Interbasket

The Toronto Raptors are out to a 2-0 start with Jose Calderon as the starting point guard.  After the Raptors traded away TJ Ford this past summer, they all but handed the starting role to Calderon, and so far results are good.  Yeah, it’s two games into the season, but I like building it up, ok?

Playing 37 minutes a game, the Spanish point guard is averaging a double-double, 14.5 points and 10 assists, in wins over Philadephia and Golden State.  Calderon has only accumulated two turnovers, for a gaudy 10-1 assist to turnover ratio.

His backup, rookie Roki Leni-Ukic, is still probably still trying to adapt to the gameplay.  Ukic is getting 12 minutes a game, shooting just 20% from the field, and averaging 2.0 points and 2.0 assists.  Former number one draft pick Andrea Bargnani went from going scoreless in Toronto’s first game, to shooting 8-10 for 19 points in the second game.   The 23-year old, 6-10 Italian is averaging 9.5 points, 5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks.

With Tracy McGrady and Ron Artest in tow, Yao Ming has led the Rockets to 2-0 start.  The 7-5 center is averaging 25.5 points, 11.5 rebounds, and 1.5 blocks on 58% shooting from the field.  Big Yao has also hit all 17 of his free throws, downing Memphis in their first game and withstanding Dirk Nowitzki’s 36 point outburst in Dallas’s home debut.

Filipino Spoelstra gets First Win
Erik Spoelstra is the coach of the Miami Heat and has never played in the NBA, which is a rarity for a coach in the league.  But even more rare is that he is the first Filipino-American coach ever in the four major professional sports in the United States (NBA, MLB, NFL, NHL).

HIs mother is from the Laguna, Philippines and his father Joel Spoelstra, is Dutch-Irish and was an NBA executive for three NBA teams.

Spoelstra got his first win last night when the Heat destroyed the Sacramento Kings 103-77 on Halloween.  The win was a balanced attack that saw four of the five starters score at least 13 points; Dwyane Wade, Udonis Haslem, Shawn Marion and rookie Michael Beasley all hit double-figures.  As did bench players Daquan Cook and Mark Blount.

The Heat players recognized Spoelstra’s win by honoring him with the game ball and placing him in the middle of a 16-man locker room hug.  “They tried to mess up my hair,” Spoelstra said.

Spoelstra is 37 years old and is the NBA’s youngest coach this season.  He turns 38 today, November 1st.  Happy Birthday Eric!

Denver rejoices, Nene has started out the season on the active list (not injured) and showing promise.  The physical Brazilian center is putting up 16.5 points, 7.5 rebounds, 1.5 blocks, and hitting 63.6% from the field including 22 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks in a overtime win over the Clippers.  Nene has also fouled out of both games, showing his aggressiveness hasn’t suffered while on the injured list.

On the other side of Denver, Linas Kleiza hasn’t had such a great start.  The 6-8 Lithuanian has been inserted into the starting lineup because of Carmelo Anthony’s two-game suspension, but his performance isn’t anything to write home about (home being Kaunas, Lithuania).  Kleiza is shooting 3-16 from the field (18.8%) to the tune of 5.0 points and 6.0 rebounds.

Maybe it has something to do with Kleiza not being offered an extension by the Nuggets yesterday. That means Denver can match any NBA offer after the season, but there’s a chance Kleiza may head home to Europe.  “Denver definitely is (my first choice), but there are a lot of opportunities out there,” said Kleiza. “Europe being so big and things. Such big money now. Being from Europe, it’s definitely something I’m going to have to consider.”

Stay tuned, Kleiza could be the next Bostjan Nachbar, Juan Carlos Navarro, or Nenad Krstic, NBA players that went back to Europe.

Another international player moved into the starting lineup and not performing in his first two games is Thabo Sefolosha of Switzerland.  The defensive player is shooting just 37.5%, and has just nine points, three rebounds and one assist in 30 minutes of play.  The 6-7 guard/forward does have three steals and has hit all his free-throws (3-3), but definitely needs to crank up his play to justify the starting role.  Me thinks that Thabo is a rhythm player, and since the Bulls aren’t playing so well, that reflects on Sefolosha’s play.  We’ll see if I am right.

Karma for putting up with the ‘Jailblazer’ Era
This must be karma for Portland fans that had to sit through the Jailblazer era.  A ten-year span that saw players like Isaiah Rider, Reuben Patterson, Zach Randolph, Bonzi Wells, Rasheed Wallace, Shawn Kemp, Qyntel Woods et. al. run roughshod over Portland’s reputation.  I should know, I was a Portland fan back then.

Now, what an exciting time it must be to be a Portland fan, their roster is packed with young and exciting players with much potential, and unquestioned character - such as Greg Oden, Lamarcus Aldridge, Brandon Roy, Channing Frye, and Steve Blake.

Twelve of the Fifteen players on their roster (including inactive players) are 25 years or younger.  Three of which are international players- Sergio Rodriguez, and rookies Rudy Fernandez and Nicolas Batum.

Interbasket hearts Rudy Fernandez.  He is smart, aggressive, has serious ups, and is a feisty, savvy shot maker -  he’s basically a right-handed Manu Ginobili.  Rudy’s debut was nice, but his second game wasn’t nearly as successful (6 points, 8 rebounds, 1-6 shooting).

Who cares…. Rudy! Rudy! Rudy! (blind fanboy love here)

Rudy’s Portland teammate and fellow NBA rookie Nicolas Batum had a much better game in his second NBA game.  The 19-year old Frenchman with a huge wingspan and calm demeanor contributed 12 points and 2 blocks in the Blazer’s 100-99 win over the San Antonio Spurs.

Oh, and one of his two blocks came when he stuffed Tim Duncan’s dunk attempt (see image).  Rumors are that Portland coach Nate McMillan has seen so much potential in the young Batum, that he has been toying around with putting Batum in the starting lineup.  And it’s not just McMillan that sees him, Portland’s leader on the floor, Brandon Roy thinks highly of Batum also, “Honestly, I think (Batum) might be able to start at the three.’

And San Antonio has lost their first two games, by a total of six points.  Tim Duncan and Tony Parker are coming strong out of the gate, avergaing 29.5 and 28 points respectively, but they are obviously missing Manu Ginobili, who is out with ankle injury, and Fabricio Oberto, who is sidelined with a irregular heartbeat.  Oberto will be back for San Antonio’s third game, and Ginobili is out until mid-December.  Parker is also dishing out 8.0 assists and shooting 53.5% from the field.

Mickael Pietrus had a decently successful debut for the Orlando Magic, putting up 20 points and 3 rebounds, the only thing he didn’t get was a win.  In Orlando’s second game, Pietrus only hit 1-6 shots for 3 points, 5 fouls in only 17 minutes of run.  Hedo Turkoglu has averaged 15.5 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 4 assists for the Magic.  The Magic have lost both their games thus far, their second game on a buzzer beating jumper from Rudy Gay.

