Well its Rosen so what do you expect. Personally I think the Rockets should be fighting for 1st with Detroit. This year all the haters will be awakened though so Im not worried. http://msn.foxsports.com/nba/story/5026576 Ranking the best and worst frontcourts Story Tools: Print Email XML Charley Rosen / Special to FOXSports.com Posted: 1 hour ago Small forwards are easily the NBA's most versatile athletes. Their job description requires them to do everything from rebounding (one carom per six minutes of playing time is the norm) to running (it's the No. 3 who puts the zip in a fast break). From handling — at least well enough to create his own shots and also to help overcome pressure defenses — to passing; from shooting to defending; small forwards are actually big-littles, and, along with the guards, are deemed one of the skill positions. Defense-oriented small forwards (like Bruce Bowen) are highly valued by coaches, but their lack of offense must be compensated by a power forward who can light up a scoreboard. Still, most of the outstanding small forwards in NBA history (Paul Arizin, Rick Barry, Larry Bird, Julius Erving, Bernard King, Bobby Dandridge, et al) were primarily celebrated for their scoring prowess. 2005 NBA Preview Top preseason storylines Big questions: East | West Photo Gallery... NBA Media Day Division previews Atlantic | Central | Southeast Southwest | Pacific | Northwest Power forwards used to be called hatchet men. The blunt edges of their talents hewed out rebounds, picks, defense, and the kind of selective brutality essential to any contact sport. Guys like Antonio Davis, Dale Davis, Danny Fortson, Eduardo Najera, Malik Rose, and Kelvin Cato are cast in the traditional mode. But in recent years, the practitioners of the No. 4 spot have become more like oversized small forwards. This new wave of powerless power forwards include Dirk Nowitzki, Troy Murphy, Eddie Griffin, Vladimir Radmanovic, and Shawn Marion. Neither of these two classifications is intrinsically better than the other. Indeed, the biggest measure of a power forward's worth depends upon the complimentary talents of his center, as well as his particular function in his team's game plan. By definition, centers are in the middle of the action. Bigs who can score in the pivot cause defenses to make risky adjustments simply because the ball is so close to the basket. Because such monsters-in-the middle generally attract double-teams, they must also be adequate passers. Centers who can shoot from the perimeter put enormous pressure on their opposite numbers, who are rarely comfortable playing defense beyond the shadow of the basket. Since No. 5s are the last line of a team's defense, shot-blocking centers can always find a job. If Shaq represents the old-time Mikan-Chamberlain tradition of dreadnaught pivot men, Amare Stoudemire just might be a sign of things to come. Quickness overcoming power. Finesse trumping bulk. Versatility vexing lane-bound scorers. In determining the best and the worst of the NBA's frontcourts, the emphasis is on the balance of the collective talents rather than on the individual brilliance of any one player. Best frontcourts 1. DETROIT — Tayshaun Prince, Rasheed Wallace, and Ben Wallace Prince and R. Wallace provide the offense, while all three are superlative defenders. The only pertinent question is this: Is this trio better than the Bird-McHale-Parish triumvirate? On defense, the Pistons are clearly superior, while the Celtics frontline rates a similar edge on offense. The deciding difference in Boston's favor is that Dennis Johnson was light years better than any of Detroit's current guards. 2. INDIANA — Ron Artest, Jermaine O'Neal, and Jeff Foster For the Pacers to be successful, Ron Artest needs to control his emotions. (David Sherman/NBAE via / Getty Images) A potentially potent combination of scoring, defense, rebounding, and role playing. This, however, is a critical season for the Pacers' front-court. Can Artest behave himself? Can O'Neal survive the regular season and be healthy in the playoffs? Can Foster hit more than an occasional jump shot? Given three affirmative answers, Indiana's baseline players will evolve from potential to actual greatness. 