I was reading a "grading" of Biedrins over on <a href="http://www.goldenstateofmind.com/story/2006/8/12/162517/557" target="_blank"> GoldenStateofMind</a> from August 2006. The posters gave him D's and F's (with one C) across the board. <div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Back to back seasons of 4 points and 4 rebounds? The only part of Andris' game that has improved is his free throws... if you're rooting for the other team that is. I know 5th graders who have better form on their free throws and jump shots. Biedrins is on pace to be the next Adonal Foyle... and not for the community work. DJ Fuzzylogic (Grade: F) Am I the only one who thinks Biedrins is Jeff Foster at best--a rebounding machine @ best? Is that all we expect and what we consider to be "star potential" now for skinny 6'10 and taller dudes in the league? His great hands and agility in the post are a great asset to this team, yet he is still incredibly unpolished and has absolutely no finesse 3 feet beyond the basket. Fantasy Junkie (Grade: D) I think you know how I feel about this guy, the one minute man. While he improved slightly, he still has shown me nothing. He played well in a few games but never kept it going consistently. Hash (Grade: D-) Terrible free throw shooting and a fouling machine. At least there's room for improvement! He would get chewed up and spit out in the postseason. (Assuming we ever get there.) YaoButtaMing (Grade: C) Heart. This guy can bring it. Maybe one of the only members of the warriors willing to dive for a ball or do the dirty work. Gotta love a guy for that! Not as good as the Janitor, but not getting paid like one either!</div> I understand the frustration with the freethrows and fouls, but personally (not sound like "I told you so") I was ready for Biedrins to break out this past year. I mean, he had the perfect PG to help him -- a PG that could get to the rack and shoot the ball himself, thus allowing Beans to operate without needing post moves -- he could get offensive rebounds, tip-ins, put-backs, alle-oops, and of course quick dump-off passes for easy dunks. Beans shot over 60% FG largely because he could stay active and ready under the basket, let Baron do the dirty work, and benefit from his magic. Beans activity, quick mind (which I actually think is his strongest asset), and of course quick and sure hands are everything Foyle is not!! How happy is Baron to have a guy who he can count on down there! However, I didn't think Beans would be the iron man of the team, the only one to play all 82 games! And nearly average a double double... and increase his FT% by 20 points (although it's hard to do any worse than 30%!), and be the rock for Nellie to lean on, sometimes having to deal with 2 bigs while Pietrus played PF... and do it all with an infectious joy for the game.... This kid is awesome! Though I knew Beans was going to be good, I couldn't have put money on this terrific season so early in his career. I thought Monta might have a good year (though I didn't predict MIP), but bigs usually take longer. It's amazing how quickly AB has improved himself -- and I've never heard/seen even 1 negative word or emotion to come from him. He just seems grateful to play, ready to do whatever is asked, loves defense, tries his hardest on every play... Just think in 4 or 5 years, with some more muscle... So, with that said, who, if anyone, is poised for a career year next season? It doesn't have to be a nobody - you can vote JRich if you think he'll finally become a bonafide all-star - or you can vote Sarunas if you think he'll finally emerge as back-up PG and average somthing like 12pts/6ast. Of course, we haven't drafted/traded yet, so this is based on the current roster. And you can assume we keep everyone, including Barnes/Pietrus. My vote? Zarko! I am rolling the dice on the assumption that he will have completely healed from back surgery, will be working out hard in the off-season, and will come into camp in better shape than ever. I am posting a separate thread about an interview on HoopsWorld with Zarko. If it were any other coach than Nellie, I probably wouldn't vote this way, but Zarko is the perfect Nellie player. He's 6'11", can handle like a guard, can run the break all day, has finesse throughout his game, has one of the softest touches of any big man ever around the rim, can pass creatively, put english and spin on it, can no-look pass, he just has a natural feel for the game, something Nellie loves! If he comes back stronger, in better shape, with more muscle and determination, I think he'll be poised for a Matt Barnes-type role on the team. Considering he didn't even play this year, that will be a HUGE improvement! Who do you see improving most between this past year and next, and why?
