Bulls pt. 1

Current State of Chicago 

It has been a busy offseason for the front office of Chicago led by Gar Forman and John Paxson. They continue to put faith into Tom Thibodeau as they let a key member off the bench, D.J. Augustin, leave via free agency for a fourth consecutive season. The Bulls were proactive as they met with players like Carmelo Anthony, Lance Stephenson, and even reached out to Minnesota regarding Kevin Love. Unfortunately, they were not able to get the services of these marquee players. However, they have a roster that has many labeling them as the favorites in the East.

The Bulls were really active this offseason as they barely missed out on the chance to acquire Anthony. For fear of missing out on Anthony, Chicago was able to sign the 34-year old Spaniard Pau Gasol. Subsequently, they amnestied Carlos Boozer after a mercurial four-year tenure in the Windy City. Gasol brings the same offensive skills as Boozer, but is a little better on the defensive end. He and Joakim Noah should form one of the most skilled set of big men in the NBA.

Chicago was able to add an influx of young talent that included Doug McDermott, Cameron Bairstow, and Nikola Mirotic. McDermott is a 6’8 forward who is much more than justna spot up shooter. He averaged well over 20 points his senior season, scored over 3000 points in his career, and was named the John Wooden Player of the Year. At the 2014 Summer League, McDermott averaged 18 points, four rebounds, and shot 44 percent from beyond the arc. He showed his ability to get the free throw line, post up, and finish through contact as well. Next, Bairstow was very scrappy in Summer League play as he found ways to annoy players, rebound, and score easy points. In a crowded frontcourt, minutes may be hard to accumulate, but his energy will make him a favorite of Thibodeau. Finally, Mirotic was finally lured out of the Spanish league to play for Chicago as a big man that could spread the floor. He was named the Spanish League MVP in 2013 and has the shooting touch to be in the 40/50/90 club. Being around veterans Noah, Gasol, and Gibson, Mirotic should be able to develop an all around game.

Chicago patched up their backcourt as they re-signed Kirk Hinrich and brought in Aaron Brooks to replace Augustin. Hinrich brings a steady temperament off the bench while Brooks provides another scorer. With the return of Derrick Rose, Chicago should be a top three team in the Eastern Conference. They have a deep roster with players that know their roles led by a stringent head coach in Thibodeau. The time to win a title in Chicago is now with aging stars and an Eastern Conference that seems to be getting better.

Draft Day

NBA Draft Recap

The NBA ushered in a new era of basketball as over 60 players have became a part of this private league. The talent was certainly there as teams could find practically anything they needed to take that next step as a franchise. We saw a record seven players drafted by one team in the Philadelphia 76ers. On the other hand, there were three teams without a selection, most notably, the Golden State Warriors. Today, I will recap the draft and give my analysis on a few rookies. 

Biggest surprise

Nik Stauskas going to Sacramento at number eight was the biggest surprise because they needed a big man. Noah Vonleh would have made more sense because of his ability to rebound and be a stretch big man next to Demarcus Cousins. Make no mistake, Stauskas is a good player and worthy of a lottery selection, but where are his minutes going to come from? The Kings already have players that are "shot happy" in Rudy Gay, Isaiah Thomas, and Ben McLemore. The Kings organization might be working on a possible trade to free up some minutes for Stauskas so we will just have to wait and see. The fact that they drafted him should indicate how they really feel about McLemore. After all, the 2013 draft was subpar. Anyway, Stauskas gives the Kings another shooter with slashing ability, instant offense, and a lot of swagger. His energy can serve as a way for them to gain momentum in games.

Biggest Jump

Elfrid Payton really gained some traction after he finished his junior season at Louisiana-Lafayette. He is a raw athlete at point guard with good height at 6'3. He struggles with a broken jump shot, but Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook are proof that you can develop a premier athlete's jumper. Now Payton is a good athlete, but he is not on Rose or Westbrook's level. Then again, who is? He was originally drafted at number 10 by Philadelphia, but we now know that he will be playing in Orlando. The reason why he had such a quantum leap was because of his overall upside. I thought he would go late in the lottery or at least somewhere in the first round, but he ultimately made his way to selection 10. Patience will be key with him on offense; however, on defense he is a bulldog and will fit in well next to Victor Oladipo.

