(63-19) First Round Wraps Up [4-0]

[Lamrock]

Glad to see Martin continue his offensive ownage. Always wanted to make a Kings association where he beasted and won MVP but well, they are the Kings...

[Axel The Great]

Nice conversation z02, karlsanada10.

Lamrock, it'd be pretty hard to win Martin an MVP award because all he really does is score. I've been able to expand his game here, by adding a post game to his arsenal, and developing him into a pretty good defender as well (with development drills and weekly practices, no ratings edited ). But yeah, it's pretty easy to score with him as wide open looks are layups to him. He's in the 50-40-90 club here (50% FG, 40% 3PT, 90% FT for those who don't know what that is), and is fourth in TS%. He's also fourth in MVP Candidates with those incredible shooting numbers.

And anyways, I'm pretty sure you could've made a nice story with that. I wouldn't mind you making another story ( ), that way you could revive your story-making reputation.

So, Week 16 (not 17) recap later on. After I'm done watching the NCAA Final Four games today, I will play the last game of the week against Dallas, and then the recap will be up. Thanks for the feedback!

[karlsanada10]

@z02: LOL. You should've said earlier.)

@Axel: Sorry. Anyways, how's T-Mac doing here in your association?

[rise]

Nice conversation z02, karlsanada10.

Lamrock, it'd be pretty hard to win Martin an MVP award because all he really does is score. I've been able to expand his game here, by adding a post game to his arsenal, and developing him into a pretty good defender as well (with development drills and weekly practices, no ratings edited ). But yeah, it's pretty easy to score with him as wide open looks are layups to him. He's in the 50-40-90 club here (50% FG, 40% 3PT, 90% FT for those who don't know what that is), and is fourth in TS%. He's also fourth in MVP Candidates with those incredible shooting numbers.

And anyways, I'm pretty sure you could've made a nice story with that. I wouldn't mind you making another story ( ), that way you could revive your story-making reputation.

So, Week 16 (not 17) recap later on. After I'm done watching the NCAA Final Four games today, I will play the last game of the week against Dallas, and then the recap will be up. Thanks for the feedback!

I'm pretty sure if K-Mart averaged 35 a game, he'd be MVP.

[Axel The Great]

karlsanada10, top candidate for sixth man of the year with the Pistons.

z02, I'm not sure how many shots he'd have to chuck to average that much. He's efficient, and he's kept up ~35 points for the last 20 games or so, but not efficient enough to keep up 35 for an entire season.

[rise]

Remember, he's just as effective as you are.

[karlsanada10]

Good.



This is why LeBron can't play PG.)

[shadowgrin]

I'm pretty sure if K-Mart averaged 35 a game, he'd be MVP.

No, if his team doesn't have the necessary wins. The games doesn't solely account ppg in picking the MVP.

[Axel The Great]

And pretty much, the team has the wins necessary. Second in the West is excellent, and as I said, the efficiency level of K-Mart this season has been phenomal, which explains why he is fourth in MVP Candidates.

[36-16] Houston Rockets 102-110 Denver Nuggets [29-22]


Could we possibly be closing in on Melo's last game as a Nugget? | Nene, the enforcer down low made things hard for the Rockets.

Kevin Martin is improving his moves around the basket, showing off a left-handed hook here. | T-Will provided a tremendous spark off the bench.

The Denver Nuggets caught the Rockets by complete surprise this game. After a horrendous 29% shooting in the first quarter, the Nuggets bounced back to score 30 or more points for the last three quarters of the game, moving their field goal percentage to 51%. Carmelo Anthony led the way for his squad with a crushing 48 points on an efficient 21/37 shooting. On offense, he did everything for his squad, as the next highest scorer was Arron Afflalo with just 12 points.

The Rockets had an 18-point lead, their biggest of the game, in the second quarter. Denver would slowly come tearing right back, as they wittled down the deficit to single digits at halftime. The Nuggets came out in the third quarter with the same scoring mentality. They got their first lead of the game with two minutes left in the third, and they had a one-point lead going into the final period.

With the Nuggets up 100-92 midway through the final period, the Rockets poured in six unanswered to come within two, but that's when Melo struck, continuing to score big buckets when his team needed them the most. The Rockets put up some bad shots in the final minute of the game, and Denver eventually closed out the game with free throws. The Rockets for the second time this season lose two straight, on a game they should've won had they kept control of it.

