By Aaron J. Haberman

We’re about 40 games into the NBA season. Almost every player and team could use some improvement, but some players' numbers are so far below their abilities that it cannot go unnoticed any longer. But since I am such an optimist, I believe a little mid-season energy boost can return these athletes to their rightful position among the NBA elite. Here is my list of those who most need a mid-season boost:

Note: Stats are as of January 20, 2003.

CENTERS

Dikembe Mutombo, New Jersey Nets. 7.3 PPG, 7.1 RPG, 2 BPG

Team Record With: 10-6. Team Record Without: 18-6

Before he went down to injury, Dikembe was averaging career lows in points, rebounds, blocks and minutes. He was not contributing on the court in the 16 games he played. When he returns, his defensive presence will help the Nets. However, I’m reluctant to say he’ll mesh with the fast-break offense of the Nets.

Raef LaFrentz, Dallas Mavericks. 9.3 PPG, 5.1 RPG, 1.44 BPG

Raef was a bright spot in Denver, but since being traded to Dallas, he has looked out of sync. He lost his job in the starting lineup to Shawn Bradley for a while, and Raef’s averaging career lows in points, rebounds, minutes, and nearing a career low in blocks. He has grabbed the most rebounds for the Mavs in just one game this year. Not to mention, he’s averaging too many fouls for the minutes he’s playing. He better pick up his game or, well… actually the Mavs don’t need him that much. (See their record.)

POWER FORWARDS

Vin Baker, Boston Celtics. 5.5 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 18.9 MPG

This is a no-brainer. The Celts brought him in for a low post presence, and although he doesn’t get enough minutes, he doesn’t fit in with their offensive scheme. He’s averaging just 5.5 points per contest, almost 11 points below his career average. Along with that, his rebound average is almost 4 rebounds below his career average. He is fouling way too much (committing 3 fouls in 19 minutes a game.). I hate to say it, but the lack of minutes is no excuse for numbers this low.

Maurice Taylor, Houston Rockets. 6.4 PPG, 3.3 RPG, 19.5 MPG, .37 BPG

I understand he’s coming back from injury. However, this year for him has been awful. He is unable to contest shots, and his averages in points and boards are far below what’s expected of him. On the other hand, I wouldn’t write off a return to his old form—and the starting lineup—sometime after the All-star break.

SMALL FORWARDS

Darius Miles, Cleveland Cavaliers. 8.2 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 29.3 MPG, .492 FT%, .382 FG%

I can’t figure out why Darius has looked so flawed this year. He was traded to the Cavs and an opportunity for more minutes, points, and a starting role. Well, his minutes have increased, but his points have gone down. Darius will grab boards, but his numbers from the line and the field are inexcusably low. He has gone to a team with less talent; however, his role has decreased from what it was in LA. When he entered the league, people expected the next high-school-to-NBA star. Instead, they’ve gotten a 4th scoring option on one of the worst teams in the league. I’m waiting to see what will become of him, but I’m expecting a dramatic increase in points for the next half of this season.

Shane Battier, Memphis Grizzlies. 8.0 PPG, 4.5 RPG, 29.4 MPG

Shane has improved on field goal and free throw percentage, though he takes less of both. He’s consistent with steals and blocks, averaging over one a night in both. However, his average in points has fallen to an unacceptable level. Could this be a case of the “sophomore jinx?” Or has the addition of Giricek and Gooden caused his decrease of six points per game? Whatever the case is, Memphis will need his agility with the ball and fundamentals-based playing style if they’re going to go anywhere.

SHOOTING GUARDS

Ray Allen, Milwaukee Bucks. 21.9 PPG, 35.6 MPG, 3.30 FPG, 2.6 TOPG

A lot of people will look at his numbers and wonder how he can be called a “letdown.” I’m not implying that Ray isn’t one of the top SG’s in the league, but with the departure of Glenn Robinson, Ray’s minutes and points really should have skyrocketed. The Bucks have a record below .500, and he has shown no signs of leadership. I understand if you want to argue that it's not Ray's fault that the team isn't winning. But, in an ideal world, he'd have helped this team pull off some more wins.

POINT GUARDS

Jay Williams, Chicago Bulls. 9.5 PPG, .374 FG %, .573 FT%, .273 3P %, 2.55 TOPG

Coming out of college, Jay’s shooting has been ugly, whether it is from beyond the arc, the foul line or regular field goals. His percentages have to increase for him to make it in the league. He turns the ball over too much, and he won’t silence his critics until he becomes the leader that fans in Chicago have waited for since the departure of Jordan.

Damon Stoudamire, Portland TrailBlazers. 5.8 PPG, 2.8 APG, 20.4 MPG, .720 FT%

Damon is loaded with ability; however, his off-court actions have the potential to be harmful. In the past, he has put up exceptional numbers. It seems he doesn’t have the passion and fire to play to his ability this year. He hasn’t earned his minutes, and consequentially he lost his starting role. I’m really expecting a revival in his game when the Blazers attempt to make a late-season run for home advantage in the playoffs.

COACHES

George Karl, Milwaukee Bucks.

George, stop talking about yourself and your lack of desire to coach, and turn your team around. If you would stop taking advantage of your fat salary and begin to coach, your team would show better results. Here’s a hint: when you’re in a close game against a top Eastern Conference team—such as 1/21 against Boston, you play Ray Allen.


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