These past two weeks several players have been coming into their own. Here's the short list: 1) As we all know Eddie has really shown why the Rockets traded 3 first rounders for him this past week. It couldn't have come at a better time. Many writers were beginning to criticize his play when he had 3 consecutive double-doubles to go with a handful of blocks. 2) Richard Jefferson has really shaken off the first year jitters and performed like he did last year in the final four. He is starting to put good numbers up consistantly. 3) Joe Johnson is starting to show why he was a lotto pick. His ball handling and shooting has been stellar and many are saying if not for him, last year's draft would have been awful for Boston. 4) Jason Richardson has become a different player since Cowen's removal. Their new coach, Brian Winters, has instructed the rookie to attack more and to avoid settling for treys. This adjustment has paid off great dividends for Richardson as his stats have increased , which is sure to follow some extended PT. 5) Jamal Tinsley has gained the starting role and is consistantly earning double digit assists. Nice work from a player almost taken in the second round. 6) And of course there is the Shane Battier and Pau Gasol combo from the Griz. While not spectacular, they are the leading scorers of their class. They both are very cerebral players, but are starting to lose some ground due to either their losing record or their dull play.
i think if they keep playing like this, it will end up like.... 1. tinsley 2. gasol 3. griffin 4. battier 5. johnson 6. richardson 7. jefferson
I thought this thread was pretty good, too : http://bbs.clutchcity.net/showthread.php?s=&threadid=26750
There are many thing you could say about Gasol's game, but I can't see how "dull" is one of them. Right now he's the clear-cut ROY award leader, in my opinion. I think his lead, so to speak, is too much for Griffin to overtake.
I think if the front runners continue to play like they are then Tinsley will win hands down. Gasol will probably be a deserving but distant 2nd. Griffin will be the best(with Tinsley a close 2nd) of the rookie class when all is said and done.
Tinsley is overrated imho... He is the next Mark Jackson, no better, no worse..In 5 years, he won't even be in the top 8 of this class..I expect the following to be better: -Chandler, Curry, Eddie, Gasol, Kwame, Parker, Joe Johnson, Kirlenko..they'll all be better..i could even name a few more..