Player of the Game-

Carmelo Anthony
48 points | 6 rebounds | 2 assists | 1 steal | 1 block | 21/37 FG | 5/6 FT

Key Performers:
Rockets:
Kevin Martin - 26 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, 10/23 FG
Luis Scola - 16 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 7/12 FG
Aaron Brooks - 14 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 5/15 FG
Shane Battier - 12 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, 1 block, 4/6 FG, 2/2 3P
Terrence Wiliams - 11 points, 3 rebounds, 2 steals, 5/7 FG
Yao Ming - 10 points, 5 rebounds, 5 blocks, 5/10 FG

Nuggets:
Arron Afflalo - 12 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 3/9 FG
Nene Hilario - 11 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, 5 steals, 2 blocks, 4/7 FG
Al Harrington - 10 points, 3 rebounds, 5/10 FG
Chauncey Billups - 10 points, 14 assists, 1 steal, 1 block, 2/9 FG, 2/6 3P

28 25 24 25 102
12 34 32 32 110

[36-17] Houston Rockets 122-104 Minnesota Timberwolves [21-30]


Courtney Lee's return is nearing, but Patterson has had a great run for the Rockets. | Jonny Flynn had an efficient game for Minnesota

After experiencing their defense collapse in Denver, the Rockets came back home and saw the Minnesota defense collapse. They shot a blistering 51% from the field, 90% (27/30) from the free throw line, and 41% (7/17) from behind the arc.

The Timberwolves were not to be outdone however, as they also got off to a hot first quarter start, pouring in 28 first quarter points. Michael Beasley led the way with a game high 29 points on 13/24 shooting, showing the versatility of scoring inside and out. Wesley Johnson had a good game as well with 21 points on 9/13 shooting, and Jonny Flynn rounded it all out with 18 points.

Apart from those three, no one else on the Wolves team shot well. Kevin Love scored nine points on 3/13 shooting, his offense bothered by Yao Ming all game.

For the Rockets, Kevin Martin was the player of the game with a team high 24 points to go with seven boards. Aaron Brooks and Luis Scola also helped out with the scoring load scoring 16 points apiece. The Nellieball Wolves may not play a lick of defense, but their offense this season has kept them pretty relevant and prevented them from being the cellar-dweller in the West.

The Rockets had a 29-point lead at one point in the game, and they cruised to an easy home victory as they continue to be the best home team in the league.

Player of the Game-

Kevin Martin
24 points | 7 rebounds | 4 assists | 1 steal | 10/21 FG

Key Performers:
Rockets:
Aaron Brooks - 16 points, 9 assists, 2 rebounds, 2 steals, 1 block, 4/10 FG, 2/3 3P
Luis Scola - 16 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 4/8 FG, 8/8 FT
Yao Ming - 15 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 5 blocks, 7/12 FG

Timberwolves:
Michael Beasley - 29 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, 13/24 FG
Wesley Johnson - 21 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, 2 blocks, 9/13 FG
Jonny Flynn - 18 points, 9 assists, 2 steals, 7/9 FG, 3/5 3P

38 30 32 22 122
28 18 29 29 104

[37-17] Houston Rockets 117-89 Dallas Mavericks [30-23]
Simmed

For the third straight time this season, the Rockets have beaten the Dallas Mavericks, and claim the season series with this game. Despite a huge double-double by Dirk Nowitzki, the Mavericks found themselves on the wrong end of a blowout. Dallas went 0/11 from deep, which was pretty much the X-Factor in deciding the game.

Aaron Brooks has been on a shooting slump lately, but in this game he went 7/12 from the field, and 4/8 from deep on route to a 23-point game.

Player of the Game-

Dirk Nowitzki
33 points | 14 rebounds | 2 assists | 1 steal | 2 blocks | 5 TO | 12/23 FG | 9/9 FT

Key Performers:
Rockets:
Kevin Martin - 28 points, 2 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, 11/15 FG, 2/6 3P
Aaron Brooks - 23 points, 6 assists, 5 rebounds, 1 steal, 7/12 FG
Yao Ming - 14 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 blocks, 5/7 FG
Kyle Lowry - 13 points, 3 assists, 1 rebound, 1 steal, 5/8 FG
Shane Battier - 12 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, 4/9 FG

Mavericks:
Caron Butler - 15 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, 3 steals, 4/8 FG
Jason Terry - 14 points, 1 rebound, 1 assist, 1 steal, 4/12 FG
Tyson Chandler - 10 points, 9 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block, 3/8 FG
Jason Kidd - 6 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds, 4 steals, 1/7 FG

41 16 30 30 117
23 19 25 22 89

I was short on time, so I had to sim the game against the Mavs. But yeah, we continue strong heading into the All-Star break. Next are the Nuggets and the 76ers before the ASW.