Biggest Fall

One of my favorite players in this draft besides the aforementioned Payton is Cleanthony Early. He really flew under the radar in such a weak Missouri Valley Conference, but he was Wichita State's most consistent player. Against Kentucky, Early put on a special performance in a game that might go down as an ESPN Instant Classic. I thought the work he did all season along with his tournament run would have did enough to push him into the first round, but now I stand corrected. I think he fell into a good spot with the New York Knicks only IF Carmelo Anthony does not return to the blue and orange. Early will have to prove that he can play with the same skills he showed against Kentucky on a nightly basis. I think he will because of his array of moves as a slasher and decent shooting ability. His 6'8 frame will help him on the defensive end and he is an underrated athlete.

Most Ready Players

Jabari Parker played at a mature level for a freshman at Duke. He showed an array of moves as he can post defensive players, slashes to the basket, and showed an adequate jump shot. He is ready to step in and be the franchise player the Milwaukee Bucks so desperately need. The problem with Parker may lie with his lateral quickness to defend small forwards as well as his tendency to get complacent with his jumper. Do not be surprised when you see his ball handling ability on display. Doug McDermott is in the best position as a rookie lottery selection as he will not be asked to be the first, second, or third option on the Bulls. He will be asked to come off screens and do what he does best, which is shoot the ball. He can handle the ball and his length will help him on defense. If Mike Dunleavy and Kyle Korver can survive without athleticism, so too can McDermott. Noah Vonleh is also in a good position to succeed right away as a rookie. He can shoot the ball well as a stretch power forward, but can also do the dirty work inside. Playing alongside Al Jefferson will help him become a formidable professional and step in immediately as a starter for the Charlotte Hornets.

Steals

Kyle Anderson will be one of those typical young Spurs players that will disappear for a year or two then burst onto the scene and make you wonder who he is. Gregg Popovich is not too fond of playing rookies right away with the exception of the soft-spoken Kawhi Leonard. Anderson will eventually see the floor when Pop deems it okay. He can eventually be the predecessor to Boris Diaw and help steer the Spurs toward a new era. Anderson has a good feel for the game and does not allow defenders to play at a pace that could make it uncomfortable for him. TJ Warren may end up playing right away for the Suns or elsewhere depending on what Phoenix does this summer. He plays like an old school player as he is not very athletic and chooses to shoot 17 footers instead of three pointers. If he develops a three point shot, Warren can become a dynamic scorer in an already potent Suns offense. Remember, he was the ACC Player of the Year not the number two pick in Parker.

Most interesting Undrafted Rookies

Not everyone can be drafted, but that does not mean undrafted rookies cannot have an impact on a team's success. Travis Bader is an intriguing undrafted rookie because he broke JJ Reddick's record for three point field goals made in a career. Yes, he played against inferior talent at Oakland, but shooting is something that cannot be underestimated. If he learns to play some defense, he may work his way into the league as a designated shooter off the bench. DeAndre Kane had the talent and the productivity to be drafted in the second round, but his biggest downfalls were not having a consistent jumper and being an older player. Kane can be a big addition to a team that signs him because of his maturity and composure at point guard. Also, he has an uncanny ability to rebound well at his position and did I mention he is 6'4? Artem Kilmenko is a 7'1 center from Russia who lacks the athleticism to play in the NBA and is unproven against solid competition. He has great hands, good pick and roll footwork, and can run like a deer, but his lack of verticality is what holds him back. He is certainly worth a roster spot as a project as the payoff can be tremendous.

Biggest takeaway

The biggest takeaway I got from this draft was the overall depth. There were players like Cleanthony Early, Joe Harris, and KJ McDaniels with first round talent, but that is a result of many underclassmen forgoing their final years in college. A lot of these players were taken later or went undrafted, but I think they will have a chance to make a roster and have an impact. In due time, this will go down as one of the historic draft classes with potential stars at the front and back end of this class. The future certainly looks bright for the players, franchises, and the NBA.

