There are some darn dismal clubs in the NBA and there are some good players on those terrible teams. Here are a few guys who can turn a game around with the flick of a wrist, a grand leap or a big dunk.
Antawn Jamison: The 32-year-old power forward plays for the worst-place Washington Wizards. The other night, the six-foot-nine, 235-pound Jamison scored 33 points versus Sacramento. The Wizards won 110- 107. Jamison is hitting 47% of his shots from the field, averaging 20.9 point per game and grabbing 8.9 rebounds per contest. He’s putting in one of his best and most consistent seasons in years. He has fine ball control and is disciplined in the paint. Jamison is a master at creating his own shot and on a club like Washington that’s a must. As he gets older, he seems to get better.
Danny Granger: The small forward has been in the NBA three seasons and is a true powerhouse. At six-foot-eight and 228 pounds, Granger, of the Indiana Pacers, is averaging 26.2 points per game, 5.1 rebounds per game and 3.4 assists per game. He’s also a fine defender, stealing 1.03 per contest and blocking 1.36 per game. He’s good 44.8% of the time from the court, 39.7% of the time from the three-point arc and 86.8% from the charity stripe. The other night in a 93- 84 win versus the Rockets; he had 25 points, going three of five from downtown and 12 of 12 from the free throw line. Granger has great “D” skills and is a pleasure to watch as a defender. Although he lacks quickness, Granger is a fine rebound man and a good shot blocker.
Kevin Durant: Small forward Kevin Durant is in his second NBA season and is having a fine one. Playing for the Oklahoma City Thunder (last year they were the Seattle Super Sonics), Durant is averaging 24.2 points per game. He’s hitting 42.6% from the three-point arc and 46.9% from the floor. He’s grabbing 6.3 rebounds per game. Durant has a boatload of talent and is capable of just about anything. The Thunder are a new team and he’s the foundation and anchor. On defense, his long arms are a huge asset and in his second year, Durant has shown improvement. In a 122- 121 win over the Golden State Warriors, he put in 27 points, took down 8.3 rebbies and 92% from the foul line.
Al Jefferson: Jefferson, who was traded to Minnesota for Kevin Garnett, has proven to be a force on the court for the Wolves. In a recent 94- 86 win versus the Clippers, Jefferson had 17 rebounds and 20 points. This season, the six-foot-ten and 265-pound center has hit 49.0% from the floor and 74.7% from the charity stripe. He’s averaging 1.63 blocks per game and 10.6 rebbies each contest. He leads the team with an average of 22.2 points per game. Jefferson is in his fourth year in the league and has shown constant improvement. He has a huge upside. The guy shows great moves and knows positioning inside out. He has a fine one-handed baby hook shot and his defense has improved. He’s the Wolves’ go-to guy and a true difference maker.
Dirk Nowitzki: The Dallas Mavericks are presently in eighth in the Western Conference. That’s the final playoff spot with the Phoenix Suns biting at their heels. Nowitzki, Dallas’ power forward, is the guy who will determine if the Mavericks get to the post-season. Overall, his numbers are up this season. Nowitzki is averaging 26.0 points per game and 8.5 rebounds per game. He’s hitting 38.0% of his threes, 91.7% of his frees and 47.4% of his shots. He’s been dealing with an injured thumb but is still able to play. His defense is decent and he does a nice job versus the pick-and-roll. He also possesses fine block-out skills. As a shooter, he is one of the most accurate big men from the field and the foul line. He can make or break the Mavs.
Four of these teams are going nowhere but with a money player on each club, they are all capable of winning versus top teams such as the Lakers or the Celtics. The Mavericks could be a contender. There is a lot on Nowitzki’s shoulders when it comes to Dallas making the playoffs.
