Breaking News: Chris Paul To Lakers As Part Of 3-Team Deal

By: Tyler Ward

It was announced Thursday night that the Los Angeles Lakers have acquired perhaps the best point guard in basketball, Chris Paul in a three-team deal that includes the Houston Rockets and Paul's former team, the New Orleans Hornets.

The Lakers would send forward Lamar Odom to New Orleans and forward Pau Gasol to Houston. In turn, Houston would send point guard Goran Dragic, guard Kevin Martin, forward Luis Scola and a protected future first-round pick (formerly New York's) to New Orleans.

In six seasons with the Hornets, Paul has averaged 18.7 points and 9.9 assists per contest.

Paul's contract with New Orleans expired after this season and with his return doubtful, the Hornets had been fielding offers for the last few weeks, in hopes of getting something in return in a trade instead of him walking away, while they got nothing.

Paul is currently one of the best point guards in the NBA and is expected to sign an extension with the Lakers once the trade is finalized.

Last season, Paul averaged 15.8 points and 9.8 assists per game.

Now, the combination of Paul and Kobe Bryant will ultimately become one of the most formidable duos in the entire league. And not to mention, it increasingly helps the Lakers' chances in landing Orlando Magic center Dwight Howard, who has also been shopped around as of late.

The Rockets, who receive former Grizzlie and Laker, Pau Gasol, recently lost former No. 1 overall pick Yao Ming to retirement, which left a humongous hole in the frontcourt.

So, in order for them to fill that gap, the Rockets dealt three players to the Hornets, in exchange for Gasol from the Lakers.

It turned out to be better for Gasol to end up in Houston because the Rockets actually wanted him and plan to keep Gasol, while New Orleans would have traded him again or let him walk once his contract was up.

From the Rockets' standpoint, it seems as though they are entering a re-building phase, as they give up two of their best players in Martin and Scola to acquire Gasol.

The Hornets had constantly stated that they wanted younger players if they were to deal Paul. The reason for that is that general manager Dell Demps wanted young talent that they could build around. It seems like a good deal for the Hornets, as they give up one great player for three solid players and a mid-first round selection that they acquired from Houston.

Now, all of a sudden, the Hornets have a pretty solid team that could help them climb the ladder in the Western Conference. With the trade of Paul, the Hornets' roster will now look like this: Odom, Scola, Martin, Dragic, Emeka Okafor, Trevor Ariza, Jarrett Jack and Quincy Pondexter.

If the Hornets are able to mesh, they could definitely make a run with the shortened schedule and could surprise some folks this upcoming season.

With the trade, the Hornets now have nine players under contract for the season and they will likely add some quality role players, just like the Heat did last season when they acquired LeBron James and Chris Bosh.

The trade seems to be a good fit for each team that was part of the deal.

Also, there are some losers in the trade. And those include the Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors, all of whom were trying to land Paul. It could also spell doom for the other Western Conference teams, as they will now have to deal with a Paul-Bryant combo.

Clearly, the Lakers just got a lot better and that is scary to think about.

Here's a quick breakdown of the trade:

- Houston Rockets receive: PF Pau Gasol
- Los Angeles Lakers receive: PG Chris Paul
- New Orleans Hornets receive: PG Goran Dragic, SG Kevin Martin, PF/C Luis Scola, F Lamar Odom, and a future protected first-round pick (From Houston via New York)

Houston Rockets Vs. Minnesota Timberwolves 4/13/11 (Highlights)

By: Stephen Patterson

Dallas Mavericks Vs. Houston Rockets 4/11/11 (Highlights)

By: Stephen Patterson

Patrick Patterson Stuffs Blake Griffin On Dunk Attempt

By: Stephen Patterson

How many times have you seen that ending to a Blake Griffin dunk this season?

Answer: Not many.

Los Angeles Clippers Vs. Houston Rockets 4/9/11 (Highlights)

By: Stephen Patterson

A Look Back: Robert Horry's Top 10 Playoff Moments

By: Tyler Ward

Robert Horry, arguably the best clutch shooter in NBA history, has had many defining moments throughout his historic career.

