Carlos Boozer left Cleveland a few years ago an almost-forgotten man. Then-coach Paul Silas didn’t have any offensive plays for Boozer, so Silas and the Cavaliers weren’t willing to pay Boozer top NBA dollars to keep the power forward. Now, three seasons later, Boozer is leading the amazing Utah Jazz to glory. Boozer tops our Who’s Hot, Who’s Not list
WHO'S HOT?
Carlos Boozer, Utah – Averaging a career high 23 points to go along with 13 rebounds per game, Boozer is also shooting a staggering 59% from the field. Meanwhile his Utah Jazz are off to an NBA-best 12-1 start.
Dwight Howard, Orlando – At just 20 years old, Howard is playing like a seasoned veteran. Howard (13.7 boards per game) might be the best rebounder in the NBA. He’s no one-trick pony, though. Howard is scoring 17 per game and blocking nearly 2 shots, while shooting 54% from the field. Howard’s Magic team is an Eastern Conference-leading 9-4.
LaMar Odom, Los Angeles Lakers – Perhaps tired of playing second fiddle to Kobe Bryant, Odom has been very hot this year. His 20 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists and 50% shooting are not just fine statistics, they are better than Kobe in all categories other than points. Sure, Kobe will make the highlight reels, but in the end, Odom is the player making the Lakers a contender in the Pacific Division.
Steve Nash, Phoenix – Someone woke up the Suns; it was Steve Nash. After a horrible start, Phoenix evened its early 2006-07 mark at 6-6 and the two-time defending NBA MVP turned up the heat, with 20 points and 11 assists per game, while shooting 42% from the field and 88% from the free throw line.
WHO's NOT?
Damon Stoudamire, Memphis – 8 points and 4 assists is not what Memphis is looking for from its starting point guard. Neither is a field goal percentage of barely 38%. Stoudamire is 33, but he looks 53.
Ben Gordon, Chicago – At the end of his second season in the NBA, Gordon seemed headed for a breakout season in 2006-07. Twelve games in, his points, rebounds and assists are similar to last year – modest, at best. His shooting, though, is woeful (40% from the field and 27% from the 3-point arc).
Morris Peterson, Toronto – Peterson was very solid a year ago, posting averages of 17 points and 5 rebounds. Of course, the Raptors wanted more this year. Mo Peet’, as he was called during his Michigan State days, has not delivered, averaging just 12 points, 4 rebounds and shooting just 40% from the field. His Toronto team, meanwhile, is off to a 3-9 start.
Antoine Walker, Miami – Walker carries a career scoring average of 19 points per game, so his 10-point average thus far in 2006-07 is extremely disappointing. Without Shaquille O’Neal to take pressure off him, Walker is shooting a paltry 37% from the field and an anemic 23% from 3-point range. Since the long-range bomber brings little else to the table, Miami fans can’t be too happy, especially since the defending champs are just 4-8.