Dynamite

Dynamic Game Changers

Lance Stephenson

Despite his lack of maturity and questionable antics, Stephenson's impact in a game is always felt. He has decent skills on offense as he averaged 14.8 points and 4.6 assists. The catch with him is making sure he is interested and on his best behavior. Early in the season, we saw an All-Star caliber player determined to prove his worth as he looks to garner a big contract. After the All-Star break, Stephenson pouted because he was not named an All-Star. His selfishness was felt as Indiana stumbled to a screeching halt by the Miami Heat. Questions have surfaced as to if "Born Ready" (Stephenson's nickname) is worthy of a big payday. Nevertheless, Stephenson was Indiana's second best player and even their best option at times. His offense comes and goes, but his energy and highlight reel plays can solely swing the momentum in his team's favor.

Nicolas Batum

Batum is often the forgotten man on the TrailBlazers because he does not put up gaudy numbers. He probably has the biggest scoring role to fill on this list because of Portland's less than stellar depth. He still does not have to score a lot as he plays alongside franchise cornerstones LaMarcus Aldridge and Damian Lillard. Batum does everything Portland needs him to do like rebounding, defending the other team's best player, run the offense, and score. His size, length, and speed really make him a matchup nightmare when he chooses to be aggressive. In an era where the small forward position is suddenly deep, Batum often gets overlooked.

Boris Diaw

Diaw is like a Swiss Army knife because of all of the qualities he possesses. This is a guy that looked like he was on his way out of the league two or three years ago. In the NBA Finals, Diaw looked like a rejuvenated player we used to see back in 2006 with the Phoenix Suns. When you look at him, he is not an imposing player. He is 6'9, but he is overweight, slow, old, undersized at his position, and lacks athleticism. This is a reminder that looks can be deceiving. Diaw has put on a passing display, imposed his will on defenders with his weight, and used his "speed" to score a few buckets here and there. Credit Tony Parker for being critical of his native Frenchman with telling him to be more aggressive.

Rajon Rondo

Rondo is the only franchise player on this list and it is completely absurd how much of an impact he has on a game without scoring much. It's absurd because the modern day point guard is expected to score 16 to 20 points on a daily basis. Not so fast, Rondo is not your modern point guard. He is a throwback player similar to Jason Kidd before he developed a consistent jumper. Rondo always looks to set his team up as a flamboyant distributor. Also, he rebounds, harasses offensive players, and is a one man show sprinting toward the breakaway rim in transition. We know that Rondo is always on triple double alert the problem with him is just getting the 10 points necessary. I believe his ACL tear was a blessing in disguise because he made more three pointers last season than in any other year. He went 26-90 in just 30 games. It's something to keep your eye on.

Joakim Noah

These last two years have indicated to me that Noah is indeed in his prime as a big man. He is now a Defensive Player of the Year award winner, 2 time All star, and a First Team All-NBA big man. It is an impressive resume, but when you watch the Bulls play you would probably wonder why. Noah's value comes through his passion, hustle, and energy. He receives nothing but high praise from coaches around the league. Noah is a rare stat sheet stuffer as an NBA big. He will grab his nightly double double and with a Derrick Rose-less Bulls team he is essentially their floor general as he averaged 5.4 assists per game. It will be interesting to see the offseason moves made by the John Paxson and Gar Forman. They are concerned with Derrick Rose, but they need to make sure they keep Joakim Noah in mind with their decisions.

Tony Allen

Numbers do lie whenever it concerns Trick-or-Treat Tony's impact in basketball games. Allen is an erratic shooter, but excels in the open court and makes good courts toward the basket. He can occasionally have nights where he rebounds like a big as well. Allen's paycheck is predicated on his defense. Even though he is undersized, he is still able to get up and under defenders at 6'4. His wingspan allows him to bother guys like Lebron James and Kevin Durant. Allen provides a much-needed spark to the Grizzlies when they need it at home because he is a fan favorite.

Feeling Melo

It’s a Melo Situation 

With the hiring of Phil Jackson as the president in March, it is clear the Knicks are on to a new era. However, it is a new era with the same concerns as before, which is whether Carmelo Anthony will sign a long-term deal or leave New York. It seems as if New York has no idea what they want to do because they have had little extension talks with Melo. Also, they never made any efforts to get significant pieces around him during the season. Knicks fans have to be concerned as to what direction the team will choose to go. The Knicks do not have a lottery pick in this year's draft so the chance to build toward the future is on hold. What does the Zen master have in mind? I will try to answer this complex question, but I am sure Phil has no idea what he wants to do.

