Mike's Monthly Fab Five(For December 2007)

In my first Monthly Fab Five Rankings, I give my top 5 most productive players of the ending month. What factors into the rankings of the 5 players is two basic things, personal statistics and team play. So if a player had an amazing month but his team went 5-10 in for that month, he is unlikely to crack the top 5.

So here you go, the Fab Five of December 2007.

5. Allen Iverson-G-Denver Nuggets: The Answer had a great month of December, including a 51 point outburst against the Lakers, where he shot 18-27 from the field, a 66.7 shooting percentage. He also dished out 8 assists in that game. AI also had 7 30+ point games this month. For the month, Iverson scored 29.7 points a game, on 48.2 percent shooting, a very respectable percentage considering his career shooting percentage is only 42.4 percent. Overall, a very good month from The Answer.

4. Chris Paul-G-New Orleans Hornets: If not for his statistics, Chris Paul would of been left of this list. Chris Paul had an impressive month, including two 40 point games in wins against Memphis. For the month Chris Paul averaged 24.5 points per game, dished out 10.4 assists per game, averaged 3 steals per game and shot 48.5 percent from the field. Chris Paul had 8 double- doubles this month. His team was 7-1 in games where Paul recorded a double-double.

3. Carmelo Anthony-F-Denver Nuggets: Along with the help of AI and Marcus Camby, Melo helped Denver to a respectable 8-5 record for the month of December, including wins over Dallas and Houston. Carmelo had 6 30+ point games during the month of December, while shooting 47.9% on Field Goals in those games. The Nuggets were also 5-1 in games where Carmelo scored 30+ points. In a 112-111 double overtime win over Houston, Carmelo scored 37 points had 16 rebounds(12 offensive), had 3 steals and blocked 2 shots.

2. Kobe Bryant-G-Los Angeles Lakers: Kobe Bryant lead his young Lakers squad to a impressive 10-4 record during the month of December. The Lakers only losses were only to solid playoff teams in Orlando, Boston, Golden State, and Cleveland(Once they come around). Although Kobe's shooting percentage was sub-par, 41.9 percent, Mamba still averaged 26.6 points per contest. In games where Kobe scored 30 or more points, the Lakers were 5-0. On the flip side, in games where Kobe shot 38.5% or below from the field, the Lakers were 0-4. So, as we have all known for the past three and half years, the Lakers win when Kobe scores, but he must score efficiently for them to win also.

1. Brandon Roy-G-Portland Trail Blazers: Okay before this pick is questioned, just listen to the reasons, Brandon Roy is number one in my Monthly Fab Five. First of all he lead the Blazers to a unreal 13-2 record, including an infamous 13 game winning streak. He also was the recipient of TWO NBA Western Conference Player of the Week awards. He also averaged a quiet 21 points per game. Not to mention he shot shot 47% from the field, dished out 6.4 assists per game and managed to pull down 5.3 rebounds per game. Although this month may have been a lot more than what we should expect from Brandon Roy this year, he still had a great month, which deserved recognition as the best month in the NBA.

Look for my Fab Five of January to see who is lighting up the league then. Will LeBron and Dwight Howard crack the top 5. Will we see more Brandon Roy excellence? Only their play will determine their case for the Fab Five. Get started NBA players, the race is on.

Going into 2008 with a Bang!

Less than 24 hours before the 2007 clock hits midnight and we start a new year, a very confusing report by the Chicago Tribune is released. Supposedly, Superstar swingman, Tracy McGrady of the Houston Rockets has quietly let it be known, all is not well in Houston. More details have yet to be released, but if I am any other team in this league, maybe trading for T-Mac isn't the best idea. McGrady, who is currently in his 11th season in the NBA, has yet to win a playoff series, even when paired with a healthy Yao Ming in Houston, or having 3-1 lead on Detroit in the first round of the 2003 NBA playoffs with Orlando. So unless they manage to put him on a team where the team gets to keep their superstar and have T-Mac at the same time, the majority of teams in this league should come with caution when offering players for the VERY injury prone McGrady. Houston may have played and won the last 2 games convincingly without McGrady in the lineup. However, both opponents were hardly threating, in current 8 win team in Memphis, and a 1 game above .500 team in Toronto. One writer suggested that Chicago trade Kirk Hinrich and Andres Nocioni in exchange for T-Mac. Chicago would be foolish to do this deal. They lose their floor general in Hinrich, and the scrappiest and toughest player on their team in Nocioni. Houston should keep McGrady and continue to build around him and Yao.

