Kwame Brown: Is this the norm or is this a hot streak?

[dwest13cavs]

Over his last 9 games which all have been starts:

Bobcats (4-5)

MPG - 28.5
FG 3.3 - 5.7
FG% 59%
FT 2.7 - 4.4
FT% 60%
oRPG - 3.1
RPG - 8.7
PPG 9.3

He has shown that he can finish around the rim, with soft baby hooks and lay ins with some dunks in there. Free throws? If he can stay in the 60-70% range I would be happy.

Turnovers per game 1.3 (pretty good considering his stereotype)
Fouls per game = 2.7. This means to me is that he has room for more aggression defensively.

Not too bad. He doesn't have many Assists (0.2 per), steals (0.4 per) or blocks (0.3) but per 36 minutes he averages about 1-2 assists, a block and steal per game in his career.

He has played roughly the same amount to date as a starter and reserve, 259 minutes as a starter and 267 as a reserve.

He is much more efficient offensively as a starter, 60% FG% vs 47% FG%. That is usually the case with big men who get to play with better passers. However, I noticed that he gets more opportunity as a reserve offensively. He goes to the line much more often as a reserve and still gets off the same amount of shots. Also, for some odd reason he gets way more blocks coming off the bench. Maybe its just the case of playing against 2nd unit players. Other than that his production is around the same as a starter or a reserve.

The question is though, will this be the norm, will he improve with more confidence/more playing time, or is this just a hot streak?

[davcbow]

Nice write up and stats on KB... I feel he will only get better...

[Josh Lancaster]

I read a report on ProBasketballTalk saying that Silas wants to improve Kwame's role in shooting the ball. I dont know if he see's something in him that no coach saw before. Most coaches tried to shy away from him shooting but Silas feels he can be a contribution. I certainly hope he is right cause they need it right now.

[GoBobs]

Watching him play he doesn't look very active at all. I have a hard time getting excited about a few good games when I have questions about his motor.

[spectre]

He's much smarter on D than I thought in regards to setting screens, rebound position, etc.

A steal at the vet min no doubt. If he can stay close to what he's been doing (I figure he will drop off somewhat) it'd be nice to lock him in at something around Liv's deal.

[rsxnova]

He is making the most of his second chance. Thats how i see it.

[Demon DeaCat]

Based on his full body of work over the course of his 10-year career, I'd have to say it's probably more of a hot streak than the norm, but however you look at it, it's shaping up to be one of the better FA signings we've made.

While we've not had much success with big name FAs, we've been pretty good at sifting through the rubble to find lower-tier FAs who can contribute like Flip, Kwame and to a lesser degree Graham and Liv.

[DY_nasty]

Watching him play he doesn't look very active at all. I have a hard time getting excited about a few good games when I have questions about his motor.
Kwame isn't fast by any means, but you never see him being lazy on the court... wish I could say that about the rest of our starters (not counting Diaw or DJ)

Wait, People actually think he can play better than he is now? LOL

[TheBeagle]

Watching him play he doesn't look very active at all. I have a hard time getting excited about a few good games when I have questions about his motor. Wow. Seriously? Hmm. Seems like he runs the court hard, battles for loose balls, and generally busts his ass when he's out there to me.

[BRNC]

I really did not "feel" any of the options so I have not voted yet...but working with "Oak" seems to be a good thing for Kwame...and he could become a solid player ans (thought I'd never say this) starter for us...at this point I'm wait-and-see but I'm pleased with his recent play and effort...

[GoBobs]

Kwame isn't fast by any means, but you never see him being lazy on the court... wish I could say that about the rest of our starters (not counting Diaw or DJ)

Wait, People actually think he can play better than he is now? LOL


Wow. Seriously? Hmm. Seems like he runs the court hard, battles for loose balls, and generally busts his ass when he's out there to me.

He usually just stands there on both ends with his arms down. I think he has a major problem finding his rhythm during a game and just getting into a space where he is comfortable and just playing basketball. His conditioning also probably needs to improve and he may need to lose a little weight. He runs the floor fine but certain players are very active like Jokim Noah or Tyler H. K Brown seems to suffer from a lack of activity.

He also isn't really physical. He doesn't get into his guy like Andy V or play a little chippy like Tyson Chandler. He plays like somebody that smokes a little to much weed and would be better smoking just a tad bit less. The last two games have been great, but he should be averaging 10 rebounds not 6. With his body if he had half the heart and basketball IQ of a guy like Dudley he would be an all star every year so I don't think he is any where near his potential.

