NBA: Five Studs and a Dud

Tuesday, March 13, 2007

STUDS

Josh Smith – G/F – Atlanta Hawks
26 points, 17 rebounds, 5 assists, 4 steals, 3 blocks, 1 three (Matrix Reloaded? Sure looks like it. JSmoov has been playing like Shawn Marion’s twin lately, and it’s become pretty obvious that this kid is the future of the Atlanta Hawks organization. Even with scoring machine Joe Johnson out with a calf injury, Smith hasn’t missed a beat and has actually picked up his game in Johnson’s absence. Smith’s 17 boards were a career high, and his double-double was his 23rd of the season. This breakout season should solidify Smith as a late first-round, early second-round pick in next season’s fantasy draft.)

Jamaal Tinsley – G – Indiana Pacers
37 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, 4 threes, 4 steals (Tinsley’s got some off-court issues, there’s no question about that. But when on court, it’s hard to complain with a guy who picks up the slack and drops 37 points. Tins has had some problems lately; first there was the bar brawl, then he was recently suspended a game by the Pacers for consistently being tardy to practice, and to top it off he’s been having some lingering left leg issues. With all that stacked up against him, no way would you have predicted a monster line like this! With Jermaine O’Neal definitely out Wednesday night, and Jeff Foster possibly as well, so look for Tinsley to pick up the scoring duties again tonight against the Wizards.)

Allen Iverson – G – Denver Nuggets
31 points, 10 assists, 6 rebounds, 5 steals, 1 three, 1 block (AI was an all-around stat buster Tuesday night against the Trail Blazers. The Answer recorded his 11th double-double of the season and he was money from the charity stripe, hitting 14-of-16. Steve Blake had been hurting AI’s assist totals, but Blake has recently cooled off, which has allowed Iverson to man the distribution duties.)

Kevin Garnett – F/C – Minnesota Timberwolves
30 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists (Poor KG. The guy’s one of the most consistent players in the NBA, he’s a stat-filling maniac game in, game out, but his Wolves are just sinking . . . fast. He also leads the league in double-doubles, and was one board shy of another Tuesday night against the Pacers. The Big Ticket is averaging 31 ppg in the past two contests and should continue his dominance. If you’re a KG owner, rejoice; if you’re a TWolves fan like me, sob.)

LaMarcus Aldridge –F/C – Portland Trail Blazers
24 points, 17 rebounds, 4 blocks, 2 assists (The rook went off again Monday night against the Nuggets, pulling down 17 boards with 10 on the offensive side. You never know when he’s going to erupt, but it’s safe to say that Aldridge should be owned in all formats. If he’s available in your league, and you need a starting big man, snatch him before he’s gone.)

DUD

Ricky Davis – G/F – Minnesota Timberwolves
3 points, 3 assists, 4 turnovers, 1 rebound, 1-for-11 from the field (Davis was u.g.l.y. Monday night against the Pacers. He was terrible from the field, hitting only one-of-11 shots, and couldn’t control the ball much either, turning it over four times. Davis is a streaky player, but this is well below his average.)

PHOTO CREDIT: AP Photo/Gregory Smith

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