First Round Allstars

[Tammo29@xxxxxxx]

May 6, 2003

First Round Allstars: Shaq and KG shine 
Joe Schaller
    

Mini Slam for KG: The only Mini Slam of the first round was by Kevin Garnett 
in the Wolves' overtime win over the Lakers.


Kevin Garnett, Minnesota 114 vs LALakers 110 OT, April 24

Scoring: (33pts x 2) - 31fga - 3fta = 32

Rebounding: 14 rebounds

Disruptive Defense: 2 steals + 4 blocks

Rising Stars: Notable first round surprises include Most Improved contenders 
Bobby Jackson, Kenyon Martin and Troy Hudson. Toni Kukoc and Aaron Williams 
also had outstanding series.

TPR evaluation reveals an Orlando Magic club which would likely rank with the 
Cavs and Nuggets if not for the presence of Tracy McGrady.

Portland displayed their amazing depth with three non-starters leading the 
way. Damon Stoudamire showed he can still play despite his reduced roll this 
year. Another of my discoveries Zach Randolph has finally been given the 
chance to display his talents this year and came up huge against the Mavs. 
Arvydas Sabonis had my highest TPR -179- of the first round yet did not 
qualify for my allstar list due to only 86 minutes played. This brings up the 
question, with such a dominating performance how could Sabonis be left on the 
bench so much of the time? I thought he was being saved during the regular 
season so he could be strong for the playoffs. I have no doubt Portland would 
have won the series if Sabonis plays substantial minutes and this reflects 
poorly on Mo Cheeks.


More questionable coaching from Isiah Thomas. Why does he insist on using Al 
Harrington over Austin Croshere? Croshere had a career TPR season while 
Harrington struggled yet Austin's minutes were minimal. Harrington's defense 
is not good enough to warrant his playing time especially with the team's 
offensive woes. His series TPR was the lowest of all at -9.


TPR scale: 120+ superstar, 100+ allstar, 80+ starter, 65+ bench, 60 = min 
wage


FIRST ROUND ALLSTARS (100+ minutes)

First Team

C Shaquille O'Neal LAL, 177
F Kevin Garnett Min, 173
C Ben Wallace Det, 157
F Dirk Nowitzki Dal, 154
F Tim Duncan SA, 153

Second Team

G Bobby Jackson Sac, 147
G Paul Pierce Bos, 145
G Tracy McGrady Orl, 141
F Kenyon Martin NJ, 139
G Kobe Bryant LAL, 137

Third Team

G Allen Iverson Phi, 136
F Jermaine O'Neal Ind, 136
C David Robinson SA, 135
F Peja Stojakovic Sac, 132
G Jason Kidd NJ, 127

Fourth Team

G Troy Hudson Min, 123
F Toni Kukoc Mil, 123
C Aaron Williams NJ, 122
G Damon Stoudamire Por, 122
F Zach Randolph Por, 121
C Arvydas Sabonis Por, 179 (86")


DISAPPOINTMENTS (100+ minutes)

Al Harrington Ind, -9
Joe Johnson Pho, -3
Cal Cheaney Uta, 0
Pat Garrity Orl, 1
Anthony Mason Mil, 13
Speedy Claxton SA, 20
Rodney Rogers NJ, 20
    
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TAM