[DY_nasty]

I don't think this is very debatable with you... just gonna have to disagree about pretty much everything you said.

[dav7z]

I really did not "feel" any of the options so I have not voted yet...but working with "Oak" seems to be a good thing for Kwame...and he could become a solid player ans (thought I'd never say this) starter for us...at this point I'm wait-and-see but I'm pleased with his recent play and effort...

Well said ''Oak;; is the big differance

[Toocool]

Kwame, please read this and prove us wrong by becoming a double double defensive beast (10/10 please). If your ankle could also heal so you can elevate to block shots, would be lovely also. As well, please stick little pillow pads to your fingers so you can develop a lovely soft touch. Thanks.

On a serious note, I'm enjoying the play of late from Kwame. He takes smart shots, he's big inside and rebounding the ball. If he does that every night, that's far more than I would expect to get from him.

[Chef]

He also isn't really physical. He doesn't get into his guy like Andy V or play a little chippy like Tyson Chandler. He plays like somebody that smokes a little to much weed and would be better smoking just a tad bit less. The last two games have been great, but he should be averaging 10 rebounds not 6. With his body if he had half the heart and basketball IQ of a guy like Dudley he would be an all star every year so I don't think he is any where near his potential.

i know this isn't the question of the thread, but given all of these weaknesses he is only paid 840k and if he produces half as much as he has been as a 7ft center, i will take that all day everyday.

[Black]

http://i.cdn.turner.com/si/2011_images/bulls-jolt.jpg

[Ghost Kat]

Compared to Nazr aka The Mummy, Kwame is a superstar. With that said he isn't really doing anything special. Basic bigman stuff. But since we haven't seen that since Okafor, we forget what it looks like. It's good to see a good guy box out and set picks without fouling for once. If he can avg. 8pts 8 rebs....even 6 rebs I'm happy. But give me a double double all year and I'll Angelina Jolie some kid and name him Kwame Jr.

[Absinthe]

Even a broken clock is right twice a day. It's just a phase. He'll come back down to his draft bust level of talent sooner rather than later.

[davcbow]

Even a broken clock is right twice a day. It's just a phase. He'll come back down to his draft bust level of talent sooner rather than later.

I hope he continues to get better and better... I hope you are wrong about KB... :)

[Ghost Kat]

How exactly would he go back to being draft bust with this team? He's probably the cheapest starting C in the league. No one expects big things from him. Thats why his production lately makes people think he's finally getting it

[DY_nasty]

How exactly would he go back to being draft bust with this team? He's probably the cheapest starting C in the league. No one expects big things from him. Thats why his production lately makes people think he's finally getting it
Yeah, but to assume that he'd improve his play over what it is now... its wishful thinking at best.

Btw, I liked the Kwame sighting long before it was in style but this kind of stuff is what gets guys overpaid in the offseason.

[Chef]

Yeah, but to assume that he'd improve his play over what it is now... its wishful thinking at best.

Btw, I liked the Kwame sighting long before it was in style but this kind of stuff is what gets guys overpaid in the offseason.

you are absolutely correct on that. cuban can't wait to sign him for 5 y/30 mil. we will then trade for him in year 2 of his contract.

[BlockParty]

I'm going to enjoy Kwame this year while it lasts (I think he may have some slight loyalty to the Cats & MJ during next years free agency, not sure as much as Nazr though).

What we do have between the two of them now (pending injury) is 20+ points and 12-15 rebounds...which I never would've expected from our Center position without significant minutes from TTime or Boris at the 5 position.

[Ghost Kat]

Kwame might not score double digits but I do expect him to keep his rebound numbers up. Oakley and Silas are both big men that rebounded the ball. Thats clearly rubbing off on Kwame. LB with all his hall of fame BS never made anyone on this team better. In less then 15 games we've seen this team change and players on it look different. No one expects Kwame to be an allstar, probably no one expects him to be any good. But right now he's doing his job and I do expect him to do basic big man stuff. The coaching staff will see to that.

[dwest13cavs]

He usually just stands there on both ends with his arms down. I think he has a major problem finding his rhythm during a game and just getting into a space where he is comfortable and just playing basketball. His conditioning also probably needs to improve and he may need to lose a little weight. He runs the floor fine but certain players are very active like Jokim Noah or Tyler H. K Brown seems to suffer from a lack of activity.