An owner of seven championship rings, Horry was best known as "Big Shot Rob".

The Alabama native was a member of championship teams for the Rockets (2x), Lakers (3x), and Spurs (2x).

Excluding the Bill Russell era Celtics, Horry holds the record for most NBA championships.

Horry was truly one of the best clutch players of all-time.



Another video, courtesy of TNT analyst Reggie Miller's edition of Great Playoff Moments:



And another video from an ESPN segment about Horry:

Houston Rockets Vs. New Orleans Hornets 4/6/11 (Highlights)

By: Stephen Patterson

Sacramento Kings Vs. Houston Rockets 4/5/11 (Highlights)

By: Stephen Patterson

A Look Back: Kermit Washington's Punch On Rudy Tomjanovich

By: Tyler Ward

Kermit Washington is primarily known for one thing. And it doesn't have anything to do with his playing abilities. He's most known for punching Rockets player Rudy Tomjanovich while he played for the Lakers.

Washington was drafted by the Lakers with the fifth overall pick in the 1973. He would have a decent career, as he was particularly a journeyman (played for the Lakers, Celtics, Clippers, Blazers, and Warriors).

Atlanta Hawks Vs. Houston Rockets 4/3/11 (Highlights)

By: Stephen Patterson

San Antonio Spurs Vs. Houston Rockets 04/01/11 (Highlights)

By: Stephen Patterson

Houston Rockets Vs. Philadelphia 76ers 3/30/11 (Highlights)

By: Stephen Patterson

Houston Rockets Vs. New Jersey Nets 3/29/11 (Highlights)

By: Stephen Patterson

A Look Back: Tracy McGrady Drops 13 Points In 35 Seconds On The Spurs

By: Stephen Patterson

This walk down memory lane is a fond one personally, as I remember watching this game live as it happened and was a huge T-Mac fan at the time.

In one of the most clutch performances I have ever witnessed, Tracy McGrady rained in 13 points for the Houston Rockets over the final 35 seconds of the game to give the Rockets a 81-80 victory.

The game was easily one of the best moments in a T-Mac's storied career.

NBA Trade News: A Trade That Would Ensure The Memphis Grizzlies A Playoff Berth

By: Stephen Patterson

While using ESPN's Trade Machine earlier tonight, I came across this trade for the Memphis Grizzlies that would almost guarantee them a trip to the postseason. Here are the basics:

Memphis Grizzlies would receive Shane Battier and Courtney Lee.

Houston Rockets would receive O.J. Mayo, Hasheem Thabeet, and DeMarre Carroll.

For a more in-depth look at the details of this deal, go to this link to view the trade using ESPN's Trade Machine:    http://www.games.espn.go.com/nba/tradeMachine?tradeId=5r68hru

This trade would work out for four reasons:

1. The Grizzlies would acquire a small forward in Shane Battier who could instantly step into the line-up and help fill in during Rudy Gay's absence. Battier is arguably one of the most popular players in the franchises' history while they have been in Memphis, and the fans here would welcome his return.

2. Courtney Lee is a solid guard who is capable of scoring points in bunches, and doing so from almost anywhere on the floor. Houston is reportedly willing to move Lee and they would acquire a solid replacement with the addition of Mayo in this deal.

3. Houston would receive a center in the move, which they have been trying to accomplish since Yao Ming's injury. While Thabeet clearly is still learning and growing as a player in the NBA, he wouldn't be needed as a starter or for major minutes with the Rockets. Instead, he would just be a healthy big man to eat minutes and occasionally step in when needed.

4. Mayo clearly needs a change of scenery, but the Grizzlies supposedly haven't been pushing to move him. However, I don't think they would have a choice if they were presented with a chance to unload Thabeet, acquire another young and talented shooting guard to replace Mayo, and land a solid veteran small forward who is already loved in Memphis all in one deal.

