CBS Sportsline ranked the top 50 players in the NBA and listed Davis at 13th and JRich 37th. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">13. Baron Davis, Golden State: What he did for the Warriors after leaving New Orleans was phenomenal. He has to prove he can stay healthy, something he has failed to do the past two years, but there's no question the 26-year-old is among the most feared playmakers in the game, especially since he packs the outside shot to balance his game out. </div> <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">37. Jason Richardson, Golden State: He appeared to mesh brilliantly with Davis, which is why so many Warriors fans can't wait to see how much the team can improve with the duo together for a full season. Since coming into the league, he has gone from a scorer who overly relied on his athleticism to an athletic marvel with a jump shot that he can really kill you with once he gets into a flow. </div> http://www.sportsline.com/nba/story/8979041
Hmm... I think Dirk Nowitzki should be higher, but I guess playoff performances can lower an MVP type player's rating. But considering he's a rare 7 footer that can rebound like a center and shoot and dribble like a guard, you have to put him higher. He's a scoring machine that can shoot from anywhere and off balance, but he's even got a little post game and can block some shots and steal the ball a few times. You have to love his production and the way he sets the tone. Maybe he's not the same since Nash left, but everyone knows what happens when you downgrade the point guard position with a combo or two guard, the rest of the players don't play as well. It's especially severe when that departing point guard happened to be a league MVP. It's like taking away any NFL football team's quarterback (I meant on a good team, not the Niners or the Raiders).
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting AnimeFANatic:</div><div class="quote_post">Why didn't the Mavs resign Nash? Did he ask for big money?</div> Well, he did ask for a big money and Mavs didn't match it. Believe or not, even Cuban has a limit in his wealth. After signing Dampier for 10 mils per year, Cuban offered Nash 11 mils per year and Suns offered 13 mils per year, saying that he shouldn't talk with Cuban. Despite that, Nash brought his offer to Cuban and ask whether he will match it or not. Cuban said that's too much for his taste and gave his blessing to Nash. That's why Nash ended up in Phoenix, while still maintaining good relationship with Cuban. In retro respect... Well, considering that Nash won MVP, while Dampier was a disappointment, it seems like a major blunder for Mavs. But, Mavs basically maintained same record with or without Nash, and they couldn't go any farther with Nash, sooo... I really can't say whether Mavs made a major mistake or not...
Bottom line is the Mavericks needed toughness. With Don Nelson, it's always small ball and it's one of the reason why I didn't like him and mousetrap Musselman that much, but at least with the Mavs' Avery Johnson his tone is about defense, sharing the ball and I agree with that logic that defense and chemistry will win you games when the shots aren't falling. When it comes to coaching I heavily believe in guys like Jeff Van Gundy, Stan Van Gundy, Mike Montgomery, and Greg Popovich. It's all about balance on both sides of the court and playing seriously. I also like Jerry Sloan and Larry Brown. These guys all believe in a system and playing defense, but unfortunately your defense is only as good as the teamwork and individual defenders involved. Sucks for us.
