He actually deserves some recognition at about that position for now. 23.2ppg in 5 games this season for Orlando (they're 4-1) and his shooting % have been through the roof. 58% from the field and 58% from the 3 point line as well, along with a better than usual 88% from the FT line. Also, he's playing out of position because Hedo is starting at the 3 spot.
Would like to see more rebounds from Lewis though. Thus far, he's only been averaging 4 per game. That's lower than his average, but his assist numbers (2 per game) are pretty decent for now. I would definitely rank him as at least one of the Top 6-7 SF's in the league to begin the season.
1. Lebron James
2. Carmelo Anthony
3. Paul Pierce
4. Shawn Marion
5. Caron Butler
6. Luol Deng
7. Rashard Lewis
8. Josh Howard
9. Richard Jefferson
10. Gerald Wallace
honourable mentions:
Tayshaun Prince, Josh Smith, Danny Granger, Andrei Kirilenko, Corey Maggette, Lamar Odom, Ron Artest.
He's too much of a nightmare matchup at the 3 for them to use him anywhere else for extended periods.
And I agree the kid should easily be a top 5 forward in the league a few years from now. Hopefully he can help get the Hawks somewhere.
The knock on him last year was that he played way too selfishly at times, and once he hit a three you knew he was going to chuck up a few more bad ones. I haven't gotten to watch the Hawks much so far, is this still the case?
Actually he is better at the 4. he doesn't have a very good shot or handles and can't defend perimeter players that well because he doesn't have great quickness. He starts at the 4 and spends most of his time there.
And yes shot selection is still a major issue. He can make Hawks fans scream at the tv (in joy and frustration) more than any other two players on the roster.
1. Lebron James
2. Carmelo Anthony
3. Paul Pierce
4. Shawn Marion
5. Caron Butler
6. Luol Deng
7. Rashard Lewis
8. Josh Howard
9. Richard Jefferson
10. Gerald Wallace
honourable mentions:
Tayshaun Prince, Josh Smith, Danny Granger, Andrei Kirilenko, Corey Maggette, Lamar Odom, Ron Artest.
Josh is and should be their 4. Marvin is too talented offensively to not be playing 35mpg by seasons end. Josh is good matchup for basically all the PFs in the east, especially the top few in Bosh, Garnett and Jermaine. Really with the way post play is going Josh is more valuable at PF anyway where he will be able to just roam and block shots. Never going to be more than a garbage scorer because he lacks the handles and shooting(does neither well naturally) but his athleticism makes up for it.
Hawks can have a bright future with a couple more solid moves.
1. Lebron James
2. Carmelo Anthony
3. Paul Pierce
4. Shawn Marion
5. Caron Butler
6. Luol Deng
7. Rashard Lewis
8. Josh Howard
9. Richard Jefferson
10. Gerald Wallace
honourable mentions:
Tayshaun Prince, Josh Smith, Danny Granger, Andrei Kirilenko, Corey Maggette, Lamar Odom, Ron Artest.
I really think after people see more of Josh you'll be forced to force him to that top ten
looking at him recently you have to put him at #5
Even his last yr stats prove he's officially no fluke!
and as insane as his boards, steals and blocks were last yr they've improved!
He's Putting up Marcus Camby Numbers defensively and has more offensive potential. Seriously take a closer look at this kid, he's a problem!
The 5 through ten slots IMO appear to be more popular names.
Smith's playing PF most of the time btw. Do you think he's a legit PF? Good defense, 9.5 rebs, 3+ blks, nice scoring.
Seems like he fits into the 4 spot well enough, but again if I'm the Hawks I keep him at SF and just watch most teams even try to match up against him.
Although I agree Marvin Williams has shown some game and might earn a lot of minutes at the 3.
They should really get rid of some clutter and trade some combination of Childress/Sheldon/whoever else for a little veteran help, maybe a legit center.
Re: Josh Smith...