If the Grizzlies somehow managed to swing this deal, Battier's veteran leadership and physical style of game would be a valuable addition to their line-up and would definitely help them in their march towards the playoffs.

Even though Battier isn't nearly the offensive force that Gay has been for Memphis, he is one of the top defenders in the NBA. He would also provide the Grizzlies with a much needed threat from downtown, as they currently rank last in the NBA in three point makes per game.

Lee's addition would give the Grizzlies an even deeper backcourt than they already have, and would also give Lionel Hollins the option of playing Sam Young more at small forward at times while Gay is out nursing his injury.

While Lee is only in his third season in the NBA and is still a very young player, he has been through plenty of veteran experiences ranging from reaching the NBA Finals as a rookie with the Orlando Magic to being on the historically bad New Jersey Nets team from last season.

Both Battier and Lee are solid defensive players and would help improve the Grizzlies on the defensive side of the ball, which is a very big need for Memphis. While they are already ranked 14th in the league in points allowed per game at 97.9, the addition of these two would likely help boost Memphis up a couple spots in that category.

Hollins would have the option of playing Tony Allen, Lee and Battier at the same time when the team needs a stop, and there aren't too many backcourts around the NBA that can score on that line-up easily.

While there is no way to know for sure if this trade would land Memphis in the playoffs this season, I think it would provide them with the best chances of doing so moving forward.

Considering the trade would make sense for both teams involved, perhaps there is a chance the two teams can come to agreement on a trade involving these players during the next week.

Carmelo Anthony Still Likely To Be Moved

By: Stephen Patterson

While Carmelo Anthony is making it seem like he actually wants to remain with the Nuggets and is content with his situation, sources have said that the proposed four team mega-deal that would've sent Melo to the New Jersey Nets is more accurately described as "dormant" than "dead". And while he may not necessarily be moved in that deal, I feel it's highly unlikely he will be in a Nuggets uniform past the February trade deadline without a signed extension.

After watching the Cleveland Cavaliers and Toronto Raptors lose their respective franchise players during the offseason for basically nothing, I don't think the Nuggets have any interest in suffering the same fate next summer if Melo decides to leave via free agency. While it's highly unlikely Denver will receive equal value in any move made for Anthony, there are plenty of interesting options the Nuggets should definitely investigate.

Most of you have already seen the potential deal involving the Nets, Bobcats, Jazz, and Nuggets (if not, click here for Tyler's post on it), so I won't cover it in this list. These deals were made with the help of ESPN's NBA Trade Machine and have either been discussed, rumored, or would work for both teams involved and could potentially happen, although most probably won't occur due to Anthony's preferred destinations. Keep in mind almost all of these potential deals would also likely include at least one, and in some cases, several draft picks going to the Nuggets.

Potential Deal 1: Denver receives Eddy Curry, Danilo Gallinari, and Wilson Chandler while New York receives Carmelo Anthony.  

Eddy Curry has arguably been one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA over the past decade (including Darko Milicic's entire career, Yao Ming's bone density, Kwame Brown being drafted first overall), and would only be accepted by the Nuggets because of his expiring $11.3 million contract. It's likely Curry might not even play for Denver, as he has already managed to injure himself in training camp, and will miss 4-6 weeks as a result. That's not even mentioning the fact he has played in fewer games than Greg Oden since Oden was drafted. With the Nuggets' abundance of solid front court players, they may choose not to punish their fans by making them watch Curry play. Chandler and Gallinari are both pretty decent players and would likely receive a fair amount of playing time with the Nuggets, but wouldn't come close to replacing Anthony's production.

The Knicks are high on the list of preferred destinations that Anthony would like to land with, and New York would likely move everything short of Amare and MSG to make the deal happen. Once LeBron James and other top free agents passed on the chance to join the Knicks, the team set their eyes on acquiring Carmelo Anthony and Tony Parker to form their own Big Three to compete in an increasingly competitive Eastern Conference. Any move they make with Denver would certainly include their first round draft pick this year. That pick could potentially belong to the Rockets, as they have the option to switch first round picks with the Knicks this season as part of the Tracy McGrady deal back in February.

