Tuesday, September 4, 2012

NBA underground rank 35-31. Shooting guards and Uncle Drew.

35) Monta Ellis. Shooting Guard, Milwaukee Bucks. 
At this point, teams know what to expect from Ellis. He is a score-first guard who can go for 40 on a given night. Now playing for the Bucks, Ellis is in an explosive backcourt with Brandon Jennings. Similar to his time in Golden State, he is part of a high scoring guard duo that is asked to take the majority of his team's shots.


34) Arron Afflalo. Shooting Guard, Orlando Magic. 
As the main compensation for Dwight Howard. Afflalo heads to Orlando as the best player on his team for the first time in his career. He is a good 3 point shooter who will defend the opposing team's best perimeter player every night. More will be asked of Afflalo this year as he will be the star of what looks to be a bad Magic team.





33) Kevin Martin. Shooting Guard, Houston Rockets. 
Much like Ellis, Martin has averaged around 20 points a game for a few years now. With the Rockets rebuilding, Martin will be asked to keep carrying the load offensively this year. A gifted slasher, Martin's game involves getting to the line and shooting a high free-throw percentage. He shoots 90% from the line, even with an "unorthodox" release.




 32) Kyrie Irving. Point Guard, Cleveland Cavaliers. 
The reigning Rookie of the Year, Irving is actually the only rookie from last season to make this list. The Cavs made a good choice in selecting Irving as he looks to be on his way to multiple All-Star games. While not the caliber athlete of Rose or Westbrook, Irving is a better shooter than both were as rookies. The pressure is on Irving, as he is the heir apparent in Cleveland to...you know.


 31) Eric Gordon. Shooting Guard, New Orleans Hornets. 
The third and final scoring-only shooting guard in this section, the Hornets made a wise choice in resigning Gordon. He is key to their young, talented core. After missing most of last year, Gordon should be primed to return with his good new teammates. A consistent Gordon will be important if the Hornets want to sneak into the playoffs. I expect him to make his first All-Star team as he will be have the best season of his career with rookie Austin Rivers putting the pressure on him.

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