Pietrus’ old teammate Andris Biedrins, an Interbasket favorite, has also started out 0-2.  However, the 7-0 Latvian is continuing his strong play for Golden State, 14 points and 12 rebounds against New Orleans, and 17 points and 13 rebounds against Toronto.  The 22-year old Biedrins is shooting nearly 62% in his first two games, which is expected, but Biedrins is shooting terribly from the line, just 5-13, for 38.5% from the line.

And we are mad with joy that Kelenna Azubuike is getting some run and shots at the basket, going for 15 and 17 points in the Warrior’s first two games.  Once the 24-year old English player finds his groove, and Monta Ellis returns, the combination of the two and Biedrins will keep the Warriors exciting at the very least.  Now if only Marco Belinelli could get some playing time…

Postscript: Mike D’Antoni puts Stephon Marbury on the inactive list, after riding the bench the entire first game. Marbury had met with coach D’Antoni if he was going to play on Friday. When told he would not be seeing action, Marbury reportedly requested he be put on the inactive list. D’Antoni and the guard mutually agreed to take that action for Friday’s game.

Links and Resources: Jose Calderon turns up the Heat on Raptor’s PG Situation (Interbasket), Nuggets opt not to offer extension to Kleiza (Rocky Mountain News), Miami Heat: Fun Facts (ESPN), Spurs’ Oberto sidelined by irregular heartbeat (Yahoo!), Brandon Roy thinks Batum could start for the Blazers (SLAM),  Nicolas Batum: Gets Start Tuesday (Yahoo), NBA Highlights October 31, 2008 (YouTube), Knicks put Marbury on Inactive List (Yahoo!),

The Olympic basketball’s final four has been determined, and there are no surprises as Argentina, Lithuania, Spain, and the USA, the top four seeds going into the round have advanced.

The four teams have a combined record of 21-3 with the United States the only undefeated team left in the field.  Argentina, Lithuania and Spain are each 5-1.

To watch the games live, you’ll have to determine whom is your local official Olympic partner.

August 22, 2008 Game Times
20:00: Spain vs Lithuania (discuss the game)
Watch Live in Argentina, Lithuania, Spain, USA

22:15: Argentina vs. USA (discuss the game)
Watch Live in Argentina, Lithuania, Spain, USA

If the above providers don’t work, click here to find your specific local partner in your region or country.

Olympic Basketball Quarterfinal Recaps:
Spain defeated Croatia 72-59 behind 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocked shots from Pau Gasol.  As with their two other losses previous to this game, the Croatians couldn’t find the mark from three, shooting only 5-17.  Marko Banic led the Croatians with 15 points.   Felipe Reyes chipped in 13 and Jose Calderon added 10 for the Spanish team.

Lithuania put away host China in the second match of the day 94-68.  The game was only a two point difference after one, and from there the Lithuanians pulled away with each subsequent quarter, outscoring the Chinese team by 9, 6, and 9.  Sarunas Jasikevicius hit 5-6 threes, scored 23 points, and dished out 6 assists.  Linas Kleiza and Ramaunas Siskauskas added 15 each.  Team China was led by Yao Ming 19 points and 7 rebounds, while Yi Jianlian added 11 points and 9 rebounds.

The Aussies kept up with the Americans, keeping tight after one, and only down 12 at half.  That was until Team USA used a 14-point run to start the third that opened up the game.  Kobe Bryant scored 25 points for the Americans in his first game of the tournament in which he shot better than 50% from the field.  Lebron James added 16 points and 9 rebounds, and Carmelo Anthony scored 15 for the USA.  Patrick Mills was amazing again against the Americans, the speedy 5-11 guard scored 20 points with 3 steals.  Glen Saville socred 13, and Joe Ingles added 11 hitting all four of his shots.

Everyone expected the Argentina-Greece match to be the most competitive, and they were right.  Behind Carlos Delfino’s 15 fourth quarter points, great individual defense by Pablo Prigioni, and Manu Ginobili scoring Argentina’s final seven points, the defending Olympic Champions held off Greece 80-78.  Greece had a stretch in which they threw the ball away three consecutive possessions, allowing the Argentinians to build a lead before riding some hot three-point shooting back into the game.  Ginobili’s layup put Argentina up 5 with 46 seconds left, Greece’s Panagiotis Vasilopoulos banked in a three.  And after a missed three by Ginobili on the other end, Vasileios Spanoulis dribbled up-court, shot a straight-away three that was just short to make the final margin.

Manu Ginobili led Argentina with 24 points, hitting 6-13 threes.  Carlos Delfino scored 23, Luis Scola had 11 points and 8 rebounds and Pablo Prigioni added 7 points, 6 rebounds, 5 steals and 3 assists.  For Team Hellas, Antonis Fotsis led the Greeks with a double-double (17 points and 10 rebounds) and received some surprise offensive contribution from Konstatinos Tsartsaris with 13 points.  Tsartsaris had scored only 9 points total in the five games previous.  Ioannis Bouroussis remained solid again with 12 and 3 rebounds.

Links and Resources: Watch Olympic Basketball Live Online (interbasket), NBC Olympics Live Basketball Coverage (NBC Olympics),

Day one of Olympic Basketball has finished with Russia, Germany, Spain, Lithuania, Croatia, and the USA getting their first wins.

Russia 71 : Iran 49 (Russia-Iran Boxscore)
Despite the 71-49 score, Russia didn’t have quite as easy a win as expected, though a late run in the game made for the final margin against feisty Iran.  Russia was outscored 16-8 in the third period, and Iran pulled within 8 points going into the fourth period 46-38.  Russia would go on a 25-11 run of the final period.

Naturalized J.R. Holden scored 19 points for Russia while Andrei Kirilenko added 15 points, 5 rebounds and 3 blocks.  Viktor Khryapa, a key Russian player that had been a question mark for the Olympics, played 20 minutes and put up 8 points and 5 rebounds.  For Iran, Samad Nikkhah Bahrami scored 16 points, but also had 7 turnovers.  Iranian 7-2 center Hamad Ehadadi added 9 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks.  (comment on the game).

Links and Resources: Russia put away gritty Iran in men’s opener (FIBA), Russia-Iran Boxscore (FIBA)

Germany 95 : Angola 66 (Germany-Angola Boxscore)
Playing in Group B, Angola is not going to have a lot of opportunities to advance.  Germany was one of their chances to get a leg up.  Unfortunately, Angola’s offense was erratic, and their defense wasn’t much better, giving up 54 points at halftime, 17 of those to Chris Kaman.  Kaman ended the game with 24 points and Dirk Nowitzki took a backseat with 23 points and 6 rebounds.  Together the NBA duo combined to shoot a blistering 17-21 from the field, and the German team shot 58.6% for the game.

