UN-DER-RATED (CLAP-CLAP-CLAPCLAPCLAP)
Maybe underrated, maybe under known, maybe just under appreciated, here are 5 NBA players that should be noticed for their games.
John Salmons, Sacramento. Salmons may be the current poster boy for “All I needed was some PT”. He just turned 29 and has already played 6 seasons in the league. This is first full season as a starter and he’s making the most of it. He’s averaging 18.6 ppg shooting 48% and 41% from beyond the arc.
Yes, the Kings are the worst in the West. But that makes Salmons’ numbers–especially the percentages–all the more impressive.
Danny Granger, Indiana. Raise your hand if you knew that Danny Granger was 4th in the league in scoring and averaging over 26 points per game.
Granger fills up the statsheet, adding 5 rebounds, 3 assists, a steal and a 1.4 blocks per game to go with his gaudy scoring totals. He’s shooting 40% from 3-point range.
Kevin Durant, Oklahoma City. Yes, everyone knows who he is. But after a rookie season where he was ripped on for being too weak, a tweener, a bust and other sorts of nice sentiments, Durant is becoming the real deal.
Last year he didn’t even shoot 30% on threes. This year he’s making them at a 42% clip. His shooting percentage is up too, as well as his boards, assists and blocks. And while he isn’t closing like a vet just yet, he’s making enough big shots that you know it’s just a matter of time.
Mo Williams, Cleveland. So wait–why is it the Bucks wanted to trade Williams? And why did they think Luke Ridnour was enough for a guy that averaged 17 & 6 last year? Sure, Williams isn’t a pure point guard. Who cares? He’s perfect in Cleveland, where they can’t be any doubt that he was the missing ingredient.
Paul Millsap, Utah. A year ago not many would have been proposing the trade of Carlos Boozer. Now you read about it all the time because of Paul Millsap. Millsap has stepped in nicely for the injured Boozer, averaging 15 & 10 on 56% shooting. Not bad for a 2nd rounder from Lousiana Tech. The next time I make a list like this Millsap won’t be on it. Now, about that Boozer to the Bulls deal…I’m still for it.
Any players you’d add to the list?
[tags]NBA, Paull Millsap, Kevin Durant, Mo Williams, Cleveland Cavaliers, Danny Granger, John Salmons[/tags]
