold their game to the NBA level. In fact, it may be setting it back a bit with its unorganized play. These players should be practicing against opponents within the same stratosphere of ability that they have. Maybe even put them in a room alone with 2 attack dogs just to toughen them up. Or perhaps have them spend a year in the military learning about survival tactics. Side point here, this would be a great reality show if you had to watch a dopey eyed Michael Beasley launch a grenade about 100 feet and then quickly jump into a trench. The point is that the NBA Summer League doesn't truly gauge the talent that these top draft picks have and that people should stop getting excited about great summer league performances. I'm pretty sure Gerald Green and Nate Robinson have stopped reminiscing about their great games they had in Vegas, and are focusing on the upcoming training camp where things get serious. Tue, 15 Jul 2008 11:26:27 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/290694 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/290694 By now I'm sure everybody has heard all the hype surrounding the 2010 free agent class. The hype is not just media driven because certain teams are already dumping salaries to get under the cap by '10. For example, the Nets gift-wrapped Richard Jefferson to Milwaukee for Bobby Simmons and Yi Jianlian, talk about an unbalanced trade (watch out for the Bucks this year). It seems like the right move to wait and get under the cap by then and to possibly land LeBron, D-Wade or Chris Bosh. As a tortured fan I'm not ready to just pack in the next two years but I understand the logic. The four players that are going to kill the Knicks chances to get under the cap for the '10-'11 season are Eddy Curry, Zach Randolph, Jared Jeffries and Jamal Crawford. Now lets take Crawford off this list because he's probably the only player on the team who can score consistently and is sorta worth the money. Crawford is going to give you around 20 ppg every night and the possibility to drop 40 or above every game. Read on to see suggestions on how the Knicks can rid themselves of these contracts............ Sun, 13 Jul 2008 13:31:27 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/289811 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/289811 Rookies tend to get most of the hoopla during Summer League action, but the reality is that very few of them will make an immediate fantasy impact. So here are a few non-rookies to look out for. Not all of them are worth drafting, but all have the potential to put up nice numbers if they continue to improve and the opportunity presents itself. Some non-rookies who looked great in Summer League 2007 and carried that momentum into the regular season include: Louis Williams, Francisco Garcia, Kelenna Azubuike, and Jason Maxiell (all had solid fantasy value at some point last season). Sat, 12 Jul 2008 22:18:24 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/289669 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/289669 Rookies tend to get most of the hoopla during Summer League action, but the reality is that very few of them will make an immediate fantasy impact. So here are a few non-rookies to look out for. Not all of them are worth drafting, but all have the potential to put up nice numbers if they continue to improve and the opportunity presents itself. Some non-rookies who looked great in Summer League 2007 and carried that momentum into the regular season include: Louis Williams, Francisco Garcia, Kelenna Azubuike, and Jason Maxiell (all had solid fantasy value at some point last season). Sat, 12 Jul 2008 22:18:04 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/289668 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/289668 In Part 1, we looked at the members of the draft class of 2004. Those players are restricted free agents this summer because last summer they failed to agree on an extension with their team. In Part 2, we'll look at members of the draft class of 2005, who have the option to sign long-term deals with their current teams. Typically, this means that they are looking at less money than they could sign for as a restricted or unrestricted free agent, but they have the peace of mind of all that guaranteed money (in case of injury) and knowing where they'll be playing for the next five or six years. Two players from the draft class of '05 – Chris Paul and Deron Williams – are widely considered to be no-brainer max extension players. In fact, Paul has already extended for four years and $68 M, and Williams' camp is currently negotiating with the Jazz. It would be a coup if Utah could convince their young point guard to take a bit less money to allow for the team to have salary cap flexibility in the future. So let's take a look at the other big-name players from the class of '05 and try to gauge their total value. Remember, this includes performance (John Hollinger's PER), age, potential, and the salaries of