Eduardo Mingas put in 24 points and 3 steals for the Angolans, while Olimpio Cipriano and Joaquim Gomes both played roughly 30 minutes, but combined to shoot only 2-13 from the field, though Gomes did have 8 rebounds.  Carlos Morais added 14 for the Angolans. (Angola-Germany Live Discussion)

Links and Resources: Kaman, Nowitzki power Germany past Angola (FIBA), Germany-Angola Boxscore (FIBA)

Spain 81 : Greece 66 (Greece-Spain Boxscore)
The big game of the day didn’t turn out to be much of a competition as Spain easily defeated Greece without much of a fight.  The Spanairds just seemed to be a couple steps ahead of the Greeks on both ends of the court.  It also didn’t help team Hellas that they shot 11-24 (46%) from the free-throw line.

Outside of the free-throws, the two team’s stats weren’t that dissimilar, but the difference was on the court, the Spanish just executed better on both ends and showed why they, along with the USA are the favorites to medal.  Rudy Fernandez led Espana with 16 points.  Jose Calderon added 13 points and Pau Gasol chipped in 11 points and 7 rebounds.

Former Houston Rocket Vasileios Spanoulis scored 15 points and had 4 turnovers for the Greeks, and Dmitrios Diamantidis put in 14 poinrs, 3 assists and 3 turnovers.  Spain has now defeated the Greeks in four straight contests.  (Greece-Spain Live Discussion)

Links and Resources: Spain win to continue recent dominance against Greece (FIBA), Greece-Spain Boxscore (FIBA)

Lithuania 79 : Argentina 75 (Argentina-Lithuania Boxscore)
In the game of the day, Lithuania squeezed by Argentina with the help of a big three-pointer from their 6-8 power forward Linas Kleiza.

With 3:23 remaining in the game and Lithuania up 11 points, Argentina would stage their come back.  Luis Scola’s layup would complete eleven straight points that would tie the game at 75 with 1:33 left.  Lithuania would go scoreless from the beginning of the Argentina’s run until Kleiza’s three pointer with 2 seconds remaning.  A span of almost three and a half minutes.  An errant inbounds by Scola and a Siskauskas free-throw would make for the final score.

And the Lithuanian’s knew they were lucky to pull this one out, without Kleiza’s three, the Lith’s finish to the game was horrendous.  Instead they walk out of day one with a big win, “Argentina is the Olympic champion and it speaks for itself,” Jasikevicius said. “For us to start the Olympics in this way, it’s incredible.”

Kleiza led the Lithuanians in scoring with 13 points, shooting a perfect 3-3 from three and a perfect 4-4 from the free throw line.  Robertas Javtokas had 12 points and 5 rebounds.  Siskauskas, Sarunas Jasikevicius, and Marijonas Petravicius each added 10 points.  Jasikevicius also had 8 assists and 5 turnovers.

Argentina was led by Manu Ginobili’s 19 points, though he shot only 6-15 from the field including 1-7 from three.  Also shooting 1-7 from three was Andres Nocioni, whom scored 15 points on 5-14 and pulled in 9 rebounds.  Carlos Delfino added 13 points and 6 rebounds.  Fabricio Oberto chipped in a near double-double with 9 points and 11 rebounds.  (Argentina-Lithuania Live Discussion)

Links and Resources: Kleiza kills off Argentina with late three-pointer (FIBA), Argentina-Lithuania Boxscore (FIBA)

Croatia 97 : Australia 82 (Croatia-Australia Boxscore)
The story of the game was the Croat’s efficient three-point shooting.  They balanced their amazing 12-16 from beyond the arc, with fantastic defense.

Croatia limited Andrew Bogut to just one total rebound as well as four turnovers.  Bogut also had 10 points.

Though Croatia was able to hit 75% of their three-point attempts, they were surprisingly led by two players that did not even attempt a three pointer.  Croatia’s 6-10 center Nikola Prkacin and 6-8 forward Marko Banic each scored 16 points.  Prkacin contributions only took 11 minutes of play, he and Banic combined to shoot 12-13, all within the arc and 8-9 from the free-throw line.

With Prkacin and Banic holding down the offensive interior, it allowed for Marko Tomas (4-4) , Zoran Planinic (2-2), and Davor Rus (2-3) to bomb away from the outside.  Marko Tomas and Planinic scored 12 points each, Kresimir Loncar added 10 points, and recent Toronto Raptor signee Roko Ukic put in 9 points.

Matt Nielsen of Lietuvos Rytas, led the Boomers with 13 points with 5 rebounds, David Barlow had 12 points, and Patrick Mills scored 9. (Australia-Croatia Live Discussion)

Links and Resources: Croatia gun down Boomers in Beijing (FIBA), Croatia-Australia Boxscore (FIBA)

USA 101 : China 70 (China-USA Boxscore)
The home country crowd erupted as Yao Ming hit a three pointer China’s first possession, giving the home team a 3-0 advantage over the favored Americans.  It would become a theme throughout the first half.

Even though it was expected that China would come out energetic and focused, it wasn’t expected that the Chinese would be tied with the United States at 29 apiece with six minutes before halftime.  Bolstered by blistering three-point shooting in the first half, the Chinese hit 8-12 threes in their first 16 minutes before finally misfiring on the final four attempts.

And in the span of those final four minutes before halftime, the US outscored China 14-5, to open up a 12 point spread.

The third quarter saw the Americans more than double their lead by wearing down Team China, forcing them into seven of their 18 turnovers in the quarter and outscoring the Chinese 25-11.  The United States wouldn’t be seriously threatened from then on.

Despite the score, Team China played well and showed a greater understanding against the Americans.  However, the game showed that their guards still had some work to do as Dwyane Wade was able to easily pick both of China’s point guards’ pockets (Liu Wei and Chen Jianghua).  Yi Jianlian relied way too much on dribble moves that ended up in fadeaway jumpers that barely hit the rim.  Jianlian started out 0-7 before hitting some garbage time baskets that included a spectacular follow-up dunk dunk over Carmelo Anthony.

Dwyane Wade continued his efficient play with 19 points on 7-7 shooting in just 20 minutes of play.  LeBron James added 18 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 tremendous blocks.  Kobe Bryant shot 6-14, but only 1-7 from three, including a team-leading 3 turnovers (tied with Jason Kidd).

Yao Ming led the Chinese with 13 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks.  Zhu Fangyu contributed 11 points, 8 rebounds, and outside of Ming, Zhu looked to be the most prepared player on the court.  As mentioned before, Yi Jianlian scored nine points, the 7 of which was during garbage time. Wang ZhiZhi and  Sun Yue, the recent Laker signing, added 8 points each. (China-USA Live Discussion)

Links and Resources: Americans win over China in thrilling Olympic encounter (FIBA), China-USA Boxscore (FIBA)

With less than a week left before Olympic basketball begins, Interbasket is previewing the twelve national teams participating in the tournament.  We will review the six teams in Group A today and Group B later on this week (Click here for Olympic Basketball Group B Preview).

Group A is filled with teams that are more equally-matched.  Outside of Iran, who is the definite underdog in the whole tournament, the remaining five teams, Argentina, Australia, Croatia, Lithuania and Russia, each have good chances of advancing to the quarterfinals.

In other words, we are basically looking at four available quarterfinal spots for five teams.  Group A features strong competitors in defending Olympic Gold-Medalists Argentina, Oceania-champions Australia, Croatia, Lithuania, and 2007 Eurobasket Champs Russia.

