Addicted2TheGame The Magazine - February 2012 by Eric Lemus

The Magazine

PHOTO BYby Jed Jacobsohn Photo Eric Miller

FEBRUARY2012

The Magazine

ADDICTED2THEGAME

Los Angeles based monthly NBA magazine. Non-biased real opinion about the NBA and it's players.

Philadelphia 76ers Winning the Old Fashioned Way By Eric Lemus

Over 230 years ago, a group of enlightened men came together in Philadelphia with the hope of forming a new nation among a league of already powerful nations. This underdog fought tooth and nail to garner recognition in the world, using the concerted will and effort of talented young minds to battle the long legacies and strong armies of the current world order. These Revolutionaries laid the groundwork for what would soon become the world’s greatest country. Today in Philadelphia, the 76ers are using a core of hungry young players to compete in a league of powerful veteran teams.

! A little over the top? Well, at least I gave you an amusing American Revolution-to-basketball metaphor and although the 76ers aren’t the Founding Fathers, they still have put together a noteworthy showing this year. ! It is evident that this team found it’s identity last year. They found a formula that works with their particular roster and learned how to win games. The Sixers currently stand third in the Eastern Conference at 20-9 -- good for first place in the Atlantic Division. They are a team that is coming off of a 41-41 record and a 4-1 first round exit to eventual Eastern Conference champion

ADDICTED2THEGAME Doug Collins has proven that his coaching style will keep the 76ers competitive in the East..

Photo by H. Rumph Jr

Heat last year, and less than two years removed from a 27-55 record in 2010. ! This newfound success for the young Sixers hasn’t come without it’s share of criticism. The most common critique being that Philadelphia has taken advantage of a weak schedule so far. Although a 6-7 record against teams .500 and above doesn’t scream “championship” and is well below Miami’s mark of 11-4 versus the like, it is comparable to the current East frontrunner Chicago Bulls’ 6-6 record against +.500 teams. ! Moreover, when comparing the same teams against their sub-.500 foes, the Sixers 14-2 mark is better than Miami’s 12-3 record, and falls just short of Chicago’s 18-1 record -- which interestingly enough, doesn’t amass the same amount of criticism for it’s lack of strength. ! Philly has also taken care of it’s business on the road, winning 7 and dropping only 4 away from Wells Fargo Center. The four losses are less than Miami’s five and the Bulls’ six. ! The Sixers also compare favorably to the East’s top two contenders in another way: defensively. The team defense is undoubtedly the biggest catalyst in the Sixers surprising start, and that is undoubtedly a reflection of their coach, Doug Collins. ! Doug Collins has fully transformed the Sixers using most of the same pieces from that 55-loss 2010 team, and although Collins has been a reputable coach for a quarter century, this current team has taken on his identity more than any one prior. ! Although Doug Collins starred in the 1972 Olympics and was the nations second leading scorer, his coaching style has always emphasized defense first. ! Collins has coached in Chicago (‘86-’89), Detroit (‘95-’98), Washington (’01-’03), and in Philadelphia since 2010. In all his years as a head coach

his teams have finished in the top 10 in scoring defense all but 2 years -- in 2001 the Wizards finished 11th in team defense, giving up 94 points per game after finishing 28th out of 29 under Leonard Hamilton the year prior and in 2010 the Sixers finished 12th, improving six spots from the previous year under Eddie Jordan. ! Today the 76ers lead the NBA in defense -- allowing under 87 points per contest -- and boast the league’s second best point differential (+9.1). The Sixers commit the least turnovers in the NBA (10.4), are tops in turnover differential (+3.9), and just out of the top 5 in the league in assists per game (22.3). ! Doug Collins has done an outstanding job in making this young team a winner and is the favorite to win Coach of the Year at season’s end, but we also have to credit the players for their exceptional play. ! Maybe its because the team is young or maybe this squad is just that coachable, but the entire roster has taken to their coach’s system. ! The 76ers feature six players averaging double figures in scoring, including their starting center Spencer Hawes who went down with an injury 14 games into the season. Philadelphia also has two more players averaging 9 points per game; their first, fourth, and seventh leading scorers come off the bench. Lou Williams leads the team in scoring at 15.9 per and every player in the top seven in scoring is within two points of the next. ! The Sixers top three scorers (Williams, Jrue Holiday, and Andre Igoudala) also lead the team in assists.

ADDICTED2THEGAME

Thaddeus Young leads the NBA in A defense-first steals/turnover ratio and Lou Williams team mentality has and Andre Igoudala are third and the Sixers among eleventh in assists/turnover ratio. No the NBA’s best player on the squad turns the ball over records. more than 2.2 times per game and only Holiday and Igoudala play more than 30 minutes a game. ! It is hard to imagine that in today’s NBA you can get an entire team to commit to sharing the ball and playing tough defense day in and day out without regard for who gets the credit. Andre Igoudala is the only All-Star selection on this team and that may be because he is the biggest name but Lou Williams and Jrue Holiday have definitely played at an All-Star level. Photo by H. Rumph Jr The Sixers, however, will continue to put team goals ahead of individual achievement, look to overthrow the powerful regimes of today’s NBA, and hope to give the Revolutionaries in the stands a reason to party like its 1776.

