There are a variety of ways to quantify a player’s worth to his team, with a myriad of variables with which to play. One way is by utilizing NBA.com/Stats’ PIE (Player Impact Estimate)*, which measures a player’s overall contribution to his team. Perhaps not surprisingly, the Miami Heat’s LeBron James leads the league in PIE at 23.2 percent, and is the lone player in the league with a PIE above 20 percent. James is on pace to set new career
LeBron James has been the subject of debate for much of the season due to his perceived inability to perform in the clutch, despite having a jaw dropping statistical season for one of the most dominant teams in the league. He has been referred to by many as a choker and a second-tier closer. On Saturday night at home against the Pacers, the opportunity to show late-game execution presented itself again as the world watched to see what James would do in the
A few nights ago, the Orlando Magic somehow managed to blow a big lead to lose to the worst team in the NBA. On Thursday night, they visited the best team in the league and found a way to come out with a victory. Such have been the ups and downs of a roller coaster season for the Magic and Dwight Howard, who continues to face questions about what may happen by the trade deadline. Against Derrick Rose and the Bulls, the Magic
Ouch. The Celtics were crushed 33-17 in the opening quarter and never made a run. In just his second game as a starter, Evan Turner poured in 26 points and grabbed 9 boards to lead the Sixers. This is not good news for Jodie Meeks owners, but it makes Turner a very hot pickup, especially in keeper leagues. Thaddeus Young (illness) didn’t play, so Nikola Vucevic (14 & 12) got a little extra burn. In Other Action UTA @ CHA: Corey Maggette
Is Paul Pierce part of the Boston Celtics’ all-time team? On Tuesday, Pierce passed Larry Bird on the team’s career scoring list, moving into second place for the most historic franchise in the NBA. He is creeping up on 22,000 career points and still going strong. Pierce has a ways to go to catch Celtics all-time leader John Havlicek, whose total of 26,395 is even more remarkable when you consider he began his career as a sixth man. If Pierce passes Havlicek
Boston’s Kevin Garnett needs 101 points to pass Charles Barkley (23,757) for 18th place on the all-time scoring list; he needs 24 rebounds to pass Buck Williams (13,017) for 13th on the all-time rebounding list. After averaging 89.9 points in its first eight games,GoldenStatehas picked up the pace. In the Warriors’ last 14 games, they are averaging 103.5 points and have reached the century mark 10 times. The Los Angeles Lakers’ Derek Fisher has played in 520 consecutive regular season games dating back to April 15, 2005, the longest consecutive
Steve Nash is on an expiring contract with a bad team. One day, he will join the ring of honor in Phoenix. But he also still has a couple good years left in him, and it would not surprise me in the least if he joined the New York Knicks next season, signing for the mid-level exception. Nash loves New York, lives there in the offseason and even plays in a recreational soccer league in Central Park. I discussed that possibility today with Brad Cesmat