Rufus on Fire: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
New Blog: Once A Metro covering Red Bull New York!

Bobcats Cruise Past Wizards

Wait, what's this? The Bobcats beat a team they were supposed to beat, again? One could get used to this.

There were a couple hairy moments, but the Cats' 101-89 win over the Wizards was never really in doubt. The Wiz are missing defense all around, and a real point guard to facilitate. Thus, they're terrible, despite Caron Butler's and Antawn Jamison's continued offensive excellence. When they get DeShawn Stevenson back to be a plus defender on the perimeter, and if they can get a defensive-minded big man to play alongside Jamison (Etan? Haywood?), and a real point guard to make sure everyone else is able to do his thing, they'll be back in the playoff hunt.

Because none of these guys plays much defense, I'm a little reticent to draw hard conclusions, but it was the kind of win I associate with the Bobcats. By that I mean that no one really stood out points-wise, but the five starters each contributed a good chunk of offense. Notably, VladRad was 5-10 from three, and Augustin was 4-7 from beyond the arc. Also, Emeka had another quietly dominant game, with 16 points and 13 rebounds, in the process helping put Songaila and McGee in foul trouble by the third quarter.

When this squad is at full strength, Augustin, Martin, Radmanovic, and Diop could make for a flexible rotation group, with Howard taking a few minutes here and there. Augustin can produce from either guard spot. Martin is a two/three swing man. And VladRad slides between the three/four. If there's any indictment of how far Carroll and Morrison had fallen, it's that Cartier Martin, a guy signed out of the D-League (essentially, off the street) is doing everything they could do for a fraction of the cost and contract status headache.

===

Normally, I don't care about such things much, but the whole Mo Williams Was Snubbed thing bothers me to no end. He wasn't snubbed; he just had the best player in the league lobbying for him.

Here are four Eastern Conference point guards and their per36 numbers. Two are on playoff teams, one is on a team that won't make the playoffs, and one is on a team that's in the grey area. Three never even sniffed the All Star Game this year. Tell me which one is best. Answers after the jump.

Minutes, Pts, Ast, Stl, TO

A: 1798 / 15.9 / 6.4 / 1.3 / 2.5

B: 1404 / 17.8 / 5.0 / 1.3 / 2.6

C: 1744 / 16.5 / 5.6 / 1.5 / 1.8(!)

D: 1716 / 17.9 / 4.3 / 0.8 / 2.5

 

Star-divide

Obviously, you can't judge confidently just on this surface look, but by the most important stats, per minute, Mo Williams just doesn't stand out as a great point guard this year. If you couldn't tell, Williams is Point Guard D.

Point Guard C is Mike Bibby. His resurgence is a little shocking, I know. He's taking care of the ball, too, which goes against his rep a bit.

Point Guard B is T.J. Ford. I didn't realize he was pouring it in so well this year, either.

Point Guard A is Andre Miller. If the Sixers make the playoffs, Miller's performance and leadership will be a big part of it, and Williams's inclusion on the All Star team will look sillier.

0 recs  |  Comment 2 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

More from Rufus on Fire

Comments

Display:

What i thought.

C>A>B>D

By the way i think Carroll and Morrison won’t even see as much playing time on their new teams as…say, JJ.Redick.
Last Year.

by DOH on Feb 12, 2009 10:09 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Don't forget...

I know his team freaking sucks, but don’t forget about Jose Calderon either. His PER his higher than all of those guys you mentioned.

by JerkStore1020 on Feb 12, 2009 10:57 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Welcome to the SB Nation blog about the Charlotte Bobcats.
Start posting about the Bobcats »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

Connect_with_facebook

FanPosts

Community blog posts and discussion.

Recent FanPosts

Small
SB Nation Survey + Chance to donate $500 to a charity of this community's choice
Rof_profile_small
Michael Jordan Press Conference
Small
5 Teams With Very Bleak Futures In the NBA
Small
A little love for the haters
Rof_profile_small
Bobcats Sign Larry Hughes
Abe_lovers_me_small
Stephen Jackson Future with team?
Small
Ever wonder why ROF is the best NBA blog on SB Nation?
Aug2006_031_small
Blazer fan here, just curious about...
Small
The Official Bobcats Run to the Playoffs Thread
Whataboutbob_edited-1_small
Should the Bobcats change their name?

+ New FanPost All FanPosts >

SBNation.com Recent Stories

San Antonio Spurs guard Malik Hairston is fouled on a dunk attempt over the Golden State Warriors' Anthony Tolliver during the second half of an NBA basketball game at the AT&T Center in San Antonio, Friday, March 19, 2010. The Spurs beat the Warriors, 147-116. (AP Photo/Bahram Mark Sobhani)

Spurs Torch Warriors, 147-116, In Highest Scoring Game Since 1991

Atlanta Hawks forward Marvin Williams, looks for a shot against Charlotte Bobcats forward Boris Diaw, left, of France, during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game at Philips Arena, Friday, March 19, 2010 in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Gregory Smith)

Johnson Does His Best Jordan Impersonation, Hits Winning Shot In OT

New Orleans Hornets forward James Posey, left, reaches in for the ball as Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony looks for a shot in the fourth quarter of the Nuggets' 93-80 victory in an NBA basketball game in Denver on Thursday, March 18, 2010. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski) link

Nuggets Rout Hornets 93-80

More from SBNation.com >


Managers

2285436864_6a38df6622_m_small David Arnott