A Tribute to the Players Who Played Nobly in 1st Round Defeat

by user 172.128.101.213

The first round was a pleasant surprise filled with high drama, close games and buzzer beaters. Of course I give credit to Lebron for averaging 35.7 points in the series win vs Washington and getting his first playoff series win. {More than I can say for Marbury} Steve Nash showed he was the MVP by leading his team through adversity including that crushing Game 5 loss to a series victory. But how about the players who contributed significantly in a losing cause? Shouldn't they be recognized? {Especially those players who are headed for free-agency?} I'll do the honors:

Gilbert Arenas- {34.0 ppg} What didn't Gilbert Arenas do during the series against Lebron? It was James vs Arenas in this series. It reminded me of the old matchups between Bird and Wilkins, Magic vs Bird and so on. It was really a shame for him to go out missing two free throws with the game on the line. However, Arenas showed that he's a franchise player and will be paid handsomely soon.

Bonzi Wells- {23.2 ppg}

Bonzi Wells was an absolute monster for the Kings after the Game 1 debacle. He averaged a double-double for the series. Furthermore, he shot 60% in the series. In the offseason, he'll be a free-agent and a valuable free-agent at that. Sacramento would be pretty stupid not to resign him. A full season with Bonzi and Ron Artest together would be tremondous for the Kings.

Andres Nocioni- {22.3 ppg}

Nocioni showed that how much upside and playoff-savvy toughness he had by clearly outplaying Walker in the first couple of games vs Miami. He complements Ben Gordon and Kirk Hinrich very well. Furthermore, he can guard three positions. I'd look for a break-out year next season for the native from Argentina.

Lamar Odom {20.3 ppg}

Lamar Odom showed that he can be more than a complementary player to Kobe Bryant. He could post up, rebound and shoot at a high percentage. Despite the tough series loss to the Suns, the Lakers are on schedule with where they should be with this young team. Odom must build on the solid numbers put up in this playoff series next season.

Anthony Johnson {20.0 ppg}

Who would have thought that with Jermaine O'Neal under 100% health-wise and Predrag injured that Johnson would have been the break-out player for the Pacers. Johnson made Rod Thorn look like a buffoon for giving him away and made Jamaal Tinsley look irrelevant. He also showed he could make this teammates better. No matter when or if Tinsley returns, Johnson should run the point.

DETROIT OVER CLEVELAND IN 5 MIAMI OVER NEW JERSEY IN 7

SAN ANTONIO OVER DALLAS IN 7 CLIPPERS OVER SUNS IN 6.

I LOOK FORWARD TO THE COMMENTS- PEACE!

Date
Sat 05/06/06, 7:20 pm EST