The Post Up: Suns Shining

While Mike Taylor and Tony Parker are the brightest stars of the night.

Hello. Thursday. NCAA again. TNT night. Lots going on.

Two words for you. Two words, one name: Mike. Taylor. I think the SLAM energy was being felt by Taylor last night as he dropped 35 in MSG in the Clippers overtime win against the Knicks. His season average is 3.9 ppg, if you were wondering. Sunday, I spoke with Taylor for 10 minutes after the game (which will be posted today on my Court Surfing column if its the last thing I do!). I was the only reporter in the entire locker room who spoke two words to him. Last night at the Knicks/Clipps game, Matt Caputo spoke with Taylor pregame and again, was the only reporter to talk to him.

35 points later, he had his own media scrum. He knows what’s up though. SLAM can recognize talent when we see it. Loved to hear about those 35 points. Totally made my night.

About that final Dwight block against Pierce in the Orlando/Boston game… Anyone else think that might be a foul? I’ve only seen the highlight twice quickly, but I’m surprised that there wasn’t a call on that. If you saw the game, let me know. Good block, or non-call?

Also surprised to see the Nuggets take down the Hornets 101-88 until I saw the boxscore and realized New Orleans played without Tyson Chandler and Peja Stojakovic. The Nuggets were without Nene, who was serving game one of a two-game suspension for that headbutt in the game Monday night.

Manuuuuu was back last night, but it was all about TP, dropping 42 and 10. He’s pretty damn great and I never really give him his due.

29 points from Thaddeus Young in a Sixers win against the TWolves. They’ve been rolling as of late.

20 points and 7 assists for Jose Juan Barea in a Mavs win over the Warriors. Taking it, 128-106, the Mavericks remain three games in front of the Suns for that eighth spot in the West. Dirk Nowitzi had 26 on the night as Anthony Morrow led the Warriors with 29 off of the bench.

Went to the Raptors/Bucks game and was shocked to see the Raptors win, 115-106. This one was not nearly that close as Toronto led by 20 at the half and only allowed the Bucks to close the gap in the final minutes when the outcome had already been decided. The Raptors dropped 40 in the second quarter and shot 40 free throws compared to the 9 attempts for the Bucks. Six Raptors finished in double-figures, led by Chris Bosh’s 18 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists. Anthony Parker scored 18 points as well while Jose Calderon had 19 points and 11 assists and Andrea Bargnani scored 23. The Bucks were led by 22 points from Richard Jefferson, 20 from Charlie Bell off of the bench and 18 points from Ramon Sessions.

My pick for eighth in the East lost to the Wizards last night. The Bobcats fell, 95-93 taking a hit in their hopes to make the postseason this year. While the Wizards dressed only eight players (but will have Gil come Saturday, if all news reports are correct), they had just enough to take down Charlotte. Antawn Jamison scored 27 points, Nick Young added 23 and Mike James and Andray Blatche each added 15. Gerald Wallace led the Bobcats with 21 points and 11 rebounds as Emeka Okafor and DJ Augustin each scored 15 points.

The Pacers took down the Heat 90-88 in a game that went down to the wire and came down to Dwyane Wade’s three-pointer at the buzzer that rimmed out. The Heat shot only 37% on the night and finished just 3-17 from beyond the arc. Dann Granger led the Pacers with 28 points while TJ Ford scored 20 points off of the bench, Jarrett Jack scored 13 points and Jeff Foster pulled down 16 boards. Wade finished with 21 points and 8 assists for Miami as Udonis Haslem scored 18 points to go with 14 rebounds in the loss.

Cavs playing at home against the Nets. Another win. 33-1 in Cleveland. Yup. 98-87. LeBron James finished with 22 points 11 assists and 8 rebounds, Mo Williams, Zydrunas Ilgauskas and Anderson Varejao scored 16 points apiece and Delonte West added 13 points and 9 rebounds. Vince Carter scored 20 for the Nets, Javris Hayes added 18 and Brook Lopez scored 9 points to go with 10 rebounds.

Spurs took down the Hawks 102-92. Tony Parker with 42 points and 10 assists, Roger Mason with 18 as the Spurs rest Tim Duncan. Joe Johnson scored 30 for Altanta as Flip Murray added 15 off of the bench.