Argentina is the slight favorite of this group as they bring back the majority of their core team from 2004.  I would position Argentina just ahead of Lithuania, Russia, and Croatia with Australia being ranked fifth in the group.  Croatia isn’t the most well-known, but is the definite darkhorse of this group.

Check back tomorrow for the Group B Preview.

Argentina Olympic Preview (discuss)
FIBA World Ranking: 2 (726)
Qualified: 2007 FIBA Americas Tournament (2nd)
Roster: Carlos Delfino, Manu Ginobili, Román González, Juan Gutiérrez, Leonardo Gutiérrez, Federico Kammerichs, Andrés Nocioni, Fabricio Oberto, Antonio Porta, Pablo Prigioni, Paolo Quinteros, and Luis Scola.
Facts: Likely to be Ginobili’s last Olympics, Manu was chosen to carry Argentina’s flag in the opening ceremonies.

Note: Oddly enough, the gold medalists from the 2004 Athens Olympics are going to have to re-prove themselves in this tournament.  With the focus on team USA, Spain, and Greece, everyone seems to be overlooking the perennial contenders this time around.

In the same vein, everyone is looking to unseat the defending champions, “There’s no surprise factor this time,” said center Fabricio Oberto. “We’re up against the wall, because everyone knows they’re playing against the Olympic champion.  You can’t just show off your gold medal and expect to win.”

Admittedly, there are two main issues facing Argentina: #1 They are without their veteran point guard Pepe Sanchez, whom retired from international play and #2 is a worn out Manu Ginobili and his jammed ankle. They’ll also have to deal with the loss of key sub Walter Herrmann, whom pulled out from the tournament early on.

On the bright side, the Argentinians have a pretty good replacement for Pepe.  In Pablo Prigioni, they have one the world’s great playermakers, the 31-year old was voted ACB’s best base player (point guard) in 2007 and led the 2007 Tournament of Americas in assists at 6.3 assists.  The question is, how will Quinteros and Porta do as a backup?

Even better news is that Ginobili has now had a couple months off to heal, relax and decompress, since being eliminated from the NBA playoffs. “It feels great, and that makes me very happy.” said Ginobili after a couple National Team practices.

And let’s not forget that Argentina still boasts the hardworking Luis Scola, energetic Andres Nocioni, athletic swingman Carlos Delfino, and solid team contributors in Federico Kammerichs, Paolo Quinteros, Leonardo Gutiérrez, and Fabricio Oberto.  With a team like that, against Spain or USA or whatever, this is a team to be dealt with. “I’d love to play the Olympic final again, and it doesn’t matter against who.” says Ginobili.  Argentina’s First Game:  August 10th, 2008 vs. Lithuania (16:45 local time)

Links and Resources: Basketball at the Summer Olympics (Wikipedia), The Home Team… of Argentina (MySA.com)

Lithuania Olympic Preview (discuss)
FIBA World Ranking: 5 (486)
Qualified: 2007 Eurobasket Championships (3rd)
Roster: Linas Kleiza, Sarunas Jasikevicius, Simas Jasaitis, Robertas Javtokas, Rimantas Kaukėnas, Darjuš Lavrinovič, Kšyštof Lavrinovič, Mindaugas Lukauskis, Jonas Mačiulis, Marius Prekevičius, Ramunas Siskauskas
Facts: This is Sarunas Jasikevičius’s third Olympics, Saras will bear the flag for Lithuania in the Olympic opening ceremonies. Lithuania had received a bronze medal in three straight Olympics (92, 96, 00) before placing fourth in 2004.

Note: Even without Arvydas Macijauskas and Zydrunas Ilgauskas, Lithuania is always a force to be reckoned with as the Liths can shoot the lighs out and are battle-tested with their superstars and proven winners in Ramunas Siskauskas and Sarunas Jasikevicius.

The 6-4 Rimantas Kaukėnas will be Lithuania’s starting shooting guard with the aggressive and physical Robertas Javtokas and Linas Kleiza supporting the perimeter players.

In the last several years, Siskauskas has catapulted himself into superstardom in Europe, proving to be one of the best players in the world with his ability to do a little of everything on the floor.  Siskauskas was named to the 2007 Eurobasket All-Tournament Team, won the 2008 Russian league championship, and was named its best player.

The key to Lithuania’s team comes from their perimeter players, mainly Jasikevicius, Kaukenas, and Siskauskas.  If the Lithuanians hope to medal, Saras has to pick up his game and be his magical self, Siskauskas has to live up to his reputation as the European Scottie Pippen (Siska has a much better jumpshot might I add), and Kaukenas must be consistent from the perimeter.

With Darius Songaila likely out of the Olympics because of an injury, Javtokas and Kleiza must be strong on the Lithuanian interior in both defense and rebounding.  They’ll be tested early on as their first game in pool play is against Argentina.  Lithuania’s First Game:  August 10th, 2008 vs. Argentina (16:45 local time)

Links and Resources: Basketball at the Summer Olympics (Wikipedia)

Russia Olympic Preview (discuss)
FIBA World Ranking: 16 (186)
Qualified: 2007 Eurobasket Championships (1st)
Roster: Sergei Bykov, Vitaly Fridzon, J.R. Holden, Victor Keyru, Viktor Khryapa, Andrei Kirilenko, Sergey Monya, Nikita Morgunov, Zakhar Pashutin, Petr Samoylenko, Aleksey Savrasenko, Andrey Vorontsevich.
Facts: Andrei Kirilenko, like Ginobili and Jasikevicius, will have the honor of being the flag-bearer for Russia during the opening ceremonies.  The last time Russia participated in the Olympics was in 2000, where the 19-year old Kirilenko led the Russians to eighth place while leading the tournament in steals.

Note: The 2007 Eurobasket surprise champions Russia, led by the do-it-all Andrei Kirilenko, whom was named Eurobasket MVP.  Fortunately, it looks as key-contributor Victor Khryapa will make it back from an ankle injury in time for the Olympics.  Khryapa will take the spot of former-Kansas center Sasha Kaun on their roster and will add another dimension to Russia’s frontline’s versatility.  Russia has one of the better tournament playmakers in American-born, Russian-naturalized JR Holden, but needs to remain consistent and unflustered throughout the game.

The 6-11 Nikita Morgunov is solid in the Russian frontcourt, and when I say solid, I mean it in a good way, but it also means he has slow feat and not much of a consistent offensive threat.  Think a poor man’s Fabricio Oberto.  Keep an eye out for Sergei Bykov, whom can shoot the three.  These international tournaments always seems to have breakout three-point percentages.  Russia’s First Game:  August 10th, 2008 vs. Iran (09:00 local time)

Links and Resources: Basketball at the Summer Olympics (Wikipedia), Andrei Kirilenko, Russia Basketball (Salt Lake Tribune), Blatt refuses to give up on Khryapa (FIBA)

Croatia Olympic Preview (discuss)
FIBA World Ranking: 20 (100)
Qualified: 2008 World Olympic Qualifying Tournament
Roster: Marko Banić, Stanko Barać, Davor Kus, Krešimir Lončar, Sandro Nicević, Zoran Planinić, Marko Popović, Nikola Prkačin, Marin Rozić, Damjan Rudež, Marko Tomas, and Roko Ukić.
Facts: The last time Croatia participated in the Olympics was in 1996 with players like Toni Kukoc and Dino Radja, placed 7th in the Atlanta Olympics.  Marko Banić, their 24 year old power forward, shot an amazing 93% from the field in the Olympic Qualifyng Tournament, going 14-15 from the field.