[rise]

Awww. You simmed the Mavs game.

Also, against the Wolves, your entire team had a 50-40-90!

[hova-]

Wow, Melo ripped you. 21/37 is okay, but a player who takes 37 shots in one game does not get any praise from me at all. K-Mart did not play that well this week for you considering his stretch of 30+ game before. Still, 38-17 is nice.

[Houndy]

Looks like Melo's going to New York

[Stress Fracture]

Just like in RL?

[Axel The Great]

Awww. You simmed the Mavs game.

Also, against the Wolves, your entire team had a 50-40-90!

Ran out of time, had to sim the Mavs game.

Who can't get 50-40-90 against the Wolves?

Wow, Melo ripped you. 21/37 is okay, but a player who takes 37 shots in one game does not get any praise from me at all. K-Mart did not play that well this week for you considering his stretch of 30+ game before. Still, 38-17 is nice.

Yeah, I don't praise players who chuck up shots like Melo either. That's similar to what Durant has done to me before, except he shoots less efficiently.

Looks like K-Mart's set high standards for himself this season as those performances were like RL K-Mart. But yeah, off-week for him.

Looks like Melo's going to New York

Just like in RL?

Having to share the limelight with Amar'e in NY, it looks like there will be no more 48-point games for him.

Before Week 17, I'm doing a scouting report on NLSCers, and an article on the MVP Candidates. BTW, anyone know where we can view the All-Star starters? I got to see them in the headlines (or the home page), but with more headlines coming in, the game took that headline off. If there's no way we can view them, then I guess I'll have to wait 'til the ASG to see who was voted in.

[hova-]

Wow, Melo ripped you. 21/37 is okay, but a player who takes 37 shots in one game does not get any praise from me at all. K-Mart did not play that well this week for you considering his stretch of 30+ game before. Still, 38-17 is nice.

Yeah, I don't praise players who chuck up shots like Melo either. That's similar to what Durant has done to me before, except he shoots less efficiently.

I had the same thought after reading through my post. I mean, I read his stats and they were like mid-twenties in points and slightly beyond .500% on shooting, which actually rocks.

But in your D, he has been like 30+ and + .500% for many many games. That shows how quickly expectations rise.

[kibaxx7]

BTW, anyone know where we can view the All-Star starters? I got to see them in the headlines (or the home page), but with more headlines coming in, the game took that headline off. If there's no way we can view them, then I guess I'll have to wait 'til the ASG to see who was voted in.

I think it's in the same page where you see "Players of the Week", "Players of the Month", "All-Star Votes"

Tough loss against the Nuggs, Melo always seems to step up.

EDIT -- I'm in April already, but it still shows up in NBA.com > Awards > All-Stars.

[karlsanada10]

^I'm in November and it already shows up and whenever I click it, it crashes.-.-

[shadowgrin]

Cheesy title is back modafocka! Not yet cheesy enough, but getting there.

[Axel The Great]

I had the same thought after reading through my post. I mean, I read his stats and they were like mid-twenties in points and slightly beyond .500% on shooting, which actually rocks.

But in your D, he has been like 30+ and + .500% for many many games. That shows how quickly expectations rise.

Yep, he's been brutally efficient, and as I said before, is fourth in TS% and second in PER in metric stats. That kind of effiency really does set expectations high.

I think it's in the same page where you see "Players of the Week", "Players of the Month", "All-Star Votes"

Tough loss against the Nuggs, Melo always seems to step up.

EDIT -- I'm in April already, but it still shows up in NBA.com > Awards > All-Stars.

Looked for it, not there. Guess I'll just wait until the ASG to announce the rosters.

Cheesy title is back modafocka! Not yet cheesy enough, but getting there.

Thread titles all that matter here? But yeah, it becomes hard to come up with good cheesy titles consistently, especially when you set standards as high as K-Mart does.