The Magic held on to take down the Celtics, 84-82, despite scoring only 14 points in the fourth quarter. While Paul Pierce got inside with 3.8 seconds remaining, Dwight Howard was waiting and he blocked a shot that would have tied the game to give his Magic the W. He finished with 24 points, 21 rebounds and 4 blocked shots on the night as Rashard Lewis scored 21 and Hedo Turkoglu added 13. Pierce finished with 26 points for Boston as Ray Allen scored 16 points and Kendrick Perkins had an 11-point, 11-rebound night.

Grant Hill wants to make the playoffs and he’s doing everything he can to get there. Last night the Suns moved to within three games of the Mavs for the final spot in the West (with a game against the Mavs still remaining). Hill led the way in a 118-114 victory over the Jazz last night, scoring 26 points. Matt Barnes added 21 points and 9 rebounds, Shaquille O’Neal scored 12 points to go with 12 rebounds and Steve Nash added 12 points and 14 assists. Deron Williams had 25 points and 10 assists for the Jazz as Ronnie Brewer scored 17 and Mehmet Okur added 15 points to go with 12 rebounds in the loss.

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Tags: Boston Celtics, Dwight Howard, Features, Los Angeles Clippers, Manu Ginobili, Mike Taylor, Orlando Magic, Paul Pierce, Phoenix Suns, San Antonio Spurs, Tony Parker

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http://www.shawn-kemps-offspring.blogspot.com Eboy

Uhm….you’re saying Dennis didn’t play help defense, while palying on two of the greatest defensive squads (Pistons & Bulls) of all time? You’re saying that? Really.
http://www.manutd.com Z

Does Rodman at his peak completely shut down Dirk at his peak? I’d say probably. Is that relevant? Can’t decide. Rodman was basically shutting down everybody and their moms. Didn’t mean he was the best pf in the L in his prime.
http://www.manutd.com Z

‘above-average basketball IQ but poor decision making’ How!? I remember Rodman as always making the correct play.
http://sfdjilf.com Jukai

Myles: Once again, good point, although bigs with range (ala Ewing) abused him more often than not.
My big draw with Rodman is that he really REALLY had no scoring game. He’d blow layups. He had Isiah Thomas feeding him 35 minutes a game in Detroit and broke ten points once. Not acceptable.
http://www.shawn-kemps-offspring.blogspot.com/ TADOne

Jukai, you can replace Sheed on your list with Rodman, all day, every day. And i’m a Sheed fan.
http://sfdjilf.com Jukai

Z: Head butting a referee is the correct play?
http://www.shawn-kemps-offspring.blogspot.com Eboy

Jesus Jukai….I know you cheer for the Suns and they’ve never played defense in your lifetime….but don’t downgrade a player you obviously have no clue as to what you’re talking about. If you polled 100 NBA players back in Dennis’s time….and asked if they wanted him on their team….you would have had about a 99% approval rating. Obama can’t pull that type of number! And that one percent ould have been Larry Bird for being called out on the grounds of being white!
http://sfdjilf.com Jukai

TAD: Well, from you that’s HUGE praise.
Hey, I can defend my position all day long, but I’m eventually going to start repeating things. I have four guys I consider INCREDIBLY KNOWLEDGABLE in basketball telling me I’m wrong, so I have to acknowledge that fact and re-look into how Rodman played ball. But as of now, I’m saying Rodman doesn’t crack a top-20 list. Sorry!
http://www.slamonline.com Myles Brown

Dirk Nowitzki is more than a respectable scorer and an all time talent. But he played little to no defense. Dennis Rodman is possibly the best defender to ever play his position, another all time talent. Who had little to no offense to his game. The difference between the two is that its easier to build around a scorer than a defender since the objective of the game is to score. Which is why Dennis Rodman would never be an MVP like Dirk. But he was still more than a glorified role player and a top 20 power forward.
http://www.shawn-kemps-offspring.blogspot.com Eboy

So Barkley is abolished ’cause he spit on a fan, Jukai? Your list is becoming smaller by the incident.
http://sfdjilf.com Jukai

