36. Andrei Kirilenko, Utah: Defensively, he's up there with the Artests, Princes and Ben Wallaces of the world. But he hasn't improved much on offense since coming into the league and really took a couple of steps back with his shot selection.
37. Manu Ginobili, San Antonio: Momentum from a magical year in which he won Olympic gold and an NBA title was
tempered by injuries last season. He played at the FIBA World Championship this summer, so it's not like he took the entire
offseason to rest, but all reports indicate he's healthier than he's been in some time. Ginobili's game is unique and dynamic,
flopping aside.
38. Lamar Odom, L.A. Lakers: This has been a difficult summer for the L.A. point forward, whose infant son died in June.
Things were starting to really look up for Odom with the Lakers, as he finally began to get comfortable with Phil Jackson's
system and role. Here's hoping he can overcome this great pain in his life and continue to flourish.
39. Chris Paul, New Orleans/Oklahoma City: In a few seasons, expect Paul to be near the top of this list. The Hornets'
second-year floor general is a winner, and he's determined to get better. He's got some Isiah Thomas in him.
40. Richard Jefferson, New Jersey: He comes off his biggest season as a pro, finally living up to his enormous potential. His jumper became more consistent, and he started finding smarter ways to score. He's entering his prime.
41. Jason Richardson, Golden State: He hasn't gotten an All-Star sniff despite being a dominant scorer the last three
seasons, averaging a career-best 23.2 last year. He hasn't been able to carry the Warriors to the playoffs and still
struggles
with his shot selection, no doubt in part to the unending frustration he has seen in the Bay Area.
42. Josh Howard, Dallas: His vast improvement over his first three seasons in the league has Mavs fans understandably
excited. Dallas' rise to power got a significant boost when Howard started turning into a Scottie Pippen clone. His abilities
as a lockdown defender are near and dear to Avery Johnson's heart, and he can burn you for 20-25 points when he feels
like it, too.
42. Chris Webber, Philadelphia: He has two years left on his contract at a rate of more than $40 million dollars combined.
That's frightening, but it's at least good to see that the 33-year-old isn't mailing it in. Last season was his best individual
campaign in years, and he played in 75 or more games for the first time since 2000 and only the third time in his career.
44. Zach Randolph, Portland: If he can ever lose the off-court baggage and discipline his on-court game, he'd be held in
higher regard. He's undeniably talented on offense, unstoppable in the post and solid from the perimeter, with range out
to about 18 feet. Word is he's slimmed down and has an improved attitude. Portland is crossing its fingers.
45. Rashard Lewis, Seattle: One of the more underrated forwards in basketball, Lewis has averaged more than 20 points
per game in consecutive seasons. Despite chronically sore knees, he only missed four games in 2005-06.
46. Sam Cassell, L.A. Clippers: He really is among the most underrated players of his era, and proved it by helping the
Clippers reach the second round of the playoffs in his first season with the team. The Hawks nearly were able to pry him
away to aid their cause, but Cassell ultimately stayed put and is likely to finish his career trying to take the Clips to the top.
47. Chris Kaman, L.A. Clippers: A breakout season is coming up for the floppy-haired "Kaveman," who posted career highs
in points and rebounds last year, nearly averaging a double-double. His continued development will be a vital factor in the Clippers continuing their ascent up the Western Conference.
48. Marcus Camby, Denver: The 2005-06 season was one of his most productive, but he again missed time due to injuries. Assorted aches and bruises kept him out of 26 games, but he averaged more than three blocks and nearly 12 boards while posting his highest scoring output since his rookie season. At this point in his career, you take that and hope he doesn't
stay out too long when he does land on IR.
49. Ben Wallace, Chicago: He'll be 32 when the season starts, and comes off a tough final playoff run with Detroit where
dismal free throw shooting tempered his effectiveness. The Bulls are banking on him to help them take their next step, and
if he succeeds, he'll have a chance at winning the Defensive Player of the Year award for an unprecedented fifth time.
50. Caron Butler, Washington: Thus far, Butler coming to Washington for Kwame Brown looks like larceny. Butler filled out
the NBA's highest-scoring trio while supplying much-needed toughness to a team that badly needed a boost in that
department. Something tells me we're only starting to see the beginning of what Butler can do. Keep in mind that during his short career he has yet to be in the same place long enough to grow truly comfortable.
(遺珠~)
Also considered: Al Harrington, Indiana; Boris Diaw, Phoenix; Emeka Okafor, Charlotte; Stephon Marbury, New York; Jason Terry, Dallas; Kirk Hinrich, Chicago; Larry Hughes, Cleveland: Gerald Wallace, Charlotte; Shane Battier, Houston; Corey
Maggette, L.A. Clippers.
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本帖最後由 loveway 於 2006-10-5 14:30 編輯 ]