If the Knicks sign Melo, they will stay squarely in a position to make the playoffs in a lackluster Eastern Conference. The Knicks want to pay Anthony, but still have spare change. In other words, they do not want to give him a max contract. Jackson will more than likely try to clear up more cap space by dumping Amare Stoudemire and Raymond Felton's contracts. Next, he will look for players that fit his triangle offense or have experience in it to help the transition flow smoothly. Lamar Odom should see significant playing time under rookie head coach Derek Fisher. That is of course if his skills are still there. If Jackson and Fisher struggle with implementing the triangle offense, the Knicks will run a more simplified offense predicated around Anthony's strengths. There are not many players that would seem to intrigue Jackson this offseason besides Jordan Hill and maybe Kyle Lowry. If Jackson learned anything under the late Jerry Buss and Mitch Kupchak, it is to keep your possibilities to yourself. This means that you Knicks fans should be excited at a possible blockbuster deal. Cough Rajon Rondo cough.

The other option involves letting Anthony walk away and pressing the "reset" button. This would not be a bad idea considering the fact that it is a new regime with Jackson and Fisher at the helm. The problem is finding teams that will take on the contracts of not only Stoudemire and Felton, but also JR Smith and possibly Tyson Chandler. It is very unlikely to get rid of all of these players especially Smith. However, you have to start over somewhere. Getting rid of these players will clear the landscape and allow the Knicks to go after a superstar in next year's offseason or potentially select a player in next year's lottery. Knicks fans are not patient so I do not foresee the Knicks betting it all on some 19 year old. Jackson hardly played rookies as a coach so this route is very unlikely. With or without Melo, Jackson will look to build New York into a championship team overnight. He will clear out enough players to have the money to do so. When we least expect it, Jackson will pull the trigger and control basketball headlines. Heck, he already did so with signing Fisher as his head coach. Strap your seat belts because this ride is barely getting started.

Bulls

They Rose Without Rose 

 The Chicago Bulls have been nothing short of miraculous in these last two seasons without their Most Valuable Player Derrick Rose. Rose has been sidelined with ACL and torn meniscus injuries to both of his knees. Joakim Noah and his teammates have continued to persevere through their superstar's misfortunes and the trading of Luol Deng. The Bulls’ personnel have been forced to step into roles by their stringent coach Tom Thibodeau.

Thibodeau has always been known for his suffocating defense as it takes a toll on teams during the course of a 48-minute contest. However, his ability to be a leader of men has been somewhat of an understatement. Thibs has morphed Noah from an energy-hustle player into a quality all-around player at the center position. Jimmy Butler has become one of the best wing defenders in the NBA. Taj Gibson might be on the verge of garnering a big contract and a starting role in Chicago by next season. Finally, D.J. Augustin has been the energy they have needed off the bench as Thibodeau has labeled him a "season saver." This is nothing new for Chicago because Thibodeau has taken productive players and made them consistent since he arrived in "The Windy City." The list of players that he has helped get paid in the NBA includes: Kyle Korver, Nate Robinson, Marco Belinelli, and Omer Asik.


There is no question that Chicago will compete, defend, and play hard for 48 minutes. However, Chicago is offensively challenged without Rose as this playoff series against the Wizards has shown us once again. This Bulls team is overachieving especially when you consider the talent on their roster. They are nothing more than a bonafide lottery team. What separates them from teams like the Utah Jazz and the Milwaukee Bucks is their effort and will to win. As a spectator and a basketball purist, you have to respect the Bulls and the way they play. Until Derrick Rose is out on the floor and competing with his teammates, the Bulls are nothing more than a scrappy underdog and a feel good story.

Top 10 Int'l

Top 10 International Players of All Time

Today we see players from other countries like Marc Gasol, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anderson Varejao, and others. Ten, twenty, even thirty years ago there were not that many players from other countries. This is because players from other countries have taken a liking to basketball and have helped make it popular in other countries. These international players have brought their styles and have incorporated them into the game of basketball we see today. This list is to illuminate some of the greatest players from other countries that played in the NBA.

