Are Pierce and Rondo each on a mission?

[threrf23]

Part of me thinks my mind must be playing tricks on me, but I have to say that to me, thus far in the season, athleticism/demeanor wise, PP looks better to me than I have seen him anytime in recent history, going back maybe til 02-03 or 03-04, round then.

If my mind isn't playing tricks on me, then PP's shooting is probably taking a temp hit while he gets used to his new (aka old) body. And, in that case, combine old school PP with more newer found maturity, and he's gotta be an MVP candidate. Avery Johnson picked PP as this year's MVP, I agree with him for now.

I think Calderon is a shoe-in for the All Star game, I don't like Ford so much but he'll probably gain consideration as well. I think Rondo has a shot as a coach-picked reserve, but we'll see. Andre Miller probably has better numbers and gets priority.

[Rocky5000]

I don't know ref. You have AI, Arenas, Wade, Calderon, Ray Allen, Hamilton, Carter, Joe Johnson, all looking to get on the team. AI and Wade will be voted the starters IMO. Joe Johnson is going to be on there if he keeps up his play, same for Calderon. Only 1 spot left, and Rondo isn't better than any of those guys.

[threrf23]

I don't know ref. You have AI, Arenas, Wade, Calderon, Ray Allen, Hamilton, Carter, Joe Johnson, all looking to get on the team. AI and Wade will be voted the starters IMO. Joe Johnson is going to be on there if he keeps up his play, same for Calderon. Only 1 spot left, and Rondo isn't better than any of those guys.

I forgot AI - he'll prob be playing mostly PG for Detroit and would make the team over Rondo (and I agree that he's probably the one voted in @ PG).

[campybatman]

As I'd said, Arenas' recovery has an impact on the other guard selections. He'll be back around December or January or so he'd said.

Calderon could've been named a reserve last season. Miller's in a contract year so his motivation for an extension and playing with Brand might propel him ahead of the competition. In Chicago, Rose will get every opportunity to shine as a starter. So, you've to consider his name.

Likely fan voted in starters - Garnett (F), James (F), Howard (C), Iverson (G) and Wade (G)

Head coaches' reserves - Pierce (F), Butler (F) or Marion (F) or Granger (F), Horford (C), if healthy, O'Neal (C) or Ilgauskas (C), Bosh (F), Brand (F) or Jamison (F), Calderon (G), Miller (G) or Rondo (G) or Rose (G), Johnson (G), Allen (G) or Carter (G) or Redd (G).

Others: Crawford, Turkoglu, Dalembert and Mo Williams.

[GuyClinch]

Who was the last non-center averaging less then 10ppg that made the all-star team? I think Rondo's chances of making an the team are between slim and none unless he starts producing more on the offensive end.

It's a similiar issue with Pierce - he won't make MVP because he doesn't score enough. Sounds crazy when describing a scorer like Paul - but that's how it is.

[campybatman]

It's good to see Pierce continuing to showcase his versatility by looking for teammates in order to become that second play maker besides Rondo with the lack of other true point guards on the team. This could explain why Pierce isn't looking to score as much. This roster is too balanced that it can afford to have six to seven players in double digit points as oppose to Pierce or Ray Allen only shouldering the scoring load. Wait until the tougher opponents in closer games to expect Pierce to make his offensive presence known to the opposition.

I'll like to think that the sports writers can look at what Pierce's doing across the board this season; helping the team win games in other areas. A MVP candidate shouldn't be considered a candidate solely on how high his points per game average is in a fair world.

[GuyClinch]

I'll like to think that the sports writers can look at what Pierce's doing across the board this season; helping the team win games in other areas. A MVP candidate shouldn't be considered a candidate solely on how high his points per game average is in a fair world.

It's not a fair world. Look at the history of the MVP winners and see how they performed. The non-centers/PFs that won are nearly always the leagues leading scorer. Paul cannot win that award.

[campybatman]

In the latest race for MVP... Pierce is ranked in the top ten at ten.



http://www.nba.com/2008/news/features/1 ... index.html

[GuyClinch]

Joe Johnson sitting at #4. Why oh why doesn't anyone complain about losing him? Instead we just get Delonte threads

[return2glory]

Is this a joke. The way Rondo is playing, he couldn't be an all star reserve for the NBDL.

[return2glory]

Is this a joke. The way Rondo is playing, he couldn't be an all star reserve for the NBDL.

[cisco]

Is this a joke. The way Rondo is playing, he couldn't be an all star reserve for the NBDL.

Agreed. The only mission Rondo is on is a mission to get some playing time for Sam or Pruitt.

[campybatman]

Oh, look... Irrelevant comments by jerk posters. Gee, I didn't see that coming.

The Ignore List is awesome! Agreed.

[return2glory]

Oh, look... Irrelevant comments by jerk posters. Gee, I didn't see that coming.

The Ignore List is awesome! Agreed.

So people that disagree with you are jerks. It's a difference of opinion, there is no need for name calling.