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