Write On Sports LLC - "NBA off-seson evaluation part 2: the starting shooting guards" by Jake Lloyd

NBA off-seson evaluation part 2: the starting shooting guards

2007-06-25 14:37:43 | By: Jake Lloyd

When was the last time the summer has been this steamy in NBA country? It's been a while.

While the draft will be a huge event Thursday night and Kevin Garnett trade talk is dominating the airwaves, a certain Kobe Bryant is getting his share of attention as well.

If you haven't heard for some reason (maybe you've been bobsledding in the Alps), Bryant wants out of Los Angeles. I don't think it's going to happen no matter how much he whines.

My reasoning? Well, he's arguably the best player in the NBA...

Which leads to the off-season evaluation of the league's starting shooting guards, put together by the basketball genius Cosey and I.

1. Kobe Bryant, LA Lakers: Considering the below-average players surrounding him, what Bryant's able to accomplish (leading the league in scoring the past two seasons and taking the Lakers to the playoffs in the killer Western Conference) is pretty impressive. Bryant also has a killer instinct come clutch time and he's not as selfish as people harpoon him to be.

2. Dwyane Wade, Miami: Nearly as good as Bryant. While he benefited from Shaq's low-post presence last year, it was his NBA Finals. He showed he can put the team on his back. Now we'll have to see how he recovers from the separated shoulder.

3. Tracy McGrady, Houston: Like Bryant, another player who can do it all. He's a team player, too, a leader. However, his shot selection is still suspect and he hasn't made it out of the first round of the playoffs.

4. Allen Iverson, Denver: Didn't have a great year with Denver, but that was to be expected. He and Carmelo Anthony needed time to adjust to each other. Obviously he still has all his offensive skills. Needs to shoot a better percentage, however.

*5. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio: Ginobili might come off the bench, but he has to be considered the Spurs' starting shooting guard. What makes him amazing is that opponents know he's going to drive left, yet he still gets by them. Has an underrated 3-point shot. Not as strong or as good on defense as the guys above him, but he's a winner.

6. Michael Redd, Milwaukee: One of the league's most underrated players, can score in bunches with his quick-release jumper. Needs to become more of a leader, stay healthy and take the Bucks to the playoffs.

7. Paul Pierce, Boston: Good player on a crappy team. He's definitely not the player he was five years ago, but put some decent players around him and you'd see his ability.

8. Vince Carter, New Jersey: Speaking of ability, this guy has it all. But for some reason he never puts it together, especially in the playoffs. Often relies too much on his outside shot, which can be hot or cold.

9. Richard Hamilton, Detroit: The Pistons' most consistent scorer. Is definitely underrated. Sure, he benefits from playing in a balanced offense, but he's the best player in the league at coming off screens.

10. Joe Johnson, Atlanta: Has become a great scorer, but he's playing for the Hawks, who always seem to have a guy who averages 25 ppg. If he somehow leads them to the playoffs, he'll zoom up this list.

11. Ray Allen, Seattle: We'll see how he does coming off an injury. Has the purest shooting stroke in the league, but has kind of fallen off along with the Supersonics. If he stays in Seattle, he needs to become more of a leader.

12. Jason Terry, Dallas: Good complementary player on a team full of them. Can get to the basket but outside shot is inconsistent. Lacks athleticism, which was exposed in Golden State series.

13. Ben Gordon, Chicago: One of the up-and-coming players in this group. Relies a little too much on his outside jumper. Should be Chicago's second scoring threat behind Luol Deng.

14. Mike Miller, Memphis: Doesn't really get much attention because he's in Memphis, but a good scorer nonetheless.

15. Jamal Crawford, New York: Has proven he can score droves of points and can hit clutch shots. Needs to improve decision-making and passing.

16. Kevin Martin, Sacramento: Looking at his body, you'd never think he could play in the NBA, but he does -- and he's not half bad. Has solid medium-range jumper. Just needs to keep polishing his game and bulk up.

17. Brandon Roy, Portland: This guy has a very high ceiling. Was hampered a bit by injuries, but still won the ROY award. Will do well with Oden demanding much attention down low.

18. Monta Ellis, Golden State: Had great regular season, earning Most Improved Player award. Kind of faltered in the playoffs. Streaky player on a team of streaky players. Just needs to become more consistent.

19. Anthony Parker, Toronto: Another young guy with plenty of potential on a team that fits that bill. Should move up rankings in years to come.

20. Raja Bell, Phoenix: One of the best defenders in the group. If he could consistently make the open 3-pointers created by Nash, he'd be higher.

21. Derek Fisher, Utah: Showed in the Golden State series that he can play through adversity and still hit clutch shots. Then bombed in San Antonio series. Still a valuable asset to have.

22. Ricky Davis, Minnesota: Plenty of talent, but you have to question his intentions. Very greedy player (remember the "own rebound" for the triple double?).

23. Cutino Mobley, LA Clippers: Not as quick as he used to be, but a good fourth-quarter veteran.

24. Peja Stojakovic, New Orleans: You have to wonder if he'll ever be fully healthy again and back to one of the game's most dangerous outside shooters.

25. Grant Hill, Orlando: Still shows signs of the player he used to be.

26. Sasha Pavlovic, Cleveland: Should only improve along with the rest of Cleveland's supporting cast.

27. Raymond Felton, Charlotte: Will likely be the starting point guard very soon, where he should flourish. Needs to polish his outside jumper.

28. Kyle Korver, Philadelphia: Suffers because Philly has no post presence to draw attention and kick it out. Obviously needs to improve his ability to create shots for himself.

29. Mike Dunleavy, Indiana: Playing out of position on a team that doesn't seem to be going anywhere (especially if Jermaine O'Neal leaves).

30. DeShawn Stevenson, Washington: Could improve, but right now Arenas basically plays both the 1 and 2 for the Wizards.

*Ginobili doesn't start for the Spurs (Michael Finley does), but he's easily the better of the two.