Andre Igoudala 2.0 By Kryston Tillett

The Philadelphia 76ers are currently 20-9 and leading the Atlantic Division. While much of that can be attributed to their wealth of young talent and their coach Doug Collins’

Photo by Melissa Majchrzak

ability to get every player on the roster to play hard and play a team game, I feel even more credit belongs to the Sixers’ Andre Iguodala. ! Since the ‘09-‘10 season, the Sixers have gone from 27

wins, to 41 wins, to winning 69 percent of their game thus far this season. When you compare the three seasons with Iguodala’s point per game average, it has decreased from 17, to 14, to a little over 13 this season. From 2009 to now, however, Iguodala’s assists have gone up, with him averaging 5 assists this season. The logical thing to think is that his taking less shots has led to a more balanced Philadelphia attack. This is a clear sign that he has bought into the idea of putting team success above his own. ! You will also notice that while he is taking less shots, he hasn’t sulked on defense. His steals and blocks have remained consistent and he often takes on the task of guarding the best player on

the opposing team. His commitment to defense has as much to do with the Sixers’ success as the balancing of the offense does. ! Iguodala has accepted the concept that impact isn’t solely based on how many points he scores. That has helped the development of young players like Lou Williams, Thaddeus Young, Spencer Hawes, and Evan Turner. With not much other veteran presence on this team, it further makes Iguodala’s impact obvious. ! Its great for the NBA to acknowledge an All-Star that doesn’t dominate the ball en route to 20+ ppg and 4 apg, but instead leads by doing everything his team needs him to on both sides of the floor. This Andre Iguodala is a winner. Period.

ADDICTED2THEGAME

What Could Have Been: Brandon Roy By Daniel Brewster

At one point there was no question about who the best shooting guards in the league were. A few years back, if you had to name the 3 best off-guards in the NBA, the unanimous list would include Kobe Bryant, Dwayne Wade, and Brandon Roy. Roy was on his way to becoming one of the best players in the league. Yet for one distinct reason, it just didn’t work out that way. I became familiar with Brandon Roy in 2002 when he played for the University of Washington. Being the UCLA basketball fan that I am, I remember hating Roy because he was the sole reason why UCLA could never beat Washington. Even in college Roy showed an ability to break defenders down and drive to the basket, oftentimes getting fouled and completing 3-point plays in the process. Roy was in a position to leave Washington after his junior season and had an opportunity to be a first round pick but decided to come back for his senior season instead. That year Roy would go on to win Brandon Roy immediately let it be known that the Blazers were his team.

Photo by Sam Forencich

Pac-10 Player of the Year, was named an All-American, and was a finalist for National Player of the Year. You could just tell that Roy was destined for greatness if put in the right situation. The Minnesota Timberwolves would eventually draft Roy with the sixth pick in the 2006 NBA draft. However, he was immediately traded to the Portland Trailblazers for the draft rights to Randy Foye. Prior to Roy being traded to Portland, the Trailblazers had a reputation of being one of the most dysfunctional franchises in the NBA because of players like Rasheed Wallace, Ruben Patterson, and Zach Randolph, who all at sometime were in trouble with the law -- primarily for marijuana usage. With the additions of Brandon Roy and LaMarcus the Aldridge the Trailblazers let it be known that the franchise was moving in a different direction and Brandon Roy would be the catalyst. When Zach Randolph was traded away, the last link to the dark ‘Jailblazers’ era was gone, and Brandon Roy immediately let it be known that the Blazers were his team. During the 2007-08 season, Roy averaged 19 points, 6 assists, and 4 rebounds per game. The Blazers were one of the best teams in the Western Conference and Roy was selected as an All-Star reserve, marking the first time the Blazers had an All-Star since Rasheed Wallace in 2001. Roy would play 29 minutes in the All-Star (by far the most of any player on the Western Conference roster). In the 2008-09 season, Roy was selected to his 2nd consecutive All-Star game where he scored 14 points and grabbed 5 rebounds in addition to dishing out 5 assists.

ADDICTED2THEGAME The ‘08-’09 season also marked the first time Brandon Roy would have knee issues in his professional career. Roy would end up having surgery where a piece of cartilage was removed from his left knee. Due to Roy’s success, however, the Blazers gave him a max contract, solidifying the fact that Brandon Roy had arrived as a star in the NBA. With Roy, Aldridge, and Greg Oden, the Blazers looked poised to challenge for NBA championships for years to come.

That year Roy was selected as an All-Star for the third straight time but did not play due to a hamstring injury. The 2009-10 season also marked the season that Roy discovered he had a slight meniscus tear, which again required surgery. The 2010-11 season would see Roy begin the year at his normal rate but Roy would eventually fall out of the Blazers lineup because of the same knee problems that had troubled him since high school. In January 2011, Roy underwent arthroscopic

surgery on both knees with the hope of returning to All-Star level. With the Blazers acquisition of Wesley Matthews, Brandon Roy never returned to the starting lineup and became the defunct 6th man for the Blazers. Portland would ended up making the playoffs and matched up with the Dallas Mavericks in the first round. Most people felt that the Blazers would beat the Mavs, but Dallas beat the Blazers in the first two games and Roy was a non-factor -- going 1-8 from the field and only playing

ADDICTED2THEGAME

Brandon Roy was back and ready to compete for his starting position.

Previous Photo by Noah Graham

8 minutes in game 2, causing the usually mild-mannered Roy to speak out about his playing time. Roy would play 23 minutes in game 3, scoring 16 points and helping lead the Blazers to a win. Game 4 was Roy’s coming out party. The Blazers were down by as many as 23 points when Roy led them all the way back, scoring 18 of his 24 points in fourth quarter to guide Portland to a win. The Dallas Mavericks would eventually win the series and then championship that year but for Blazers fans it was clear that Brandon Roy was back and ready to compete for his starting position. After the inspirational playoff performance against the Dallas Mavericks, the Portland Trailblazers were optimistic to see if Brandon Roy could regain the form that made him a top 3 shooting guard in the league. Despite that, and to everyone’s surprise, Brandon Roy announced that he would be retiring from the

NBA due to his knees degenerating so much. Roy did not have any more cartilage in either of his knees and therefore had to retire or risk the possibility of not walking if he continued to play basketball. In the end, Roy had six separate knee surgeries and was told by several doctors that he could no longer play. No matter how I felt about Roy from his Washington days, I couldn’t help but feel sorry for a guy who left everything on the floor when he played the game of basketball. It is a sobering conclusion to a career that seemed destined to be one of the best in Blazers’ history. Even though Roy ended his Blazers career after just five seasons – averaging 19.0 points, 4.7 assists, and 4.3 rebounds – he will be remembered as one the most respected, well-liked, and talented players in Portland Trailblazers history, no doubt about it.