The Struggles of New Jersey: What to Do?

Since February of the 07 season, people have been creating scenarios of the Nets triple-double man Jason Kidd heading to a multiple number of teams. As expected the talks started to fall apart after a while. Nevertheless, the moment the Nets began struggling this year, suggestions have been made that it is time for the Nets and Kidd to go their separate ways. However, other than Richard Jefferson and his new found scoring dominance, there is no player more valuable to the Nets than Jason Kidd. Since his arrival before the 01-02 season, he has either been the Nets 1st or 2nd leading rebounder. There is no GUARD in this league that could replace what he does for the Nets on the glass, because there is no point guard other than Kidd, who averages more than 4.9 rebounds per game. Trading him away would send this already struggling Nets team into premature rebuilding mode and it would cause them to miss the playoffs for the next few years. If the Nets plan on trading any one of their big 3, it should be Vince Carter. His play is struggling and he has moved from the number one option to the number 2 option, which he has yet to experience in his 10 year career. By trading Vince Carter away, they could get 2-3 quality players and maybe a first round draft pick. In my opinion, this team doesn't need a major blockbuster trade to make a difference this year. What they need is to play through their struggles and eventually get back into the playoff team that they are(in the east). Kidd, VC, and RJ are one of the best trios in the NBA and breaking it up will only cause problems throughout the season. These 3 players have played together for a little more than 3 seasons and they just need some time to get their game together.

An Unexpected Name

On October 30, 2006, The Los Angeles Clippers signed Chris Kaman to a 5 year 52.5 million dollar contract extension. Clipper fans and NBA fans across the country mocked Elgin Baylor and the Clippers for being another GM fooled by what I call a "contract year hoe". To make matters worse for the Clippers, Chris Kaman showed the Clippers front office that the fans were right, he was a contract year hoe, and his played showed it. The Majority of his statistics dropped, going from 11.9 points per game on 52.3% shooting to 10.1 points per game on a pathetic 45.1% shooting. His rebounding numbers dropped significantly, grabbing only 7.8 rpg in the 2007 season, opposed to 9.6rpg in his contract year.
However, on November 2nd, 2007, the Clippers first game of the 2007-2008 season, Chris Kaman had most likely the best game of his career. He scored 26 points, grabbed 18 rebounds(8 offensive), dished out 3 assists, and shot 88.9%(8-9) from the charity stripe. That game was no fluke either, this season in the Clippers first 22 games he has recorded 18 double-doubles, and has scored in double figures in each of the 22 games. He is currently ranked third in the NBA in blocks per game swatting 2.8 shots per game and is ranked 3rd in the NBA in rebounds pulling down 13.8 boards per game. His 3 games of 20+ rebounds ranks 3rd in the NBA, trailing rebounding monsters Dwight Howard and Marcus Camby. If Kaman keeps improving his play, we could see him in an All-Star uniform in the near future.

2007-2008 Outlook: Second Predictions

MVP: Dwight Howard: At 21 years of age, D-How could already be recognized as a top 10 player in the NBA. He is a monster on the boards and he is a improving offensive threat. Once he adds 2-3 more moves he consistently uses in the post and a 10 foot jumper, he will be UNSTOPPABLE. If the Magic reach 50+ wins, he should be a lock for the MVP.
Runner Up-LeBron James

Defensive Player of the Year: Kevin Garnett: As of December 16th, the Celtics are holding their opponents to a league best, 86.5 points per contest. You can thank KG for the Celtics surprisingly outstanding defensive numbers. Garnett's numbers don't lie, he is grabbing 8.9 DEFENSIVE rebounds per game, swiping 1.67 steals, and sending back 1.62 shots, while only committing 2.6 fouls per contest. No one does a better job at defending the hoop than KG and he deserves to add some defensive hardware to his collection, because he's been a great defender for quite some time.
Runner Up-Kobe Bryant