10. Detlef Schrempf

Detlef Schrempf was a versatile 6'10 forward who could play every position except the point guard spot. However, his passing ability would allow him to be a point forward. During his career, he would earn three trips to the All Star Game and he was a two time Sixth Man of the Year award recipient. His career would start off slow in Dallas as he could not get stable minutes and he was often injured. Indiana must have seen some potential in him as he was traded to the Pacers. In Indiana and Seattle, Schrempf would average well over 15 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists per game. His solid shooting would help the Seattle Supersonics to a finals appearance against the Chicago Bulls where they lost in six games. He would go on to finish his final two seasons in Portland. 

9. Peja Stojakovic 

In addition to being one of the greatest shooters of all time, Peja Stojakovic was able to crack this list of all time international greats. He averaged 17 points per game and shot 40 percent for his career. His scoring ability helped open up the lane for players on his team and at 6'10 it was hard to defend him on the perimeter. He was never a defensive stopper, but his size allowed to him rattle other players. Stojakovic would average 20 points over a three-year span and earn a trip to three All Star Games. Along with Chris Webber and Mike Bibby, Stojakovic would help power the Kings to the Western Conference Finals where they lost in seven games to the Los Angeles Lakers. They would earn their way into the hearts of many fans and show the NBA that small market teams could maintain success over the years. 

8. Dikembe Mutombo 

Dikembe Mutombo was more than a solid basketball player. He was the ultimate humanitarian in all of sports. He has traveled the world to spread the game of basketball to Africa, improved the living conditions in the Republic of Congo, and he is a longtime advocate of the Special Olympics. Mutombo's play on the court was sensational as well. He was a crowd favorite wherever he played. Standing at 7'2, Mutombo would block shots with ease, be a vacuum on the boards, and be enough of a threat to score off rebounds. He would experience a resurgence in his career in 2001 when he would help Allen Iverson and the Philadelphia 76ers to the NBA Finals. They lost in that series, but Mutombo won his fourth Defensive Player of the Year award that season. He was an eight time All Star and was even selected to the All NBA second team once. When he blocked a player's shot, Mutombo would often sway his finger and say, "No No No". 

7. Manu Ginobili 

Manu Ginobili is always mentioned as the third member in the Spurs trio of Tim Duncan and Tony Parker. However, Ginobili's impact was as significant as the other two players because of his versatility and sacrifices. He is a good slasher and streaky shooter from beyond the arc and defensively he used to be able to guard the best players in the NBA. Ginobili is the main reason why teams in the NBA look for instant offense off the bench. Ginobili has bench a fixture in the Spurs second unit as he has sacrificed some of his production in order to help the Spurs maintain success. His sacrifices may have cost him millions and better numbers as a pro, but his career has lasted longer. With the Spurs, Gregg Popovich manages Ginobili's minutes well and has made sure he is ready for a postseason run.

6. Yao Ming 

Because of a multitude of injuries, Yao Ming's promising career was cut short as he was forced to retire. He was the face of China's nation and was the reason Chinese fans and players became interested in the NBA. Yao was the first rookie since Grant Hill to start in an All Star game. Yao was 7'6 and well over 250 lbs which made it hard for the Houston Rockets to pass him up. He had good skills for a player of his size as he could shoot 19 footers, easily post players up, and pass well enough. Yao did struggle his first year with the speed of the NBA, but was fine after about 15 games. He turned into a brick wall on defense and asserted himself well on offense. After his rookie year, he was mentioned as one of the best centers and could have gone down as one of the best centers of all time. Along with Tracy McGrady, Yao formed a dynamic duo that figured to be title contenders. Early playoff exits and injuries robbed the Houston franchise and have many fans wondering what could have been.

5. Tony Parker

The talent was always there for Tony Parker, but he lacked maturity as a young player playing for Gregg Popovich. Parker would learn the hard way playing under Coach Pop, as he would be benched for silly turnovers and playing out of control on offense. In the playoffs, he would always perform admirably as he helped the Spurs win three NBA championships and earned himself a Finals MVP. However, three years ago the switch seemed to turn "on" for Parker as if he finally got "it". Hypothetically speaking it seemed like the torch was passed from Tim Duncan down to Parker. He became the voice of the locker room and the focal point of a well-balanced Spurs attack. Over these past three seasons, Parker has catapulted himself in the discussion of many MVP, best point guard, and top 10 player talks. Last season, Parker led the Spurs to the Finals where they lost to the Miami Heat in seven games. He can most certainly fly up this list with more accolades. For Parker and the Spurs it is about winning not individual achievements.