comparable players. (Read the rest after the jump.) Mon, 07 Jul 2008 12:43:29 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/286615 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/286615 After having some off-the field issues with the Bulls organization last season, guard Chris Duhon has signed a 2 year deal with the New York Knicks, for a shocking $12 million. After spending 4 up and down years with the Bulls, Duhon has to be excited to start running with new coach Mike D'Antoni, who says Duhon will be the starter on a roster already featuring Stephon "Starbury" Marbury, Nate Robinson, and Mardy Collins at the PG position. Duhon, starting over Marbury and Robinson?! I don't know about that, he seems like a good backup option but not sure if you want him being the new Steve Nash in NY. Your thoughts? Sun, 06 Jul 2008 23:33:41 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/286372 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/286372 We are signing this petition to voice our concern over the issue that most Oregonians cannot view our Portland TrailBlazer games. We wish that Comcast and the Satellite dealers would please settle whatever differences they have so us Oregonians could view our beloved team play. Please click the link and sign the petition. www.petitiononline/blazer22/ Thanks, Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:57:18 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/286019 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/286019 Only two days into free agency and the New York Knicks are wasting no time addressing their need at point guard. The team has already extended an offer to former Chicago Bulls backup Chris Duhon. They've also reached out to the recently freed Sebastian Telfair and Tyronn Lue, while letting Stephon Marbury know he will be with the team come training camp in October. Lets look at their free agent options. Wed, 02 Jul 2008 20:49:10 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/285330 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/285330 Stephon Marbury needs to go no ifs ands or buts about it. When he was brought to the Knicks it was like "OH MY GOD WE HAVE STEPH!!!!" now we are saying the same thing but in a different way "OH MY GOD WE HAVE STEPH!!." At this point if the Knicks don't pick up a veteran point guard I'd be more then happy with a point guard by committee. We are in a rebuilding phase and we aren't going to win anyway so what do the Knicks get out of starting Steph? D'Antoni could rotate Nasty Nate, J-Crawford, and Mardy Collins at the point. Also people are saying that Gallinari could be a point forward in the mold of a Lamar Odom or the man who coined the position point forward Scottie Pippen. Only time will tell with Gallinari he is 19!! Sat, 28 Jun 2008 11:53:03 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/283579 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/283579 Even with all the trade rumors leading up the NBA Draft, the draft itself winds up usually causing so many more. Well this years draft has not let us down. Thanks to two certain picks we now have rumors circulating about a trade between the New York Knicks and Charlotte Bobcats. Of course each teams local media puts a different spin on every scenario, so lets take a look at both. Fri, 27 Jun 2008 20:32:30 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/283369 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/283369 Remember This. The last time my New YOrk Knicks were a good team and their were rivalries all over the place like poverty in the world. And basketball wasnt fixed or let alone the fact that teams were allowed to play hard nosed ball and not get called for fouls. Larry Johnson a class act who definetly is one of most underrated Forwards of all Time as well......The Crowds Reaction is Priceless!!!! a bit long but its worth the time for any NBA fan!! Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:53:30 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/276534 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/276534 The following players are more valuable now then they were before D'Anonti arrived IF D'Antoni uses the same up-tempo offensive style he installed in Phoenix. Quentin Richardson, Nate Robinson, Jamal Crawford, David Lee and Renaldo Balkman......check the entire post out to see why. Tue, 13 May 2008 18:07:49 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266614 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266614 Over the next five weeks, I will go position by position and rank the top 30 players by total value. The NBA is a business, so it doesn't make sense to purely rank the players only by their talent or stats, or by some other qualitative measure (though those factors do matter). We must also look at a player's salary relative to his peers. Obviously, if a player is in the middle of a very reasonable contract, he'll get a boost in the rankings. To summarize a