Kevin Martin (Kings)- For three straight seasons the 6′7, 185lb Western Carolina alum has averaged better than 20ppg. For most of the past two seasons K-Mart has been the man in Sac-Town, but he’s become somewhat of a secret because the Kings’ dreadfulness as of late. Kevin’s shooting form is so unorthodox it almost makes Shawn Marion’s stroke look worthy of duplication. But what makes Kevin so lethal is his quick first step, his ability to get to the line frequently, and his myriad of creative shots he makes from mid range. There’s really no stopping him when he’s got his three point shot going, he’s a career 39% from deep.  I expect him to make at least one All-Star team before he’s done.

John Salmons (Bulls)- Was known primarily as an average bench player until the 07/08 season, when he  started 81 games for the Kings. This season he has split teams, first with the Kings, then (now) with the Bulls, averaging a healthy 18.3 ppg. He is usually known for solid defensive play, and for the most part that has continued, but recently people have seen what he can bring to the table offensively. For the Bulls Salmons has become the 3^rd option and has flourished in that role. For a title contender Salmons would be the ideal first or second guy off the bench, just imagine how dangerous the Bulls would be if Luol Deng was healthy.  Update- Salmons scored 35 points in a triple OT Bulls win on Thursday night. Luol who?

Salmons blew by Pierce and the Celtics a lot in Game 6 (Image:Newscom)

Luis Scola (Rockets)- In just two years in the league Luis has become a sturdy side kick next to Yao Ming. All the talk is directed towards T-Mac, or Ron Artest, Yao, even Shane Battier, and surprisingly enough newly inserted starting point guard Aaron Brooks too, but Scola is often times overlooked. Even Carl Landry gets more pub than Scola. 17.6ppg and 7.2reb/gm so far in the Portland series for Scola. His playoff ppg are up by almost five from his regular season totals.

Ramon Sessions (Bucks)- He’s only been in the league for two seasons, but has come a long way since being drafted #26 in the 2^nd round in 07. He only saw time in 17 games as a rookie, but was the Bucks starting point guard in season two, averaging a respectable 12.4 points and 5.7 assists in 79 games. Sessions just turned 23, I have to believe he’s a keeper in Milwaukee.

Randy Foye (Timberwolves)- Might have averaged the quietest 16 ppg in the league. I remember him as a killa thrilla at Villanova and he has translated his skill set to the big show in season three. He beats defenders by the dribble drive and also from beyond the arc and he’s got a perfect point guard build at 6′4, 210lbs. The Wolves are assembling some nice pieces around Al Jefferson, and Foye is definitely one of them to watch grow.

Post from: EveryJoe

NBA’s most overlooked

Both teams got production from a variety of different sources. John Salmons led the way for the Bulls with 35 points, six rebounds and four assists in 60 minutes. Derrick Rose chipped in with 28 points, eight rebounds and seven assists, while Brad Miller and 23 points and ten rebounds off the bench.

For the Celtics, Ray Allen has 51 points in 59 minutes. He hit 18-of-32 shots from the field, 9-of-18 three-pointers and 6-of-7 free throws. Glen “Big Baby” Davis had 23 points and seven rebounds, while Paul Pierce had 22 points and nine rebounds.

With the win, the Bulls tied the series 3-3 and forced a Game 7 against the Celtics. Game 7 will take place in Boston on Saturday.

Of the six games so far in the series, four of the games have gone to overtime. The defending NBA champion Celtics are trying to survive a heated push by the young Bulls. Boston’s job is made more difficult since Kevin Garnett is likely out for the rest of the playoffs with a knee injury.

Rookie Derrick Rose is attempting to lead a Bulls upset (Image: Newscom)

Post from: EveryJoe

Bulls Defeat Celtics in Triple Overtime

I got to thinking, maybe there’s a simple reason nobody thinks Harden is overrated—maybe nobody even knows who he is?

On the Surface

Started every game for ASU so far this season, shoots 52.7% from the field, gets to the line 8 times a game (shoots 75%), averages almost 6 rebounds and just over 4 assists (3.5 turnovers) a game and leads the Pac-10 in scoring with 21.2/gm.

Extra

Leading ASU to a 10-4 Pac-10 mark thus far, a top 15 ranking, and almost assuredly a 3 or 4 seed in the NCAA tourney.

Scored 17.8 ppg his freshman year. That is the 8th best mark by a freshman in Pac-10 history.

Holds ASU record for most minutes/gm for a freshman (34.1).

First team All-Pac-10 freshman.

The first freshman in league history with at least 70 (73) steals and at least a 17.0 points per game average.

The Skinny

This left handed, unorthodox, patient, fundamental, polarizing player doesn’t seem to get the acclaim he deserves. Overlooked by the east coast media, but then again, if you’re not on UCLA, that’s kind of the way it rolls. If he was flashy, maybe had some off the court issues, he possibly might get more attention, but it seems that his due acclaim will have to wait until the tourney.

Game has drawn comparisons to Manu Ginobili and Paul Pierce, often because of the subtle but destructive athleticism that he shares with them. Also a competent shooter from deep (though needs to improve mid-range game), has good eye for the open man, has controlled aggression, sneaky defensive player, makes uncanny shots in lane, NBA strong, knows his strengths and exploits defenses accordingly, and is especially calm in times of chaos.

Fortunate enough to have seen Harden play two times this season, I can safely state that in a worst case scenario he will have a pro career similar to a John Salmons or Derek Anderson. Best case? Definitely the Paul Pierce comparison fits, but Harden is, at the tallest, only 6′5, and without A grade athleticism I’m not certain he can do the things the 6′7 Pierce does on a regular basis.

On the college level he’s already a top 5 player. If ASU can get hot it’s not unrealistic to assume they can make a long run in the tourney, especially with the lack of consistent and/or dominant teams around this season. Harden can carry a team for long stretches and if ASU can catch some breaks along the way, Harden can say so long to the mysterious man label.

Post from: EveryJoe

Who is James Harden?