Note: Since winning silver in 1992, the Croatians haven’t been able to qualify a team in the last two Olympics despite having some of the more talented players in Europe.  They were able to qualify by going unbeaten in this year’s Pre-Olympic World Qualifiers with a 4-0 record, with much thanks to efficient performances of rising European player Marko Tomas, whom averaged 17 points on high percentages.

Though the Croats are happy to be back in the Olympics again, they’re not satisfied with just being there,“(Being back in the Olympics) is a great success, a great gift for us, but we are not going to go to Beijing as tourists.” said Marko Popovic

This version of Team Croatia has the right amount of talent, chemistry, defense, and aggressiveness to move on to the next round.  There are no headcases or egos on this team.  And to boot, the 2008 National Team brings back 9 of the 12 players that defeated Spain in Eurobasket 2007.

This is a new generation of Croatian players, with a good mix of youth and experience, and are capable of playing and defending at different speeds and styles of play.  Much of that flexibility is due to their under-rated yet diverse backcourt, which is one of the strongest in the Olympics.

Croatia’s backcourt features Davor Kus, Zoran Planinic, Marko Popovic, and Roko Ukic.  These four guards were in Croatia’s top-six in scoring during Eurobasket 2007 and would expect similar production.

In the frontcourt, the 6-10 Damir Markota had injured his meniscus during the FIBA Olympic Qualifying Tournament and won’t make the games.  Markota has been replaced by the versatile Damjan Rudež in order to shore up the forward positions.  Rudež, along with 6-11 Lončar and 6-8 Marko Banić will have to shoulder more of the interior with Markota out.

Even with Rudež, the Croatians will have to continue rebounding as a team.  In the Olympic Qualifying Tournament, no one Croatian player dominated the boards, but the Croats had nine players that averaged between 2.2 rebounds and 3.8 rebounds.  Croatia’s First Game:  August 10th, 2008 vs. Australia (20:00 local time)

Links and Resources: Basketball at the Summer Olympics (Wikipedia), Olympic Team Profile: Croatia (Euroleague), Rudez called by Croatia after meniscus injury knocks out Markota (FIBA), Croatia returns to Olympics with victory over Germany (FIBA)

Australia Olympic Preview (discuss)
FIBA World Ranking: 9 (284, tie)
Qualified: 2007 Oceania Championships (1st)
Roster: David Andersen, Chris Anstey, David Barlow, Andrew Bogut, CJ Bruton, Joe Ingles, Patrick Mills, Brad Newley, Matt Nielsen (C), Shawn Redhage, Glen Saville, Mark Worthington.
Facts: Recent aboriginal NBA draftee Nathan Jawai was left off the Australian roster.  Since 1980 Olympics, Australia has participated in all seven Olympic Games and have placed 8th, 7th, 4th, 6th, 4th, 4th, and 9th.  In the 1996 and 2000 games, where Australia took 4th place, they lost both Bronze medals to Lithuania.

Note: Qualifying through the Oceania region, the Aussies are bringing back five players from the 2004 team (Andersen, Bogut, Bruton, Neilsen, and Saville) and they all will play a large role in the wins and losses of the 2008 team.

The Aussies have always had the talent and size to make noise in international tournaments and they have.  Even though they’ve placed fourth in three of the last five Olympics, the Aussies never quite get over the hump, on the court or total respect off it.

The Aussies have one of the best frontcourts in the tournament with great size in 6-11 David Andersen, 7-0  Chris Anstey, 6-10 Matt Nielsen, and 7-0 Andrew Bogut, whom recently rejoined the team after finalizing his $76m multi-year contract with the Milwaukee Bucks.

With their sizable frontcourt, the Boomers success will also hinge on their guards; experienced point guard  CJ Bruton, Brad Newley, and newcomer Patrick Mills.

Having good guards is key to having a legitimate run for a medal, “You definitely have to have above-average guards.” said Bogut. “It’s not going to be Andrew Bogut or David Andersen averaging 20 and 12 for us to get a medal.”

Team Australia will certainly miss the leadership of Sam Mackinnon, whom is having various knee problems.  Sam Mack was named NBL’s defensive player of the year, MVP, Finals MVP, and international player of the year.

The game plan for Australia to be successful is team chemistry and effort, rebounding, defense or what Bogut likes to say “We’re going to have to junk the game up.”

The Boomers know that in order to advance, they’re going to have to play well together.  Head Coach Brian Goorjian realizes his team’s potential but understands the challenge of coming home with a medal, “There are only three medals. You have got the USA over there and some very strong teams in Europe. We are going to have to play very, very well together.” Australia’s First Game:  August 10th, 2008 vs. Croatia (20:00 local time)

Links and Resources: Boomers’ Andrew Bogut prepares to face basketball’s giants (The Australian), The Boomers (FoxSports.com.au), Neilsen reaches into his own pockets to reach Beijing (FIBA), Bogut says guards hold key to Olympic success for Boomers (Herald Sun)

Iran Olympic Preview (discuss)
FIBA World Ranking: 33 (33.1)
Qualified: Asian Championships (1st)
Roster: Hamed Afagh, Amir Amini, Samad Nikkhah Bahrami, Javad Davari, Saeid Davarpanah, Ali Doraghi, Hamed Haddadi, Mehdi Kamrani, Mousa Nabipour, Oshin Sahakian, Hamed Sohrabnejad, Iman Zandi.
Facts: The 2008 Beijing Olympics will mark only the second time that Iran has qualified and participated in Olympic basketball, the first time being exactly 60 years ago, in the 1948 Olympics held in London.  Iran placed 14th out of 23 participating teams.  Basketball is the only team sport Iran is participating in 2008.

Note: The keyword for Iran is “Experience.”  If being THE underdog of underdogs in this year’s Olympics wasn’t going to be enough already, Iran will compete with heavy hearts after they lost their best player, Aidin Bahrami, to a car accident a couple months after winning the Asian Championships in 2007.

Additionally, Iran may have lost their key player for the games, Hamed Ehadadi, as he went down with an ankle injury playing a pre-Olympic game against China on August 1st.  Haddadi is a promising 7-2, 254lb center that is also Iran’s leading scorer, rebounder and shot-blocker.  Whether Ehadadi will be ready in time for the games is still in question as of this post.

