Eight Players To Watch

[RonnieBrewer (Ronnie Brewer)]

Friday, November 10th, 2006

Eight Players To Watch

by Lang Whitaker

One of my favorite things about the beginning of each season is the evolution
of rotations. Teams make surprise moves, guys who weren't even expected to
make the team become key performers, and against all odds some guys even
become starters.

Here's eight players who have caught my eye the first two weeks of the season…

1) CJ Miles
THE SKINNY: Two years ago, Miles went pro out of high school and fell to the
second round. The 6-6 guard played in 23 games for the Jazz last year but
also spent a chunk of time in the D-League. This year, the 19-year-old was
in the Jazz lineup on opening night. He’s started every game since.
THE QUOTE: 「[CJ has] been [providing] a lot of our energy at the start. He
gets us going. He's getting himself shots and making them.」 ─ Deron Williams

2) Cedric Bozeman
THE SKINNY: A few years ago, Bozeman was a high-profile recruit who signed
with UCLA and was expected to help return them to prominence. A 6-6 point
guard, Bozeman suffered an injury-plagued career and then as a senior was a
role player on UCLA's team that lost in the National Championship game.
Bozeman went undrafted, and now is a key contributor for the Hawks, coming
off the bench to do a little bit of everything.
THE QUOTE: 「The fact [Bozeman] can defend three positions makes him a little
unique and intriguing. And he can run your offense. He's heady, and he's
not scared to make mistakes.」 ─ Mike Woodson.

3) Jason Maxiell
THE SKINNY: At 6-7, Jason Maxiell was through to be a 'tweener when he left
Cincinatti for the NBA. The Pistons drafted him at the end of the first round
in 2005, then let him marinate on the bench last season. He lost weight this
summer, and played well in the preseason, earning a permanent spot in the
Pistons post rotation.
THE QUOTE: 「He makes plays that help you win games, whether it be rebounding
or blocking a shot or effort plays. He brings a certain energy to the front
line that we really, really like.」 ─ Joe Dumars

4) Francisco Elson
THE SKINNY: Before this summer, Elson was probably best known for calling
Kevin Garnett 「gay」 during the 2004 Playoffs. And with Denver getting close
to the salary cap this summer, the Spurs stole him away and expect him to
team with the silver-toothed Fabricio Oberto and fit in next to Tim Duncan
and plug the hole left by Rasho Nesterovic's departure.
THE QUOTE: Heck, Steve Kerr loves him.
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/news?slug=sk-elson110306&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

5) Mo Evans
THE SKINNY: The Lakers traded a second-round pick for the former Pistons
reserve to back up Kobe Bryant, but Evans has played a big role early this
season, including putting 17 on the Suns on opening night and providing the
hustle that has defined the Lakers this season.
THE QUOTE: 「[Maurice] Evans is a sparkplug and does things defensively.」
─ Phil Jackson.

6) Craig Smith
THE SKINNY: OK, so Sam picked the T-Wolves as having the worst front office
in the NBA. But their second round pick Craig Smith is making them look like
they knew what was happening. At 6-7, Smith was considered undersized coming
out of Boston College, even though he made first-team all ACC and averaged 17
and 9 as a senior. He's earned a spot in the Wolves' rotation and provides
some much-needed heft alongside KG.
THE QUOTE: 「That was the major concern coming in: Could he go against length
in the league, 6-11 power forwards. He's proved he can. That's been a
pleasant surprise.」 ─ Dwane Casey.

7) Ime Udoka
THE SKINNY: Sometimes it just takes some time for guys to figure it all out.
The son of a Nigerian immigrant, Udoka was born in Portland and bounced
around the hoops underground for the last eight years, including two quick
stops (a total of 12 games) in the NBA and a part-time job at FedEx. This
year, he got an invite to training camp with his hometown Blazers. During
camp, his father unexpectedly passed away. Udoka kept his head down and not
only made the Blazers, he cracked the starting lineup and the 29-year-old has
started every game this season.
THE QUOTE: 「He has a lot of our people excited, because he knows how to
play. He knows where to be, and that's what we need because right now our
young guys are still trying to figure out how to play the game.」
─ Nate McMillan.

8) Yakhouba Diawara
THE SKINNY: He verbally agreed to a minimum deal with Denver, then stuck to
his word and turned down a two-year deal from the Mavs. The 6-7 swingman has
averaged 18 minutes in the Nuggets first three games, primarily as their
perimeter defensive specialist.
THE QUOTE: 「He's playing unbelievable. Guys are very impressed. I heard
about him in the summertime, but it's different to do it with NBA guys as
opposed to summer league guys.」 ─ Earl Boykins.


http://slamonline.com/online/2006/11/8-players-to-watch/

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→ sam369:C.J加油 N年後你就是王!
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