ADDICTED2THEGAME

2012 NBA All-Star Starting Lineups CHRIS PAUL - G Los Angeles Clippers 18.5 ppg 8.9 apg 3.5 rpg 5th All-Star selection --------------------------------------KOBE BRYANT - G Los Angeles Lakers 29.3 ppg 5.4 apg 5.8 apg 14th All-Star selection --------------------------------------KEVIN DURANT - F Oklahoma City Thunder 27.0 ppg 3.3 apg 8.3 rpg 3rd All-Star Selection --------------------------------------BLAKE GRIFFIN - F Los Angeles Clippers 21.2 ppg 3.1 apg 10.9 rpg 2nd All-Star selection --------------------------------------ANDREW BYNUM - C Los Angeles Lakers 17.0 ppg 1.2 apg 12.0 rpg First All-Star selection

DERRICK ROSE - G Chicago Bulls 22.7 ppg 7.9 apg 3.4 rpg 3rd All-Star selection --------------------------------------DWYANE WADE - G Miami Heat 21.0 ppg 5.2 apg 4.2 rpg 8th All-Star selection --------------------------------------LEBRON JAMES - F Miami Heat 29.2 ppg 6.8 apg 8.5 rpg 8th All-Star selection --------------------------------------CARMELO ANTHONY - F New York Knicks 23.3 ppg 4.3 apg 6.2 rpg 5th All-Star selection --------------------------------------DWIGHT HOWARD - C Orlando Magic 20.9 ppg 2.0 apg 15.1 rpg 6th All-Star selection

Head Coaches Scott Brooks Tom Thibodeau OKC Thunder Chicago Bulls

Western Conference Reserves LaMARCUS ALDRIDGE - F Portland Trail Blazers 22.6 ppg 8.3 rpg 51.2 fg%

MARC GASOL - C Memphis Grizzlies 15.1 ppg 9.9 rpg 2.2 bpg

KEVIN LOVE - F Minnesota Timberwolves 25.3 ppg 13.9 rpg 1.7 apg

First All-Star Selection

2nd All-Star Selection

DIRK NOWITZKI - F Dallas Mavericks 18.5 ppg 6.2 rpg 2.3 apg

TONY PARKER - G San Antonio Spurs 18.5 ppg 7.6 apg 2.8 rpg

RUSSELL WESTBROOK Oklahoma City Thunder 22.6 ppg 5.5 apg 4.9 rpg

11th All-Star Selection

4th All-Star Selection

2nd All-Star Selection

STEVE NASH - G Phoenix Suns 14.3 ppg 10.5 apg 42.9 3P% 8th All-Star Selection

Eastern Conference Reserves CHRIS BOSH - F Miami Heat 18.6 ppg 8.1 rpg 49.5 fg%

LUOL DENG - F Chicago Bulls 15.9 ppg 7.0 rpg 3.0 apg

ROY HIBBERT - C Indiana Pacers 13.1 ppg 9.4 rpg 1.8 bpg

7th All-Star Selection

First All-Star Selection

ANDRE IGOUDALA - G Philadelphia 76ers 12.4 ppg 6.6 rpg 5.3 apg First All-Star Selection

JOE JOHNSON - G Atlanta Hawks 18.1 ppg 3.9 apg 3.7 rpg

PAUL PIERCE - G Boston Celtics 17.8 ppg 5.5 apg 5.4 rpg

DERON WILLIAMS - G New Jersey Nets 20.9 ppg 8.4 apg 3.4 rpg

6th All-Star Selection

10th All-Star Selection

3rd All-Star Selection

ADDICTED2THEGAME

By Daniel Brewster

Each year, after the All-Star reserves are announced the talk then immediately turns to those who weren’t selected, or the ‘snubs’ as well call them. This year is no different as there are several players who could have been selected as All-Stars but for one reason or another they weren’t. There are also players who were selected as All-Star who probably should not be participating in the weekend’s activities. Here are those players…

All-Star Selection (Western Conference) Steve NashPhoenix Suns Statistically, Nash is having a good season but the Phoenix Suns are not that good and are a long shot to make the playoffs. There are other players with better numbers on teams who are in contention for a playoff spot. Dirk NowitzkiDallas Mavericks Dirk is averaging career lows in points, rebounds, and assists and was still named an All-Star after he himself said that he did not deserve to be one. This is a case of the NBA coaches being blind and selecting Dirk simply because of who he is.

All-Star Selection (Eastern Conference) Luol DengChicago Bulls Don’t get me wrong, I love Luol Deng, but I just don’t think he deserves to be an All-Star. Deng is averaging right around his career averages so I don’t see what makes him stand out. Being on a winning team is good but not enough sometimes to be an All-Star. Deron WilliamsNew Jersey Nets There is no way in hell Deron Williams should be an All-Star and I think he’d be the first to tell you that. Williams was selected based off his name and past accomplishments because the Nets just plain suck.