[Axel The Great]

Kevin Durant (#35), and LeBron James (#6), are frontrunners for the coveted MVP award.

As we grind through the regular season, let's take a look at five possible MVP Candidates, their stats, and why they are worthy of being there.

1. LeBron James
GP: 49 | 42.0 MPG | 27.4 PPG | 7.8 RPG | 6.2 APG | 2.4 SPG | .480 FG% | .355 3P% | .779 FT%
LeBron James, along with sidekicks Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh, all three scoring 20+ points a contest, has led the Miami Heat to a 36-18 record, good for second in the East behind the Boston Celtics. He is fifth in the league in scoring, and is one of four players averaging at least 20 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists.

The Heat haven't lived up to the hype in terms of their record; they're not going to break the '96 Bulls' 72-10, but they have been playing great basketball to this point in the season, and LeBron has been the one leading the way. Still as athletic and as highlight-producing as ever, he is looking to notch his third consecutive MVP award. He has missed five games due to injury, but so far, he looks like a lock for the MVP award if he keeps up the near triple-double performances.

2. Kevin Durant
GP: 52 | 38.0 MPG | 33.3 PPG | 9.1 RPG | 1.4 APG | 1.6 SPG | 1.3 BPG | .520 FG% | .375 3P% | .893 FT%
Kevin Durant is tops in the NBA in scoring by a wide margin, as Derrick Rose trails him with almost 29 points a game. He is showing excellent versatility this season, throwing in a steal and a block in his statline, and crashing the glass hard. He has been almost unstoppable this season, and along with Russell Westbrook, whom is averaging 20 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds, has led the Oklahoma City Thunder to a 37-15 record, best in the West. He can arguably be put above LeBron James on the list, as his shooting numbers are better in all categories. He will definitely be a force to be reckoned with come playoff time.

3. Chris Paul
GP: 47 | 39.5 MPG | 19.6 PPG | 9.5 APG | 7.0 RPG | 2.7 SPG | .530 FG% | .468 3P% | .852 FT%
Despite missing about a week's worth of games due to injury, Chris Paul is replicating the monstrocity of a season that he had in 2008-09. Averaging nearly 20 points, 10 assists, and 7 rebounds (leads all guards in RPG), he has led the Hornets to a successful 31-25 season so far. Out West, all the top eight teams have already reached 30 or more wins, and with such a meat-grinder that is that conference, the Hornets have been able to hold their own.

Though he is being outscored by teammate Marcus Thornton, who stepped up in Paul's absence, CP3 is willing to show that last season was just a down season, and that he was snubbed for this MVP award two seasons ago. If he keeps these numbers up, it wouldn't be surprising to see him pass up James and Durant on this list, assuming he stays healthy of course.

4. Kevin Martin
GP: 51 | 30.9 MPG | 27.6 PPG | 3.5 RPG | 2.3 APG | 1.0 SPG | .521 FG% | .488 3P% | .924 FT%
What hasn't Kevin Martin done this season? He's been able to stay healthy for the most part, and put up a streak of 19 consecutive games with 30 or more points, the second longest streak in league history. To add to this remarkable feat, he's shooting career highs from the field, beyond the arc, and the free throw line. He leads all shooting guards in three-pointers made, is third in free throw percentage, and second in Player Efficiency Rating. To add to that, he also gets to the line over six times a game. You can say he is the most efficient player in the league, an ATM in scoring. Now this would all be a waste if his team wasn't winning games, but that's not the case here. The Rockets have the third best record in the league at 38-17, when everyone ruled them to be decent to average.

Along with help from teammates Aaron Brooks, Luis Scola, and Yao Ming, Martin's having the best season of his career. He's also stepped up his defense thanks to Shane Battier, and has added the post game to his offensive arsenal. In the seasons to come, it wouldn't surprise me if he makes consistent appearances on this list, and possibly number one appearances. His first career triple-double a few weeks ago is a good stride forward.

5. Rajon Rondo
GP: 53 | 39.3 MPG | 14.3 PPG | 10.5 APG | 6.2 RPG | 2.5 SPG | .508 FG% | .237 3P% | .651 FT%
Rajon Rondo has led his Boston Celtics team to a league best 38-15 record. It's odd to find him in the MVP talks, but the way he's ran Doc Rivers' offense has been superb. He leads the league in assists and steals, and is top five in rebounds among guards. Not really known for his scoring, he is averaging a career high in points, and you can safely say that without him, the Celtics would not have the league best record.