Still, this will be a great opportunity for the Persians to gain valuable experience against more established and competitive teams as is recognized by Serbian head coach Rajko Toroman “In my opinion, that’s only way to improve these players because Iranian league is not so strong. They don’t have enough tough games. Genetically (Iran has) good abilities. They have good body skills, but they do not have enough good technical games in Iranian league.”

“It is like a dream to participate in the Olympic Games — especially for us because basketball in Iran is not that … important,” Aidin’s brother, national teammate, and Iranian captain Samad Bahrami said.

And Bahrami recognizes the feat in front of Team Iran, “”Everybody knows . . . we cannot win any medals, but it’s going to be a very good experience.” Iran’s First Game:  August 10th, 2008 vs. Russia (09:00 local time)

Links and Resources: Basketball at the Summer Olympics (Wikipedia), Aidin Bahrami dies in car accident (Interbasket), Hamed Haddadi the next big thing (Interbasket), Hamed Ehadadi’s injury is the worst nightmare for Iran (Beijing2008), Iran gears up for Beijing Olympics (Iran Press TV)

With the NBA playoffs about to begin this weekend, Ibn would be remiss not to talk about the unprecedented competitive Western Conference this year and the roles that international players are having on every playoff-bound team. It’s just crazy to think that Dallas is the seventh seed, San Antonio or Phoenix will be sitting out the second round, and no team has less than 50 wins and no more than 57 wins.

And there is no less than 20 foreign-born players playing important roles on those eight teams. Interbasket will break down each team’s international player and how important they are to their team’s success.

1. Los Angeles Lakers
Key Rotation Players: Pau Gasol, Ronny Turiaf, Vladimir Radmanovic, Sasha Vujacic
International Importance: 8.5/10
Notes: The Lakers have the most players in their likely playoff rotation with four and the newest one, Pau Gasol, has arguably been the most important player for the Lakers since being stolen from Memphis. The Lakers went from being serious pretenders to contenders with the late-season addition of the Spanish Superstar and World Champion.

Vladmir Radmanovic starts for the Lakers because he has the potential to become a game-changer with his outside shot, the problem is the 6-10 Radman isn’t very consistent with his play. If Radmanovic isn’t breaking his leg in skiing accidents and lying about it, he can be a game-changer for Los Angeles.

I’m convinced that Ronny Turiaf is posed to make a splash in this year’s playoffs. With his energy, all-out hustle, defense (he led the team in blocks with 1.4 a game), and with opposing teams focusing on other players — Turiaf is going to that X-factor player that everyone talks about this time of year.

What a difference a year makes. The former-baby-faced Slovenian has longer hair, facial hair, and grown up this year for the Lakers - bringing consistency and competitiveness off the bench. Sasha Vujacic is the sniper that the Lakers need, is showing feistiness on defense while leading the Lakers in three-point shooting percentage (43.7).

2. New Orleans Hornets
Key Rotation Players: Peja Stojakovic
International Importance: 5/10
Notes: Peja not only brings his well-known three-point shooting, but also brings the most playoff experience to the inexperienced Hornets. Peja’s range keeps the middle open for Chris Paul, David West and Tyson Chandler to manuever inside.

I’m hoping Peja can help the Hornets advance and have a better playoff showing that his last couple years in Sacramento. Peja’s always been a better second or third option player, and with Chris Paul dancing around the paint and the threat of David West, Peja is free to roam the arc for open shots.

3. San Antonio Spurs
Key Rotation Players: Tony Parker, Manu Ginobili, Fabricio Oberto, Ime Udoka
International Importance: 10/10
Notes: International players have always played a big role with the championship Spurs teams, and with every year that Tim Duncan gets older, the more the Spurs seem to rely on French point guard Tony Parker, who doesn’t cease to amaze with his ability to finish in every circumstance, and Argentine superstar Manu Ginobili, whom has arguably been San Antonio’s best player this year.

The multi-faceted and extremely dangerous Ginobili is a wildcard on a offensively-predictable team and that’s what makes Manu so important for the Spurs. He led the Spurs in scoring this season, with career highs in points, rebounds, and assists, while partly starting and partly coming off the bench throughout the season.

Manu had a stretch, when Duncan was out with an injury, where he turned up his game in keeping the Spurs afloat during the Big Fundamental’s absence. If the Spurs win it this season, it would be surprising if Manu wasn’t named the Finals MVP (he was ROBBED last year), that’s how much the paradigm has shifted.

And Ginobili has a good repoire with San Antonio’s forgotten fifth starter Fabricio Oberto, the Spur’s center and glue guy. The Argentine center clogs up the middle, cleans up the messes and rolls to the hoop for easy baskets. As mentioned above, Oberto is sometimes the forgotten Spur, but that doesn’t mean Fab’s picks, tap outs, and layups aren’t important to their overall success.

Ime Udoka, whose father was Nigerian-born, played for the Nigerian National Team in the 2006 World Championships. Udoka has played a stabilizing role for the Spurs this season with his odd looking jumper and tough defense, many of rightfully compared his style of play and intensity to Mario Elie.

4. Utah Jazz
Key Rotation Players: Andrei Kirilenko, Memo Okur
International Importance: 8/10
Notes: AK and Memo Okur are the #3 and #4 players for the Jazz and their play is hugely important for the Utah Jazz to advance on their progress from last year. As some of you may recall, Kirilenko wasn’t in the best place last season and Memo Okur couldn’t find his outside stroke in the playoffs despite earning a reputation for being a big-time shooter. Kirilenko is playing this season as if last season didn’t happen, with renewed confidence. It’s likely he got a shot of adrenaline from leading Russia to the gold medal in the European Championships (and the automatic bid to this years Olympics).

Okur was well on his way to becoming the best Turkish player in the world before he lost his outside shot last season and before Hedo Turkoglu found his career in Orlando. Okur has suggested that his down year hasn’t affected him, that he’ll take the shots as they come. With Carlos Boozer demanding double teams and Deron Williams passing the ball, the Jazz are certainly hoping that Okur is on his game this playoff season.

5. Houston Rockets
Key Rotation Players: Luis Scola, Dikembe Mutombo
International Importance: 7/10
Notes: When Yao Ming went down, every one thought that the Rockets would go down with the 7-6 Chinese center, but that hasn’t been the case. Not by a long shot. Houston definitely is more of a threat with him in the lineup for the playoffs, but the team-based play and the impending threat that Tracy McGrady could go for 50 on any given night is what makes this current version of the Rockets go. With that said, Mutombo, at age 57, is still intimidating and blocking shots, while Scola’s adapting to the NBA game will help fuel the Rockets forward.

6. Phoenix Suns
Key Rotation Players: Steve Nash, Boris Diaw, Leandro Barbosa, Gordan Giricek
International Importance: 10/10
Notes: Steve Nash by himself is a 10/10. The reigning MVP is enough to say that international players really play important roles for the Phoenix Suns, but we need to recognize the roles that multi-talented small forward Boris Diaw, and power bench players Leandro Barbosa and troubled Gordon Giricek play for the revamped, re-Shaqed Phoenix Suns. Adding Giricek’s shot-making ability has made the Suns that much more dangerous, and his shooting will become more important as Shaquille ONeal gets more comfortable in their re-tooled offense.