3. MIAMI — James Posey, Udonis Haslem, and Shaquille O'Neal An outstanding point-maker flanked by a pair of outstanding defenders. The X-factor here is Posey's ability to regain not only his shooting touch, but his commitment to playing hard. Should Antoine Walker supplant Posey in the starting lineup, then Miami will drop out of the elite rankings. 4. SAN ANTONIO — Bruce Bowen, Tim Duncan, and Nazr Mohammed/Rasho Nesterovic Bowen gets paid for playing defense, yet his ability to sink 3-balls is particularly suited to the routine double-teams faced by Duncan. Mohammed's mediocre skills — offensive rebounding, hustling, and staying out of TD's way — are likewise more functional with the Spurs than they would be elsewhere. Nesterovic remains an underrated center who can score, pass, and set timber-shivering picks. But it's the all-around game of Duncan that maximizes his teammates' effectiveness. 5. HOUSTON — Tracy McGrady, Juwan Howard, and Yao Ming Scoring is their common forte, and upon occasion T-Mac can do a reasonable impersonation of an NBA defender. Also, McGrady is the only one of the three who has any lateral movement. But, man, these guys can fill the basket! On the verge — DENVER (Carmelo Anthony, Kenyon Martin and Marcus Camby would be appreciably better with Nene in the mix), UTAH (Andrei Kirilenko, Carlos Boozer, Jarron Collins). Worst frontcourts 1. ATLANTA — Josh Childress, Al Harrington, and Zaza Pachulia Some day Childress will be able to differentiate between a good and a bad shot. Godot might show up sooner than Harrington's offense. And Pachulia still avoids going to the beach lest some bully kick sand in his face. 2. TORONTO — Jalen Rose, Chris Bosh, and Rafael Araujo A selfish play-breaker, a young stud, and the reincarnation of the Invisible Man. Put them all together in one body and the resulting Frankenstein would still be defenseless. 3. PORTLAND — Ruben Patterson, Zach Randolph, and Joel Przybilla Here's your chance to fire back at Charley Rosen. Got a question or a comment Subject: Comment/Question: Name: (ex, john doe) Email: (ex, a@b.c) Hometown: A dysfunctional sandwich: An excellent defender and rebounder surrounded by a pair of immature malcontents. Heavy on the mustard and sour pickles. 4. MINNESOTA — Kevin Garnett, Wally Szczerbiak, and Michael Olowokandi If Tim Duncan can do enough to bring his frontcourt mates into harmony, Garnett can't do the same. So far, KG has not demonstrated the ability to be a big-time clutch performer in the postseason. Also, Szczerbiak is too immobile to hitch a ride to glory with the Big Ticket. And Olowokandi's game is as substantial as cotton-Kandi. 5. N.O. — Bostjan Nachbar, P. J. Brown, and your guess is as good as mine Nachbar is a sleeper, but the 36-year-old Brown is playing on fumes. Replacing Jamaal Magloire (who was traded to the Bucks) with any combo of Chris Andersen, Maciej Lampe, and Jackson Vroman, and/or re-shifting Brown to center is a recipe for another 18-win season. There won't be any quality bigs on the waiver wire, and whom else can the Hornets use as trade bait? Replacing Nachbar with Desmond Mason is an upgrade, but the Hornets' front line remains a disaster. On the precipice — LA LAKERS (Lamar Odom, Chris Mihm, and Kwame Brown), ORLANDO (Kelvin Cato, Pat Garrity, and the remains of Grant Hill), CHICAGO (Luol Deng, Darius Songalia, and Tyson Chandler lack firepower), GOLDEN STATE (Mike Dunleavy, Troy Murphy, Adonal Foyle could comprise the worst defensive combo), and PHILADELPHIA (Kyle Korver, Chris Webber, and Samuel Dalembert). Rosens knock on our front court defense is freakin ridiculous . With only T-Mac being able to do "a reasonable impersonation of an NBA Defender" it must have been dumb luck that we leg the league in interior defense.
5. HOUSTON — Tracy McGrady, Juwan Howard, and Yao Ming Scoring is their common forte, and upon occasion T-Mac can do a reasonable impersonation of an NBA defender. Also, McGrady is the only one of the three who has any lateral movement. But, man, these guys can fill the basket! Man -this guy is the king of back handed compliments when it comes to the Rox.