Who Should Be Going Instead Kyle LowryHouston Rockets 14.5ppg 7.7apg 5.6rbg Kyle Lowry is having his best season as pro and is averaging career highs in points, assists, and rebounds. The Houston Rockets are overachieving more than any other team in the league and Lowry is the catalyst. Monta EllisGolden State Warriors 22.5ppg 6.0apg 3.5apg Monta Ellis may be the most underappreciated guy in the league. This dude puts up numbers every year but is constantly looked over for All-Star spots. Ellis is having career numbers in assist totals and has his team on the brink of making the playoffs. Paul MillsapUtah Jazz 15.6ppg 9.4rpg Paul Millsap is having a good year statistically -- especially on the boards. Millsap and his Utah Jazz are one of the toughest teams to beat at home and that can be attributed to Millsap’s play. Players like Millsap do not get many opportunities to be considered for All-Star games, Millsap should have gone this year.

Who Should Be Going Instead Josh SmithAtlanta Hawks 15.6ppg 9.2rbg 2.1bpg Without Al Horford the Hawks are still competitive and Josh Smith is a big part of the reason. Smith rebounds, plays defense, scores, and dishes out assists while playing whatever position he is asked to. J-Smoove needs to be in the All-Star game. Kyrie IrvingCleveland Cavaliers 18.0ppg 5.1apg 3.5rbg Considering who is on the Cavaliers roster, Irving should have definitely been an AllStar. The Cavaliers have a roster full of second tier players but somehow Irving knows how to handle everything and shows the poise of a 10-year vet. Irving should be an All-Star. Brandon JenningsMilwaukee Bucks 18.4ppg 1.6spg 3.4rbg 5.3apg Young Buck is having his best season in Milwaukee and is playing some of the best basketball of his career. What makes Jennings so spectacular is that he is doing all of this without big man Andrew Bogut.

ADDICTED2THEGAME

LinSanity By Daniel Brewster

Every once in a while in professional sports a player comes along and inspires a cult-like following. ‘Tebowmania’ took over the NFL and had every football fan tuning in to Sportscenter to see Tim’s latest comeback in addition to see him ‘Tebowing’. Well, believe it or not, the NBA may have it’s own rendition of Tebowmania as ‘Linsanity’ is beginning to take over the league. Let me introduce you to the starting point guard of the New York Knickerbockers, Jeremy Lin. Lin was a lightly recruited player out of Northern California and did not receive a scholarship offer from any major division one program -which is funny considering Lin was the best player on a team that went 32-1, beat Southern California powerhouse Mater Dei, and won a state championship. ! Pac-10 teams like UCLA, CAL, and Stanford wanted Lin to walk on to compete for a position but Lin decided to take his talents to Cambridge, Massachusetts (Harvard) where he was guaranteed a spot on the team. At Harvard, Lin excelled in the classroom as well as on the basketball court. In his sophomore year, Lin

ADDICTED2THEGAME

averaged 12.6 points and was named to the All-Ivy League Second Team. Lin’s scoring average increased his junior year as he averaged 17.8 points, 5 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks a game. His Crimson also beat a #17 ranked Boston College team that just came off of a win over #1 North Carolina 3 days prior. Lin’s senior season was probably his best as the national attention started to come his way. Harvard finished 21-8 and had wins against the likes of Boston College, Santa Clara, and George Washington -- which unlike Harvard, all offer athletic scholarships. Lin’s national coming out party came against Kemba Walker and UCONN as he dropped 30 points and grabbed 9 rebounds. During Lin’s senior season at Harvard the team set records for wins (21), non-conference wins (11), and home wins (11). Ultimately, Lin became the first player in the history of the Ivy League to finish his career with at least 1,450 points, 450 rebounds, 400 assists, and 200 steals. With all the success Lin had at Harvard you would think that he would be a can’t miss NBA prospect, right? Wrong! After Harvard, Lin was invited to the Portsmouth Invitational Tournament, an amateur tournament conducted for the top NCAA seniors. Playing against competition he normally did not see in the Ivy League, Lin held his own, averaging 10 points, 6 assists, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals, while shooting 60% from the field. Despite Lin’s showing, he went undrafted in the 2010 NBA draft. Sometimes going undrafted can be a blessing, it allows players and their agents to pick a situation that might be better for them as opposed to being drafted to a team where there are no opportunities to play. After receiving several offers, Lin signed a two-year deal to play with the Golden State

Warriors -- Lin’s favorite team growing up. With the Bay Area having a large Asian-American population, Lin instantly became one of the most popular players on the Warriors. However, despite being a fan favorite and a favorite of Warriors Owner Joe Lacob, Lin was waived by the Golden State in an attempt to sign Los Angeles Clippers’ big man DeAndre Jordan. The Clippers would eventually match the Warriors’ offer sheet and retain Jordan. The Houston Rockets then signed Lin on December 11 but soon after cut him on December 25 to make room for Samuel Dalembert -- a decision that Rockets GM Darryl Morrey regrets to this day. Two days later, the New York Knicks, a team poised to win a NBA championship according to Amar’e Stoudemire, signed Lin. The Knicks are a team full of guards; none of which are good enough to be a lead guard. Toney Douglas is a scorer and more of a two guard, and the same can be said for rookie guard Iman Shumpert. Mike Bibby is shell of his former self and can barely make open jump shots. The Knicks signed former All-Star Baron Davis hoping he could regain some of his old mojo, but it now looks like he may not be as ready as he hoped and may miss extended time. With head coach Mike D’Antoni literally out of options, he couldn’t help but give Lin extended minutes -- thats when D’Antoni figured out that the kid could play. February 4 can be deemed Lin’s breakout game, as he dropped 25 points and 7 assists on Deron Williams and the New Jersey Nets. Many regarded Lin’s performance as luck and doubted it would happen again. On February 6, Lin dropped 28 points and 8 assists in his first start against the Utah Jazz -- setting Twitter and other social media outlets abuzz.

