Maurice Stokes with the Rochester Royals | Photo courtesy of http://sportige.com/smallest-players-rebound/

by Patrick ‘Rey’ Reynell

View Part 1 and Part 2 of this discussion.

In case you’ve missed the first two parts, we’re attempting to expand the NBA’s 50 Greatest Players to accomodate its 65th anniversary as a league in two seasons.

After two rounds of voting, here are the players and their respective number of votes:

Tim Duncan – 5
Kobe Bryant – 5
Bob McAdoo – 4
Chet Walker – 3
Maurice Stokes – 3
Dennis Johnson – 3
Artis Gilmore – 3
LeBron James – 2
Allen Iverson – 2
Adrian Dantley – 2
Dennis Rodman – 1
Bernard King – 1
Dan Issel – 1
Dominique Wilkins – 1
Tom Heinsohn – 1
Kevin Garnett – 1
Steve Nash – 1
Dirk Nowitzki – 1
Bill Lambier – 1
Cliff Hagan – 1
Alex English – 1
Ray Allen – 1

With this part, we will complete the voting and be able to add our 15 players to the original list of 50. Once again, you can vote for a player only once.

Here are my last five additions:

Artis Gilmore – Career averages: 18.8 ppg, 12.3 rpg, 2.4 bpg, 2.3 apg (combined 5 ABA seasons, 12 NBA seasons). His 16,330 career rebounds would be fourth on the 50 greatest list, behind only Chamberlain, Russell and Jabbar. Led NBA in field goal percentage for four straight seasons (shot 67% in 1980-1981 season). Shot nearly 60% for his career in the NBA which remains first all-time. (Thanks to Wally for bringing Gilmore into the discussion!)

Alex English – Hall of Famer. 25,613 career points. Career 50% shooter with over 21,000 field goal attempts, which makes him eighth all time in attempts (unprecedented for a wing). Only players to shoot over 50% with more attempts are Chamberlain, Jabbar and Karl Malone.

Adrian Dantley – Hall of Famer. Over 23,000 career points in less than 1,000 games. Finished in top three of scoring title five times (scoring champ in 1980-1981, 1983-1984). Averaged 30 points or more in four straight seasons. Sixteenth in NBA history for field goal percentage at 54%. (Thanks to Chas for bringing Dantley into the discussion!)

Gary Payton – Fifth all-time in steals (2,243) and seventh in assists (8,966). 9X first team All-Defensive; 1995-1996 defensive player of the year. Finished in top-10 for MVP voting for eight straight seasons. Won 2006 NBA championship with Miami Heat. *Note: I would place Alvin Robertson in Payton’s place, but I just can’t based on his recent troubles with the law. The guy could flat out play though. Maybe one of the best all-around players ever in the NBA. His playoff numbers are excellent even though his teams never advanced. Against San Antonio in the first round in 1988, he averaged 23.3 ppg, 9.3 apg, 4.7 rpg and 4 spg.

Steve Nash – Back-to-back MVP in 2004-2005 and 2005-2006 (top-10 finisher five times). Ranks eighth all-time in assists with 8,397. Excellent free throw shooter with career 90% average. Thirteenth all-time in 3-point field goals made. Hard time putting him on this list because he is a defensive liability on and off-the-ball, but only eleven other players have won multiple MVPs.

So there are my final five additions. You can agree, refute, or (in the spirit of Mt. Otsego) just add your ’splinters.’ If this is your first time voting, you can vote for five, ten, or submit a complete list of fifteen.

AP Photo/Michael Goulding, Pool

By Paul Gotham

Brief notes on the second round of the playoffs.

Eastern Conference

Celtics vs. Cavs

Cleveland grabbed the  one-game advantage. Is it a case of too little, too late for the Cs? Doc Rivers waited until now to call out Rasheed Wallace’s defense. It’s not like we didn’t see this coming. On the offensive end Rajon Rondo is going to need some help if the Celtics stand a chance. Does Boston have a scheme for LeBron? Was the elbow injury a case of gamesmanship by the Akron Hammer?

Hawks vs. Magic

The Hawks offer plenty of foul opportunities for Dwight Howard. Rashard Lewis will need to step up his game for the Magic. Vince Coleman will have to think about putting in some effort when closing out on Atlanta’s shooters. We will find out how good Jameer Nelson actually is. The Hawks struggled to contain Brandon Jennings in round one. Can Nelson take advantage. Al Horford vs. Howard in the paint? That should be a great match-up to watch.

