Right now who's looking like they'll sustain their level of play between these three and grab the award?</p> It's tough, but considering howpeople raved about Marvin's talent as a scorer, andhe doesn't seem to be a Tim Thomas case, I'd say his production is finally coming close to matching his talent, now let's just hope he can stay healthy.</p>
I think it will go to Aldridge. He's the #2 option this year, and some nights he will get the most shots for Portland. He does it all, really: scores inside, possesses a beautiful mid-range jumper, runs the floor well, can play some solid post defense, and is an above average shot blocker. Marvin's scoring numbers are rising higher than I thought they would, but he still solely relies on athleticism to put them up. If he ever develops an mid-range game and a respectable perimeter jumper, he'll be a hell of a player. Right now, he still gets most of his buckets in transition and around the basket. Defensively, he's still the same old Marvin Williams - a liability. I think Aldridge is the better and more complete player at this point, and will be more of a focal point than Williams in Atlanta.</p> Some dark-horse candidates: Martell Webster, Rashad McCants, Damien Wilkins.</p>
You could also make a case for adding another Blazer to the race, Martell Webster. Speaking of Williams and Webster, some Blazer fans suggested in the offseason that the Blazers should have tried to trade Jarrett Jack and Webster for Williams. I had mixed feelings on that idea. On one hand, Williams is a great athlete and has a ton of potential. On the other hand, it isn't like Webster has no athletic ability and no potential at all, and I think he is definitely the better shooter. I would love to have Williams on the Blazers, but I was never sold on the idea of giving up our best shooter to get him when shooting is one of our biggest weaknesses. We already have a lesser version of him in Outlaw, the upgrade in athleticism wasn't worth the loss of shooting IMO. I'll be keeping a close eye on this award to see how these players progress.
How about Kmart? (kevin martin)</p> Went from 20ppg to 28ppg currently and I can see him going to 30-32ppg.</p>
I can't believe no ones mentioned John Salmons, statline of 20/4/4. But this has alot to do with Mike Bibby being out. It's also the reason why Kevin Martin is averaging a high PPG.</p> Another candidate would be Ronny Turiaf, averaging 10 and 4 through four games. Plus the energy and hustle he brings onto the court.</p>
It's probably Ronnie Brewer. His team's going to be the best by far (compared to the other candidates), and that'll usually get you somewhere in award races like this.</p>
Richard Jefferson. Dwight Howard. Ronnie Brewer. Marvin Williams. Lamarcus Aldridge. Kevin Martin. Chris Kaman. Rudy Gay. John Salmons. Kelenna Azubuike.</p> If any of those players continues their play, they'll be competing for MIP.</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (peg182)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> Richard Jefferson. Dwight Howard. Ronnie Brewer. Marvin Williams. Lamarcus Aldridge. Kevin Martin. Chris Kaman. Rudy Gay. John Salmons. Kelenna Azubuike.</p> If any of those players continues their play, they'll be competing for MIP.</p> </div></p> </p> hmm.. Not Linton Johnson III?</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (ZÆ</div><div class='quotemain'></p> <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (peg182)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> Richard Jefferson. Dwight Howard. Ronnie Brewer. Marvin Williams. Lamarcus Aldridge. Kevin Martin. Chris Kaman. Rudy Gay. John Salmons. Kelenna Azubuike.</p> If any of those players continues their play, they'll be competing for MIP.</p> </div></p> </p> hmm.. Not Linton Johnson III?</p> </div></p> </p> Haha, don't haunt me with that. I was seriously hoping he would've been MIP.</p> Ah, the days of immaturity, gullibility, and naiveness.</p>
Both LaMarcus Aldridge and Ronnie Brewer were very good last year but were simply held back. LaMarcus Aldridge dealt with some injuries and playing with Zach Randolph, now he's the man, i'm not blown away by him, anyone that knows a lot about him knows he would be a stud this year. Ronnie Brewer, like most Jazz rookies was held back.</p> I'd prefer this away going to more veteran players or players at least 4 years in.</p>
<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (BrewCityBuck)</div><div class='quotemain'></p> Both LaMarcus Aldridge and Ronnie Brewer were very good last year but were simply held back. LaMarcus Aldridge dealt with some injuries and playing with Zach Randolph, now he's the man, i'm not blown away by him, anyone that knows a lot about him knows he would be a stud this year. Ronnie Brewer, like most Jazz rookies was held back.</p> I'd prefer this away going to more veteran players or players at least 4 years in.</p> </div></p> Like a Dan Gadzuric? </p> </p>
