ESPN’s Chad Ford wrote an article this week titled Top Big Men on the Block, i.e. Power Forwards and Centers available for trades. Top names listed include Amare Stoudemire, Raef LaFrentz, Tyson Chandler, Shaq, Brad Miller, Chris Bosh, Antawn Jamison, and the already traded Jermaine O’Neal.
Guess who ISN’T on the list. Go on. Guess. Which big man is NEVER a “top” big man or on the block for trades?
Dallas travels to Orlando to face the Magic and their most voted All-Star ever, Dwight Howard, tonight at 7pm ET. Dallas (27-19) isn’t likely ready to face a contender like Orlando (36-10). While the Magic may not be of Celtics or Lakers caliber just yet, their trio of All-Stars in Howard, Nelson, and Lewis should be more than enough to overwhelm the Mavericks on the road. Of course, miracles DO happen on occasion (though apparently not in the post-season), so the Mavs could pull off a surprise victory if they can somehow manage to limit Dwight Howard’s effectiveness in the paint.
I DID mention it would be a miracle, didn’t I? Dwight Howard has 36 double-doubles so far this year. That is definitely a best-in-league stat. And without Diop’s defensive agility at backup center, Dallas doesn’t look to have much hope in that department. Howard leads his team in scoring, rebounds, and blocks, and is the most voted All-Star ever for a reason. Who can really stop him?
When Devin Harris scores more points than anyone on the Pistons team, what else really needs to be said? Dirk scored 23 points with 9 rebounds last night in the matchup against Detroit at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. Devin finished with 19 points, besting Richard Hamilton’s 18.
Needless to say, the Pistons never took the lead again after the initial score of 2-0.
I’m still impressed by Dampier’s efforts this season. Someone somehow lit a fire under him. He’s playing better than he ever has in Dallas. Perhaps the playoff success of Gana Diop has something to do with it? Hmm… Whatever the case, I’m not complaining.
I called for Diop to start this year at Center. Of course, Avery Johnson didn’t give a rip about my opinion. It’s one of those deals where you realize you’ve spent too much money on a player you can’t easily replace. Luckily, Dampier has been a positive force on the team thus far, and that at least makes us all feel a little better about his ridiculous salary.
