Antoine No. 4 rated small (?) forward in the NBA

["Berry, Mark S" <berrym@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

Here's a ranking of the top 10 small forwards in the NBA, with Antoine
Walker at No. 4. Interesting, considering he hasn't played small forward at
any point in his career (although I think most of us agree that would have
been his best position). Walker, Jamison and Abdur-Rahim all make this list,
although all three have spent some/most of their time at power forward
throughout their careers. It's probably a way to recognize them, since none
of them made (or deserved to make) the top 10 power forwards. Small forward
really is a weak position in the NBA right now.

The description of Antoine is pretty dead-on. We'll see if he returns a
changed man this season. I'm not holding my breath.

Mark

There has never been a time in NBA history with so many exceptional power
forwards. But at the same time, it can get rather frustrating to compare
small forwards. 
Whereas the power forwards are tough to rank because so many play at such a
high level, the small forwards are clustered together because of erratic
play and weaknesses in their game. 
"It used to be the best player on the team was the guy at small forward,"
said one NBA executive. "Now you look at them and they're athletic guys who
you are just waiting to start performing on a consistently high level. At
some point in time, you would expect some of these guys to separate
themselves from set the pack." 
It hasn't happened yet. So when you start to break down the position based
on what the players did last season and in recent years, there are a number
of ways you can go with any of the top 10, and maybe 12. 
The guy who stepped up the most last season was undoubtedly New Orleans
Hornets leading scorer Jamal Mashburn, who was named to the All-Star Game
for the first time and played at the highest level of his career all season
before breaking a finger in the playoffs. Although not a great defensive
player, Mashburn is an extraordinary ball-handler and a fine passer and has
limitless shooting range. 
He's a great player to start with for new coach Tim Floyd. But it isn't as
if his previous coach, Paul Silas, didn't appreciate him either before
heading to Cleveland to coach the Cavaliers. 
"Mash has always been the difference," Silas said last season entering the
playoffs. "When he's healthy, we play at a higher level." 
That's not to say the other small forwards aren't talented. Peja Stojakovic
is considered by many as the finest perimeter shooter in the game, his
defense is improving, he rebounds and he runs the floor extremely well for
the high-scoring Sacramento Kings. 
But Stojakovic's exceptional shooting doesn't necessarily compare with the
versatility some of the other players like Phoenix's Shawn Marion, Antoine
Walker of the Boston Celtics and Indiana's defensive stopper Ron Artest
exhibit. 
Antawn Jamison, now with the Dallas Mavericks, and Atlanta's Shareef
Abdur-Rahim are more scoring-mentality players. The same goes for Glenn
Robinson, who will be paired with Allen Iverson in Philadelphia this season,
and Seattle's young Rashard Lewis. 
Richard Jefferson, just completing his first trip with Team USA, has proven
to be a top-notch defensive player for the New Jersey Nets and rapidly
improving on the offensive end as well. There are others like Wally
Szczerbiak, Juwan Howard, Tim Thomas and Keith Van Horn to consider as well.

And then there's young Caron Butler or rookie Carmelo Anthony. All things
considered, the top of the charts among small forwards is wide open for the
taking these days. But for now, we'll go with Mashburn. 
Occasionally, he's even the Monster Mash. 
1. Jamal Mashburn, New Orleans Hornets: At 6-8, 250, he has the size,
shooting versatility, and exceptional ball-handling skills that set him
apart from the rest of the group. Aggressiveness is the key to his success
or failure. He seems to have raised his level of play the past three years. 
2. Peja Stojakovic, Sacramento Kings: Arguably the best outside shooter in
the game, Stojakovic can take over when he gets rolling. A big part of his
success is that he's on a team that moves the ball so well so he gets open
looks. Ankle problems have affected his consistently the past two seasons. 
3. Shawn Marion, Phoenix Suns: A most intriguing player with a funky-looking
release on his shot, but it goes in. An exceptional athlete, he can jump out
of the gym and has great anticipation for steals and open-floor dunks. He
needs to be more consistent with his contributions on both ends of the
floor. 
4. Antoine Walker, Boston Celtics: Has a similar game to Mashburn's but
shoots way too often and never appears to be in good shape. If Walker would
ever lose weight and get stronger, he could be a superstar considering his
gifts. This summer he promised to do so -- we'll find out soon enough if he
meant it. 
5. Ron Artest, Indiana Pacers: The best defender of this group, he is an
intimidating player with a powerful body and a crazy streak that scares
people. His suspensions cost the team and he has to get a grip to become a
star because everybody in the league is ready for him to blow up at any
second. 
6. Antawn Jamison, Dallas Mavericks: He can be a scoring machine, but then
again, who isn't on the Mavs? Getting traded from Golden State to Dallas
will have an effect, but will he build on his game or just shun defense and
stay a gunner? This is a good guy with great talent who needs to be pushed. 
7. Shareef Abdur-Rahim, Atlanta Hawks: He puts up great numbers, but it has
always been on bad teams, which leaves him somewhat suspect. With Glenn
Robinson traded, it will be interesting to see if he can raise his level of
play as the primary offensive focus of the team. 
8. Richard Jefferson, New Jersey Nets: Some people think he's vastly
overrated, but Jefferson is a terrific defender who runs the floor and is
just getting used to being counted on for offensive productivity. He's on
his way up the list if he continues to grow the way he did during his first
two seasons. 
9. Glenn Robinson, Philadelphia 76ers: The former No. 1 overall pick now is
on his third team in three seasons. A great scorer, people complain about
his defense and passing, but he will win games and will relieve burden from
Iverson. Approaching 31, this is a great opportunity to prove he can be a
winner. 
10. Rashard Lewis, Seattle SuperSonics: Still only 24, he has exceptional
ability to shoot from any angle and his post-up game is improving. But he
needs to get stronger, defend tougher and more consistently, and handle the
ball at least some. This is a big year for him to prove he deserves
consideration among the elite. 
Also receiving consideration: Caron Butler, Miami Heat; Juwan Howard,
Orlando Magic; Wally Szczerbiak, Minnesota Timberwolves; Tim Thomas,
Milwaukee Bucks; and Keith Van Horn, New York Knicks.