He also isn't really physical. He doesn't get into his guy like Andy V or play a little chippy like Tyson Chandler. He plays like somebody that smokes a little to much weed and would be better smoking just a tad bit less. The last two games have been great, but he should be averaging 10 rebounds not 6. With his body if he had half the heart and basketball IQ of a guy like Dudley he would be an all star every year so I don't think he is any where near his potential.

I laugh at your opinion that Kwame has a low bball iq.... To me, Kwame's bball iq is pretty high especially running plays on the offensive end and knowing when to go for offensive rebounds. He is smart with his picks as well and tries not to lean in too much which is why he doesn't get too many pick fouls called if ever. He is not an all out hustle type of player as he is more of calculate the situation type of player. On offense, yes he is standing there sometimes because that is what the play calls for. On defense, he is very active in boxing guys out, but he does assume another player will grab the board sometimes rather than just go get it himself. When he was with the Lakers, he would box his man completely out, then let someone else grab the board especially Odom. Odom had so many damn uncontested rebounds.

With your remark about Kwame's heart, I think his heart was ripped out long ago. Its more about confidence rather than heart. He has no confidence or at least very little.

How is he supposed to be averaging 10 boards a game playing only 20-25 minutes a game especially with Nazr back? If he gets 30-35 mpg he would average closer to 10 boards a game.

I do agree that his conditioning isn't quite there. I also do agree that it would benefit him to lose about 10 pounds in hope of getting more lift. He is still very quick even with the weight.

[dwest13cavs]

OMG ..Silas plays him and he produces...what a relevation.

[teej]

Gotta say, I'm extremely impressed with Kwame. He's been what Okafor was and for one-tenth of the price. Oak has a bright future as a coach if he can repeat this.

[Twan's Kin]

Who should start at Center- Kwame or Nazr ??

[Toocool]

I would prefer Kwame. Nazzy can help the bench players since he has more of an offensive game.

[WAM9]

Who should start at Center- Kwame or Nazr ??

I think Kwame should start 100%. He has been on a hot streak and I don't think it is that big of a coincidence that we have during that time as well. I love Nazr but I have always said he is better as a back up off the bench. Kwame seems to mesh very well with the starters and if nothing else, the way he sets picks for them and goes to the glass is enough reason to keep him in the starting lineup.

[Chef]

naz is a back up pure and simple. he can be a very effective offensive shooting backup center. i would rather him not have the burden of trying to pace himself. he can really only give us about 15 minutes a night. as a starter has to take stamina into consideration, as a back up he doesn't. plus, kwame deserves to start at this point and his rebounding and interior defense compliments the softer boris diaw at pf.

[dwest13cavs]

His Per 36 Game stats as a starter: (13 Games, 7-6 Bobcats record)

MPG 36
PPG 12.4
Off. RPG 3.7
RPG 11.9
APG 0.5
SPG 0.5
BPG 0.6
TPG 1.7
FPG 4.0


Kwame's Stats this season when he gets 30minutes or more per game as a starter (5 games, 3-2 Bobcats record)

MPG 35.5
PPG 10.6
Off. RPG 3.2
RPG 11.8
APG 0.6
SPG 0.6
BPG 0.8
TPG 1.8
FPG 3.0


First, his current pace as a starter is pretty good at 25 mpg game. If we give him 10more minutes at his current pace, he might average 12/12. I asked myself what happens when he actually gets over 30 minutes per game. In those 5 games, he averaged nearly 36 mpg. This gave a good comparison of the extrapolated 36 mpg data and his actual production when getting that many minutes so far this year.

Obviously, this should be taken with a grain of salt. Kwame appears to become more involved in other aspects of the game better when he plays more such as Blocks, assists and steals. But he doesn't seem to score as much.

I also took the games when Kwame started and played under 30 minutes. There were 8 games (4-4 Bobcats record) when that happened. His stats extrapolated to 36mpg for comparison's sake.

MPG 36
PPG 13.5
RPG 11.4
APG 0.4
SPG 0.4
BPG 0.4
TPG 1.5
FPG 4.9

His pace when he plays less than 30 minutes per game is higher in points, same for rebounding and less for Assists, steals and blocks.