player's stats, I'll use the NBA Efficiency statistic, which is defined as: EFF = ((Points + Rebounds + Assists + Steals + Blocks) - ((Field Goals Att. - Field Goals Made) + (Free Throws Att. - Free Throws Made) + Turnovers)) I'll list Efficiency Per Game (EPG) for each player, which will give a nice snapshot of his stats. To compare two players that get vastly different minutes, I'll occasionally mention Efficiency Per Minute (EPM), which is simply the player's total efficiency divided by his minutes. I'll also consider a player's age and potential. All else being equal, a franchise would probably prefer a 25 year-old point guard to a 32 year-old point guard, right? Essentially, the order of this list comes down to this question – would you trade Player X for Player Y, assuming the goal is to win a title in the next three seasons at a reasonable payroll? To summarize, there are four major factors I'll consider: talent (statistical performance), contract, age and potential. Without further adieu, here are the top 30 point guards, ranked by total value: 1. Chris Paul, Hornets Age: 23 EPG: 27.8 Contract: two years, $10.6 M ($5.3 M per) Not only has Paul emerged as hands-down the best point guard in the game, he is still on his rookie contract, so he's a bargain to boot. 2. Deron Williams, Jazz Age: 23 EPG: 23.0 Contract: two years, $11.8 M ($5.9 M per) Williams is bigger and stronger than Paul, and is also a better outside shooter. But Paul has the edge in quickness, ball handling and court vision. 3. Tony Parker, Spurs Age: 25 EPG: 16.9 Contract: three years, $37.7 M ($12.6 M per) Parker is young, speedy and a proven player in the clutch. Plus, his salary is fairly reasonable for a player of his caliber. His defense is mediocre at best. (See the rest of the list after the jump.) Mon, 12 May 2008 14:33:45 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266125 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266125 Chris Paul is for real. He lead the New Orleans Hornets from no playoffs the year before to the 2 spot in the highly competitive West. He's extremely dangerous to other teams when it comes to decison making. From pulling up for a jumper, to driving in the lane to dishing it back out to an open teammate, they're all possibilities for him in just one play. He is the best point guard in the NBA. Player (Current Team/Former Team) PPG, RPG, APG, SPG * = Best in Category (R) = Rookie Steals 1+ Shown 1. Chris Paul (NOH) 21.1, 4, 11.6*, 2.7* 2. Baron Davis (GSW) 21.8*, 4.7, 7.6, 2.3 3. Deron Williams (UTA) 18.8, 3, 10.5, 1.1 4. Tony Parker (SAS) 18.8, 3.2, 6 5. Steve Nash (PHX) 16.9, 3.5, 11.1 6. Gilbert Arenas (WAS) 19.4, 3.9, 5.4, 1.8 (13 Games) 7. Chauncey Billups (DET) 17, 2.7, 6.8, 1.3 8. Jason Kidd (DAL/NJN) 10.8, 7.5*, 10.1, 1.7 9. Andre Miller (PHI) 17, 4, 6.9, 1.3 10. Mo Williams (MIL) 17.2, 3.5, 6.3, 1.2 11. Jamal Crawford (NYK) 20.6, 2.6, 5, 1 12. Raymond Felton (CHA) 14.4, 3, 7.4, 1.2 13. Jamaal Tinsley (IND) 11.9, 3.6, 8.4, 1.7 (39 Games) 14. Jose Calderon (TOR) 11.2, 2.9, 8.3 1.1 15. Rafer Alston (HOU) 13.1, 3.5, 5.3, 1.3 16. Rajon Rondo (BOS) 10.6, 4.2, 5.1, 1.7 17. Devin Harris (NJN/DAL) 14.8, 2.7, 5.8, 1.4 18. Kirk Hinrich (CHI) 11.5, 3.3, 6, 1.2 19. T.J. Ford (TOR) 12.1, 2, 6.1, 1.1 20. Beno Udrih (SAC) 12.8, 3.3, 4.3 21. Derek Fisher (LAL) 11.7, 2.1, 2.9, 1 22. Mike Bibby (ATL/SAC) 13.9, 3.3, 6, 1.1 23. Jameer Nelson (ORL) 10.9, 3.5, 4.6 24. Sam Cassell (BOS/LAC) 11.2, 2.5, 3.9 25. Nate Robinson (NYK) 12.7, 3.1, 2.9 26. Louis Williams (PHI) 11.5, 2.1, 3.2, 1 27. Daniel Gibson (CLE) 10.4, 2.3, 2.5 28. Delonte West (CLE/SEA) 8.3, 3.2, 3.8, 1 29. (R) Mike Conley (MEM) 9.4, 2.6, 4.2 30. Kyle Lowry (MEM) 9.6, 3, 3.6, 1.1 Just Missed It Ramon Sessions (MIL) 11.5, 4.9, 11.3, 1.5, (10 Games April) Antonio Daniels (WAS) 8.4, 2.9, 4.8, 1 Sebastian Telfair (MIN) 8.3, 2.3, 5.9, 1 Just a few things to say before I wrap this up. Jamal Crawford, he's a shooting guard running the point. He did pretty good, but Nate Robinson really should have taken that spot, and he might get that chance with Mike D'Antoni heading to New York and Marbury possibly opting out or getting traded. In fact a lot of players in the NBA are going to get their chance to shine in the NBA soon. A lot of the star veterans are nearing retirement. Players like Steve Nash, Chauncey Billups, Allen Iverson, Shaq, Dirk Nowitzki, even Shawn Marion turned 30 a few days ago. Soon they'll start to break down and eventually retire, making room for the younger guys to take charge. In a few years, the NBA's going to be a whole differnt game. Mon, 12 May 2008 13:19:10 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266095 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/266095 Player by player analysis, grade and video highlights (in some cases low lights) for the 2007-2008 New York Knickerbockers Sun, 27 Apr 2008 13:44:26 -0500 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/260068 http://www.yardbarker.com/author/article/260068