No Ballers Allowed

Pure scorers like Monta Ellis, Kevin Martin and to a lesser extent J.R. Smith and Nick Young often get bad raps for too many awful shots or needing the ball or not playing defense. They've been called playground ballers and much, much worse. So they are criticized for playing their roles when other players, defensive guys like Luc Richard Mbah a Moute or Thabo Sefolosha are almost praised when all they contribute is on the defensive end. Why aren't they held to a higher standard? Isn't being a consistent scoring threat harder than actually trying on defense? I mean there are so few examples of defensive players who have a niche offensively, Aaron Affalo and Shane Battier come to mind.

Don't get me wrong I like all of these players I have mentioned it just strikes me odd how my criticism hits these offensive players when maybe all they need is a trade. How does Monta not make the T'Wolves a legit playoff team? Even Nick Young would thrive as the main offensive threat next to Beasley and Love. Kevin Martin is having a bit of a career year this year which seems to have made him a known commodity. But even a few years ago when he wasn't as well known he still was a scorer which is why, in one of my countless attempts to save the Cavs, I thought he would be an amazing fit next to LeBron. The best player in the league could still be here tweeting about how fucking cold it is, but how warm the ring around his finger is. Maybe the Cavs needed a big who is a scorer like Amare to get that ring but Kevin Martin wouldn't lose 25 in a row like our missing piece Antwan did and still is losing. While he is playing to get traded, I think we should make him stay and rot, but I'm just bitter.

Now remember a few years back before LeBron, Wade and 'Melo brought home a gold medal how 'Melo was still not getting it? He was an amazing scorer but not yet a superstar. This is where I think Monta is currently. Sad;y he won't ever be invited to play for Team USA and get all that knowledge and leadership, so for him to make this transformation he needs to do it on his own. While the SportsCenter highlights need to keep coming, the main part is sticking with Golden State next year and leading them to their potential. I don't even believe he will have to change his game or be better on defense or pass more. Just keep being a baller but also a leader and fuck that team into the playoffs with Steph Curry.

Sidenote: This little 'Melo to LA deal excites me. It's for the future of LA and I don't know if he helps them three-peat this year, but dropping Bynum and his unearned high sense of self worth for 'Melo and bringing some other team in so they can hopefully move Artest and possibly even bring in Nene'. Just man oh man, makes you wonder.

-Jason