[GoBobs]

Big guys need minutes to get into the game. Like what I saw last night.

[Chef]

His Per 36 Game stats as a starter: (13 Games, 7-6 Bobcats record)

MPG 36
PPG 12.4
Off. RPG 3.7
RPG 11.9
APG 0.5
SPG 0.5
BPG 0.6
TPG 1.7
FPG 4.0


Kwame's Stats this season when he gets 30minutes or more per game as a starter (5 games, 3-2 Bobcats record)

MPG 35.5
PPG 10.6
Off. RPG 3.2
RPG 11.8
APG 0.6
SPG 0.6
BPG 0.8
TPG 1.8
FPG 3.0


First, his current pace as a starter is pretty good at 25 mpg game. If we give him 10more minutes at his current pace, he might average 12/12. I asked myself what happens when he actually gets over 30 minutes per game. In those 5 games, he averaged nearly 36 mpg. This gave a good comparison of the extrapolated 36 mpg data and his actual production when getting that many minutes so far this year.

Obviously, this should be taken with a grain of salt. Kwame appears to become more involved in other aspects of the game better when he plays more such as Blocks, assists and steals. But he doesn't seem to score as much.

I also took the games when Kwame started and played under 30 minutes. There were 8 games (4-4 Bobcats record) when that happened. His stats extrapolated to 36mpg for comparison's sake.

MPG 36
PPG 13.5
RPG 11.4
APG 0.4
SPG 0.4
BPG 0.4
TPG 1.5
FPG 4.9

His pace when he plays less than 30 minutes per game is higher in points, same for rebounding and less for Assists, steals and blocks.

also keep in mind if nazr played 36 minutes a night he would literally fall apart on the court in front of our eyes

[WrxErik]

I am on the Kwame bandwagon because we need help at the 5 and I will take it anyway we can get it.

[coachcdobbs]

First off lets just be happy that he is producing and not sitting the pine, and the fact that he is cheap.

I think Kwame needs people to support him, and he needs to feel like he fits in here and is wanted. I was just as low on him as anyone else when I heard that we had signed him. It was not the best news as a Cats fan. The only good news in it was that he was cheap. I think working with Oakley and Silas is VERY good for him. Those were two very physical big men in their day and Kwame has the potential to be a physical big man. This team really needs toughness, he has potential. He will never live up to being the #1 pick in the draft, but Im glad he is here and producing for us. Its better than a lot of guys on this roster who are making A LOT more money. Props to Kwame.

[teej]

Little snippet from my column today:


After not having a double-double since the end of the 2008-09 season with Detroit, Kwame has four since January 15th. In fact, just one season in his career has Kwame managed more than seven double-doubles, a figure he should double in the next month. A career 58% Free Throw shooter with just one 70% FT shooting season to his credit, Kwame is shooting over 67% in his 13 games with Silas. He's averaging 9.2 points, 9 rebounds and 58% FGA since the change, which would qualify for his best season ever.

Full post here: http://bobcatsplanet.com/wp/16-games-and#more-2413

[BlockParty]

I just added Kwame to my fantasy team this last week. Gotta love the double/doubles. My fantasy team also has this kid Durant from OKC, his fantasy total was 104 last game...but Kwame's become a starter.

[davcbow]

KB is playing great and I feel will only get better... :)

[adam187]

Even with his struggles at the free throw line last night, I'm still loving what Kwame is doing. Hopefully Silas tells him to forget about those misses and he keeps playing well tonight.

Great moment last night: After Kwame put Monta on the floor, the camera immediately went to a close-up of a smiling Charles Oakley.

[Ghost Kat]

I just wish Kwame was some type of shot blocker.

[davcbow]

I just wish Kwame was some type of shot blocker.

He has little hands for his size..