4. Pau Gasol 

Pau Gasol is the most gifted seven footer in league history. Before an unexpected growth spurt, Gasol was a point guard. His days as a point guard are usually on display with his passing and ability to drive around bigger defenders. His size allows him to post smaller defenders, shoot over them, or find the open man. Early in his career he was scrutinized because he was thought to be the next Dirk Nowtizki. There were also rumors that Gasol did not like being the focal point of his team and opposing teams. As a result, the Lakers pulled off one of the greatest heists, at the time, as they traded the rights to Marc Gasol to Memphis for Pau. It was a great move as it sent shock waves throughout the league and made the Lakers instant title contenders. Gasol would help Kobe Bryant and the Lakers go to three straight finals as well as winning back-to-back finals. Pau has also been a part of those Spain teams that won two gold medals.

3. Steve Nash

Mavericks fans can only wonder what magic Steve Nash and Dirk Nowtizki could have made if Nash stayed in Dallas. Nevertheless, from a basketball resume standpoint, Nash's career benefited from his departure. He ended up being one of the faces of the NBA for a short span. In addition, he transformed himself into a two time MVP while making the Suns a perennial power in the Western Conference. He might have been the pioneer for Mike D'Antoni's uptempo offense that is still popular today. He even helped Canada gain respect as a basketball country. Nash has done everything there is to do as far as individual accolades, but he has never been able to win a championship. Or even get to the NBA Finals for that matter. His soccer background helped him run the show as a point guard with his nifty passing. He was always a threat to score 30 every night as well. Nash also was a great leader and competitor. His defense was always shaky, but that's one of the risks a coach would deal with. At this point in his career with the Lakers, Nash is more concerned with his health and one last run for a championship next year.

2. Hakeem Olajuwon

Hakeem "The Dream" Olajuwon meant a lot to the people of Houston as he played his collegiate and professional career in that city. He brought two championships to the Rockets organization in addition to being a force on the low block. In his heyday, Olajuwon was an all around center as he could score, pass, rebound, and be a defensive anchor on the other end. His versatility made him extremely difficult to deal with because of his overall girth. His footwork was impeccable and his signature move, “The Dream Shake", was automatic. He might have been so gifted because of his days as a soccer player when he was a kid. Despite being a native of Nigeria, Olajuwon played for Team USA because of Nigeria's lack of immersion in the basketball world. Olajuwon is a forgotten star as he was a part of a draft and era that consisted of Michael Jordan, Charles Barkley, and John Stockton. He continues to be an ambassador of the Houston Rockets organization.

1. Dirk Nowitzki

Dirk Nowtizki, when it is all said and done, will go down as the best international player to ever play in the NBA. His career averages are phenomenal at 23 points per game and 8 boards. Also, his resume speaks for itself as he has won a regular season and Finals MVP. Nowtizki has been to numerous All Star games and selected to many All-NBA teams. He is the Mavericks all time leader in scoring, a world champ, and not to mention he has single handedly carried Germany to a bronze and silver medal finish. It is hard to dispute Dirk as being number one on this list because he is a superstar that does it the right way. He is loyal to Dallas and has always found ways to extend the longevity of his career. Nowitzki's new found resurgence has him in a position to play for another championship for another three or four years. Dirk could also go down as one of the best shooters of all time.

Shooters

Deadeye Shooters

Today, I will take a look at some of the best shooters that the NBA has to offer. Some of these players are household names while others are hidden gems. They can shoot the ball well from beyond the arc, possess a good midrange game, or excel at both. Elite shooters are at an all time high in demand in the association. These players do have off nights and can go on cold streaks, but the good outweighs the bad for these marksmen. Having an elite shooter can be the difference between a deep postseason run or an early exit.

10. Danny Green

 
 






If it was not for Ray Allen's late game heroics in Game 6 of the NBA Finals, Danny Green might have been the Finals MVP. He broke the Finals record for three pointers made. His shooting display throughout the playoffs earned him the right to be recognized as one of the game's best shooters. His shooting is not flashy by any means. His career average of 41% beyond the arc is something opposing teams cannot overlook.

