Cohen: Evaluating The Talent
By Josh Cohen
December 7, 2010
After providing a brief breakdown of how each player has performed this season thus far, vote on the grade you think each player deserves.
Grading System:
A - Excellent; Absolutely sensational; Definitely at a first-rate level
B - Pretty good; Generally content with a few exceptions here and there; Still need some improvement if they want to be a significant contributor
C - Somewhat disappointed; Expect more consistency; Hope for improvement as the season progresses
It was very noticeable from the beginning of the season that Dwight Howard has immensely improved his offensive repertoire. The two-time reigning Defensive Player of the Year has shown progress in his mid-range jumpers and has been more creative than past years attacking the hoop.
Superman is averaging a career-best 20.9 points and, although not quite as efficient as last season, is shooting 58 percent from the field. He is also the catalyst on a stalwart defensive team that is ranked No. 1 in points allowed.
It basically started for Jameer Nelson at the commencement of the 2010 NBA Playoffs. Mighty Mouse erupted and virtually single-handedly catapulted the Magic to a whitewashing of the Bobcats in the First Round. He, then, bamboozled the Hawks and starred in a memorable sweep-avoiding Game 4 against the Celtics.
Not much has changed for Nelson, who is averaging 14.9 points and a career-high 7.1 assists this season and in my opinion, should earn an All-Star bid for the second time in his seven-year career. He also has buried two game winning shots and ultimately propelled Orlando past Miami on Thanksgiving Eve with a few critical late buckets.
Mysterious to a large portion of Magic nation, but Brandon Bass was infrequently utilized last season after signing a four-year deal with Orlando in the summer of 2009. Aggravated by his limited minutes, the six-year pro allegedly requested a trade in hopes of landing with a club that would provide him more minutes.
Instead of dealing him away, the Magic decided to implement Bass into the rotation and it has certainly paid off. The former SEC Player of the Year is averaging career highs in points (10.7) and rebounds (5.1) and is a legitimate Sixth Man of the Year candidate.
Last season didn’t end the way Vince Carter hoped it would. He was practically concealed in the conference finals against the Celtics and encountered much scrutiny from the media afterwards.
But rather than accept a diminished role, VC poured in a tremendous amount of effort in the gym during the offseason to return with increased endurance and stronger legs. The eight-time All-Star has gotten off to a solid start this season and has shown a willingness to be more aggressive and attack the basket nearly every time he touches the ball.
After several memorable performances during the 2008-09 playoffs, Rashard Lewis elevated his status as one of the premier forwards in the NBA. But since the conclusion of the NBA Finals that year, Lewis has not quite sustained that same reputation.
Irrespective of the expectations that may be on his platter, however, Sweet Lew remains a vital component to an offense that flourishes when he is playing well. Lewis is very confident that as the season moves along, his overall play will progress as well.
President of Basketball Operations Otis Smith decided to essentially replace the effervescent Matt Barnes with a savvy veteran, Quentin Richardson, during the summer. While the jury is still out on whether Q-Rich is an upgrade from Barnes, it’s very apparent that the Chicago native can do something much more critical than what his predecessor could: Hit outside shots.
Like Quentin Richardson, it remains debatable if Chris Duhon will develop into an essential role player on the Magic. While showing flashes of defensive radiance, Duhon has not dazzled on either end of the floor and, as a result, fans are still waiting for him to excel and prove his value.
It was an unbearable start for J.J. Redick, who before resting a sore back in mid-November shot a dismal 16 percent from 3-point distance. But as expected, the former Duke standout has elevated his play, especially when he replaced Vince Carter (sprained knee) in the starting lineup for three games. Unfortunately, the stomach virus epidemic may have halted his progression for the time being.
At first, he was not a part of the team’s rotation. Then, he became the club’s crowd-enlivening player with his timely 3-point shooting and supreme perimeter defense. Now, Mickael Pietrus, like J.J. Redick, is hoping to overcome the stomach bug. Somewhat inconsistent, but MP seems to deliver when he needs to.
It was a momentous time for Marcin Gortat to prove his value when Dwight Howard sat out for two games with the infamous stomach virus. While he generally played well against Detroit (14 points, 11 rebounds), it was a disappointing showing against Andrew Bogut, who exploded for 31 points and 18 rebounds, in a loss against the Bucks.
The season started with so much promise for Ryan Anderson when he was placed into the starting lineup in early November. But unfortunately for now, Rhino has been pulled from the rotation and until he recovers from a sprained foot, it’s questionable what his role will be with the team. Nevertheless, Anderson is a fantastic 3-point shooter and matchless rebounder who when implemented into the lineup can certainly help the team succeed.
It’s remarkable how Jason Williams can be called upon on last minute’s notice to step in, contribute and somehow play effectively well. There is no doubt that J-Will is the best third-string point guard in the NBA.
December 7, 2010
After providing a brief breakdown of how each player has performed this season thus far, vote on the grade you think each player deserves.
Grading System:
A - Excellent; Absolutely sensational; Definitely at a first-rate level
B - Pretty good; Generally content with a few exceptions here and there; Still need some improvement if they want to be a significant contributor
C - Somewhat disappointed; Expect more consistency; Hope for improvement as the season progresses
 Dwight Howard |
Superman is averaging a career-best 20.9 points and, although not quite as efficient as last season, is shooting 58 percent from the field. He is also the catalyst on a stalwart defensive team that is ranked No. 1 in points allowed.
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What grade do you give Dwight Howard thus far this season?
Latest Opinions
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 Jameer Nelson |
Not much has changed for Nelson, who is averaging 14.9 points and a career-high 7.1 assists this season and in my opinion, should earn an All-Star bid for the second time in his seven-year career. He also has buried two game winning shots and ultimately propelled Orlando past Miami on Thanksgiving Eve with a few critical late buckets.
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What grade do you give Jameer Nelson thus far this season?
Latest Opinions
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 Brandon Bass |
Instead of dealing him away, the Magic decided to implement Bass into the rotation and it has certainly paid off. The former SEC Player of the Year is averaging career highs in points (10.7) and rebounds (5.1) and is a legitimate Sixth Man of the Year candidate.
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What grade do you give Brandon Bass thus far this season?
Latest Opinions
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 Vince Carter |
But rather than accept a diminished role, VC poured in a tremendous amount of effort in the gym during the offseason to return with increased endurance and stronger legs. The eight-time All-Star has gotten off to a solid start this season and has shown a willingness to be more aggressive and attack the basket nearly every time he touches the ball.
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What grade do you give Vince Carter thus far this season?
Latest Opinions
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 Rashard Lewis |
Irrespective of the expectations that may be on his platter, however, Sweet Lew remains a vital component to an offense that flourishes when he is playing well. Lewis is very confident that as the season moves along, his overall play will progress as well.
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What grade do you give Rashard Lewis thus far this season?
Latest Opinions
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 Quentin Richardson |
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What grade do you give Quentin Richardson thus far this season?
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 Chris Duhon |
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What grade do you give Chris Duhon thus far this season?
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 J.J. Redick |
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What grade do you give J.J. Redick thus far this season?
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 Mickael Pietrus |
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What grade do you give Mickael Pietrus thus far this season?
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 Marcin Gortat |
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What grade do you give Marcin Gortat thus far this season?
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 Ryan Anderson |
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What grade do you give Ryan Anderson thus far this season?
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 Jason Williams |
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What grade do you give Jason Williams thus far this season?
Latest Opinions
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