[JamieMcNeill]

He has little hands for his size..

http://i637.photobucket.com/albums/uu94/jemramzes/bking-tinyhands07130720copy.jpg

[Boomer]

bahahahahahahaha

[Ghost Kat]

Kwame does alot with those tiny hands. Another double double and he even got a block. Jordan might not rehab this former #1 overall, but atleast he's not as worthless as Nazr

[CatNation]

Boris should get most of the credit for this IMO. He really looks for Kwame and almost always hits him when he's in a good spot. Boris also looks for DJ alot and helps get him going. I really like what Boris has been doing and when he's knocking down threes and hitting his hook shots he's probably our best player

[JamieMcNeill]

Boris should get most of the credit for this IMO. He really looks for Kwame and almost always hits him when he's in a good spot. Boris also looks for DJ alot and helps get him going. I really like what Boris has been doing and when he's knocking down threes and hitting his hook shots he's probably our best player

I don't ever deny Boris's impact and what he brings to the team. But I can deny that he is paid equivalent to what he does. If a good offer came along that got us players who arent super overpaid in exchange for Boris... i'd jump on it

[teej]

I don't ever deny Boris's impact and what he brings to the team. But I can deny that he is paid equivalent to what he does. If a good offer came along that got us players who arent super overpaid in exchange for Boris... i'd jump on it

Not necessarily opposed to this, but if Boris goes, who makes the extra pass? Certainly not Jack, Gerald or Kwame, Tyrus when healthy is more of a black hole than Jack, and DJ, while he's improved by lightyears this season, is not a passer.

[davcbow]

Its funny how a Kwame Brown thread turned into a trade Boris thread...:facepalm:

[Ghost Kat]

I hate Boris Diaw too...

62 posts till from 3,000
:rock:

[dwest13cavs]

Boris as a PF isn't the best thing for a team to have. He is really a SF playing out of position at PF. He plays PF because he is too lazy or doesn't give enough energy defensively against some of the quicker SF or simply he just doesn't have the ability to guard Small Forwards. Then he fails to attack bigger PFs off the dribble. I think he does have alot of positives but these are his weaknesses. If Diaw was a shot blocker, then I think I could look past all of his negatives because with Kwame he does have some offensive chemistry passing the ball. Without Diaw or Kwame being able to contest shots on a regular basis, the more atheltic big men will have regular success. Kwame needs to get more healthy and lose a little bit of weight as he would be able to help in this regard.

[Ghost Kat]

Kwame isn't horrible overall on defense. He moves his feet well enough for someone 270. He for whatever reason doesn't block shots or even scare anyone. Tyrus is sorely missed. Diaw and Kwame both went to the "Police...Freeze" defensive academy. They just throw their arms up and stand there. But I'm ok with his production. Every FT is an adventure.

[dwest13cavs]

Position wise when guarding someone 1 on 1..he is actually one of the tops out there. However, bigs who can simply rise over him do just do that. He simply can not get high enough to block shots.

[Orlando Juice]

I've watched the Cats recently, and Kwame has played some seriously solid bball. What I wouldn't do for a guy like that on the Magic, and I never in a million years thought a comment like that would be regarding Kwamay Brown.

[teej]

I've watched the Cats recently, and Kwame has played some seriously solid bball. What I wouldn't do for a guy like that on the Magic, and I never in a million years thought a comment like that would be regarding Kwamay Brown.

Hm. Desperation time in Orlando huh? Here's a trade a desperate team would make: http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=4uso5a3 And a conditional future first from us. But not until Tyrus is healthy.

Seriously though, since that would never go through, what are you guys planning on doing since Gil and J-Rich and Earlllllll aren't working out? I'm disappointed, I was hoping you'd be better than Miami. And that playoff series we had gave me some respect for you and your team (outside that douchebag trolling). I'll never root for you over Boston, but please don't let the Heat or Bulls into the Finals. Go have Otis pull a Kupchak and steal someone, please.

[BRNC]

I'd root for anyone over Boston...except the Lakers...

[Chef]

Hm. Desperation time in Orlando huh? Here's a trade a desperate team would make: http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=4uso5a3 And a conditional future first from us. But not until Tyrus is healthy.

Seriously though, since that would never go through, what are you guys planning on doing since Gil and J-Rich and Earlllllll aren't working out? I'm disappointed, I was hoping you'd be better than Miami. And that playoff series we had gave me some respect for you and your team (outside that douchebag trolling). I'll never root for you over Boston, but please don't let the Heat or Bulls into the Finals. Go have Otis pull a Kupchak and steal someone, please.


i'd do this
http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=4bydaje

cats out: tyrus, kwame, najera
cats in: jj, q-rich, orton, malik allen

gives them what they need to shore up the front court. gets us out of tyrus's deal and gets us a really solid shooting guard. only problem is it leaves them thin at sg. don't think they do it since they have had time to figure out how good reddick is.

