Basketball Fiend

(Photo credit: Daily Thunder.)

With the exception of the Bulls, every NBA team has played at least once this season. It’s been a mixed bag so far from players under 25. Some have played well. Others have fallen flat on their faces. Let’s take a look around the League for a quick Top 25 Under 25 update.

Brook Lopez - The sophomore center went off Tuesday night, dropping 27 points, 15 rebounds and 5 blocks on Al Jefferson. It was a great performance. Or, as I like to call it: Exhibit A in the trial of Lopez v. Bynum. Those of you who doubted Lopez’s 11th place ranking on the preseason T25-U25 can send your apology emails to pecrawley@gmail.com.

Al Jefferson - Speaking of Al Jeff, he had a mediocre game Tuesday. Yes, the Timberwolves beat the Nets on a last second bank shot, but Jefferson was a shell of himself. He scored just nine points in 25 minutes and grabbed just four rebounds. He also got abused by Lopez on the defensive end. Not a good showing for the Subway enthusiast.

Jonny Flynn - Flynn was terrific Tuesday night. He scored 18 points and was a primary catalyst for Minnesota’s fourth quarter comeback. Devin Harris had a difficult time staying in front of him. Flynn scored at will. Though he was a defensive liability and had more turnovers (3) than assists (2), it was a strong debut for Flynn. I’ve got my eye on him as a potential T25-U25 addition.

Russell Westbrook - Westbrook had an eye-opening 2009-10 debut, showcasing a smooth jumper and a newfound court sense. He finished the game with 13 points and 14 assists (against just two turnovers). He also played stifling defense against Tyreke Evans, frustrating the rookie at every turn. I’m impressed. Now that he has a jumper and doesn’t turn the ball over as often, Westbrook looks unstoppable.

Kevin Durant - Durant murders the Kings on a regular basis, so his 25-point, 11-rebound performance Tuesday came as no surprise. I was less than enthusiastic about K.D.’s three-point shooting (he hit just 1 of 5), but he looked strong on the baseline. That’s an improvement. So is Durant’s +17 efficiency rating. Eat your heart out, Henry Abbott.

Jeff Green - This one’s for Aaron Fischman. Green had an impressive game against the Kings, racking up 24 points and 8 rebounds in a 102-89 victory. He also hit four of five from downtown. Is this the year he shakes instability and becomes a regular on the T25-U25? Maybe. Like Richard Jefferson, I’m not willing to commit yet.

Tyreke Evans - I’m too disappointed to talk about this right now. Oklahoma City’s defense rendered him completely helpless Tuesday night. He scored 10 points on 16 shots and had just two assists. That’s awful. Just awful. At least his defense was good…

Josh Smith - J-Smoove filled the stat sheet on Tuesday like Kristie Alley fills a bathtub. 18 points, 8 assists, 5 steals and 2 blocks. He was terrific.

Al Horford - Playing against the Pacers apparently does wonders for young Hawks players. Like Smith, Horford was amazing Tuesday night. His 24-point, 16-rebound appearance was one of the best of his career. The 4-to-1 assist to turnover ratio doesn’t hurt either.

Rudy Gay - Gay scored 16 points in lackluster form in Memphis’ Tuesday night loss to Detroit. He played 32 minutes and had very little effect on the game. Someone needs to remind him that it’s not 2008-09 anymore.

O.J. Mayo - 2 for 12 from the field. That’s about as bad as it gets. Is it too early to crown the Grizzlies the worst team in the League?

Marc Gasol - 21 points and 15 rebounds is nothing to scoff at. He may have cut his beard, but with a stat line like that I guess I’ll forgive him. Marc Gasol is officially back on the T25-U25 radar!

Mike Conley - Three points and three assists in 32 minutes. What’s that about? I thought this was the new-and-improved Mike Conley? Guess not. I may drop Grizzlies players from my top 25 altogether. I kid you not. This team is horrible!

Monta Ellis - 26 points and 5 assists in 38 minutes. Well, that certainly doesn’t help my case. Looks like I should start writing my apology to Warriors fans. Dear Good People of Oakland…

Stephen Curry - The Rockets had the last laugh, beating the Warriors 108-107 Tuesday night, but Curry was excellent in his rookie debut. He hit 7 of his 12 field goal attempts, dished out seven assists, and added four steals for good measure. Like Flynn, he’s making a solid case for T25-U25 candidacy.

Eric Gordon - The Clippers are 0-2, but I like what I’ve seen from Gordon. He’s averaging 18.5 points and 5 assists per game. He’s also shooting close to 40 percent from three-point range. An underrated part of Gordon’s game is his ball control. His assist to turnover ratio is 2-to-1. Pretty good for a shooting guard.

Rajon Rondo - 10 points, 11 assists, 3 steals Tuesday night. 8 points, 10 assists, 3 steals Monday night. Hallmark consistency from one of the League’s top point guards. The Celtics are 2-0 by the way, and show no sign of slowing down.

DeJuan Blair - 14 points and 11 rebounds in his first NBA game. Damn this kid’s going to be good! The Spurs are the perfect fit for his skills. Jump on the bandwagon now if you haven’t already.

Thaddeus Young - Sixers fans asked me to keep an eye on Young. They said he’s the best player on the team. Well, I didn’t see it Tuesday. Sorry fellas, 8 points and 4 rebounds in 32 minutes of play is hardly impressive.

Andrea Bargnani - Andrea the Cavalier Killer. That’s what Bargnani looked like in the aftermath of his 28-point performance against Cleveland Tuesday. Bargs was 11 for 15 from the field, but we’ve been down this road before. He put on a great show, but I don’t trust Bargnani yet. He’s put up too many mirages in the past.

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