Barkley is on the list, Eboy.
http://sfdjilf.com Jukai

Myles: I just don’t see him that way. But as I said, I have four guys with vast basketball knowledge tellin’ me differently, and I’m not going to be continually stubborn about it and refuse to acknolwedge that I may have to relook at Rodman and his impact on the NBA and the teams he played on.
http://ittakesanationofmillionstoholdthissac.blogspot.com ciolkstar

Shawn Kemp and Dennis Rodman were my favorite players growing up. Don’t forget about the job Rodman did on Malone in the Finals.He completely took that guy out of his game.
http://ittakesanationofmillionstoholdthissac.blogspot.com ciolkstar

…and the fact that Jukai thought TAD coined “Reignman” as a knickname for Kemp tells you all you need to know about his 90s era hoops knowledge. Sorry bro, but major FAIL.
http://www.shawn-kemps-offspring.blogspot.com Eboy

Jukai……let me say this and I’ll be done……a dreamlike statement, if you will. If your current Suns team had Dennis Rodman from…let’s say…. 1990 to 1997 playing the 4….the Suns would be a favorite in the West…today with the talent that sits on the rest of the roster! Replace Amar’e with Dirk….your squad would still be squandering to try and get IN the playoffs.
http://sfdjilf.com Jukai

Eboy: Let me say this and I’ll be done… if you think replacing Dirk with Amare wouldn’t automatically put the Suns into the second round, you’re either ape#*)$ insane or are still angry I don’t think Dennis Rodman deserves a spot in the top ten list. Stop being dumb.
Okay, so Larry Johnson should be booted for a spot for Rodman and everyone here thinks Tom Chambers sucks. Anyone other critics for my two minute constructed list?
scott

If Dirk was on this years Phoenix squad they would make the playoffs no doubt. That made me laugh.
http://www.shawn-kemps-offspring.blogspot.com Eboy

Uhm….Dennis didn’t pride himself on second round appearances…..he has a champions pedigree. Not sure what getting out of the first round meant in defense of Dirk’s ability.
http://sfdjilf.com Jukai

Ciolkstar: Man, I was hoping people would ignore that or think I was sarcastic. I thought TADOne was talking about Dirk, calling him Reichmam but not knowing how to spell it. I didn’t recognize he was talking about Shawn Kemp because I didn’t know people spelled his nickname “reign.”
I thought it was rainman. Like the weather… =/
Guess I didn’t read too much in the 90s.
I deserve shame for that.
http://www.shawn-kemps-offspring.blogspot.com Eboy

So now Dirk is miles above a healthy A’mare? I’d like to hear this theory of stupidity.
http://www.manutd.com Z

Other than Chambers in front of Kemp and Sheed even being on the list, I’m cool with the rankings. / Sheed gets a pass for being a very lousy rebounder. Which is inexcusable for a premier PF. Talent is not productivity. People kill Dirk for not banging down low, but nobody seems to mind that Sheed has been taking 5 (!) threes a game for the last 4 years. And most importantly, top 20 guys don’t mail it in every other game. / Sheed and KG were my guys growing up, 4s with mad skills that could do anything on a baskeball court. I’d argue that there about as talented. The main difference between the two is effort and desire.
http://sfdjilf.com Jukai

Scott: Eboy’s crazy. Just absolutely nuts. If Rodman was replaced by Amare, I don’t think it would make any difference from Dirk being replaced by Amare. Second round playoff exit.
Now take LEBRON off the Cavs, put Dirk on the squad. Okay, now take LEBRON off the Cavs and put Rodman on that squad. Who has a better record? If anyone says Rodman, I’ll shoot them.
http://sfdjilf.com Jukai

Z: I probably shoulda put Sheed lower, but when the dude is on, the dude is ON, ya know? Amare will probably rise in the rankings and replace him as he gets better.
scott

Neither Stoudamire nor Nowitzki play any defense whatsoever. Nowitzki is much more versatile on offense. Stoudamire pouted thru the whole season. Nowitzki would fit in just fine with Nash, Hill, Shaq, Richardson and company.
http://www.manutd.com Z