Western Conference

Spurs vs. Suns

A little trivia for you. Who is arguably the best power forward in the history of the league? And on which team does he play? This same team has one of the top five point guards in the league, and this guy is coming off the bench. This team also has maybe the best triple threat guy in the league. Confused?

If Tim Duncan is not the best forward to ever play in the NBA, then who trumps him? How many point guards are there currently in the league better than Tony Parker? Can anyone question Manu Ginobili’s heart? Add to the mix George Hill, and the Spurs look dangerous.

Three years ago a David Stern interpretation of players leaving the bench area slowed the Suns. Since then Steve Nash and company have lost their way.

It will be interesting to watch how both teams try to dictate tempo.

Utah vs. Los Angeles

Jerry Sloan and crew will seek to avoid a third consecutive elimination from the playoffs at the hands of Phil Jackson and his followers. Many are suggesting Kobe has lost a step. He may be playing possum. Pau Gasol looked occasionally dominant as the Lakers took game one. Deron Williams and Carlos Boozer can shoulder the bulk of the load, but Utah will need more performances like the one they got from Paul Milsap.

Got a take on the NBA playoffs? Post them here.

By Paul Gotham

Eastern Conference

Bulls vs. Cavs

Maybe the Bulls could show as much spirit on the court as their coach, Vinny Del Negro, and GM, John Paxson, show off the court. I missed the announcement of “Joakim Rules.” Maybe Vinny should consult with Joe Girardi.  It’s kind of nice how the Bulls positioned themselves to be the Cavs’ appetizer. Chicago won 10 of its last 14 to get in the playoffs. Can Derrick Rose continue getting to the basket now that it is the playoffs, and teams will actually play defense? Can Shaq get in stride after a layoff? Does Shaq still have a stride? LeBron should be plenty rested.

Heat vs. Celtics

As far as seeds and numbers go, Miami winning would fall into the category of an upset. How many would be surprised if the Heat took this series? Does it matter any more that Boston swept the season series? The Cs have dropped eight of 13. Of course, it’s not like the Heat have anyone beyond D-Wade that they can actually count on from night to night. Do you hear that Michael Beasley and Jermaine O’Neal?

Hawks vs. Bucks

Has the potential to be the best first round series. Milwaukee will go without Andrew Bogut, but do not discount Scott Skiles and his ability to motivate the Bucks. Don’t forget, the Bucks have John Salmons who has the reputation for playing big in the playoffs. Salmons will need a great performance to thwart the Hawks.

Anyone looking for Marvin Williams will find him in Atlanta’s lineup. Jamal Crawford and Joe Johnson average 33 a game. Skiles’s defense should shrink those numbers.

Magic vs. Bobcats

Maybe the Vince Carter acquisition wasn’t such a bad idea after all. “Vinsanity” is averaging 16.6. More importantly, the “Iso King” is not disrupting Orlando’s offensive flow. Jason Williams is getting a second chance and making good on it. His presence along with Jameer Nelson’s make the Magic a contender. Congratulations to the Bobcats for qualifying for the playoffs.

Western Conference

Lakers vs. Thunder

You know things are not right with Lakers when Phil Jackson has to resort to mind games in the first round of the playoffs. Just when Kevin Durant showed maturity beyond his years, he goes and reacts to Jackson’s gibes. It will be interesting to see how many shots Durant takes in the first game or two of this series. He averages 20 shots per game.  What is there to not like about the Thunder’s roster: James Harden, Jeff Green, Nick Collison, and Eric Maynor. They have a good, young lineup. They are just not ready to win this series.  How much of LA’s success in the long run depends on Andrew Bynum’s Achilles’ tendon?

Nuggets vs. Jazz

Denver has lost their way since George Karl’s bout with cancer has taken him off the sidelines.  Carlos Boozer is a game time decision. Both lineups pack plenty of talent. Which team will get the most mileage out of their gas?

Mavericks vs. Spurs

Oh, the intrigue. Dallas looked ready for a title run after acquiring Caron Butler. Dallas has lost just seven games since getting Butler on February 16th. Does anyone want to play the Spurs in the playoffs? How much playoff experience do the Spurs have? Tony Parker is back in the lineup.

Suns vs. Blazers

Probably the most entertaining series. There will be plenty of scoring. Portland without Brandon Roy does not bode for the Blazers making any noise in the playoffs.

Splinters

Remember when Rey questioned Boston’s acquisition of Rasheed Wallace? If you don’t, click here. Bill Simmons added his commentary on the Celtics picking up Wallace. Read it here. Rey saw the smoke months ago.

Cheers to Lionel Hollins for showing Kenyon Martin how it’s done.

Give us your take on the NBA playoffs.

