Christmas is a day for family, giving, and sharing. And, in this day and age, it's also a 24-hour period filled with tearing the wrapping off of presents from that certain version of Santa Claus that left them under the tree.
The National Basketball Association has a similar feel to it on this holiday. The teams and organizations become their own family in a lot of cases. Everyone in that company, from the players and cheerleaders to the owner, more than likely gives a visit and generously shares their time with people who look up to them. A big difference for these team is that, unlike the nice little girls and boys, they get to unwrap their presents early.
They come in the form of seven-footers, ball-handlers, sharp-shooters, and wide bodies. These organizations import their new toys from place of higher education and those a little lower, from shining sea to shining sea and over the ocean. With varying heights, positions, and talent levels to choose from, it's hard to say whether these gifts will be the next big thing or sent back to Santa's factory.
By Christmas Day, NBA teams have an inkling of what they'll get out of their packages (the amount of time is about equivalent to a four-hour stretch on the holiday for the little ones). But which presents have resembled those holiday hits that could become all-star crazes in the future.
Andrew Bogut (1st overall / 27.3 mpg, 8.8 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 1.0 bpg)
He's definitely a working piece that fits in Milwaukee's plan to return to respectability. No doubt, T.J. Ford's return is a huge reason for the Bucks' record, but the Aussie is making some waves. The former Ute gives the squad a major inside presence to compliment the outside tandem of Ford and Michael Redd. With three keys positions filled, the Bucks have stayed above .500 for the season.
Marvin Williams (2nd overall / 22.8 mpg, 6.1 ppg, 4.5 rpg)
He was a project at North Carolina, and the way it looks right now, he's still a project in the NBA. The fact that this project plays for Atlanta can't help the situation. There is the fact that the team isn't that good. Then we have the interesting sidebar of Williams playing beside two other projects at his position (non-collegians Al Harrington and Josh Smith). Question is, can Marvin grow up faster than Al and Josh have in the Association?
Deron Williams (3rd overall / 30.5 mpg, 11.8 ppg, 4.9 apg, 2.9 rpg)
He's been dubbed the new point guard of the Utah Jazz. So far, coach Jerry Sloan is making the prognosticators look marvelous. Williams plays 30-plus minutes a game, the second-most among the rookie class. His assist/turnover ratio is over 2:1, and he averages 3 fouls per game. These are examples of his brilliance and efficiency on the court — something every team looks for in a point man. It's not always about numbers.
Chris Paul (4th overall / 37.1 mpg, 16.9 ppg, 7.0 apg, 6.1 rpg, 2.31 spg)
Many are touting him as the frontrunner for Rookie of the Year. There are reasons why, considering his usage by and production for the Hornets. The most telling stat has to be the win-loss column. At this time last year, New Orleans was struggling to get a handful of wins. With a hurricane disrupting their home schedule, and the vacancy of all-star Baron Davis, Paul has had a lot thrown on his shoulders in his rookie season. He seems to be handling it well.
Raymond Felton (5th overall / 20.3 mpg, 7.0 ppg, 4.1 apg, 2.4 rpg)
This guy was the floor general of the 2005 NCAA champions, but his numbers are a bit underwhelming at this point. There is a reprieve here, though. I mean, we are talking about a second-year franchise. Sure, he's starting behind veteran Brevin Knight, so it might a minute to emerge out of the role of understudy. His success depends on when head coach Bernie Bickerstaff feels he's earned some starting time.
Charlie Villanueva (7th overall / 26.3 mpg, 12.2 ppg, 5.6 rpg)
Let's face it, the Raptors are one of the worst things going, which has good and bad consequences for a lottery pick. The good: you get to prove yourself on the court. The bad: it still doesn't mean much in the W column. Charlie V. has put up some nice numbers in his 26 appearances, but it's pretty clear that this squad needs more than a solid frontcourt presence.
Channing Frye (8th overall / 27.1 mpg, 14.4 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 1.08 bpg)
The Larry Brown experiment continues in New York, giving Frye the chance for a whole bunch of minutes. He's making the most of it. The Arizona grad leads the Knicks in rebounding and is second in scoring. Frye's only started nine of his first 24 games, but with this production, expect that number to increase — soon.
These lottery picks showed poorer early returns (averaging under 20 mpg). Although they didn't test well, their respective teams aren't quite ready to put them on the scrap heap.
Andrew Bynum (10th overall / Lakers)
Ike Diogu (9th overall / Warriors)
Yaroslav Korolev (12th overall / Clippers)
Sean May (13th overall / Bobcats)
Rashad McCants (14th overall / Timberwolves)
Martell Webster (6th overall / Trailblazers)
Out of the above, May looks the best. He's averaging about 17 minutes a contest, but is getting good returns out of his moments (8.2 ppg, 4.7 rpg). He's still one of the early picks to watch out for.
Then there's Fran Vazquez (the 11th overall pick), who's like the video game console whose release date gets pushed back. We just don't know what we're getting yet. Since the Orlando Magic selection decided to stay in Spain, it will take some time to see if he can become the new (and improved) version of Pau Gasol.
As for everyone else, big kids and small, I hope your gifts provide you with a lifetime of enjoyment (or at least a couple months). Happy holidays!
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