Potential Deal 2: Denver receives Vince Carter, Jameer Nelson, and Brandon Bass while Orlando receives Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups.

This trade would likely be the best case scenario for the Nuggets if Carmelo does indeed get traded. There have been reports that the Magic are willing to part with anyone other than Dwight Howard to make a deal happen, but they have insisted that Billups be included in any scenario. Nelson would be a solid replacement for Billups at point for the Nuggets if they wanted to go that route, and while he doesn't have the experience of Billups, he also doesn't have the mileage on his body. 

Vince Carter has always been an electrifying, and sometimes unsatisfying player throughout his career and would instantly become ticket and jersey seller for the Nuggets, although he certainly wouldn't fully replace Anthony's presence in Denver. His contract has a team option at the end of the season, and they could likely get him to stick around at a steep discount from the $17.5 million is scheduled to make this year. Bass has shown signs of being a good player, but has never really received the playing time to truly show off his skill set. He would probably earn more minutes with the Nuggets than in Orlando.

The Magic have had an in-state war of words with the Miami Heat ever since they formed their mega team over the summer with the acquisitions of LeBron James and Chris Bosh, and would love the chance to make a move that rivals theirs. Pairing Anthony and Howard would instantly give the Magic one of the top duos in the league, and with Billups' extensive playoff experience, would instantly put them on par with the Heat. J.J. Redick is ready to step up into the starting role and with all of those offensive threats surrounding him, he would become an even more deadly shooter from downtown. 

Potential Deal 3: Denver receives Andre Iguodala and Thaddeus Young while Philadelphia receives Carmelo Anthony. 

This trade would land Denver with a pair of versatile wing players that would likely replace most of Carmelo's on-court production, but probably wouldn't do much with the fan base. While it is one of the better offers the Nuggets could receive for Anthony, neither player will sellout arenas on a nightly basis. With J.R. Smith reportedly falling out of favor more and more with every passing day, both would likely start for the Nuggets and keep them in playoff contention.

Philadelphia has been in need of a superstar to replace the presence of Allen Iverson since they traded him to Denver when both parties mutually agreed it was time to part. Maybe the two teams can consummate another blockbuster deal, although this would be much more beneficial to both franchises than the previously mentioned trade. Anthony would instantly be a fan favorite with the Sixers fan-base, and with young players like Evan Turner and Jrue Holiday on the team, they would have a fair chance at convincing him to sign an extension.

Other potential, but less likely moves: 

Denver receives Joakim Noah, Luol Deng, and Taj Gibson while Chicago receives Carmelo Anthony.

Unlikely to happen because of the Bulls' unwillingness to part with Noah, which is understandable because they would have a gaping hole at center if they made this move. According to the Trade Machine, it would decrease both teams win totals, with the Bulls dropping by nine and the Nuggets by two (although that number would likely be slightly higher).

Denver receives Kevin Martin and Shane Battier while Houston receives Carmelo Anthony.

This trade would land the Nuggets with two solid players, but I can't imagine them moving Anthony to another Western Conference team unless they are absolutely blown away by the offer. If the Knicks completely bomb, and the Rockets include the first round draft pick they could potentially swap with New York, there is a better chance of a deal occurring.

Denver receives Monta Ellis and Vladimir Radmanovic while Golden State receives Carmelo Anthony.

The Warriors probably couldn't convince Anthony to re-sign with the them unless they make an improbable championship run, which is unlikely to happen under any circumstances. While the move has the Warriors' win total increasing by eight according to Trade Machine, that likely wouldn't put them at better than seventh or eighth in the West. Not exactly an upgrade for Carmelo.

Four-Team Trade: Ariza To N.O., Collison To Indiana

By: Tyler Ward

In a rather surprising move on Wednesday, the biggest trade of the offseason occurred. Sources haven't confirmed if the trade has gone down, however.