ADDICTED2THEGAME

#LinSanity isn’t only a gimmick. The New York Knicks have won 6 games in a row since their Linsane diagnosis.

Photos by Nathaniel S. Butler and Ned Dishman

With expectations mounting, Lin had another brilliant game as he handed John Wall and the Wizards 23 points and 10 assists, becoming the second player since LeBron James with at least 22 points and 8 assists in each of his first two starts. With all the hype surrounding Linsanity, next up was Kobe Bryant and a Lakers team coming into Madison Square Garden after an emotional win against the Boston Celtics the night before. When asked about Lin, Kobe Bryant said, “He hasn’t done anything yet.” Lin and Bryant didn’t guard each other much but Lin dropped a career high 38 points and 7 assists on Kobe & Co. I think Kobe is well aware of who Jeremy Lin is now. The most amazing thing about the rise of Lin and the Knicks is that all this is happening in the absence of New York’s two superstars:

Amar’e Stoudemire (Death in family) and Carmelo Anthony (Injury). The only question that remains is why Lin has been so successful. Playing in Mike D’Antoni’s system sure does help. The running and gunning and the 7-second offense does work when being ran by a good point guard. Another reason for Lin and Knicks’ success is that all the other guards who have tried to run the point weren’t very good at it. Douglas, Shumpert, and Bibby do not do things that Lin has a natural tendency to do -- like run a proper pick and roll offense. Lin’s production and decision-making has earned him the right to be the Knicks’ starting point guard for the rest of the season. The Knicks have searched high and low for the point guard of their dreams but little did they know that a scarcely coveted guy out of Harvard would be their answer.

ADDICTED2THEGAME

Which rookies have separated themselves from this year’s class?

Photos by Issac Baldizon and Scott Cunningham

The Rookie Race By Eric Lemus

As the 2011-12 campaign nears the All-Star break, this looks to be a good time to evaluate the best of the best from this year’s rookie class. ! There have been many first year players that have already made big splashes in The Association. Among some of the most notable rookie play includes Norris Cole’s reinforcement of the point guard position for NBA Finalsfavorite Miami, Kawhi Leonard’s filling in for an injured Manu Ginobili in San

Antonio, Andrew Goudelock’s christening as the “minimamba” in Los Angeles, and the NBA’s version of Mr. Irrelevant, Isaiah Thomas’ tremendous play in Sacramento. ! All these players have become fan favorites and all of them look like they will have long and productive careers in the league, but as it stands, the race for Rookie of the Year is a three-man battle. In actuality, the race is more of a top-two with a hopeful outsider, but for

all intents and purposes, these three youngsters have stood out among the class. ! It may be too much to ask for a teenager to come in to a strike-shortened season, without a training camp, and not only play at the world’s highest level but also lead a team, but that is exactly what our ROY candidates have done so far. ! Our No. 3 (the outsider with hope) is Charlotte Bobcats point guard Kemba Walker. Walker came into the season

ADDICTED2THEGAME

as a backup to D.J. Augustine but was propelled into the starting lineup on January 22 after Augustine was sidelined by an injury. Prior to the injury, Walker began logging major minutes but only reached the 20-point clip once. Since then, he has scored 20+ four times in three weeks. Most impressive, however, was Kemba Walker’s 20-point, 11assist, 10-rebound game against John Wall and the Washington Wizards, good for the first and only rookie tripledouble so far in the ‘11-’12 season. ! Unfortunately, the Bobcats have fallen in all eleven of Walker’s starts, 15 losses in a row overall, and have only recorded an NBA-worst 3 wins. Good thing this isn’t the race for MVP. ! The top two rookies are quite honestly so far ahead of the pack that it is safe to say that only an injury will keep one of them from grabbing the honor at the end of the year. However, their lead on the field hasn’t meant that they have created any space from each other. ! Last month my ranking may have been flip-flopped, and next month it may be once again, but as of right now I have Kyrie Irving No. 2 and Ricky Rubio No. 1. ! The expectations for #1 overall picks are through the roof in the NBA, especially when the athletes of today are so talented and so physically gifted. The modern players are such freaks of nature in general, that you begin to expect #1 picks to be above and beyond even that (see

LeBron James & Dwight Howard). Add to that the quality of point guards in the NBA today and we can imagine how high the bar was set for Cleveland Cavaliers #1 pick, Kyrie Irving. ! So far, so good. Irving has put together an impressive season up to now with averages of 18 points, 5.1 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game. Even though he has started every games he has played in, Irving is still only playing 30 minutes a night. Take into consideration Irving’s shooting percentages, as well; 49% from the field, 41% from beyond the arc, and 83% from the free throw strike. ! Irving posted five consecutive 20-point games in one week, all on the road. He shot at least 50% from the field in each game (55% overall) and missed only three of twenty-two free throws. He also posted a 32-points on one of the game’s very best point

guards, Deron Williams. ! The Cavs have also improved as a team under the leadership of Irving. Through 23 games with Irving, Cleveland has amassed 10 wins, which is more than half of last year’s total of 19 wins. Although Cleveland is still a long shot to make the playoffs, the franchise is improving by the day. We wont give Kyrie all the credit for the team’s betterment, but we will acknowledge his contribution to it. ! Now lets pin the blue ribbon on Ricky Rubio. ! At the start of the season there were two schools of thought on Ricky Rubio - The “over-hyped” school versus the “real-deal” school. I have to admit that even though I claimed the latter, I was more so hoping that the former didn’t come to fruition. Up to now, it is safe to say Ricky Rubio is the real-deal.

Kemba Walker has made a strong case for Rookie of the Year but still has some ground to make up.