There are other players out there in the league who deserve to be on this list, players like Derrick Rose and Dwight Howard whom are fighting hard to keep their teams relevant. Only one player will win the coveted award, and whichever player wins it, there will be debate on whether or not they deserve it, just like every year.

[hova-]

My vote would be KD, but I think LeBron will take it. K-Mart's game is not all-around enough to get the MVP, but I would not mind at all. It's just good to see him playing on All-Star level and get an All-NBA 1st or rather 2nd team nod.

[Stress Fracture]

"Gay" LeBron is number 1?

[Lamrock]

This must be based on the game's candidates because KD would clearly be #1 based on the real life MVP standards.

[Axel The Great]

My vote would be KD, but I think LeBron will take it. K-Mart's game is not all-around enough to get the MVP, but I would not mind at all. It's just good to see him playing on All-Star level and get an All-NBA 1st or rather 2nd team nod.

Yep, KD's versatility has me thinking he'll take the award. As for K-Mart, when I had to start a new association file (explained before), I simmed all the way to where I was supposed to be. Pretty much the simming killed his numbers. Lately, though, I've been getting 5-7 rebounds a game with him, and about 3-6 assists a game with him. His numbers ought to go up by the season's end.

"Gay" LeBron is number 1?

How does that strike as a surprise? 2K obviously loves that "gay" LeBron, to put him above KD, and probably takes into account his 7 rebounds and 6 assists compared to KD's 9 rebounds and 1 assist (lol, 1 assist). And you also add that LeBron's won the award twice in a row, it's not surprising.

This must be based on the game's candidates because KD would clearly be #1 based on the real life MVP standards.

Yeah, it is. But as explained above, I think the 1 assist per game for KD is what has the game putting him at number 2, because he's pretty much got LeBron beat in almost every other stat category. For next time, I'll probably rank them myself, this time around, I just got lazy.

NLSC Scouting Report (Part II, first part was way back in page two) is next. Then, Week 17 and the ASW.

[Axel The Great]

Dear Mr. Gomez,

Enclosed is the scouting report on the nine players you took interest in. I included their strengths, weaknesses, vitals, NBA comparison, and how they'd be able to help this team if we were to draft them. From here, I think you should be able to choose wisely who you want to acquire in this year's draft, hopefully.

Houston Rockets head scout,
JJ Norris


Liam Washburn
Height: 6'2"; Weight: 195 lbs.; Position: PG; College: Washington
Strengths: Man-to-man defense, Playmaker, Outside Game
Weaknesses: Inside defense, Athleticism, Rebounding, Potential
NBA Comparison: Steve Blake
How he'd contribute to the team: Using his sharp passing skills and ability to run the fast break, Coach Adelman's up tempo style of play would suit him well. With players like Kevin Martin, Chase Budinger, and Courtney Lee who can all score in transition, we'd have a great role-playing point guard who can push the tempo, force the action, and find our guys open in transition. He's also a deadly three-point shooter, and would benefit from Yao's and Martin's double-teams for open looks.


Thierry Tirieux
Height: 6'3"; Weight: 185 lbs.; Position: PG; College: Michigan St.
Strengths: Playmaker, Outside Game, Potential, Athleticism
Weaknesses: Inside Game, Rebounding, Inside Defense, Commitment
NBA Comparison: Devin Harris
How he'd contribute to the team: High basketball I.Q. and a gritty defender, would fit in well with the run-and-gun offense of the Rockets. He's likely to be taken before we get a chance to draft him because of his high draft stock, leadership skills, and experience. He won MVP in France two years straight before committing to Kansas, then Kansas State, then Butler, then the University of Florida, then the University of Texas, then Villanova, then the University of Kentucky, then UConn, before finally coming to a final decision in Michigan State. His commitment to Michigan State has been a great decision however, as the Spartans are in great shape with March Madness looming next month.


Willie Lewis
Height: 6'3"; Weight: 215 lbs.; Position: SG; College: LSU
Strengths: Rebounding, Man-to-man defense
Weaknesses: Inside game, Intangibles
NBA Comparison: Raymond Felton
How he'd contribute to the team: Lewis can be compared to Kyle Lowry. He gets around because of his scrapping; he's an excellent rebounder for his size and has excellent defensive skills. Does not have much upside, but he can contribute well off the bench with some points, rebounds, and gritty defense.