Rookie of the Year: Kevin Durant: Yes, the 39.4 FG%, 3.32 turnovers per game , and 4.4 rebounds per game might make you scoff, but come on, what rookie has had amazing numbers after being asked to do so much, so soon. And don't forget he's in the western conference too which means the defense he goes up against most often is usually going to be much tougher to score on. Don't forget to look at every stat either. He has solid numbers in the steal and block category, getting 1.0 and 1.2 respectively, while committing less than 2 fouls per game, which is great to see from a very young rook.
Runner Up-Al Horford

Sixth Man of the Year: Manu Ginobili: As much as I want the Brazilian Bullet to win this award, I have to give credit when credit is due. Manu Ginobili has been outstanding for the Spurs off the bench, averaging 20 ppg in only 2 out of a possible 23 starts. He is a great scorer and does it with efficiency, see John Hollingers Player Stats on ESPN.Com(http://insider.espn.go.com/nba/hollinger/statistics)
Runner Up-Leandro Barbosa

Most Improved Player of the Year: Richard Jefferson: I have no idea what changed this kids mentality. Yes, Injuries to VC15 and continued shooting woes from J-Kidd have caused Jefferson to score more, but seriously, 24.4 ppg?! Up from 16.3 ppg in a injury filled year last year and only 19.5 ppg the year before, Richard Jefferson has turned into the player all Net fans have been waiting for. You could make a case for Chris Kaman or Dwight Howard to win this award, but RJ is playing out of his mind right now and nobody deserves it more than him.
Runner Up-Chris Kaman

Coach of the Year: Eddie Jordan: I don't know what this team did to deserve such bad karma, but they must have done something. Loosing Etan Thomas most likely for the year, Agent Zero was shelved for a couple months after re-injuring his knee, and now Antonio Daniels is out for a couple weeks. However, despite all these injuries, the Wizards have managed to stay above .500 clocking in at 13-10 as of Dec. 16th. I don't know if it's their players or the coaching. But last time I checked, a team of DeShawn Stevenson, Caron Butler, Antwan Jamison, and Brendan Haywood was no where near good enough to win 8 out of 23 games, let alone 13 out of 23. Eddie Jordan is a great coach and he deserves the recognition of being one.
-Runner Up-Jim O'Brien


All-NBA First Team
G-Kobe Bryant
G-Chris Paul
F-LeBron James
F-Kevin Garnett
C-Dwight Howard

All-NBA Second Team
G-Allen Iverson
G-Steve Nash
F-Carmelo Anthony
F-Carlos Boozer
C-Yao Ming

All-NBA Third Team
G-Dwyane Wade
G-Deron Williams
G/F-Tracy McGrady
F-Tim Duncan
C-Amare Stoudemire


All-Defensive First Team
G-Kobe Bryant
G-Chris Paul
F-Bruce Bowen
F-Kevin Garnett
C-Marcus Camby

All-Defensive Second Team
G-Chauncey Billups
F-Ron Artest
F-Shawn Marion
F-Josh Smith
C-Chris Kaman(Tie)
C-Ben Wallace(Tie)


All-Rookie First Team
G-Juan Carlos Navarro
G-Kevin Durant
F-Jamario Moon
F-Yi Jianlian
C-Al Horford

All-Rookie Second Team
G-Nick Young
G-Daequan Cook
F-Jeff Green
F-Sean Williams
C-Luis Scola

West Champs: Phoenix Suns
East Champs: Boston Celtics
NBA Champs: Boston Celtics

2007-2008 Season Outlook-First Predictions

MVP: LeBron James: With the east getting stronger by the day and the Cavaliers team looking worse and worse each day. LeBron is looking to have the best season of his young career. He is only 22 years old and already has carried is team to the NBA Finals, only to be stomped on by the Spurs. Rumor has it that LeBron's biggest flaw (his mid-range and outside shooting consistency) he has carried over the past 4 years, has been abolished. He now carries a wet jumper to go along with his endless variety of skills. Look for LeBron to lead the Cavaliers to another 50+ win season, and another possible finals run. However, come playoffs, if the trio wearing green and white get in his way, he might have some trouble getting the Cavs over that monstrosity of a mountain.
-Runner up: Kevin Garnett