Photo by Streeter Lecka

ADDICTED2THEGAME

! The most grounded argument for Rubio will feature the numbers. Rubio is averaging 10.9 points, 8.7 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game. The point totals aren’t up there with Irving, but consider that Irving is putting up fourteen shots per game compared to Rubio’s nine. Although the percentages aren’t where Irving’s are either (38% from the field, 33% from beyond), you also have to consider that Rubio is often, at best, the third option on the floor for Minnesota. ! Instead of fitting the mold that many dynamic scoring point guards have recently set, Rubio has instead fixed his focus on becoming a true point and floor general. He is having a season more akin to Rajon Rondo’s 2010-11 season than Derrick Rose’s. Not to say that Rubio can even do the things Rose or Russell Westbrook can do, but the facilitator role does fit hit more. To be one of three true point guards along with Luke Ridnour and J.J. Barea on the Wolves and still be able to log nearly 9 assists per game is a feat to admire. He is also rebounding at a top level at his position, and has had nine games posting at least six boards, assists, and points. Rubio has also been very good defensively, averaging 2.4 steals per game. ! Rubio’s most substantial argument, however, showcases the intangibles. His style of play is exciting, and at very least, passes the eye-ball test. He looks like a NBA vet and not a young foreigner learning how to play in the West (which he is). His game has Manu Ginobili-like flare. He has made several bounce passes between defenders legs, catching a cutting teammate in stride. He executes the drive-and-nolook-dish like a Spanish Magic Johnson. He has learned to use the half-court lob pass in place of the 40foot bounce pass (although the 40footer is still very much a part of his repertoire).

! The prime aspect of his passing, however, is that it puts his teammates in the best position to score. Kevin Love was already an All-Star and Kevin Love gets the credit for extending his range and becoming a better 3-point shooter, but Ricky Rubio has also moved the ball so well that defensive rotations are late enough and assignments get mixed up enough to make those looks more open than they would be. Rubio has allowed Luke Ridnour to maximize his long-range prowess and become a true offensive threat off the ball. Simply put, Rubio has made it easier for each player on the team to make shots before they even receive the ball. ! The Minnesota Timberwolves are a much improved team from a year ago, and are making a legitimate push to be a playoff team. The team identity has also changed from a year ago, and I think it reflects the attitude of it’s point guard. Again, like in Cleveland, all the credit doesn’t go to the rookie guard but we know he is a major piece of the puzzle. ! The two first-year point guards will be fun to watch throughout what we can assume will be long, successful careers in the NBA. As for the present, before we start burdening them with lofty expectations, lets sit back and enjoy a battle for the Rookie of the Year award.

Photo by David Sherman

ADDICTED2THEGAME

No Melo’-Drama In Denver By Daniel Brewster

Let’s just clear the air now; the Denver Nuggets absolutely got the better deal after trading AllStar Carmelo Anthony away last year. Anthony made it clear several hundred times he did not want to stay in Denver and that he did not see himself competing for a championship while playing there. Melo’ also made it clear that he wanted to be traded to the New York Knicks or not traded at all. Melo’ had all the leverage in this situation because if the Nuggets did not trade him, he would have left as a free agent and probably signed with the Knicks in the offseason. Nuggets general Manager Masai Ujiri should be given a lot of credit because he waited and made sure that the Nuggets would get back enough to compensate for the loss of Carmelo Anthony -- and boy they did ever. ! In case you were sleeping under a rock, lets recap the trade: Denver sent Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups, Renaldo Balkman, Anthony Carter, and Shelden Williams to the New York Knicks in exchange for Raymond Felton, Wilson Chandler, Danilo Gallinari, Timofey Mozgov, and a 2014 first round pick. The Knicks got the man they wanted but gutted their entire nucleus in the process. There was a “Welcome back to New York” phase for the Knicks but reality soon set in. Having Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire seemed great, but

their games then and now still don’t mesh well together. As for the Nuggets, prior to trading Melo’ they were already known as one of the deepest teams in the league, and guess what: Denver got even deeper. Nuggets head coach George Karl immediately felt relief once Melo’ was gone and instantaneously took a liking to his new team. The Nuggets thrived and finished the 2010-11 season 18-7 while the New York Knicks finished the season under .500 at 13-14.

Photo by Garrett W. Ellwood

Miller, Al Harrington, Rudy Fernandez, and Corey Brewer, and oftentimes Karl will play some combination of these players during the crunch-time moments of the fourth quarter. Considering what the Nuggets went through with the ‘Melo-drama’, this has to be a blessing. In late-game situations last year, everybody knew Melo’ would get the ball on an iso and shoot a jumper to win or tie the game. Now Karl has it to where he can draw up a play for anybody on the floor and defenses wouldn’t have a clue on how to stop it. ! As a testament to the new culture in Denver, the Nuggets lead the league in assists and ! The 2011-12 season has are spreading the scoring been no different for the around, as opposed to last Nuggets as they continue to play well even without rotation year when Carmelo Anthony led the team in scoring in 90% players like Kenyon Martin, of games. Now, on any given J.R. Smith, and Wilson night, Nene, Danilo Gallinari, Al Chandler. The Nuggets have restarted a trend reminiscent of Harrington, Arron Afflalo or Ty Lawson can lead the team in the 2004 Detroit Pistons of winning by playing good team scoring. basketball without a ‘star’ and ! As of now the Nuggets are 35-19 (Post Melo’) during the even beating the star-driven regular season and are teams like the Lakers, Heat currently tied for fifth place and Clippers. The Nuggets now resemble (17-12) in the Western Conference. The New Knicks a team that has taken on the personality of their fiery coach. on the other hand are 27-29 since the trade and are still Karl has a team that will run, move the ball, and play fast at looking to find the chemistry all times in addition to playing a that the Nuggets seem to have had since day one. I guess in second unit that can start for Carmelo’s case, the grass isn’t most teams. The Nuggets always greener on the other second unit consists of Andre side.