Xavier Nelson
Height: 6'1"; Weight: 170 lbs.; Position: PG; College: Clemson
Strengths: Outside Game, Playmaker, Man-to-man defense, Potential
Weaknesses: Rebounding, Inside defense, Inside game
NBA Comparison: Delonte West
How he'd contribute to the team: Nelson has tremendous upside, as he has lived up to the hype his freshmen year in Clemson. Most notable are his playmaking skills. The team lacks a true designated playmaker (besides Kyle Lowry), so he'd be able to run plays for our scorers to his heart's delight. Also, he's a great outside scorer, but if he gets out of rhythm, he tends to disappear, as he's not the best at taking the ball to the hoop. Overall, if we were to snatch him late first round, he could end up being a steal for the team in the long run.


Valdis Iesalnieks
Height: 6'11"; Weight: 271 lbs.; Position: C; College: UCLA
Strengths: Potential, Inside defense, Man-to-man defense, Rebounding
Weaknesses: Playmaker, Outside game
NBA Comparison: Kendrick Perkins
How he'd contribute to the team: Raw offensively, but has great upside. If we end up drafting him, it would be an excellent pick, as he can become an excellent enforcer of the bench. He brings rebounding, shot blocking, and gritty defense to the table.


Justine Jones
Height: 6'7"; Weight: 215 lbs.; Position: SF; College: University of Kentucky
Strenghts: Outside game, Rebounding, Man-to-man defense
Weaknesses: Intangibles
NBA Comparison: Peja Stojakovic
How he'd contribute to the team:He has no clear weakness, other than health and his turnovers. He's an excellent all-around player, fitting in well with Coach Calipari's offense in Kentucky. Along with Brandon Knight, they've made a formidable duo in the SEC. I see stardom in this kid; he may be taken before our turn to draft. He brings rebounding, and excellent offensive and defensive instincts. However, whatever team takes him is likely taking a gamble because of the fact that he leads the SEC in turnovers.


George Koukoulis
Height: 6'3"; Weight: 190 lbs.; Position: SG; College: Greece
Strenghts: Potential, Athleticism, Man-to-man defense, Rebounding
Weaknesses: Inside defense, Inside game
NBA Comparison: Marco Belinelli
How he'd contribute to the team: Koukoulis is an excellent penetrator; he leads the Euroleague in free throws made and attempted. He struggles a bit with his jumpshot, but has always managed to hit the big shot. At the young age of 19, he's accomplished a lot in his days in Europe, and is only going to continue to get better. Now, he's being hyped to come overseas to the NBA. He will also probably be taken by the time it's our turn to pick in the draft, but with great shooters on the team, it'll open up the driving lanes for him, and that's where he'll fell right at home.


Zee Otoo
Height: 6'8"; Weight: 230 lbs.; Position: SF; College: University of South Carolina
Strengths: Man-to-man defense, Outside game
Weaknesses: Intangibles, Playmaker, Inside game
NBA Comparison: Linas Kleiza
How he'd contribute to the team: He leads the nation in three-pointers made and attempted. Coach Adelman runs an offense that encourages shooting threes. With his sharp-shooting skills and willingness to chuck those threes, he'd feel right at home here in Houston. Because of his versatility, he can play either forward position. Other than that, there's really nothing that stands out about his game, as he just does a little bit of everything on the court.


Brad Halstead
Height: 6'9"; Weight: 260 lbs.; Position: SF; College: Fresno St.
Strengths: Inside defense, Man-to-man defense, Potential, Playmaker
Weaknesses: Inside game, Athleticism, Intangibles
NBA Comparison: Shane Battier
How he'd contribute to the team: If you are really going to draft someone from this list in the first round, he'd be the guy. He's one of the most underrated players in this upcoming draft, and with his ball-handling and passing skills, he could play some point-forward in this league. The most notable thing he brings: defense. He takes pride in taking his opponents out of the game and holding them to poor shooting. When Shane Battier is taking a breather, he could come in off the bench to fill in for him on defense. Battier will be retiring in a few years, and Halstead would be an excellent option to take over at the three.