Some have asked why I don't write about the Warriors like I did last year. The answer is is that I have. I have started writing about 5 times, most of them along the lines of "It's still early in the season, just wait for Jackson to come back" and "Pat Kelly doesn't know what he's talking about. There is no way the Lakers and/or Clippers are better than the Warriors." (Just kidding Pat; I know you know what you're talking about, however I'd like to get your thoughts about the Warriors playoff chances now)
Here it goes...
Stack Jack = DPOY
It may sound ridiculous, but I think that Stephen Jackson has to be at least mentioned for the Defensive Player of the Year award. I know the award usually goes to a big rebounding/shot blocker type like Marcus Camby, Ben Wallace, Dikembe Mutumbo, Alonzo Mourning, Hakeem Olajuwon, or David Robinson with Ron Artest and Gary Payton being the only exceptions in the last 15 years.
Jackson doesn't dominate the glass like Dwight Howard, get the steals like Chris Paul, or block shots like Josh Smith (Jackson's stats: 5.6/1.8/0.8, respectively). The stats aren't there, how can he even be considered?
Those stats might not be there, but HERE are some stats:
Since his return he has pretty much shut down the opponents' best player.
- Chris Bosh: 4-12 from the field, 10 points (Please don't tell me Jack didn't guard Bosh like some others have told me because that just proves your lack of knowledge)
- Shawn Marion: 5-14 from the field, 10 points
- Ron Artest: 7-24 from the field, 21 points
- Tracy McGrady: 5-14 from the field, 11 points
...with Andre Iguodala, Caron Butler, and Ray Allen having average nights.
I didn't mention the Knicks because honestly, there is nobody even worth mentioning on that team.
But how can the DPOY come from a team that allows 108.6 points/game?
During Jackson's suspension the Warriors were giving up a league worst (by a large margin) 116.3 points per game on 49.5% shooting. Since his return opponents have averaged 100.5 on 44% shooting, which would put them 13th in the league in defense. The first 7 games the Warriors averaged 6.5 steals/game, since his return they've averaged 10.1
How big of a difference is that? I'd say the difference between their 1-6 start and their recent 7-1 run. DPOY? The hell with that, Stack Jack for MVP! Haha. David $tern would shit a brick if that ever happened. Check that, he would NEVER let that happen.
Looking forward to Jack dominating that rook from Texas tomorrow...
EDIT: Kevin Durant: 2-12 from the field, 6 points
EDIT: Stephen Jackson has been named Western Conference Player of the Week
