namelesstavern.net

NBADraft.net wrote:Strengths: A rangy wing with good height for the NBA SG position. Plays big for his size due to his long arms, and could see time at the SF position. Team player with great competiveness and leadership qualities. Handles the ball effortlessly, and plays under control most of the time with patience and a solid understanding of the offensive game. Has a variety of moves including a baby hook shot, good fakes, and under-the-basket scoop shots. Vision and passing ability are another asset. One word, solid. He is solid at everything, and there's nothing that he can't do at least adequately. A very good rebounder for a wing player. Has quick hands, and is a solid all around defender, and also a very good man-defender who could become a great defender if he works at it. He really attacks the glass and his long arms make him a formidable rebounder. Looks quite coachable. Howard's game is polished and he has the tools to be a solid pro. He has the experience that many players don't with four years of college under his belt. Teams seem to be leaning towards experience and intstant contribution over potential, more so than in the past, and this should factor in his favor.

Weaknesses: His scoring ability is good but his outside shooting can improve. Not a great three point shooter, but he's good enough to keep a defender honest. He will need to develop better range to be a consistent scorer at the next level. Has good handle, but can get careless and must get better at protecting the ball. Howard's athleticism is not overwhelming and wont stand out on the next level. His first step isn't as quick as many NBA wing players. His overall speed is average. His feet aren't the quickest, making him a little slow with his lateral quickness. Has good leaping ability, but explosion on his jumps is average. Not as fluid an athlete as someone such as ex-Minnesota wing Quincy Lewis, however his intangables are much better.

Notes: Now in his Senior season he is the favorite for ACC player of the year, and a candidate for National Player of the Year. When he first arrived at Wake he was a raw talent, but still had an impact averaging 9.3 PPG. He has steadily improved in each of his four seasons. When Howard was three years old his legs had grown crooked. So he had to have them "broken" by doctors and reset. He had to wear casts on both legs for quite a while. This led to him working very hard to improve his leg strength--which can be seen by his outstanding leaping ability. His great work ethic today could be a result of having to overcome this.

vonkaar wrote:"This" team is the best team the Mavs have ever seen. Easily.

lyion wrote:It'll be funny if the Suns beat them in this series. Then I guess losing Nash wasn't such a good idea.

And Stevie'll be the reason why, kicking D'Antoni's system into overdrive.

Phlegm wrote:Great game tonight. This series will go seven games.

lyion wrote:This ones going 7.

Hopefully Miami will beat Detroit, also.

Zanchief wrote:This thing is going to 7

Reynaldo wrote:THEN I'm an idiot!

Seriously though. The spurs had no business winning 3 straight against the obviously better mav's team. Officiating pulled it to 7 games, but then they backed off in game 7, so that the better team in the series (Mavs) would win.

Thats how it's been in every series so far this postseason.

''The game is changing and the rules are changing,'' said the Heat's Shaquille O'Neal, who will face the problems Nowitzki's rare mobility brings to his position.

``The NBA centers are going more toward the European player. I tell my kids you won't be able to play the game your daddy played. It's becoming a different game.

''He [Nowitzki] is where the big-man game will be in four or five years,'' O'Neal added. ``When you talk great big men, it'll be based on whether guys can play like Dirk or not. Stepping out, shooting the three, midrange game and the low-post game. I'm going to actually let my children watch his game.''

Zanchief wrote:Dallas in 5.