[teej]

I would hate to give up Tyrus, since it leaves us with zero shot blockers since Crash decided to stay on the court, and not in the air. But I'd do this: http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=633zxse

Cats out: Tyrus, Kwame, Carroll
Cats in: JJ, Q-Rich, Orton

But I don't think anyone is trading for Tyrus since he won't be healthy until mid-March

[Ghost Kat]

Ya'll both just gave away the only big men we have worth a damn.

[Chef]

Ya'll both just gave away the only big men we have worth a damn.

he may be worth a damn but he damn sure isn't worth 8 and 9 mil per year 4 and 5 years from now.

[G Wuh Wuh Wuh Wallace]

he may be worth a damn but he damn sure isn't worth 8 and 9 mil per year 4 and 5 years from now.

We will see....

[Orlando Juice]

Hm. Desperation time in Orlando huh? Here's a trade a desperate team would make: http://games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=4uso5a3 And a conditional future first from us. But not until Tyrus is healthy.

Seriously though, since that would never go through, what are you guys planning on doing since Gil and J-Rich and Earlllllll aren't working out? I'm disappointed, I was hoping you'd be better than Miami. And that playoff series we had gave me some respect for you and your team (outside that douchebag trolling). I'll never root for you over Boston, but please don't let the Heat or Bulls into the Finals. Go have Otis pull a Kupchak and steal someone, please.

Diop and Carroll would hurt my soul. We haven't hit desperation mode yet, however, with Bass out, we're forced to give extended minutes to Malik Allen, which just isn't aesthetically pleasing.

Rumor has it we've been interested in several players this season, but as it stands, it looks like we'll stand pat with the roster we have. To be perfectly honest, if (hopefully "when") we hit our stride on the defensive end, I don't foresee many problems against any team in the East, sans Boston. That team is just diabolically balanced. You also better hope you don't end up having to play a crucial game in their house, because the Zebra's dictate the game in their favor, and I HATE pulling the ref card, but it has become apparent vs. them. As for Miami, well, if LeBron is hitting contested 18-22 footers in your mug, there's not a thing anyone in the league can do about it. You just better pray that the law of averages mercifully sets in. Oh, and don't worry about the Bulls. We'd cream them in a playoff series, Noah or not.

As for the current state of our new roster, well, its been a mixed bag. Hedo started off well, but has fallen off since. Gil has been struggling from the offset, and really, it's both mentally and physically, but mostly physically. He just doesn't look confident out there. JRich was consistently solid from the get-go, but has been struggling for the past few games. Unfortunately, he has been reduced to a spot-up shooter in our system, making his uncanny ability to cut go to waste. I hope we do something about that. As for Earl, he has actually been a very pleasant surprise. He's long, athletic and agile on the defensive end, but raw on the offensive end. We really like his potential as a defender, though, and he has (for the most part) produced.

Also, I didn't troll during our series...did I? If I did, I apologize, because I had no intentions of flaming anyone on the board. If I recall, the message for the thread that I started was to not lose hope.

My team aside, I'm excited to see Charlotte performing well! There's just something about the team that I like, I just can't put my finger on it. I mean, I like watching good defense, and Charlotte has typically always been solid. Hendo, Livingston and Augustin is a nice crop of youth to build on. You guys just need a low post threat and you're set.

[teej]

No no you weren't the troll, I'm talking about lemon rat,or whatever his name was. you're actually the most knowledgeable opposing fan on this board.

as far as your team goes, if you seriously stay pat than you're no better than a semifinals trip. There's no way that roster, even playing well, gets past Miami or Boston. period.

and yeah, Silas has made these guys fun to watch, and Hendo has been tremendous of late. he's a more talented but less refined raja bell.

[Orlando Juice]

Oh ok, gotcha.

In terms of our current roster, well, there's really not much wiggle room in terms of flexibility. You just gotta play the cards you're dealt at this point. I'm not confident in a series against Boston at all, but Miami's another story. Part of the problem against them has been getting Jameer to stay aggressive for 48 minutes, because when he does, they have absolutely no answer for him. Problem is, our roster is filled with offensive options, and he has deferred this season more so than any other season in the past. The X-factor is whether or not LeBron hits his outside jumper with consistency. If he hits it at a great rate, he's unequivocally the best player in the game, and he'll fry us like he would any other team in the league. If he doesn't, I'm confident in a series against the Heat.

I don't know. Between now and May, a lot can happen.