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2001-2002 Midseason Review By Gene Huh Biggest Surprises New Jersey Nets During the first half of this season, new Nets point guard Jason Kidd has clearly demonstrated why many people consider him to be the best pure point guard in the NBA. Although his statistics are down this season, Kidd possesses that rare ability to dominate a game without scoring having to score even one point. His creative playmaking has molded a talented group of young players that includes Kerry Kittles, Kenyon Martin and Keith Van Horn into a cohesive unit that has been at the top of the Eastern Conference for most of the season. Stephon who? Washington Wizards It is no surprise that Michael Jordan's return has made the Wizards a more competitive team this season. However, few people expected the Wizards to be this much better. After a slightly painful transition period early this season when Jordan's teammates merely stood around and watched as an out-of-shape Jordan jacked up line-drive bricks, the Wizards appear to have put it all together. Wizards head coach Doug Collins should receive a lion's share of the credit, as he has been successful in getting MJ to trust his teammates. Jordan's dominating presence has opened up shots for talented young shooting guard Richard "Rip" Hamilton and a cast of hustling journeymen. Michael Jordan the front office executive should be given credit for the hiring of Collins, the perfect coach to get the most out of this Wizards team, and the trade for rookie center Brendan Haywood, who has shown signs of developing into a dominating NBA pivotman. Pau Gasol (Memphis Grizzlies) Gasol looked like a highly speculative first round pick that would not pay off for at least a couple of seasons. It is downright shocking that Gasol has had such an immediate impact on the league, when other exceptional foreign players such as Dirk Nowitzki and Peja Stojakovic have needed at least one season to acclimate themselves to the ways of the NBA. Gasol has posted consistently exceptional statistical production on a nightly basis has made Memphis' trading of Shareef Abdur-Rahim for Gasol, Lorenzen Wright and Brevin Knight an outright steal. It's scary to think how good Gasol will be once he adds muscle to his scrawny frame and gains experience. Detroit Pistons On paper, the Pistons are one of the worst teams in the league and a virtual lock for the lottery. Apparently, nobody told Detroit rookie head coach Rick Carlisle this, as Carlisle has gotten a Jerry Stackhouse and a raggedy bunch of journeymen to overachieve their way into playoff contention this season. Do not underestimate the impact provided by the hustling Ben Wallace in the paint and veteran forward Clifford Robinson's solid defense. However, most of the credit should go to Carlisle, who has definitely cemented his reputation as one of the best X's and O's guys in the NBA. Biggest Disappointments Miami Heat Is Riley losing his touch? How could a team that features Alonzo Mourning, Eddie Jones, Brian Grant and Rod Strickland be so terrible? Easy, Mourning was not close to being his dominating self for the first part of the season and second offensive option Jones has been plagued by injuries. However, now that Mourning is playing much better ball, don't be surprised if the Heat make a run for one of the last playoff spots during the second half. Lamar Odom (LA Clippers) The exceptionally gifted Odom was expected to step up this season and become the leader of an exciting young Clippers squad. He wasn't expected to get busted by the league for testing positive for drugs again this season. It is becoming more and more obvious that Odom lacks the maturity to become the dominating player he should be. The sad thing is that Odom may possess the most complete all-around game in the NBA when his head is on straight. Houston Rockets The Rockets narrowly missed the playoffs last season due to injuries to key players. This season, the Rockets were expected to put it back together and make a nice run, led by the outstanding backcourt duo of Steve Francis and Cuttino Mobley. Unfortunately, Francis has been plagued by a variety of injuries this season, including debilitating migraine headaches that just won't go away. The loss of power forward Maurice Taylor for the season and the departure of future Hall of Fame center Hakeem Olajuwon have left the Rockets way too dependent upon the skills of Stevie Franchise to be competitive in their current condition. New York Knicks The Knicks have apparently gone has far as the axis of Marcus Camby, Latrell Sprewell and Allan Houston can take them. This season, the trio has carried the Knicks into lotteryland and forced the resignation of long-time head coach Jeff Van Gundy. The addition of a collection of undersized power forwards during the past couple of seasons has done nothing to address the Knicks' heavy dependence upon the always fragile Camby. Plus, Sprewell's poor work habits and blatant disregard for team rules have been extremely disruptive to this leaderless team. Expect a major breakup of this "team" to come very soon. First Half MVP Michael Jordan (Washington Wizards) Without Jordan, the Wizards would be one of the worst teams in the league. With Jordan, the Wizards are a legitimate contender in a watered-down Eastern Conference. Even at age 38, Jordan can win games single-handedly and carry a team. Honorable mention must go out to Boston's Paul Pierce and New Jersey's Jason Kidd. First Half Rookie of the Year Pau Gasol (Memphis Grizzlies) Based on statistics, nobody is even close to Gasol, who is averaging about 17 points and 8 rebounds a game. Honorable mention must be given to San Antonio's Tony Parker and Indiana's Jamaal Tinsley, two rookie point guards on contending teams. First Half Coach of the Year Byron Scott (New Jersey Nets) Despite Karl Malone's accusation that Scott is nothing but a kiss ass, credit must be given to Scott for the Nets' transformation from perennial lottery team to the best team in the Eastern Conference. Washington's Doug Collins and Detroit's Rick Carlisle also deserve mention. |
Features MJ is Hurting NBA Midseason Review Pacers Team Report The Next Kobe? College Hoops Game Reviews Interview with Draft Analyst John D. Thompson
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