Don’t expect Clippers to survive 1st round
the team that lost to Memphis in last year’s playoffs. This is a whole new look, thanks to Tiago Splitter, Boris Diaw, Stephen Jackson, Kawhi Leonard, Patty Mills (if he makes the playoff roster) and especially the great Manu
who was injured at this time last year. Add Tony Parker, Tim Duncan and coach Gregg Popovich, and you have too much for Utah to handle. It’s nice to see the emergence of Gordon Hayward,
but go with the Spurs in all-court mastery was pure entertainment. “I was a little astounded, to be honest,” said Orlando coach Stan Van Gundy. “I knew he was good, but then you sit and watch him … oh, my God.”
2. Ricky Rubio, Minnesota: Didn’t really need an adjustment period. With the everendearing motto, “I’d rather make two people happy than one,” Rubio instantly became one of the league’s most clever passers, and he surprised most everyone with his defense and competitiveness. He even trash-talked Bryant, telling him Spain would win Olympic gold.
3. Kenneth Faried, Denver: The scouts took notice of Faried at Morehead State, where he broke Tim Duncan’s modern(post-1973) record with 1,673 career rebounds, but few expected him to move so effortlessly into the pros. He’s a whirlwind of relentless desire and improving post-up skills, clearly evident in his 27-point, 17-rebound game against the Warriors this month. His oncourt attitude: “Kill. We’re not friends. Don’t talk to me.”
4. Klay Thompson, Warriors: Given some freedom and court spacing with the Monta Ellis trade, Thompson became one of the league’s best pure shooters — and easily the best of the rookie class — in the second half. Huge future as a catch-and-shoot assassin, and this is no hometown call. Most national writers made Thompson a top-five choice.
5. Iman Shumpert, Knicks: Gets the edge over Isaiah Thomas, Sacramento’s pleasant surprise at point guard, because he played under the spotlight. Freed of duties at the point, where he was overmatched, Shumpert focuses on defense, where he shines in isolation.
Rose