Jason Kapono

If Jason Kapono were a baseball player, the only reasonable explanation for his play during the 2006-07 season would be steroids. Kapono has quietly emerged as a TOP 4 shooter in the NBA. Were I really drinking the cool-aid, Id say he was the single best shooter in the NBA, but those slots simply have to be reserved for Ray Allen, Michael Redd and Steve Nash. Kapono, until recently and NBA journeyman who once said that were he International, he would be a Top 10 pick in the draft, has solidified a prominent role on the Miami Heat for the foreseeable future.

Its amazing to watch a natural jump shooter. While a Vince Carter dunk, or a Dwayne Wade drive will always be mesmerizing, its easy to have become desensitized to the pure athletic style of play that dominates the NBA. At 54% from 3-point land (and rising), its just amazing to watch Kapono effortlessly hit seemingly every shot that he takes with his super quick release.

And to think, when Kapono was originally picked up by the Heat, I couldnt stand to watch him play.

Centers

Let me explain something - big lumbering white guys are incapable of becoming good NBA centers. Chris Kaman? Huh? Slow. Weak defender. Zero shot-blocking ability. Very limited offensive game - and yet, he is somehow considered a top young Center.

On the other hand, at age 36, Alonzo Mourning is proving for the second straight year in Shaq's absence that he is still a top 5 NBA center. While his offensive game definitely disappeared, Zo remains the best shot blocker, and one of the premier interior defensive presences in the game. With Shaq out, who is better? Yao, Dwight Howard, maybe Okafor, a recovering Amare and probably Ben Wallace.

Random Thoughts.

Deron Williams has the ability to be just as good, if not better than Chris Paul. Hes bigger, and better defensively. As the accuracy of his jumpshot improves (and it will), he will become a more well-rounded scorer as well. Going out on a limb - Deron Williams will be the best PG in the league in 3 - 5 years.

LeBron is way overrated, and Carmelo Anthony is even more overrated. Dwayne Wade and Gilbert Arenas are the real pillars to build a franchise around. In fact, I dont think that LeBron or Anthony should be included on the Dream Team - neither of them have enough defensive skills to be considered well rounded.

Colangelo should forget about selecting Dream Team members by position. The USA should field a team of the most well-rounded, big, "team" players with strong defensive abilities, including the following: Dwayne Wade, Joe Johnson, Gilbert Arenas, Lamar Odom, Dwight Howard, Chauncey Billups, Deron Williams, Ron Artest, James Posey, Tyson Chandler, Jason Richardson and Elton Brand. And Pat Riley or Mike D'Antoni should be the Head Coach if we really want to win.

How is Charlie Villanueva ever going to be any better than a C+ version of Derrick Coleman?

Golden State would be far better if they simply cut Mike Dunleavy and Troy Murphy. Dunleavy might be the worst player in the league. He simply cant shoot; 3 pointers, mid-range jumpshots; wasnt he drafted as a sharp-shooting prospect? Monta Ellis and Mickael Pietrus are real talents.

Look for Andray Blatche to develop into a Lamar Odom like player. Going to take 2 - 4 years, but it will happen.

Its going to require a complete restructuring of the Cavaliers roster before they ever become a real contender.

The Clippers are poised to make a serious run in the West this year. Tim Thomas was an outstanding off-season addition, and Corey Maggette will continue the return to his pre-injury form.

No team with Andre Miller as the starting PG can be considered good. Had Nene Hilario ever done anything to warrant attention besides dropping his last name?

2006-07 Bulls

Im starting to feel sick...

Current Bulls roster:

PG: Kirk Heinrich
SG: Andres Nocioni
SF: Luol Deng
PF: Tyson Chandler
C: Ben Wallace

Bench:
PG: Chris Duhon
SG: Ben Gordon
PF: Tyrus Thomas

And according to ESPN.com's Marc Stein, Chicago is in trade talks with New Orleans/Oklahoma City about a deal that would send Tyson Chandler to the Hornets for P.J. Brown and J.R. Smith.

The Bulls are also rumored to be in talks to acquire Kevin Garnett...

Insanity

If the Knicks are the worst franchise in the NBA, then the Atlanta Hawks are second worst. Has GM Billy Knight completely lost his mind?

1. Marvin Williams selected over Chris Paul with Al Harrington on the roster at the 4 position
2. Boris Diaw an afterthought addition in the Joe Johnson Suns trade
3. Sheldon Williams selected #5 overall in the 2006 draft
4. Signing Speedy Claxton to a 4-year deal
5. Potentially not re-signing Al Harrington

Colangelo

Bryan Colangelo just gets it; just feels that way. The Toronto Raptors traded forward Charlie Villanueva today for point guard TJ Ford. Its hard to argue with the surprising rookie year performance of Villanueva, but Im still not totally convinced. And I really hope the Raptors opt not to re-sign one-year wonder Mike James, aka: a player who was terrible on the Miami Heat. Really appears as though Colangelo is remaking the Raptors, perennial NBA losers, into a real up and coming franchise. Bosh, Bargiani and Ford are a great nucleus from which to build.

aka: The Big Dog

"The Nuggets formally offered Anthony a five-year maximum contract extension worth an estimated $80 million on Saturday morning and Anthony didn't hesitate to accept."

Of course he did. Carmelo Anthony is simply a way overhyped version of former Purdue sensation Glenn the "Big Dog" Robinson. Ive said it since Carmelo's rookie year. Same player. Great mid-range jumpshot and overall ability to score the basketball. That's it. The Nuggets have just committed themselves to a long run of one-and-done playoff runs. Amazing how LeBron and Carmelo were the prized possessions of the 2003 draft, when Dwayne Wade was the true diamond in the rough.

2005-06 Heat?

If the Miami Heat had not traded for Shaquille O'Neal (and I can't decide if I think Shaquille or Hakeem Olajuwon was the best center Ive ever seen play), they could have fielded the following team during the 2005-2006 season. I am a big Lamar Odom fan. Pretty interesting...

PG: Jason Williams
SG: Dwayne Wade
SF: Lamar Odom
PF: Udonis Haslem
C: Alonzo Mourning

Bench:
PG: Gary Payton
SG: Caron Butler
SF: James Posey
PF: Antoine Walker
C: Michael Doleac

Draft Rankings

My draft "rankings" follow. I dont consider International players since its too difficult for me to effectively "scout" them. This is not considered to be a mock draft, but rather a projection of success.

1. Tyrus Thomas
2. Randy Foye
3. LaMarcus Alridge
4. Ronnie Brewer
5. Rajon Rondo
6. Guiellermo Diaz
7. Maurice Ager
8. Rudy Gay
9. Josh Boone
10. Rodney Carney

Darkhorse:
1. Taquan Dean
2. Daniel Horton