In the proposed trade, the Pacers would receive point guard Darren Collison and small forward James Posey from the Hornets. The New Jersey Nets would acquire power forward Troy Murphy from the Pacers. Recent playoff hero Trevor Ariza would go from Houston to New Orleans. The Rockets would acquire shooting guard Courtney Lee from the Nets.

Collison

The Pacers would end up being the biggest winner in this deal - they finally get a point guard they desire in Collison and a defensive stud in Posey. General Manager Larry Bird had repeatedly stated that the Pacers needed a point guard, with A.J. Price being the starter at that point in time. Collison, entering his second season, will be handed the starting reins after a steller rookie campaign. While filling in for Chris Paul, Collison played admirably, averaging 12.4 points and 5.7 assists per game for the Hornets. In March, against the Golden State Warriors, Collison had the best game of his career thus far, dropping 16 points and 20 assists. The Pacers had expressed interest in acquiring such point guards like Ramon Sessions, Mike Conley, Jonny Flynn, and Eric Maynor, but everything fell through, which opened the door for the blockbuster trade.

Indiana also receives James Posey in the deal, who will likely back-up Danny Granger. He immediately adds depth to the Pacers, which consists of young talent like Granger, Roy Hibbert, and Paul George. It is not known if the Pacers will keep Posey or not, but if they do, it will definitely be a quality addition. With the acquisition of Posey, it means that Mike Dunleavy Jr's days in Indiana are closing - he had also been subject to trade rumors recently and will more than likely be dealt before the season.

Ariza

The Hornets receive journeyman Trevor Ariza in their part of the deal, his fifth team since his rookie season in 2004. He gained success after an improbable playoff performance for the Lakers in 2008. Prior to last season, Ariza signed a three-year/$18 million deal with the Rockets, but his stint in Texas didn't last long. He played in 72 games and averaged double-digit points (14.9) for the first time in his career. Primarily known as a defensive-minded player, Ariza looks to add valuable defense to the Hornets, who were tied for 21st in the league in opponent's points per game (102.7) last season. Like Collison, Ariza will probably be put into the starting role.

With the trade of Collison, this means that the Hornets will more than likely keep Chris Paul, who has also been subject to trade talks in the last few weeks. Paul, along with Marcus Thornton and Ariza, will form a solid backcourt.

New Jersey receives power forward Troy Murphy in the trade - Murphy, who has spent the last 3 1/2 seasons with Indiana, will be going to his third team since coming into the NBA in 2001. Although he can be considered a "poor shooter" for a big man, he has had five seasons where he has averaged a double-double for the entire year. His best season came in 2008-09 when he shot 47.5% from the field averaged 14.3 point and 11.8 rebounds per game.

Murphy is also in his last year of the 6-year/$58 million contract he signed prior to the 2005-06 season. Since he has an expiring contract, he could be a valuable trade chip at the trade deadline next season. Murphy will provide veteran leadership for the Nets, especially to Derrick Favors, the future of the newly-regimed franchise.

Lee

Houston probably got the worse end of the deal, as they only acquired young guard Courtney Lee. Although an up-and-coming shooting guard, Lee may not be starting material. They get rid of Ariza, who is scheduled to make $6.3 million this season. Lee is comparitively making $1.3 million in what can be considered a salary dump by the Rockets. Houston has already spent big money on Brad Miller, Luis Scola, and Kyle Lowry this offseason, so they had to get rid of a decent-sized contract. The ex-Net will probably become Kevin Martin's backup, with Shane Battier filling in for the recently-departed Ariza.

Overall, the Pacers got the best end of the deal. Houston seemed to get the worse part of the deal, with New Orleans also losing in the transaction.

In another deal on Wednesday, the Hornets traded small forward Julian Wright to the Toronto Raptors for guard/forward Marco Bellinelli. Wright, drafted with the the 13th pick by the Hornets in 2007, could be a possible backup to Sonny Weems or Leandro Barbosa - the Raptors are now in a rebuilding stage after they lost Chris Bosh this offseason. Bellinelli would probably receive rather small playing time with the Hornets and will not factor in to any of the Hornets' long-term solutions.