I think most are still awaiting Boris Diaw to turn up his game after the trade of Shawn Marion to the Miami Hear; the high-IQ Diaw still seems as if he’s lost on offense, has been hesitant to shoot his mid-range shots and needs to shore up his intensity. If he can get it together, especially with his great passing ability, he can make an already dangerous Nash-Amare Stoudemire-Shaquille O’Neal tandem even more powerful.

7. Dallas Mavericks
Key Rotation Players: Dirk Nowitzki
International Importance: 10/10
Notes: As the 7-0 German with the gimpy ankle goes, so goes the playoff chances for the Dallas Mavericks. Enough Said. 10 out of 10. It’s going to be a ugly off-season filled with second-guessing if the Mavs don’t make it to at least game seven of the Western Conference Finals.

8. Denver Nuggets
Key Rotation Players: Linas Kleiza, Eduardo Najera, Nene
International Importance:
Notes: These three big guys cannot be more different from each other and that’s why they’ll play important roles. Linas Kleiza has become a surprisingly consistent offensive option coming off the bench with his ability to not only shoot the three but put the ball down on the floor and attack the basket with his 6-8, 255-pound frame.

Eduardo Najera really has created a great niche for himself. He’s a poor-man’s jack of all trades and I don’t mean that in a detrimental manner. He plays defense, he rebounds, he gets on the floor, dribbles, drives, and is efficient with his time. Najera has also added a consistent three-point shot, the 6-7 Mexican forward has shot and made more threes this season than in all of his seasons combined. his newfound touch which will stretch the defense for Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony to work their offensive moves with more space to spare.

Nene is working his way back into the rotation after having a tumor removed, but if the Brazilian power player can get into game shape, the Nuggets will be in good shape on the inside. Even if Nene can give 10-15 minutes of smart play, strong defense and throwing his weight around, the Denver interior will be fortified and that much more ready for a rugged playoff run. The Nuggets will need his strength to counter Pau Gasol and Lamar Odom in the first round.

What about the East? This isn’t the case in the East where the amount of international players in key roles can be counted on one hand and three fingers - Hedo Turkoglu, Jose Manuel Calderon, Samuel Dalembert, Rasho Nesterovic, Anderson Varejao Sasha Pavlovic, Carlos Arroyo, and Andrea Bargnani.

None of those players are the true, unquestioned leaders that the West has in Steve Nash and Dirk Nowitzki. Hedo Turkoglu plays a key role in Orlando, and Calderon runs the Toronto team, but the rest of those guys are solely role players.

And those eight can be found on only four teams - Orlando, Toronto, Philadelphia, and Cleveland. The other four remaining Eastern teams; Atlanta (Zaza Pachulia), Boston, Detroit (Walter Herrmann), and Washington (Darius Songaila) have international players, but none of them play a significant enough role of mention.

This month’s SLAM Magazine report is featured in the “In your face” section and focuses on do-it-all Denver Nugget’s reserve power forward from Lithuania - Linas Kleiza.

In Your Face: Security Blanket
The Denver Nuggets made no moves at the trade deadline. As every other elite team more than willing to auction off their future for the present, the Nuggets did nothing, counting on the impending of Nene and Chucky Atkins, starters who had basically missed the entire season with injuries. Sure, the Nuggets were major muscle power in helping power the deadline day rumor mill, but every time a deal was in the inkling stage, one name jammed up the works.

“Linas Kleiza is a hell of a luxury to have,” says Nugs’ coach George Karl. “He helps us run a little bit and brings a spacing that we need to have on the court.”

Offensive productivity has long been the one constant of the 6-8, 240-pound Lithuanian’s game. But this season, LK has emerged as an integral member of the Denver rotation. Besides joining Kenyon Martin and JR Smith in the 11ppg range (putting the trio behind only Melo and AI in scoring), Kleiza’s resume includes a buzzer-beating, game-winning 22-footer against Sacramento and a 41-point outburst in a double-digit win over divisional rival Utah.

“Shooting threes got e on the court, but I am trying to do more,” notes the third year forward, who has been slowed a bit in March with a nagging ankle injury. “Defense is a big thing for Coach. He’s hard on me but that gets me better.”

This is, however, something curious about the Nuggets’ desire to keep Kleiza. While his skill set would earn him a starting spot with many teams around the League, in Denver a ceiling exists. Playing behind Carmelo Anthony has limited LK’s time on the court, but it has also helped to diversify his game. “I am on a team and he is our franchise guy; I know my role and what I am supposed to do out there,” observes the 23-year old Kleiza. “He definitely makes me better, but I try to make him better, too.”

With that kind of willingness to serve as one of the best back-up forwards in the game and a relatively miniscule salary by League standards ($1 mil this year) to boot, perhaps Karl was right: The kid is a luxury.

Source: Slam Magazine, issue 118 (June 2008), Lithuania Basketball Forum (IBN)

Every Wednesday during the NBA season, Interbasket takes a closer look at ten international NBA players that has caught our eye. (This week is for period 01/30/2008- 02/05/2008)

Pau Gasol + Kobe + Bynum Shakes Up the West
After months of mild media speculation and uninspired play by Spanish superstar, world champion, and NBA all-star Pau Gasol, the Grizzlies shipped the unhappy Gasol tot he Los Angeles Lakers in exchange for Javaris Crittenton, Kwame Brown and two first round draft picks.

The move left many GMs around the league with their jaws dropped and scratching their heads. Much like how I envision an orangutan. “They got Pau Gasol for how much?!” seemed to be the consensus.

And it’s true, it may have made sense on paper, salary-wise, but it didn’t make sense in any other type of logic. The Lakers got themselves a bargain. It was like the Lakers had a NBA-sanctioned 70% off coupon that could applied to the trade without restrictions. “Oh you want us to also throw in Jordan Farmar, Ronny Turiaf, $3,000,000 and an iPhone? Sure, but I have this discount coupon here so you only get Kwame, Crittenton, and the rights to Pau’s slower, awkward brother, Marc.”

Pau Gasol played his first game in the Laker’s purple and gold Monday night and made quite the impression. Despite being hit with three quick personal fouls in his first twelve minutes of action, Pau ended the game with 37 minutes, 24 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists.

And the important thing is that the Lakers won despite Kobe scoring only 6 points in the game. It’s always great to work in a new player and have them perform well in their first game, it’s even better if it ends in a win. Nothing gels a team like winning; little mistakes, personal nuances, a missed passes are muted significantly when the game ends in a win. not to mention the confidence it builds in the new makeup of the team.

Up and Down Week for Hedo Turkoglu
Hedo Turkoglu was snubbed for the all-star reserves last week. That didn’t stop the 6-9, 28-year old Turk from being honored as the NBA player of the week for week ending January 27th.

And on Monday night, Hedo recorded the first triple-double of his career 13 points, 13 assists and 12 rebounds in a loss against the Mavericks. Previous to that game, Turkoglu was really pushing for an all-star berth with his performances in eight straight games where he scored 20+ points — for averages of 24.8 points, 6.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists.