Jukai, I really don’t understand your argument about replacing Dirk with Amare. What would Dirk do for them that Amare doesn’t do? Rodman, on the other hand, would offer something completely different? / Amare scores inside, rebounds okay and doesn’t play a lick of D. Dirk scores outstide, rebounds okay and doesn’t play a lick of D.
http://www.manutd.com Z

Amare fits just fine with Nash. I couldn’t care less that they’re not BFF. Their respective games are very complementary.
scott

I thought Stoudamire was going to have a monster year. Karl Malone in his prime. After the way he played with Shaq I thought Stoudamire was going to go off. He was probably the most disappointing player in the League this year.
http://www.shawn-kemps-offspring.blogspot.com/ TADOne

All right guys, let’s not bash Jukai too hard. I actually was impressed by his list because it would have took me a bit longer to come up with 20 names myself. Scoring is always sexier than rebounding and defense, so a player like Rodman can slip out of someone’s mind.
http://sfdjilf.com Jukai

Z: Well, first off, Amare really can’t play with Shaq because without a driving space he’s sort of worthless. Dirk, on the other hand, would compliment Shaq IMMENSELY by letting Shaq do damage downlow, while still pulling his full range of offense since he’s mainly a midrange/outside shooter. He’ll take the high post and Shaq would take the low post. How would that NOT be one of the sickest tandoms in the NBA?
Dirk also has a lot more offense upsides, since you’re bringing in a guy who can score without a distributor (FAR better than Amare can at this point, don’t kid yourself), and a guy who is more proven in taking the last shot.
More than that, Amare is better on the help defense blocks, but I actually think Dirk is a better ONE ON ONE defender. He doesn’t have the physical gifts Amare has, but he’s smarter and simply a more intelligent player all around, so he knows some semblance of D (he just gets burned a lot since he’s not athletic). He’ll be on the floor more since Amare collects fouls like they’re going to be worth something somday. Dirk is also a better teammate (sadly), whining about his players stepping up but NEVER DEMANDING MORE SHOTS like you-know-who. Better for the locker room.
Sadly, with all of Dirk’s leadership liabilities, he’s probably way more of a leader than Amare.
Much better passer too, Dirk’s passing is underrated because the ball is mostly in the guards’ hands on Dallas.
I think that’s about it. I hope that’s enough for you.
http://www.manutd.com Z

Yeah, we were kinda ganging up on him for a minute. It’s always easier to criticize a list than to actually defend it.
http://sfdjilf.com Jukai

Hey, I’ll say it one more time: if Myles, Z, TAD, and Eboy, who are all very intelligent commentators, say that Rodman needs to be on the list, I must relook at how Rodman played in the NBA. I’m not going to say I’m wrong cause I have to see that for myself, but it’s looks doubtful that I’m right.
Saying that Rodman is better than Dirk though, wow, that’s stretching into the realm of crazy though.
http://www.manutd.com Z

1) Claiming that someone is a better one on one defender than Amare is like saying that someone is better at shooting free throws than Shaq. It don’t mean sh!t.
2) How is Dirk a smarter defender than Amar’e. Make a case.
3) Dirk is athletic. He moves very well and he’s more agile and quicker than most guys he defends. Playing D has little to do with jumping high. His lack of D as nothing to do with athleticism.
4) Dirk never had to demand more shots because he takes 19-20 a game when Amare takes 13-14.
http://www.manutd.com Z

Now, Amar’e is nowhere near perfect and Dirk is IMO a better baskebtball player. I just don’t think that switching Dirk for Amare would solve PHX’s problems at all.
http://www.manutd.com Z

Time to get ghost. This was a very enjoyable discussion. Peace.
http://sfdjilf.com Jukai

1) Well, it does in this context, because replacing Shaq with someone who shoots better free throws would always be a factor if the two of them are close in abilities and one has to take things into consideration.
2) Amare is one of the dumbest defenders ever. I’ve seem him push a guy when the ball had ALREADY LEFT HIS HAND FOR A LAYUP RIGHT UNDER THE BASKET. I’ve seen him jump INTO a guy posting up him to block a shot. I’ve seen Amare try and flop with no contact. The dude. Is. An. Idiot. Defensively.
It’s true.
3) I would consider lateral foot movement speed to be a problem with D. He can move fast in a sprint but he’s not entirely mobil zigging and zagging. Dirk is mostly abused on pick and roll situations where he’s mismatched, or trying to tag a smaller lineup. Duncan scores well playing against Dirk but it’s not a SLAUGHTER FEST LIKE AMARE.
4) I cannot argue with this point. Good one.
http://sfdjilf.com Jukai