ADDICTED2THEGAME

Changing of the Guard By Preston Newsom

They say to survive we must adapt to our environment. The average NBA career is only a few years and for those that are lucky enough to last a decade or beyond, people often wonder what their recipe for success is. The most common attributes for success in the NBA often include hard work, dedication, and being in the right place at the right time, but what about those players with declining skill who go from being 20 ppg scorers to role guys, like Vince Carter or Tracy McGrady. Those players are not what they once were, but they are still in the league helping teams with title aspirations. So I ask, is this because they were smart enough to change? To know that if they wanted to continue to play and contribute that they had to alter their games and, more importantly, their mindset to a certain degree? ! I mean what's the alternative, playing over in China, like Stephon Marbury who couldn't adjust his game or Allen Iverson who refused to, and living out the remainder of your basketball years in exile? How bout Steve Francis? One of the most explosive guards to ever play in the NBA who complained about his coach putting shackles on his game after his numbers slightly dipped but the team’s win total increased. ! Some accept it and some refuse to, and it seems as if Monta Ellis has accepted it. Once just seen as a "gunner," he is an explosive scorer and that has completely changed his mindset. This year he is averaging a career high six assists per game at the two-guard position, while continuing to average over 20 points per game. His highest assist count before this was a respectable five over the last two seasons while averaging about 24 points per. I think this change has to be credited to the fact that he has gotten married -- which leads to maturity -- and his new coach Mark Jackson, who was one of the best assist men to ever play the game. He seems to want to be much more than just a scorer and has expanded his game to getting his teammates more involved and becoming a better defender, which Mark Jackson has preached. ! Ellis and Stephen Curry are forming one of the most explosive backcourts in the NBA and are putting many doubts to rest that a small backcourt can't win. I think through his improved attitude and game he is helping get Golden State get back on track and in position to make the

playoffs this year. This has all happened with change: change of ownership, change of coach, change of attitudes, change of game, and soon enough a change from losing. So my hats off to a guy that was smart enough to make these adjustments while still in his prime, where it could affect his legacy. I'm sure every time he takes the court he has his coach saying, " Mama there goes that Man!"

Where Is He Now? By Daniel Brewster

At one point in time, Adam Morrison was easily the best collegiate basketball player in the country. No, really, he was. In Morrison’s junior season at Gonzaga University, his Bulldogs were one of the best teams in the country and were ranked as high as #5 in the AP poll. Morrison, with his famed mustache and retro socks, took the whole country by storm, putting up huge numbers -including his memorable 43-point outburst in triple overtime versus the heavily favored Michigan State Spartans. Morrison eventually beat out Duke’s J.J. Redick as the nation’s leading scorer, averaging 28.1 points per game including thirteen 30-point and five 40-point scoring games. Many “experts” considered Gonzaga a potential Final Four team during the 2005-06 season but a heartbreaking loss to UCLA in the Sweet Sixteen ended Morrison’s season and the shaggy hair kid from Montana decided to take his talents and his mustache to the NBA. ! At the same time that Morrison announced that he would forego his senior season at Gonzaga, some guy named Michael Jordan (ever heard of him?) was named part owner/head of basketball operations for the Charlotte Bobcats and decided that he wanted to make a splash in the upcoming draft. Jordan was impressed with Morrison’s college career and individual workouts enough to select Morrison with the third pick in the 2006 NBA Draft. Even though Morrison had a 30-point game as a rookie, he still struggled to adjust to the NBA, eventually losing his starting spot for not being able to defend his position.

To make matters worse Morrison had a serious knee injury in his second year causing him to miss the entire 2007-08 season. Morrison’s future in Charlotte looked bleak and, unfortunately for Morrison, he and Shannon Brown were traded from the Bobcats to the Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Vladimir Radmonovic. Being traded to the Lakers gave Morrison the opportunity to start his career over without having to be “the man” or someone who was relied upon to contribute heavily, which is what Morrison needed to gain his confidence back. Morrison was eventually deemed the throw-in of the trade because Shannon Brown balled out and became a rotation player for the Lakers while Morison, one of the best scorers in NCAA Men’s Basketball history, sat on the bench. ! Morrison endured being the 12th man on the bench while the Lakers would eventually go on to win consecutive championships. Having not played for 2years, Morrison’s was released by the Lakers and for the first time in a long time, Adam Morrison was without a team. Morrison was signed by the Washington Wizards but was waived at the end of training camp. Morrison then waited by his phone to see if any NBA team would come calling, but none did, causing Morrison to fall out love with the game that he had loved his entire life. ! At the lowest point in his short career Morrison thought about retiring. With the NBA not calling, Morrison had no choice but to inquire about possibly playing overseas. After making a few calls, Morrison’s agent was able to secure him a contract in Serbia with KK Crvena Zvezda, where something amazing happened -- Morrison started enjoying basketball again and actually played well. It may not be against the NBA’s elite but Morrison looks like he has found the passion for the game again, averaging 17.1 a game in Serbia, which was enough to lead the league. Teams are now focusing on Morrison like they did in college when he was unstoppable. As of now, Morrison isn’t on NBA radars but that can also change quickly. The NBA is a league of opportunity and sometimes players only need one shot. Morrison probably won’t be an All-Star but if given a shot in the right situation he can be a very valuable player for a NBA franchise. If that happens or not the most important thing is that Morrison is happy again, and after what he has been through we should all be happy for him.

ADDICTED2THEGAME

Addicted2TheGame Power Ranking (1/15/12 - 2/15/12) 1.

2. 3.

5. 6.

