Peja No. 3 small forward

#1
Our old (ahem) buddy Mike Kahn of CBS SportsLine rates Peja as the No. 3 small forward in the NBA behind Ron Artest and Paul Pierce, in that order. You may recall that he rated Chris Webber No. 6 among power forwards.

Now, before anyone says that this is justification for trading Peja for Artest, please note that Mr. Kahn neglected to rate Andrei Kirilenko among the top 10 or even the honorable mentions at either forward position. Whether that was intentional or an oversight, it does raise a credibility issue.

Anyhow, here's the story and the link. Let the debates begin:

http://cbs.sportsline.com/nba/story/7636615

Preseason Player Rankings: Small forwards



By Mike Kahn, SportsLine.com Executive Editor



He is the conundrum of the NBA, an incredibly tough defender of up to four positions, a solid ball-handler and passer, with shooting range out to 3-point range. And he's also unpredictable every moment he steps onto the floor.

He is Ron Artest of the Indiana Pacers, the top small forward in the SportsLine.com Preseason Player Rankings.

"There are only about four or five guys in this league that are great two-way players, and Ron is one of them," Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. "Not only is it hard to score on him when he's defending, but he wears you down with his strong body while you're trying to guard him. No question he's one of the top players in the league."

That's not to say he's alone, head and shoulders above the rest. Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics, presuming you consider him a small forward and not a shooting guard, is the toughest inside/outside scorer at this position.

And then there is Sacramento Kings forward Peja Stojakovic, who coincidentally has often been mentioned in a swap for Artest while begging for a trade because of the constant barrage of negative commentary from teammate Chris Webber. Although not the defender or ball-handler, most believe Stojakovic to be the pre-eminent shooter in the NBA today -- something that cannot be underrated in a league where shooters are at a premium.

"Peja has gotten better every year," said Kings president Geoff Petrie, who chuckled at the notion of Stojakovic trade rumors. "It's not just his shooting, everything has improved. You can use any kind of productivity system you want on him, and he's in the top three."

Last year's top small forward, Jamal Mashburn, fell back into the mire of injuries that has too often dominated his career, and it's tough to know where to put him with such a balky knee. Young All-Stars like Shawn Marion and Richard Jefferson are right on the heels of the top two.

Perhaps the best all-around player of them all might be Lamar Odom, who was forced to play power forward last season with the Miami Heat but could flourish at small forward should his new team -- the Los Angeles Lakers -- move him back to his natural position.

But when you really contemplate the future, even if it's a "point forward" who not only is a primary scorer but ball-handler in offensive sets, it's tough to get past the league's two young stars -- LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Denver Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony.

James is much more the spectacular playmaker, capable of playing point guard and running the fast break or coming down the wing for a tomahawk slam. The 2004 Rookie of the Year, like Anthony, he played sparingly on the controversial Olympic team but still showed flashes of why people have compared him to Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan in varying degrees.

"Based on all of his abilities, it's hard to actually place a position on LeBron," Cavs president Jim Paxson said. "The Olympic experience can only be a positive for him being around all those All-Star caliber players and a coach who stresses fundamentals like Larry Brown does. But if you look at LeBron's skill set and put him at three, he can score inside, outside, handle the ball, pass and rebound. And we know he'll get better defensively."

Anthony doesn't have the ball-handling or passing skills but is a much more refined scorer. He can explode to the basket or bury 3-pointers, and despite what appeared to be growing disenchantment with his Olympic experience, Nuggets president Kiki Vandeweghe believes it will only help him grow. One of the great scoring forwards of his era for 13 seasons beginning in 1980, Vandeweghe sees how Anthony has the potential to change the perception of the position.

"Definitely," Vandeweghe said. "He is working very, very hard to get better. He's committed to being a great player in this league and helping his team be successful. He's completely wrapped up in our success -- he calls me during the draft and during free agency just to be up to speed on what we're doing. You've got to love a player that cares so much."

Not to mention the fact that he can actually play the game.

Ranking the small forwards:

1. Ron Artest, Indiana Pacers: He is incredibly strong and versatile on both ends of the floor, with the only question being if he can keep his head.