  9. Jamal Crawford

One of my favorite shooters in the league is Jamal Crawford. Crawford is a scintillating shooter because he has an array of moves. He can come off of screens and picks. Finally, my favorite, he can cross a defender and line them up for a contested look. He even shoots rainbows to get his shot over bigger defenders. Crawford does not get a lot of credit as a shooter because he can have dry spells. However, for his career he shoots 35% from beyond the arc and 41% overall. When Crawford digs into his bag of tricks before he shoots, it is definitely something to marvel. Defenders worry about getting embarrassed by Crawford.

8. Bradley Beal

Up until the Three Point Shootout, many had no clue of Bradley Beal’s shooting ability. Beal plays for the Washington Wizards who do not get much national attention. He has been compared to Ray Allen in regards to his pretty jumper and fast release. Beal is the beneficiary of being one of the only shooters on the Wizards. Basically, because teams load the paint to stop John Wall and Nene, Beal gets a lot of open looks. Come playoff time, Beal will solidify himself as a household name and one of the game's best shooters.

7. Ray Allen

At this point in his career, Jesus Shuttlesworth is nothing more than a supreme marksman. He is still up to his old antics as he comes off screens to knock down shots. He is still clutch from time to time. If you do not believe me, turn on Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Ray Allen is usually lost in the shuffle during games because he is not as lethal as Lebron, D-Wade, or Bosh. Allen has done a good job of mastering his craft as a shooter. It is very hard for even younger plays to keep up with Allen coming off of all those screens.

6. Carmelo Anthony  

People forget about Carmelo Anthony's ability to shoot because of his "bullish" mentality down in the paint. Never mind the word bullish that's my prerogative coming into this article. Melo likes to shoot the ball in many different ways. He likes to pull up or shoot threes as a trailer in transition. As far as his midrange game, Anthony will body his defender up then suddenly rise up and shoot. When he is hot, it is a sight to see and no one can stop him.

5. Klay Thompson

  









Since his arrival in the NBA, Klay Thompson has surpassed expectations as a professional. At Washington State, he was considered a bad shot taker and an underachiever. With the Golden State Warriors, Thompson has helped, prematurely, form one of the all time great shooting tandems in league history with Stephen Curry. Thompson is a volume scorer that likes to move around when he scores. He is a silent assassin because he is always emotionless when he is hitting his shots. He could be better on offense if he did not exert so much energy on defense. His full potential has yet to be reached.

4. Kyle Korver

Kyle Korver has made it possible for athletically challenged shooters that cannot play defense to last in the NBA. Coming out of Creighton, many did not think Korver would last in a league with such gifted athletes. Hard work and dedication has kept him in the league. He has floated from Philadelphia, Utah, Chicago, and now Atlanta, but his shooting always follows. Korver is the record holder for most consecutive games with a three pointer made. He comes off screens, but he is a stationary shooter. 

3. JJ Redick 

Playing in Orlando, JJ Redick never received any spotlight attention because of players like Dwight Howard, Jameer Nelson, and Rashard Lewis. With the Clippers, Redick has shown his phenomenal shooting abilities. He plays in an offense Doc Rivers used to orchestrate for Ray Allen to run off screens and knock down shots. Basically, he is a shooter that prefers to shoot in motion. It certainly helps Redick when opposing defenses have to focus on Chris
Paul and Blake Griffin. This makes it easier for him to shoot a boatload of jumpers. 

2. Stephen Curry

  






Like his "Splash Brother" Stephen Curry is a high volume scorer. He tends to take a lot of jump shots during the course of the game. This could be due to his thin frame. Nevertheless, Curry can light it up with his three point shots and midrange game. Curry is a dancing shooter that means he likes to make a defender move to his rhythm and suddenly launch one over his head. Also, he prefers shooting after his big man sets a pick to free him up. This makes for entertaining basketball in the Bay Area.

 1. Kevin Durant 

 








"The Slim Reaper" holds the top spot on this list because he can go on a shooting streak like no one else in the NBA. Kevin Durant can pull up from anywhere and knock shots down with ease. Defenders try their best to stay in front of him and force him to take contested jumpers but to no avail. Two things separate Durant from the other shooters on this list. First, he is extremely efficient with the shots he takes. Shooting 39% from beyond the arc and 51% overall, Durant rarely takes a bad shot. Second, he is clutch. Durant is just too long and agile for defenders to deal with. As a result, most teams look to double team him late. Good luck with that.