AP Photo/Matt York

By Paul Gotham

Just another night at the office

Steve Nash’s numbers on Christmas Day: 14 pts. on 6-10 shooting from the field/ 1-1 from the free throw line and 1-3 from the arc. To go with those points, Nash accumulated eight assists.

The final number should not be overlooked. With eight, Nash had more assists than baskets made.

Phoenix defeated the lowly Clippers 124-93 on Christmas night.

Getting more assists than baskets is a familiar situation for the Sun point guard.  Against Oklahoma City on the 23rd, Nash went 10-17 from the field with 12 assists. Two nights earlier, the Santa Clara grad finished 7-13 against the Cavs with 10 assists.  Nash dished out 15 assists versus the Wizards going 6-12.

Nash has 7,852 career assists with 5,074 field goals.

It can be argued that Nash has more field goal attempts than assists. Imagine if the NBA kepth track of assist attempts. How many lay ups does Nash provide for teammates that go unfinished? Better yet, how many shots does Nash provide where a foul and miss occurs?

Is there any coincidence Phoenix leads the league in scoring? Nash is an old school point guard who thinks pass first and shot second.

Go figure

Pittsburgh’s Penguins rank number one in the NHL with 26 wins. The Penguins’ 121 goals rank third in the league. Sidney Crosby with 22 goals and 24 assists is fifth in the league with 46 points.

Despite those impressive offensive numbers, Pittsburgh ranks dead last in power play efficiency. Pittsburgh has had 169 power play opportunities (more than any team in the league). The Penguins have connected on only 26 of those chances – or 15.4 per cent of the time – 30th in the league.

Miller for MVP

How much longer before Buffalo’s Ryan Miller is mentioned in the MVP conversation? The Sabre netminder has made 913 saves out of 976 opportunities for a league-leading save percentage of .935 per cent.  Miller is second in the league with 4 shut outs (Ilya Bryzgalov leads with 5). Miller’s 1.98 goals against average is second only to Boston’s Tuuka Rask. Rask has played 17 fewer games than Miller.

Don’t hold your breath

USC’s Joe McKnight is under investigation for the use of an SUV. Anyone wonder how long the inquisition will take? After all, we are still waiting for a decision on Reggie Bush.

McKnight. Bush. OJ Mayo. Matt Leinart. Who is the USC compliance officer? How much is that person making? I am about ready to apply for the job.

Timing is everything

Someone please explain why Urban Meyer had to come out and announce he was stepping down over a week BEFORE the Sugar Bowl. Why not wait until after the game? And now Meyer has already changed his mind? Geez. Who is he taking lessons from? Bobby Cremins? Or Brett Favre? Or both?

Forecast calls for…

SNOW in Boston on Friday. Should be a great day for an outdoor hockey game. Let it snow. Let it snow. Let it snow.

Anyone have a rebound and putback? Post them here.

Courtesy of NBA.com

By Paul Gotham

Celtics getting taller.

If  Danny Ainge and his staff took one lesson from the recent playoffs, it’s that you can’t teach height.

With Kevin Garnett dressed to the nines the reigning champs struggled to survive the first round before bowing from the post-season.

Since then, the Cavaliers signed Shaq. Boston responded by getting Rasheed Wallace. Ainge and crew haven’t rested.

Last week, Boston signed Shelden Williams to a contract. Since Atlanta took Williams with the fifth pick in the ’06 draft, ‘The Landlord’ has bounced from the Hawks to Minnesota to Sacramento. If nothing else, the signing of Williams  sent a message to Glen ‘Big Baby’ Davis.

After expressing his frustration through various tweets, Davis finally came to terms with the Cs. Perhaps, Davis realized he’s a dime a dozen and to make buzzer beaters in the playoffs, one actually has to play on a team that qualifies for the post-season.

However you cut it, Boston will have plenty of fouls to give with their revamped frontcourt.

Nash signs extension with the Suns.

He may not be a dog, but Steve Nash sure is loyal. Instead of testing the free agent waters next summer, the 35-year-old Nash opted to sign a three-year deal with the Suns.

Two years ago, the Suns lost in Conference semi-final to the Spurs. Since that fateful night when ‘Kindergarten’ Marion and Amare Stoudemire each earned a game suspension for doing their finest Lynyrd Skynrd and ‘taking’ three steps, the Suns have been in decline. The Shaq experiment reaped a first-round exit last year and a playoff miss this year.

The upcoming season doesn’t look much better. No one could blame Nash for wanting a change in scenery. Instead the the 13-year veteran is staying put.

Felton still unsigned.

We should create a new category: head scratchers.