2. Paul Pierce, Boston Celtics: His strength and ability to score inside or outside are unparalleled, and it will be interesting to see how he copes with the ever-changing roster of the Celtics.

3. Peja Stojakvoic, Sacramento Kings: The best pure shooter in the game and a much stronger rebounder/defender than people think, but he has struggled in the postseason.

4. Shawn Marion, Phoenix Suns: His unorthodox shooting style and relaxed demeanor often belie his impact on the game, although his name continues to float in trade rumors.

5. Lamar Odom, Los Angeles Lakers: He is a blossoming superstar, with more size and natural tools than any of these players, but how will he adjust to his third team in three years?

6. Richard Jefferson, New Jersey Nets: There are people who love him because he defends consistently, but his shooting and ball-handling are very erratic.

7. Antawn Jamison, Washington Wizards: He is a great scorer who has extended his shooting range and is a much better offensive rebounder than people recognize.

8. LeBron James, Cleveland Cavaliers: The pressure for him to rise above as the next superstar in the league is immense, but he has the demeanor and skill to meet the challenge.

9. Carmelo Anthony, Denver Nuggets: He is a natural scorer inside and outside, with an improving floor game. He, too, has great expectations.

10. Jamal Mashburn, New Orleans Hornets: This is a long shot, because nobody is sure if and when he will play again. But if he does, he is the total package.

Also receiving consideration: Tim Thomas, New York Knicks; Wally Szczerbiak, Minnesota Timberwolves; Rashard Lewis, Seattle SuperSonics; James Posey, Memphis Grizzlies; Mike Dunleavy, Golden State Warriors; Tayshaun Prince, Detroit Pistons.

 
#2
And then there is Sacramento Kings forward Peja Stojakovic, who coincidentally has often been mentioned in a swap for Artest while begging for a trade because of the constant barrage of negative commentary from teammate Chris Webber.
Constant barrage?:rolleyes:
 
#3
ESPN Insider has an update on the

top 10 free agents remaining. Here's the link and story:

http://proxy.espn.go.com/nba/columns/story?columnist=ford_chad&id=1830681


The first eight weeks of free agency has left the cupboard nearly bare.

Only the Hawks and Bobcats have any real cap room left. The Hawks have around $6.9 million in room. The Bobcats have around $7.8 million. No one else has significant space to speak of. Stromile Swift remains the lone top free agent left on the board.

Here's an updated look at the best free agents left on the board.

Top 10 free agents
(R) = Restricted free agent

1. Stromile Swift , PF, Grizzlies (R)

The skinny:
Swift expected to be a hot commodity this summer, but the Grizzlies made it known they planned to match any offer, and the market cooled pretty quickly. The Bobcats and Hawks could use him and have enough cash left to make the Grizzlies sweat. Instead, the Grizzlies may end up including Swift in a sign-and-trade to Chicago if they can convince the Bulls to ship them Eddy Curry back in return.

2. Karl Malone, PF, Lakers
The skinny: The biggest question on Malone is whether he'll play this season. Offseason surgery may force him into retirement. If he does play, three teams have shown a lot of interest -- the Spurs, Lakers and Heat. Given that Malone left Utah to play with Shaq, following him to Miami makes the most sense.

3. Rodney White, G/F, Nuggets

The skinny: White has a ton of potential and is an unrestricted free agent, so he should be a bargain at this point. The word out of Denver is that he's going to re-up with the Nuggets.

4. Marcus Fizer, F, Bobcats
The skinny: Fizer was instant offense for the Bulls last season coming off the bench -- think a poor man's Corliss Williamson. However, he isn't a great rebounder or defender and is coming off an injury filled season. The Celtics have shown some interest. The Heat and Kings could also use a veteran forward.

5. Jon Barry, G, Nuggets
The skinny: Barry had an off year with the Nuggets and has taken his time trying to find a new home. The Hawks have pursued him the most, though it appears he'd prefer to play with a team that has a better chance of winning it all. Denver remains interested in re-signing him as well and appears close to get getting something done.

