NBA recap: Rondo, Celtics looking to wrap up division crown, Bogans emerging for Spurs
By Paul Jordan
by Andrew Hardison
Rajon Rondo (Celtics)-14.1 PTS, 9.7 AST, 2.4 STL
Rondo and the Celtics have pushed their lead in the Atlantic Division to 9 ½ games over Toronto and are the clear favorites to capture that division with a little less than two months left in the regular season. Rondo is averaging 14 points and 8 rebounds in the month of March, far better numbers than what we’re used to seeing from the former Kentucky point guard.
He’s only had one double-digit assist outing in the Celtics last five games, but that doesn’t diminish the fact that Rondo is one of the premier point guards in the NBA. The Celtics desperately need him to continue play his brand of basketball because the team’s success is predicated by it. Boston is currently battling it out for the third spot in the Eastern Conference playoffs and has a chance to get to the second spot if Orlando has a late season meltdown.
Tayshaun Prince (Pistons)-12.5 PTS, 4.9 REB, 2.9 AST
If it seems that Prince’s season has been marred by injuries, well, you’d be correct. The former Kentucky star only played seven minutes during the Pistons 119-93 loss to the Celtics on Monday due to a back injury, but was able to get back into form the next night against Cleveland. Prince put up 15 points, 8 assists, and 7 rebounds during the loss to the Cavs, but his performance gives insight into the kind of player he is.
Detroit has been a lackluster team all season as Prince does everything he can to salvage a wayward year. Despite numerous injuries, Prince keeps coming back and keeps things in a positive perspective. With that said, the Pistons organization should look into shutting Prince down later in the season to avoid any further, serious injuries.
Chuck Hayes (Rockets)-4.3 PTS, 5.5 REB, 0.5 BLK
The Rockets have put together a nice run in the team’s last five games, but Hayes is having less and less to do with Houston’s success as the days go by. Once receiving 25+ minutes a game, Hayes is now topping out around 15 minutes a game with his productivity taking a severe hit. It wasn’t like Hayes was putting up 20 & 10 numbers, but he can certainly do more than what we’re seeing from him right now.
Hayes is only averaging 2.4 points, 1.4 assists, and 2.4 rebounds (a department he usually excels in) and isn’t getting nearly enough playing time. Don’t tell that to the Rockets coaching staff however, as they’ve gone to smaller, more athletic lineups that get up and down the court. Hayes may not be in the future plans of the Rockets, but I can assure you he’ll get a chance wherever he lands.
Jodie Meeks (Sixers)-3.8 PTS, 0.5 AST, 28.1% 3P
Meeks’ playing time is still sporadic as ever, despite having head coach Eddie Jordan go out of his way to express an interest in giving Meeks more time. The rookie out of Kentucky is getting around five minutes per during the Sixers last five games and is averaging just 2.7 points in that span.
As said countless times before, no matter what the head coach says, there are better players in front of Meeks who should garner more playing time. It’s tough for Meeks because he hasn’t done anything to standout over other guys, so his playing time is affected greatly. You’d think with the way the Philly is losing (five games in a row) that Meeks could get more spot minutes, but that apparently isn’t the case.
Nazr Mohammed (Bobcats)-8.2 PTS, 5.3 REB, 0.8 BLK
Mohammed has missed the Bobcats last 11 games due to a back injury and team officials are uncertain as to when he’ll return to the lineup. The Bobcats are currently riding a six game winning streak and have an excellent chance to make it to the playoffs. If Mohammed can get healthy and come back strong, the Bobcats could pose some problems for teams in the first round of playoffs.
Keith Bogans (Spurs)-4.7 PTS, 1.2 AST, 36.5% 3P
Bogans has emerged as a bona fide option for head coach Greg Popovich and the Spurs, who are riding a four game winning streak while pushing forward in the Western Conference playoff race. The Spurs are 8-1 in their last nine and much of that success is due to the play of Bogans. They are still in the 7th spot, but are hot on the heels of Oklahoma City who are holding down the 6th spot by just one game.
The former 2003 All-American has taken over the small forward starting spot, ahead of off-season acquisition Richard Jefferson, and hasn’t disappointed. In wins over the Knicks and Timberwolves last week, Bogans scored 13 and 10, while going for 8 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists during an 88-76 victory over the Heat Tuesday night. His experience and versatility have been a god-send for the Spurs, who are without starting point guard Tony Parker.
Jamaal Magloire (Heat)-2.3 PTS, 3.5 REB, 0.3 BLK
What’s that you say? Magloire actually getting productive minutes? That’s right and Magloire isn’t disappointing either averaging around 12 minutes during the Heat’s last five games. His rebounding totals are most impressive during this run where he’s notched games of 9 and 8 respectively.
Miami is currently sitting in the sixth spot for the Eastern Conference playoffs and Magloire could easily figure into some minutes when that time comes.
Randolph Morris (Hawks)-2.3 PTS, 1.3 REB
Morris did get four minutes during 108-84 blowout of the Nets Tuesday night, but that’s about it when it comes to news surrounding the former big man out of Kentucky.
I’ve said it time and time again, that another year of college under his belt would have been the most beneficial thing for the third year pro. He was on the brink of becoming an All-American and while the coaching switch at the end of his junior season was hard to take, he would have been a clear favorite to finish on one of the All-SEC teams for his senior year.
Kelenna Azubuike (Warriors)-injured
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