Wildcats in the NBA: Rondo pushes Celtics to (4-0), Azubuike key in reserve role

by Andrew Hardison

Rajon Rondo (Celtics)-6.5 PTS, 11.8 AST, 2.5 SPG
Rondo has led the Celtics to a (4-0) record early in the NBA season. Rondo’s scoring from last season has gone down substantially but with the return of Kevin Garnett and additions of free agent Rasheed Wallace and Marquis Daniels, Rondo has looked to get his teammates involved more rather than worrying about his own scoring production. He has 10+ assists in every game thus far and had 16 in a 118-90 blowout win over the Bulls. He’s second in the NBA in assists/per game only to Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns and has an assist-turnover ratio of 5.24/1, a very good number for a point guard. Don’t expect Rondo’s scoring output to remain this low for the entire season, as he is good enough to average double-figures each night. However, to win at an NBA Championship level, Celtics head coach Doc Rivers may want Rondo to continue to dish it out more than worry about scoring.

Kelenna Azubuike (Warriors)-15.0 PTS, 4.5 REB
While logging just around twenty minutes a game, Azubuike has been able to keep afloat in the Warriors lineup. The idea that his playing time would be cut into comes at the hands of teammates Anthony Marrow and Stephan Curry. Curry is seeing a whopping 37.5 minutes/game but has backed up his play with solid numbers. Azubuike hasn’t played quite as well as Curry, but is a nice alternative over Marrow who is getting around twenty minutes/game as well. Azubuike’s field goal percentage is an encouraging stat for his playing time, as he is shooting 62% in two games. Warriors head coach Don Nelson would like to see a bit more from Azubuike with the playing time he’s getting, namely in the form of rebounds and assists. Early season production is key for Azubuike to continue to make a name for himself in the NBA.

Tayshaun Prince (Pistons)-12.3 PTS, 5 REB, 2.3 APG
Prince has been solid while playing 38 minutes a game. The big minutes are expected to continue for Prince who is one of the Pistons best defenders, as well as players. Prince is usually guarding the opponents best players-Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Carmelo Anthony-so he won’t see a whole lot of time on the bench. His scoring output will never been exceptionally high, but he should raise those totals throughout the year. Prince won’t get a ton of rebounds or assists, but did have seven rebounds in a loss to Oklahoma City Thunder. His field goal percentage is among the tops of his career at 48%, a solid mark for a small forward like Prince. His three point shooting has never been great, but it could definitely use some work this year. Prince’s name is never mentioned in NBA discussions but his importance to the Pistons is astronomical.

Chuck Hayes (Rockets)-6.0 PTS, 5.3 REB, 0.3 BLK
Hayes has been integral in the Rockets lineup since the departure of All-Star center Yao Ming to season ending injury. He’s logging solid minutes something that wasn’t really there for him last season when he only saw a career low 12 minutes a game. This season is a little different and Hayes has grabbed the bull by the horns. Hayes isn’t your prototypical low-post player however, as he won’t score a ton and isn’t a prolific rebounder. Despite that, Hayes is one of the hardest workers in the NBA and plays much bigger than what his size would indicate. He, along with teammates Luis Scola and Carl Landry will have to do the brunt of the work down low as Yao recovers from his injury but all of them seem up to the task. Look for Hayes to continue to get the minutes but not put up the star-dazzling numbers. That’s not his game.

Nazr Mohammed (Bobcats)-3.0 PTS, 5 REB, 0.7 BLK
Mohammed has been a serviceable back-up to starting center Tyson Chandler. Mohammed hasn’t dazzled anyone in his 11th NBA season, but quite frankly, neither has Chandler who is in 8th season. The Bobcats have an odd assortment of low post players this season and I’m not sure head coach Larry Brown even knows how to use all the pieces he’s been dealt. One of those players is Mohammed who will continue to do what he can with the minutes he gets. They aren’t a ton-12 a game-but his rebounding totals are encouraging for more playing time. He had 8 in a blowout loss to the Celtics, where the Bobcats could only put up 59 points. The points won’t be there, but if Brown needs a guy down to bang with the other elite centers of the NBA,

Mohammed is as good as anyone for Charlotte.

Jodie Meeks (Bucks)-0.0 PTS, 0.0 REB
It’s been a tough going for the rookie out of Kentucky, as he has yet to see any playing time. Much of it has been going to veterans like Michael Redd, Carlos Delfino, and Charlie Bell, all vying for shooting guard duties. Bell and Redd are likely to get the minutes first and foremost, so it could be a long season for Meeks. Meeks shouldn’t be discouraged however, as his game is still developing and could take a while at that. He’s a bit undersized for an NBA shooting guard but can shoot lights out from anywhere on the court. As long as Meeks continues his progression, there are no worries here.

Randolph Morris (Hawks)-0.8 PTS, 0.9 REB

Jamaal Magloire (Heat)-2.9 PTS, 4 REB, 0.5 BLK

Keith Bogans (Spurs)-1.0 PTS, 1.0 REB

ANDREW HARDISON is a recent UK alum and frequent contributor to Wildcat Blue Blog

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