6. Keon Clark, F, Suns

The skinny: There was a time when Keon Clark was one of the hotter commodities in the league. After two very disappointing, injury filled seasons … that time has passed. He's looking at a $1.6 million or minimum deal where ever he goes.

7. Jake Tsakalidis, C, Grizzlies (R)
The skinny: He's big. At this late in the game, that's about all you're going to get. The Grizzlies might re-sign him or he could take an offer to play in Russia.

8. Kenny Anderson, G, Pacers
The skinny: Several teams still need a veteran point guard and he's the best guy left on the board. Look for him to sign a one year deal with the Hawks.

9. Corie Blount, C, Raptors
The skinny: He's 35 years old, but he's still capable of playing 10 to 15 minutes a night as a back-up center.

10. Michael Curry, G, Raptors
The skinny: He doesn't put up big numbers, but he plays great defense and is a leader in the locker room. He'd be a great mentor for a young team. The Nuggets have shown the most interest this summer.

Best of the Rest

Unrestricted: Gary Trent PF, Timberwolves; Lonny Baxter , F, Bobcats; Ryan Bowen F, Nuggets; Steve Smith , G, Hornets; DerMarr Johnson, G, Knicks; Donnell Harvey, F, Suns; Dion Glover ,G, Raptors; Ben Handlogten, F, Suns

Restricted: Courtney Alexander, G, Hornets; Jamison Brewer, G, Pacers
 
#5
This guy is an idiot... AK isn't even in the top 10 or a mention... And if he regaurds him as a PF he's an idiot, and he didn't list him there either.
 
#6
True AK should be there, but doesn't he normally play a PF position? He's not a PF, but he plays one in real life, much the same as Dirk does.
 
#7
bdouble013 said:
True AK should be there, but doesn't he normally play a PF position? He's not a PF, but he plays one in real life, much the same as Dirk does.
well now with Boozer around he'll havta slide back to his natural position
 
#8
Kahn is a moron. No AK47, Lebron as a SF and not a SG, Artest over Pierce or Peja? How'd this guy get such a good job with his lack of NBA knowledge?
 
#9
Joel said:
Kahn is a moron. No AK47, Lebron as a SF and not a SG, Artest over Pierce or Peja? How'd this guy get such a good job with his lack of NBA knowledge?
I can see Artest ahead but not Pierce.... Peja worse than Pierce... give me a break.
 
#10
I guess it makes some sense, though Pierce is borderline SF/SG. LeBron isnt even close, he's a guard for sure either way. AK47 is no doubt an SF, especially now that Boozer is coming to Utah. I see no reason to rank them as such. You could go by where they played last year, but shouldnt Carter be on the list and LeBron be at PG? Odd...
 
#12
Yeah. I meant that even if the rankings were by where the player played last year--a possible justification for leaving AK47 off the list-- LeBron would be aPG, or maybe SG for half the year, but surely not SF...
 
#15
That's about right for Peja as far as rankings go. I don't know that I'd put Artest ahead of Pierce, and I'd definitely put Odom over Marion, but otherwise, that's really not a bad list. Of course, if you add Garnett to the SF category, everybody's dropped a notch.
 
#16
I'd agree with other posters that I find it difficult to believe that this guy didn't include AK-47 in either list. He belonged in one or the other (my thought would be this list of SFs), and omitting him entirely calls into question the writer's credibility.

That being said, I don't see too much wrong with the top three as they are ranked. All three have flaws. Don't forget that this is the same guy who ranked Brand ahead of Dirk, so he clearly places a higher value on doing some of the "little things" more than just straight scoring ability.
 
#17
This list is a joke. :mad: :mad: :mad:

No AK47. He is better than all from this list.

Place Jamison before Prince. WTF? Prince has just won a RING this year for God Sake!!! Jamison has just play his first ever playoff!!!

This writer is an idiot, period.


Total Bull Crap!!!!
 
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VF21

Super Moderator Emeritus
SME
#19
Since93 - The simple act of winning a ring doesn't make a person better or worse.

Mark Madsen has two rings...

I rest my case.