…Channing Frye?
Frye was named to the All-Rookie team last season despite getting irregular minutes as part of the ongoing circus under ringleader Larry Brown. He averaged 11.8 points and 5.7 rebounds last year, and seemed primed for a breakout season with a starting spot locked up and Isiah Thomas at the helm. But his performance has been miserable thus far. He’s averaging 3.5 points and 4.5 rebounds (in about the same number of minutes) while shooting just 21.9% from the field. While we’re talking about the Knicks, what’s the deal with Q-Rich? After a turbulent summer, it wasn’t clear how Richardson would fit in with the Marbury/Francis/Thomas triangle, but here he is, leading the team in points, threes and minutes.
…the Mavericks’ 0-3 start?
OK, Dallas, I’ll forgive a 97-91 loss to the Spurs in your home opener. San Antonio is probably the best team in the league when all their pieces are healthy, and you almost won the game. Then you go to Houston and lose, 107-76, to the Rockets. Now I’m starting to get worried. Two days later you return home for a sure win against the Warriors, but you find a way to lose, 107-104, to your old coach. I’m officially concerned. Your stud isn’t the problem – Dirk Nowitzki is playing pretty well, averaging 23.7 points and 8.7 boards while shooting a terrific 54.2% from the field. Jason Terry, where has your touch gone? You’re shooting 36.4% from the floor. Is that what Mark Cuban paid for?
…Sam Cassell?
All summer we heard about how Shaun Livingston was the most improved player in Clippers camp and how this was the year that he was going to take the keys from Cassell. It still may happen – and Cassell’s injury history might open the door – but right now Cassell is leading the team in scoring with 22.8 points per game. His rebounds and assists are about the same…who would you want on the floor in crunch time?
…the Lakers 4-1 start?
Lamar Odom is picking up where he left off last season, and with improved play of Luke Walton and Andrew Bynum, the Lakers suddenly have a team. Bynum is making a strong case to be the Lakers’ starting center for the next several years, with or without a healthy Kwame Brown. If Kobe can return without ruining the team’s chemistry, the Lakers might make a run in the Pacific.
…Zach Randolph?
Portland is 2-2, which is about as many wins as I thought they’d get in November. Randolph has been a beast, averaging 26.0 points and 10.2 rebounds per contest. He’s been a double-double guy before, but he’s never been as accurate from the field (51.4%) or from the stripe (91.4%). If he keeps these numbers up and the Blazers win a few more games, he’ll make the All-Star team. Is that even possible?