Miami Heat (23-7) Everything seems to in order in South Beach as the Heat have won 12 of their last 14 games. LeBron James is having one of his best seasons every. Do we smell another MVP for King James? San Antonio Spurs (20-9) The Spurs are probably playing the best basketball in the league. Tony Parker is on a tear and Manu Ginobili is back in t he lineup. Chicago Bulls (24-7) Even without Derrick Rose the Bulls are finding ways to win games. Signing John Lucas for the rest of the season was smart because it allows Rose to get extended rest if he needs it. Oklahoma City Thunder (22-6) The young Thunder were handed a tough loss in Sacramento but rebounded to beat the Utah Jazz in Utah which is a tough task for any team. Los Angeles Clippers (17-9) The Clippers miss Chauncey Billups in the worst way. Having Chris Paul as your ‘other’ guard must feel really good. Philadelphia 76ers (20-9) The Sixers beat the Lakers and then lost to the Clippers. Put me on the list of people who think Lou Williams should have gotten the nod over Andre Igoudola for the All-Star game, dude balls out. Indiana Pacers (17-11) Frank Vogel has to be coach of the year, he has the young Pacers thinking that they can compete THIS YEAR.

Atlanta Hawks (18-11) Tracy McGrady is turning out to be a great help for the Hawks who are playing without an injured Al Horford.

Dallas Mavericks (18-11) Looks like the defending champs are starting to figure out how to play basketball again.

10. Orlando Magic (18-11) Can the Magic just trade

Dwight Howard already so we can all move on with our lives.

11. Los Angeles Lakers (17-12) If the Lakers played

every game at home they would be the best team in the league.

12. Boston Celtics (15-12) The Celts have won 10 of 13

and are playing much better ball. Doc Rivers is easily one of the best coaches in the game. Imagine how much better this team would be with Jeff Green.

13. Houston Rockets (16-13) You can also throw Kevin McHale in the running for coach of the year candidates. No way the Rockets should be as good they are right now.

14. Denver Nuggets (17-12) The Nuggets have hit a bit of a dud losing 7 of 10 but they still have a better record than the Knicks since trading Carmelo Anthony away.

15. Utah Jazz (14-14) C.J. Miles needs to get more

playing time, the Jazz are a better team with him on the floor.

16. Portland Trail Blazers (15-14) They can sure use Brandon Roy right now.

17. Memphis Grizzlies (15-14) With Zach Randolph this team is top 3 in the Western Conference.

18. New York Knicks (14-15) 6-game winning streak

without Melo’ and Amar’e Stoudemire is finally back #Linsanity continues!

19. Minnesota Timberwolves (13-16) Love and Rubio have the T’Wolves on the brink of a playoffs birth.

20. Milwaukee Bucks (12-16) No Andrew Bogut, Stephen Jackson doesn’t play and yet playoffs are a possibility. #FEARTHEDEAR

21. Cleveland Cavaliers (10-16) Kyrie Irving is the truth

and the Cavs are in good hands with their young point guard.

22. Phoenix Suns (12-17) Steve Nash an All-Star? Yeah ok.

23. Golden State Warriors (11-14) Considering the

injuries the Warriors have sustained, they are only 2 games back from making the playoffs. Mark Jackson can coach.

24. Sacramento Kings (10-18) Keith Smart has the Kings thinking playoffs, this year. We can all dream right?

25. Detroit Pistons (8-22) Remind me why Joe Dumars still has a job?

26. Toronto Raptors (9-21) How much longer before the Raptors move out of Toronto?

27. Washington Wizards (7-22) JaVale McGee….#nuffsaid

28. New Jersey Nets (8-21) Deron Williams has to be counting the days until the season is over.

29. New Orleans Hornets (5-23) Waiting for the season

to be over. I know Chris Paul is extremely happy to be out of the Big Easy.

30. Charlotte Bobcats (3-25) Can you imagine how good the Bobcats would be if Michael Jordan managed them as well as he played.

ADDICTED2THEGAME

InTransition By Eric Lemus

As we conclude our second issue, we would like to first thank you for your continued support, and as always, implore you to write to us with any questions, comments, or concerns with the Addicted2TheGame brand. In this issue, we were able to bring to you many more columns than we did in our inaugural issue. We did this with a combination of hard work and now, some experience. Although it wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t easy, we were able to deliver articles on a variety of topics from around the NBA that you, the reader, suggested to us. We also put in great effort to design the layout of our digest to be aesthetically pleasing, while hopefully still maintaining some of our uniqueness. In the time since our first release in mid-January, we have come a long way with our quality of writing and our ability to design this digest. We have also discussed what we, the staff, have in mind for the direction of this magazine. Yet and still, this magazine can only go as far as you, the reader, allows it. On the following page we have included our personal twitter accounts, various social media websites, and specific A2TG Magazine email address. We urge you to give us feedback on anything we put out there for you, including our writing, our design, and to a certain point, our opinions. Once again, we thank you for spending some time with us and look forward to hearing from you.

-Stay Addicted2TheGame Daniel Brewster - Founder, Co-Editor Preston Newsom - Contributor Kryston Tillett - Contributor Eric Lemus - Co-Editor

~ To be added to our mailing list please email A2TGmagazine@gmail.com

ADDICTED2THEGAME

Addicted2TheGame Staff Daniel Brewster (@Addicted2ThGme): Founder/Co-‐Editor Eric Lemus (@Eric_Lemus): Co-‐Editor/Contributor Kryston Tillett (@Tillgetsbucketz): Contributor Preston Newsom: Contributor Webpage: http://www.Addicted2TheGame.com Tumblr: http://www.Addicted2TheGame.tumblr.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/Addicted2TheGame Email: A2TGMagazine@gmail.com