Beno Udrih Back to the Bench
I feel for Beno Udrih. Never given the chance to play much in San Antonio, then after being released by the Spurs before the season, Beno got the opportunity to take over for the Sacramento Kings with an injury to Mike Bibby.

Beno signed with the Kings and immediately seeing time on the court.  He played well in Bibby’s absence, and was able to show the haters why, year after year, he was on the bench in San Antonio.

The reason why was that Beno Udrih had potential, but was playing behind Tony Parker and Beno’s style not aligning with Popovich’s equated to little or no minutes. With Mike Bibby back, after Beno started 27 consecutive games, Udrih is riding the pine again.   Now at least the left-handed Slovenian is still getting 15 minutes of burn every night, a lot more than he was getting in San Antonio.  The question is whether Udrih is happy playing backup in Sactown or is he going to use his recent accomplishments to see if the grass is greener elsewhere?

So Which International NBA Players Have Next?
We all know about perennial international superstars Dirk Nowitzki, Steve Nash, and Yao Ming, but who are the up and coming international players? With the all-star game reserves being named last week, it got me thinking. Who are the international potential all-stars in the NBA?

The only requirements is that they haven’t played in an all-star game (eliminating Tony Parker, Andrei Kirilenko, and Memo Okur), and are 26 years old or under. Oddly enough, that leaves out two promising rookies, the 27 year-old Luis Scola and Juan Carlos Navarro. I listed the players in their likelihood of making an all-star team…

Luol Deng - Lost in the Bull’s disappointing season and recent injuries, when Luol Deng is on the court, he is the face of consistency. Sweet mid-range game, high basketball IQ, long arms, and a demeanor that reminds me of Tim Duncan, Deng has the potential to be a NBA superstar.

Andris Biedrins - If you read this column anough, you know I really have high hopes for Andris Biedrins potential. The fact that he is averaging around a double-double when no plays are called for him, and leading the league in FG% shows the potential this Latvian has. Here’s hoping the addition of Chris Webber doesn’t negatively affect Biedrins…. well, effectiveness.

Linas Kleiza - The question with this 23-year old Lithuanian bull is how much he is benefiting from the system and the looks he gets brought by the power-scoring duo of Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony. I don’t think that that should be a question at all, I tend to take the other side of it. To be the third-leading scorer (12.7) on this Denver team and doing it in only 25 minutes only highlights how much of a tough cover Kleiza is.The 6-8, 245lb Kleiza is strong, hits the boards, runs the break, attacks the basket off the dribble and gets to the line three times a game in limited minutes… the way he is built and his aggresiveness reminds me of a Karl Malone and without the elbows and kicks to the groin, but with a three-point shot you have to respect (Kleiza is shooting 35% from beyond the arc).

Yi Jianlian - If his recent performances are any indication, Jianlian is slowing down. Even then, he has shown enough skill and athletic ability to become an NBA all-star. He surprised many with his midrange game. All of those traits allow Yi Jianlian to be so high up on this list. “He’s expanding his game. I like the fact that he’s aggressive taking it to the basket. I like the fact that he’s offensive rebounding and trying to go up there. The strength factor and conditioning and getting used to 17 games in a month, that just comes with experience.” said Larry Harris, the Buck’s GM.

(Speaking of Yi Jianlian, remember when yao ming was being voted into the all-star game and everyone was complaining about how he only got into the game because of all the Chinese voters? Well, where are all those people now? If that theory was true back then, which it wasn’t, why isn’t it true now? According to that logic, wouldn’t Yi Jianlian be the starting forward for the east for the rest of his life?)

Jose Calderon - The emotional Jose Calderon is the face of consistency and efficient point guard play. He’s more John Stockton than he is Jason Kidd — no, not because of that, but because you’re not very likely to see behind the back pass from Calderon, yet he’ll end the game 12 assists. The Spanish PG leads the NBA in assist-to-turnovers at 5.62, way ahead of second-place Brevin Knight (4.41), fourth-place Chris Paul (4.06), Chauncey Billups (3.44), Brandon Roy (3.05), and Steve Nash (3.04).

On top of that, Calderon is one of those rare players that is shooting better than 50% from the field (52.9%), 40% from three (44.6%), and 90% from the line (91.6%) this season. If he can finish the season above those marks, while maintaining the minimum requirements, Calderon will join a very-select group of players to have ever accomplished that — Larry Bird, Mark Price, Reggie Miller and Steve Nash. Not bad at all.

Andrew Bogut - Bogut is having a quiet season only because he plays in Milwaukee. If he played in New York, we’d be talking about the young Aussie’s promise. Seriously, is there any other team in the NBA that no one cares about more than the Milwukee Bucks?
Bogut is putting up similar yet decent numbers up for the second straight season, on a team where perimeter guys like Michael Redd, Mo williams, Bobby Simmons and Charlie Bell get up a lot of shots. Currently putting up about 13-14 points, 8-9 rebounds, 2-3 assists on 52% from the field, Andy needs to assert himself offensively because he certainly has the potential to be a 20-10-4-2-blocks guy given more of an opportunity.

Leandro Barbosa - The quiet sixth man is this era’s Vinne Johnson in the sense that both come off the bench and can heat things up immediately. The Brazilian Microwave utilizes his speed and awkward three-point shot to the tune of roughly 17 points a game for the high-scoring Suns.

If Barbosa were in a different situation, one that saw him starting on a non-contender, it’s not out of the question that he could easily put up 25 a night. What? 25 a game, Stuart he is playing 30 minutes a game as it is! Yes, the Blur from Brazil is averaging 16.8 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.9 assists, and 1.1 steals in just over 30 minutes a game, but he is doing that sharing the basketball with Steve Nash, Amare Stoudemire, Grant Hill, and Shawn Marion (now, Shaquille O’Neal).

Kelenna Azubuike - Azubuike dominated the NBDL and it was plainly obvious that he belonged in the NBA. And you can tell with some guys that come up from the developmental league if they’re ready. I believe that not only is Kelenna ready, but he can easily be a 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assist guy given the minutes. And with his ability to not only get to rim, but finish at the rim and shoot the three, Kelenna has the potential to be a dangerous offensive threat. Unfortunately, at 6-5 Azubuike is a tweener (or in laymans terms shooting guard/small forward) and finds himself playing behind the faster Monta Ellis, the bigger Stephen Jackson and Matt Barnes, and fighting for time with another international Warrior that is similar in size and skillset, Frenchman Mickael Pietrus. It’s crowded in Golden State, so I wouldn’t be surprised to see Azubuike, much as what I think Beno Udrih will do, leverage his performance this year into a better (individual) situation where he’ll see more court time.

Sources: Hedo Turkoglu, Al Jefferson Named Players of the Week (NBA.com), Yi Taking Road to Stardom (JSOnline.com), NBA Assist-to-Turnover Leaders (ESPN), Only Players to accomplish 50-40-90: Steve Nash Wins MVP (Nba.com)