Defensive Player of the Year: Bruce Bowen: This is the year Bruce Bowen wins the award he's deserved for so long. Yes, he may play some dirty defense on some plays throughout a game. But what great defender doesn't do that. He has been playing A-1 top defense for his career with the Spurs. He is one of the, if not the best perimeter defender in the NBA. He will lock down his assignment, whether he be a lighting quick point guard or a dominate, score at will PF. Bruce Bowen may not get the defensive stats that show up in the box score, but without him the Spurs defense falls apart.
-Runner up: Ben Wallace

Rookie of the Year: Kevin Durant: Even if Greg Oden did not get hurt, Durant is still my choice to win ROY. He comes into a Seattle team, that has just been rid of their two marquee players(Ray Allen & Rashard Lewis), and has no scorer, dominate player, or future leader to it's name. KD35 is going to have a tough rookie year concerning wins and losses. However, statistically, he should have a rookie year to be remembered by everyone. I see him outputting averages of 20.0ppg, 6.5rpg, 1.5apg, 1.5spg, and 0.8bpg. Great stats for a kid whose expected to lead a team at the age of 19.
-Runner up: Al Horford

Sixth Man of the Year: Andres Nocioni: Andres is a very underrated player in todays game. He is one of Chicago's greatest assets. He can score when called upon, he plays with heart and passion every second he's on the floor, and he rebounds exceptionally well for a combo forward. He will get starts this year, when Chicago is still figuring out its PF situation and when injuries occur. However, he will start the majority of the games on the sidelines.
-Runner up: Leandro Barbosa

Most Improved Player of the Year: Corey Maggette: With Cassell's gas tank on reserve, and Elton Brand out until at least January, Corey Maggette should be looked upon to carry the Clippers so-called team. He will have to do the majority of their scoring, defending and perimeter rebounding. Forget about trade rumors Corey, start worrying about being relied on to win games for the Clips.
-Runner up-LaMarcus Aldridge

Coach of the Year: Rick Adelman: Coach Adleman is one of the best coaches in the past decade. The Sacramento team he lead was one of the best groups of players in the NBA in a while. They should of had a championship, but just like when the Jazz ran into Michael Jordan and Co., the Kings ran into the Kobe-Shaq dynasty. Now with an even more talented Houston Rockets team, Rick Adelman looks to lead one of the best teams in his coaching career to the promise land.
-Runner up: Jerry Sloan

Executive of the Year: Danny Ainge: Criticized widely for the past few years, Danny Ainge has created a three headed monster that looks almost impossible to stop. Although he is no where near smart enough to do the work Colangelo has done with Phoenix and Toronto, he made the right moves this summer and built a championship contender in a matter of weeks.
-Runner up: Chris Wallace(Memphis GM)

All-NBA First Team
G: Kobe Bryant
G: Gilbert Arenas
F: LeBron James
F: Kevin Garnett
C: Amare Stoudemire

All-NBA Second Team
G: Steve Nash
G: Tracy McGrady
F: Carmelo Anthony
F: Tim Duncan
C: Yao Ming

All-NBA Third Team
G: Jason Kidd
G: Dwyane Wade
F: Paul Pierce
F: Chris Bosh
C: Dwight Howard

All-Defensive First Team
F: Bruce Bowen
F: Ron Artest
C: Marcus Camby
C: Ben Wallace
G: Andre Iguodala

All-Defensive Second Team
G: Kobe Bryant
G: Jason Kidd
F: Kevin Garnett
F: Shawn Marion
C: Tim Duncan

All-Rookie First Team
G: Kevin Durant
G: Corey Brewer
C: Al Horford
F: Yi Jianlian
F: Jeff Green

All-Rookie Second Team
G: Acie Law
G: Mike Conley Jr.
C: Aaron Gray
F: Joakim Noah
F: Brandan Wright

West Champs: Phoenix Suns
East Champs: Boston Celtics
NBA Champs: Boston Celtics
Pacific Division: Phoenix Suns
Northwest Division: Denver Nuggets
Midwest Division: San Antonio Spurs
Southeast Division: Washington Wizards
Northeast Division: Boston Celtics
Central Division: Chicago Bulls