This past season Raymond Felton averaged 14 ppg, 3.8 RPG, and 6.7 APG. All of those numbers are pretty consistent with his previous three seasons in the league. Yet, Felton is still looking for a team. There are no teams out there in need of a reliable point guard?

Got some Splinters? Share ‘em here.

Getty Images

by Patrick ‘Rey’ Reynell

Let me first get this off my chest: I’m a closet Chelsea fan. I started following soccer in 2006 and have somehow morphed into a fan of the Blues.

I hate to admit it because, in my opinion, this leaves me in the same category as the thrall of Boston Red Sox fans that suddenly appeared post-2004. I wasn’t around during Chelsea’s fifty-plus years of struggle to prove that I am a true fan. But in the same note, I also wasn’t a fan of anyone pre-2006.

Since following the Premier League and secretly the boys at Stamford Bridge, they’ve been through three managers and may be four when this season ends.

Other clubs on the cusp of the title do not seem to follow this trend, like Arsenal with Wenger, Aston Villa with O’Neill, Liverpool with Benetiz, and Manchester United with Sir Alex.

Why has Chelsea, a contender every year for the Premier League and Champions League, fallen into this NBA-like trend of hastily firing every manager that starts slowly? Perhaps greed but more so impatience.

Steve Kerr, general manager of the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, made a bold hire at the end of last season. He realized the “seven seconds or less” era, albeit entertaining, was not going to produce a championship.

Building off the philosophy that defense wins championships, Kerr went out and hired Terry Porter, who he believed could build a defensive team with the same offensive fire power left over from Mike D’Antoni’s tenure.

Porter definitely had the Suns playing at a different pace, and perhaps most affected by this was Steve Nash. The two time MVP’s numbers were down and he seemed stagnant. Blame spread far and wide, mostly circling around Nash’s age in a ridiculously athletic position and, of course, the Shaquille O’Neal trade from last season.

But Porter wasn’t given much of a chance to implement his system and create the platform for which he was hired. One would think that with two of the most prolific finishers perhaps in the game’s history, Amare Stoudemire and O’Neal, as well as guards who could get them the ball, that Porter would be given the chance to make a cohesive defensive unit out of these fun-and-gun cohorts.

Think again.

Kerr fired Porter during the All-Star break. Yes – before he even completed one season in his new job.

The Suns were 23-18, which was a worse start than the past few seasons. Worse, yes, but the point was for Porter to produce a better finish, not necessarily a better start.

Roman Abramovich, Chelsea’s owner, has displayed the same impatience in his hiring practices and, like Kerr, seems to forget that the end result is what matters.

Jose Mourinho and the Blues started a bit slower than usual last season in the Premier League. Amid reported strife between owner and manager, Mourinho (please pick one) left/was fired and Avram Grant stepped in.

Grant did not win the Premier League but was able to get the Blues to the Champions League final. They faced fellow English club Manchester United in Abramovich’s home country of Russia and lost in a shootout.

Grant was then predictably let go after the season and Chelsea made the popular hire of Portugal’s Felipe Scolari, whose most famous managerial stint was with Brazil in 2002 when they won the World Cup.

As is the case for all teams not far removed from chugging out of the championship chalice, everyone started to overanalyze Scolari’s start forgetting, once again, it’s how they finish the race, not start.

Soon reports followed that some players were not thrilled with Scolari’s training sessions and that the team’s poor performance was deteriorating any enthusiasm amongst players. Abramovich fired Scolari in early February in what seemed like déjà vu from the previous season.

Note to Abramovich and Kerr: Rome wasn’t built in a day.

These two are more like Nero rather than Julius Caesar. The empire has been built, and they’re willing to burn it down in order to build a more grandiose version.

Both hires, in my not-so-expert opinion, were fine. Now we see Phoenix probably back at square one with Alvin Gentry. Sure the Suns are scoring an insane amount of points and have somehow discovered Shaq’s fountain of youth, but haven’t we read this script before? Phoenix will not outgun the West’s best in a seven game series.

Chelsea continues on almost the exact same path as they did with Grant at the helm. New manager, Guus Hiddink, won’t see the Blues hoist the Premier League trophy. However, the Blues have been impressive at home and currently hold a 1-0 aggregate advantage in Champions League round of sixteen against Italian club, Juventus. He can certainly buck Chelsea’s managerial trend if he can win the Champions League.

Julius Caesar established Rome as a world power that spread far and wide. Nero nearly burnt it to the ground (allegedly). Hopefully, Abramovich and Kerr take note of the greatest empire of all time and realize that patience, especially with one’s handpicked personnel, is a virtue.