Yao Ming To Retire?

By: Stephen Patterson

While talking to the Chinese media, Yao Ming recently said he may call it a career after this season if he can't completely recover from his lingering foot injuries. He had previously said he would no longer play for the Chinese national team, which sparked controversy in his native country, but this is the first time he has publicly said he might call it a career in the NBA as well.

During his conversation with the reporters, Ming said "If the foot injury does not heal next season, I might choose to call it quits". There were reports after the injury occurred during the 2008-09 postseason against the Los Angeles Lakers in the second round that it could be career threatening, and he was forced to miss all of last season due to the broken foot.

Yao has a history of injuries to his feet and knees, and has missed more game than he has played over the past few seasons. While he was an All-Star when healthy, Yao never lived up to the expectations placed upon him when he arrived in the NBA. Even though it pains me to say it, his career stats are slightly higher than I thought they would be at this point (I thought he would be a total bust), but he has still been riddled with injuries and never taken Houston past the second round of the playoffs.

Ming is scheduled to earn $17.7 million from the Houston Rockets this season in the final year of his contract, and it is highly unlikely they will pay him nearly that much if he comes back to the franchise. He hasn't been able to stay healthy and he hasn't even gotten the team to the Western Conference Finals during his eight seasons in the league. He will turn 30 in September, and is already on the down side of his career for a center even if he didn't have the history of injuries.

He also angered his native country during the interview when he stated the chances of him appearing in the 2012 Olympics for China were "very small". While he previously played almost every game he was available to suit up for with the national team, he has finally realized that his body can't even handle the NBA season, much less any additional competition. In my opinion, even if Yao doesn't retire and he plays a few more seasons, he will never be a star for a team and probably won't even average a double double again. I also think he will be finding a new home after next season if he does continue playing in the NBA, as Houston needs to move on and finish their overhaul in an attempt to change the franchises' fortunes.

Houston's At It Again; Adds Brad Miller

By: Tyler Ward

The Houston Rockets announced today that they have signed all-around player Brad Miller to a 3-year/$15 million contract - this caps off a busy week, as Houston had already re-signed Luis Scola to a 5-year/$47 million extension. They also matched Cleveland's 3-year/$23 million offer sheet to point guard Kyle Lowry a few days ago.

Miller played for Chicago last season and will serve as a back-up to Yao Ming, who missed all of last season with a broken foot. Miller averaged 8.8 points and 4.9 rebounds per game last yea

The former All-Star preferred to play for Houston because of his relationship with coach Rick Adelman, who he played for in Sacramento. He played under Adelman from 2003-06. He also joins Kevin Martin, who he played with in Sacramento.

In a statement earlier today, Miller said, "It's my favorite coach I've ever played for. I know (Kevin) Martin real well from our Sacramento days. Luis Scola had a heck of a year. And I finally get to play with Yao Ming instead of guarding his big butt. The team is pretty solid."

Since teams could officially sign players on July 1, Miller had been courted by teams such as Boston, Atlanta, and Cleveland, with Chicago also expressing interest in re-signing the journeyman. He decided to go to Houston, where he said it was "too good to pass up".

Miller made two All-Star teams while playing with the Kings and had also played for Indiana (2x), Sacramento, Charlotte, and Chicago (2x). He has averaged 11.7 points and 7.5 rebounds per game over his 12-year career.

He joins a potent frontcourt in Houston, playing alongside Yao Ming and Luis Scola. The Rockets are hoping Miller will finish his career as a Rocket - the first two years of his contract are guaranteed, but the last year is just partially guaranteed.

Summer League: Players Who Have Shown The Most

By: Tyler Ward

The NBA Summer League officially started on July 5th, and already, there have been some great performances. Personally, I love the Summer League because there seems to be one player in every game and my immediate thought is, "Wow, I forgot about that guy!" 

