“Interview With:” Basketballista
In 1978 the Commodores wrote “Three times a Lady”, now, in 2009, I guess I have made the Y2K internet version since my next interview is with someone that I asked once, twice, and on the third time I finally sent her the questions. So, from the category of “better late than never”, here is my next edition of “Interview With:” Basketballista. She works in the National Basketball Association, she loves the sports she works in and she is always ready to answer a question about it on twitter (you can follow her here). I am going to ask her about the NBA’ers from Chapel Hill, from the rookies to the veterans, to the ones that don’t have a team. So sit back and enjoy some great insight by someone that knows the sport!
A.E.M.: First with the rookies, while Danny Green isn’t playing enough to be judged, the other three are. How do you see Tyler Hansbrough (Pacers), Ty Lawson (Nuggets) and Wayne Ellington (Timberwolves) doing so far in their first season?
Basketballista: Tyler Hansbrough was a great pick for the Pacers, and I’m a little surprised he even dropped to 13th. People have the tendency to disregard college accomplishments at times, but the way Hansbrough produced for a top tier program like UNC is definitely an indication of what he can bring to the league. Furthermore, Hansbrough has qualities that would benefit any NBA team—toughness, doesn’t shy from contact, and visibly plays hard every minute he is on the court. However, these qualities are especially important when trying to change the culture of a team, especially one trying to rebuild into a contender. Unfortunately, Hansbrough has dealt with injuries this season, including a current ear infection. From what I have seen, he is very efficient on the court, and has good production in limited minutes. His 9 points and 5 rebounds in 19 minutes is a great start and I think he will earn more playing time as the season progresses and he returns to 100%.
Ty Lawson might be one of the best picks in the draft regarding the role that he can fill on the team. The Nuggets have a perfect playoff strategy by limiting Chauncey Billups’ minutes and using Lawson as an effective backup. It is good to see Karl giving the rookie minutes and incorporating him into the Nuggets plan. With Billips out because of a groin injury, Lawson has shown the ability to step up when given the opportunity. In his last 5 games, he is averaging 19 pts, over 7 assists, and 1.6 steals. Those are big time numbers and that depth is something teams should be wary of when facing Denver in the playoffs.
Wayne Ellington is only playing about 17 minutes a game. I think that his 41.7 FG% will improve with more minutes as he acclimates to the NBA vs. college game. I also think Ellington will become more crucial for the Wolves, who currently rank 26th in the NBA in points per game.
A.E.M.: Now let’s talk about two starters for the same team, Antawn Jamison and Brendan Haywood. There was a lot higher expectation that what the Wizards have achieved so far, but how are the two Tar Heels doing in the first third of the `09-`10 season?
Basketballista: I think that Antawn Jamsion is one of the NBA’s top forwards. The best thing for him may be a change of scenery as his name had been floating around in trade rumors on and off this season. Jamison’s production of over 20 points and 8 rebounds per game could really push a playoff contender over the edge. He contributes in a lot of unexpected areas as well—such as his 37.6 3-PT% and 1.1 steals/game. Therefore, Jamison could contribute in whatever role a team needs, but has definitely proven his ability to take over a game and shoulder the scoring load when needed.
After playing in only 6 games last season, it is good to see Haywood making an impact on the court. He is almost averaging a double-double, and his 10.2 rebounds and 2.3 blocks give Washington some much needed defense.
A.E.M.: keeping with a duo, let’s check out two Heels that moved from one team to another, Vince Carter and Rasheed Wallace, who by the way are the only two players from Chapel Hill that have been in the running in the All Star balloting. How do you see them doing and maybe more importantly, of the two who is going to be more important for their team if they want to win it all this season?
Basketballista: I think both players are fitting in well with their new teams and are important for different reasons. Rasheed Wallace is proving very valuable because of the influx of injuries Boston has recently suffered. It is important to have a guy who is comfortable and effective regardless of whether starts or comes in off the bench.
Vince Carter is one of the best offseason acquisitions in my opinion. If you look at his career stats, his production has never wavered. I think Orlando was a welcome change because in New Jersey, he had to be the go-to guy every night. Orlando has other scorers, enabling Vince to see less double teams and let the offense come to him a little more. Although he has been slumping a little lately, Carter has made big shots and timely plays for the Magic all season. He is an underrated passer and playmaker, which will help Orlando in the playoffs, just like Turkoglu did last year.
A.E.M.: And still staying with a duo of UNC players, let’s talk about the two that haven’t found a team yet this year, Jerry Stackhouse and Rashad McCants. Do you see either one of them getting a chance with a team or is this the end of the line for Stackhouse and for McCants it’s overseas in order to play?
Basketballista: I honestly don’t know the answer to this. There are a lot of talented guys not in the league right now. After following some minicamps and the current D-League showcase, there are plenty of guys that look like they could bring something to an NBA roster. It all depends what a team’s needs are, if they want vet presence or young talent, and how much they want to spend.
A.E.M.: Lastly, in what is a way away, will a Tar Heel be holding up the NBA trophy when it’s all said and done this year or not?
Basketballista: Lately, my opinion is changing daily on who I think can win it all. I think it is a possibility that a UNC alum could be on the championship team, but I have a feeling that a team people aren’t expecting could come in and win it all this year.
What more can be done than to thank Basketballista for this awesome interview. I am sure I will be asking here more about the NBA as the season gets past the half way mark and heads towards the playoffs. Until then let me say to check back often as I have two more surprises coming up as far as interviews go.
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