Eric Gordon: The Clippers rookie is starting to turn things on scoring double figures in 7 straight games and in 12 of his last 13 games overall. In the past 5 games, Gordon is averaging 25.8 points, while hitting 49.4% of his field goals, 40.9% of his threes, and 38 of his last 41 free throws.He is even getting some praise for his defense:
Gordon's offensive game is really coming on; he's scored 24, 21, 21 and 31 points in his past four games. But I'm impressed with his defense, too. Finding shooters and closing out on them is a must in this league, and his awareness and long arms are a big help here (ESPN.)
Personally, I have been a big believer in Eric Gordon since seeing him play at Indiana and I have said so in the past:
I think Gordon could be a sleeper in this draft and I would not be surprised if he moves up as high as the 3rd pick. If his shooting struggles at Indiana at the end of the season were due to his wrist and if that wrist is now healthy, then he could be a deadly shooter again. I think many people were down on Gordon because of those struggles but I'm pretty sure it was because of his wrist and if he shoots the ball well in workouts and shows that he is healthy, then I definitely agree that his stock is going to rise in this draft.
When the Clippers drafted Gordon, I had mentioned that I thought he would become a monster scorer in the NBA and his last 5 games, which have seen him average 25.8 points a game, including back to back 30+ point scoring nights, could be an indication of just how good of a scorer Gordon can be at this level. You can definitely add Gordon to the growing list of solid rookies this past year's draft.
Orlando Magic: While everyone is talking about the Celtics, Cavs, and Lakers; the Orlando Magic are quietly putting together a monster season. They are currently third in the Eastern Conference with 28-8 record, including a solid 15-3 home record. While I am not the biggest Dwight Howard fan, because I simply don't think he has enough low post scoring moves to dominate in the playoffs against high quality defenses, Howard does have enough pieces around him for the Magic to give the Celtics and Cavs problems once the playoffs come. We all know what Rashard Lewis(19.4 points, 6.2 rebounds, 41.0% 3FG) and Hedo Turkoglu(16.6 points, 5.3 rebounds, 4.7 assists) bring to the Magic every night, but the difference in this years team is the play of Jameer Nelson. Nelson is having a career year shooting the ball at a blistering 51.2% from the floor and 44.0% from three, while averaging a career high 16.3 points a game. He is also shooting an NBA best 54.4% on 2-Point jump shots. So Nelson's improvement shooting the basketball has certainly been one of the main reasons the Magic are playing at a such a high level this season. As a team, the Magic are currently ranked 9th in the NBA in offensive efficiency and a solid 3rd in defensive efficiency just a little behind the Celtics and Cavs. So while many people are asking if Boston will be able to beat Cleveland this year in the playoffs, I think it's fair to wonder if maybe Boston or Cleveland gets knocked off by the Magic in the second round of the playoffs. It's even possible that they could end up in the NBA Finals and they certainly would be deserving of that with the way they have played so far this season.
Stephon Marbury: So what are my thoughts about Marbury possibly headed to the Celtics? You already know I think the Celtics need bench help, especially at back up point guard. I do believe that Marbury can definitely provide a scoring boost off the bench for the Celtics and I wouldn't be worried about him killing the team chemistry, because if he starts to cause problems the Celtics will just cut him loose. I think it's worth the risk for the Celtics, who have been struggling mightily of late, losing 3 straight and 6 of their last 8 games. One reason for the Celtics recent slide is that Ray Allen has been struggling of late and it seems like he may be the key to this team. KG and Paul Pierce usually bring it every night, but when Ray Allen is on the Celtics are almost unbeatable. However, KG has also been struggling with a lower leg injury that has left him somewhat ineffective at times too. So while nobody is expecting Marbury to be Starbury for the Celtics, he certainly is capable of helping Boston as the backup point guard.
Other NBA News:
- Carmelo Anthony will be out at least 3 weeks with a fracture to his hand. Denver should be able to replace Anthony's scoring with Linas Kleiza and J.R. Smith while he is out with his injury. I don't think this will hurt Denver too much, but if Anthony is out for much longer than 3 weeks then Denver might end up being the odd team out in the West. The Nuggets also completed a trade with the Thunder, sending Chucky Atkins and a protected first round pick to Oklahoma City for big man Johan Petro and a second round pick.
- Here's something I never thought I would see: the Milwaukee Bucks are 5th in defensive efficiency. Seems like Scott Skiles is having an effect on the Bucks' defense after all. Too bad the offense hasn't seen a similar improvement, dropping one spot from last year to 22nd overall.
- Check out the the Top 10 Dunkers in the NBA this season. Can you guess who has the most dunks so far this year?
More: NBA Weekly
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