Not that I'm saying I agree completely with him, but for once I can't really find too much wrong with what Rosen's saying. All five of those frontcourts are very strong, and each is arguably better than the other. Talent-wise, I'd say we should rank higher, but Indiana, Detroit, and San Antonio have had proven playoff success with their frontcourts. It's hard to argue against those. In Rosen's defense, Juwan Howard has never been known for great man-on-man defense. Yao has had plenty of problems guarding smaller players masquerading as centers (like Josh Howard during the playoffs). Individually, you can't really say out frontcourt plays exceptional defense...especially when you compare with some of the other ones. Detroit => Ben Wallace (3-time DPOY), Prince (huge wingspan, and known for his ability to guard pesky little guards) Indiana => Ron Artest (DPOY), O'Neal (Great shot blocker) San Antonio => Duncan (6-time all-defensive first team), Bowen (widely regarded 2nd best perimeter defender),
Too bad he's only looking at starters. When you consider we have Deke & Stromile as backups, we are #1. Our team will live or die in the backcourt. If our backcourt comes together, we are a top 2-3 NBA team. Hard to argue with BWallace/RWallace/Tayshaun. Especially in crunch time, their defense makes other teams look bad. Shaq/Haslem/Posey? This is a joke. Posey is over the hill and at the very best, Haslem is solid. If Haslem becomes what Horace Grant used to be, then maybe they belong that high. Personally, I don't think Haslem is that talented. I admit having Toine off bench is a big plus for them. The Spurs front line is getting old. Bowen is 34; (backup) Horry is 35. Duncan is still in his prime. Nazr Mohamed is better than Rasho but that isn't saying much. Unless that Fabricio Oberto guy from Argentina is very good, I think the Spurs front line takes a step back this year and they become a more perimeter oriented team.
I like how when he has the option, he decides for the coach who the starters are depending on where he wants to rank the team. Example: He lists Posey as the starter in Miami so that he can talk about how Shaq has two great defenders flanking him. He choose Juwan as our starter so that he can say we have nothing but offense in our front court. In both cases he COULD be right, but it could also be that Antoine Walker starts in Miami and Stromile Swift starts for us.... and if it happens in either case, his whole argument is dismantled.
I didn't mean by age. Just MHO that Posey's vaunted defense and athleticism aren't that great any more. If he's not hitting that 3 pt shot, his home will be the bench.
James Posey is the most overrated player in the NBA. One of the moves of JVG that goes uncredited is NOT resigning James Posey. He had a good year with Hubie, but reverted back to his old ways last year. For all the criticism Francis and Mobley got for their boneheaded play, Posey might have been the dumbest player on our team in Yao's rookie year. And for a supposed defensive stopper, I sure recall him getting lit up regularly. A small forward that is dumb, can't shoot, can't pass, and can't dribble. He's basically just a good rebounding athlete that can run the floor. Certainly not worth $6million.
Remember the idiotic foul he had against Andre Miller as time was running off the clock and the Rockets were about to win the game. Only Millers lane violation at the free throw line saved us. That was clearly the dumbest foul I think I have ever seen. BTW, I had to do a double take when I saw Charlie Rosen had written this. He usually takes time to bash the Rockets and JVG every chance he gets.
We have the best front court in the NBA right now. There is no one can stop Yao, TMac. With Yao & Stro in at the same time, you basically have to pick your poison.
How is NO not the worst frontcourt on paper? Portland...a bad frontcourt? In the morality sense, yes? On the court, they are tough. A healthy Randolph with the emergent Pryzbilla should be able to control the boards. Not a big fan of Patterson. They may not be scorers, but they generally don't let their opponents be scorers either. Garnett not taking Minnesota past 1st round is better than all the PFs that haven't even taken the scrubbs on their teams to the playoffs once.
Yeah, like when we was completely shutting down Nitwitski in the first two games of that playoff series against the Mavs. And no mention whatsoever of Yao's defense -- or more precisely, the effect Yao has on opposing offenses. Even if he's not Bill Russell, Yao's skilled enough (and tall enough) to force teams to alter their game plans to account for his presence. There are maybe THREE centers in the league about which you can make that claim.
The first two games Bowen spent most of the time on Dirk. It was the other five games where McGrady was knocking him off of his game.
I Know Houston has a equal or better frontcourt than the Heat and the guys in the Spurs frontcourt who are worth anything are Duncan,Horry and Bowen and thats it. So why is Houston so low when we have Ming,Swift,Tmac,Howard,Mutombo and Bowen? I don't know either. Go Rockets!!!