I also like it because players try so hard to make the team when they didn't get selected in the draft. It shows true competition and even though it's not the "real NBA", it provides some very intense games - buzzer beaters, half-court shots, you name it, they got it.

The Summer League lasts until the 18th and then, in a few months, final roster cuts will be made. The 2010-11 schedule hasn't been released yet, but I can only assume that it'll start in late October. 

So, without further ado, here's my Top 5 players that have shown the most this summer:

Players That Didn't Crack The List: Gani Lawal, Phoenix; DeMar DeRozan, Toronto; Sam Young, Memphis; Ty Lawson, Denver; Alonzo Gee, San Antonio; John Wall, Washington; Damion James, New Jersey; Austin Daye, Detroit; Roddy Beaubois, Dallas; Mustafa Shakur, Oklahoma City

5) Jermaine Taylor, Houston

Although he played sparingly in Houston over the regular season, he has been one of the best point guards in the Summer League. After backing up Aaron Brooks and Kevin Martin, Taylor played almost 10 minutes per game, averaging 4.1 points, 1.5 rebounds, and .5 assists per game. In five summer league games, he has played decent competition against teams like Portland and Denver. 

Taylor is expected to have a roster spot next season, so he doesn't really have to worry about not making the team. He has averaged 17.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 2.2 assists.

4) Derrick Caracter, Los Angeles

Despite only playing three games so far, Caracter has proven that he was worth the 57th overall pick. Many considered him to be a first round pick, but somehow, he fell until the tail end of the draft, landing into the hands of the defending national champions. 

He has formed a solid duo with fellow draftee, Devin Eubanks. Although they have been helping lead the team, the Lakers are 0-5 so far in the Summer League. Caracter has averaged 15.4 points and 8.6 rebounds per game. 

3) Reggie Williams, Golden State

Last year's Summer League star, Reggie Williams, has again showed promise. He has proven that he could be a great shooter and an athletic forward. Golden State had a surplus of shooting guards and small forwards, but they were able to ship out Corey Maggette, Anthony Morrow, and Kelenna Azubuike. This gives Williams ample time to become the back-up in Golden State.

Like Taylor, Williams is practically guaranteed to make the roster this season, but he has still shown great ability. As stated in my previous article on the Warriors sale, they were ranked 11th in attendance, despite a 26-56 record. They are definitely on the uprise, acquiring David Lee this summer. Williams is looking to become one of the best back-ups in the league, as he can shoot lights out from the field.

Williams is averaging 22.6 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 2.8 assists through five games this summer.

2) DeMarcus Cousins, Sacramento

Yes, I talked bad about Cousins in our Draft Grades, but I have to put him on here. He has dominated the Summer League so far, proving that he can battle with the big boys. I will give him credit for his domination, but it is still the Summer League and is completely different from the NBA. 

Not only has he done exceedingly well, he hit the game-winning shot with 2.9 seconds left in the game last night against Sacramento. He ended the night with 22 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists, one of the best all-around games so far.

He was selected 5th overall by the Kings in this year's draft - one of five players selected out of Kentucky in the first round. Cousins is expected to learn from and possibly compete with newly-acquired Samuel Dalembert. Sacramento is 3-0 in Summer League play and Cousins has averaged 18.3 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3 assists per game.

1) Terrence Williams, New Jersey

After going through a tumultuous 12-70 season, one of their bright spots for this year seems to be Terrence Williams. He split time with Chris Douglas-Roberts and with CDR's departure, he will get more playing time.

Williams has made the Summer League look easy, but hasn't played since the Orlando Summer League on July 8th. New Jersey is 2-2 right now, with Williams being their primary contributor. His teammate, Damion James, has also done really well this summer. Another rookie, Derrick Favors, has shown that he is doing well, but still needs time to be their go-to guy.

Williams has scored at least twenty points in all four games, along with decent numbers in the rebound and assist department, thus grabbing the #1 spot in my list. He is averaging 23 points, 6.2 assists, and 3.7 rebounds per game.