Later Z, thanks for playin’!
http://sfdjilf.com Jukai

I think Dirk for Amare would make Phoenix the offense, unstoppable juggernaut just like it was 2005 and 2006. It would not solve “all their problems.”
Dennis Rodman wouldn’t either.
Just my opinion, I’m realizing I don’t remember Rodman as well as I should
http://sfdjilf.com Jukai

I’m so glad I couldn’t get into my computer and post my point guard list. Having to place Cousy, Paul, Nash, Williams, Payton, DJ, both Hardaways, Cheeks… I woulda been burned at the stake!
I wonder if Fat Lever woulda been that list’s Tom Chambers.
scott

A quick top ten list of the greatest point gods of all time. Here we go:

1. Magic Johnson
2. Oscar Robertson
3. Bob Cousy
4. Isiah Thomas
5. John Stockton
6. Gary Payton
7. Walt Frazier
8. Jason Kidd
9. Steve Nash
10. Tiny Archibald

Discuss.
http://sfdjilf.com Jukai

My long ass day is over Scott, so I’m out, but briefly: Bob Cousy too high, John Stockton too low, Payton too high, Steve and Archibald shouldn’t be there. End.
Teddy-the-Bear

Scott what the fridge, Walt Frazier should be higher than the Glove, Stockton, AND possibly even Cousy.
Teddy-the-Bear

And where is Jerry West? Jerry West is like top 8 point guards at least; considering he was primarily a shooting guard, that’s saying a lot.
http://hibachi20.blogspot.com BETCATS

SLAMOnline : Making lists is our cup of tea
Teddy-the-Bear

lol off topic, but Rollingstone’s list of 500 Greatest Albums ranks Eminem’s Slim Shady LP ahead of Enter the Wu-Tang. Bahahahahaha
Teddy-the-Bear

Alright, this has been fun. See you guys later!
http://hibachi20.blogspot.com BETCATS

thats what i thought! conversate with yourself and leave when i stride in. Pwned.
Teddy-the-Bear

Uhhh… No. Good try?
http://www.lkz.ch Darksaber

Fantastic discussuon initiated by the J-Man here. Wish i had not needed to get some sleep so i could have participated. To summarize, Dirk Werner actually gets some grudging props from y’all. Nobody could fault Juk’s remark of him being all top 15 PF. This made me so happy, you have no clue. So can we can the soft talk? And i gotta admit E was right about Rodman. The hustle, the boards, the D oh the D, the flops, the fist pump, the high knee running gait, the craziness, Madonna, bad as i wanna be. The body of a SF (pip actually looked taller) defending and frustrating men like Shaq and co. And of course, the rings. Worm was amazing. I bet he could still play today. Amazing physical specimen. and @ 4.56 the Juksta summarized Dirk’s attributes perfectly. Methinks he’s a closet fan of Diggler (just saying). It’s nice to see si much appreciation for Dirk on slamonline, mission accomplished. (umm, so lucky Kha’s in comment exile, he’d have smashed this up in no time). One more thing: you didn’t know it was spelled “reignman”, J? Boooooooohhhh!
http://www.benfolds.com/acappella Dacre

BETCATS Posted: Mar.26 at 6:31 pm
SLAMOnline : Making lists is our cup of tea
________________________________________________
tOP 5 FAVOURITE TEA’S…

1. earl grey
2. russian caravan
3. chai latte (leave style on milk)
4. green (jasmine and vanilla)
5. indian chai
http://www.benfolds.com/acappella Dacre

for the record I put both rodman and dirk in my top 15 pf of all time (favourites)…along with webber and VIN BAKER, kemp, amare, malone, horace grant, james worthy, KG, mchale, rasheed wallace, tom gugliotta, wayman tisdale, larry johnson

The Post Up: Suns Shining

While Mike Taylor and Tony Parker are the brightest stars of the night.

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