Top PF going into 2012-2013, #5 Kevin Garnett

Image from Theawesomemeboston.com

Here we go, now things get interesting. We continue our countdown of the top power forwards going into the 2012-2013 NBA season with Kevin Garnett of the Boston Celtics at #5. Now, it took some time for us to decide where to put the ageless Garnett, but after watching plenty of film and consulting with our committee of 1, we decided that Garnett deserved to be at #5. The first problem with placing Garnett in this group is determining whether he even belongs in the "power forward" department. Celtics coach Doc Rivers began using Garnett at the center position some time during the season right about after the All-Star weekend all the way to the end of their season in game 7 against the Heat. Ultimately though Kevin Garnett is a 4, a power forward. Or in his own words: "Preference-wise, I don’t like it, to be honest with you. I’m a 4. I don’t like, you know -- it's what it is. I’ll be whatever this team needs me to be. Other than a cheerleader with pom-poms and some short-shorts. Other than that, whatever this team needs me
to be, man, I’ll be it". Just like Lebron James played PF through the playoffs Kevin Garnett played Center, and Lebron is still known as a small forward, so we will continue to call Garnett a power forward.
Now lets get into the fun stuff, Garnett averaged 15.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG, and 1.0 BPG on 50% shooting from the field. Don't be fooled by these numbers though, Garnett was only averaging a little bit over 31 minutes a game no doubt conserving his body for the playoffs. And boy did it show, during these 2012 playoffs he averaged 19.2 PPG, 10.3 RPG, 1.5 BPG and 1.3 SPG. Garnett was unstoppable on both ends of the floor and became Rondo's favorite target during their Eastern Conference Finals run.
Garnett is one of the best 2 way players the league has ever seen (If it wasn't for his lack of multiple championships do you think there would be any doubt about who the best power forward in the history of the league would be?). Garnett has been primarily a jumpshooter ever since he arrived to Boston, his jumpshot out to 23 feet is flawless. His shot has a high arc release and very quick, he uses his full 6-11 size and a wingspan well over 7 feet to get his shot off. Garnett is a dangerous pick and roll player to defend, mostly he will pop out to shoot the jumper but he will roll and finish when he has to.

His most deadly weapon is his turn around jumpshot, it is virtually unguardable. Take this play Garnett does a few things right that most bigs wouldn't do, first he catches the ball deep in the paint. Secondly, he notices that Horford is coming to double team, so he spins AWAY from the double team into his patented turnaround jumpshot, now mind you despite all this Smith played beautiful defense, but Garnett uses his length to perfection to get off a quality shot. We have always said you cant take size or length for granted and Garnett has both. Garnett is also a big who excels at playing both with his back to the basket and also facing his defender. When facing up, he uses his quickness to his advantage to score around stronger but slower bigs. But our favorite Garnett quality is his craftiness, look at this play  in which Garnett gets a post entry pass from the top of the three point line. Garnett is posted up at about the mid level-to-high post area. Bradley cuts from the right side of the wing as soon as Garnett receives the ball, instead of focusing on the cut or his own man, Garnett focuses on Bradley's defender and sets a screen while having the ball thus giving bradley a point blank layup. You can count with your hands the number of people who can do that successfully in the NBA. It was just a tap, not enough to warrant a call from the referee.

Dont forget about Kevin Garnett's defense now, Garnett is a lock down defender. He uses his aggressive style to get under player's skin and has the lateral quickness (still at 36 years of age) to be able to switch out on pick and rolls and guard perimeter players. He's a great weak side helper with timely blocks and very vocal. Now a days, players underestimate the value of being vocal on the defensive end. Garnett also knows how to get into player's head and his little "dirty" tricks are key in his defensive tenacity. Garnett at age 36 is clearly on the decline, but his monster postseason warrants his #5 positioning entering the 2012-2013 NBA season. Garnett matches his production on the offensive end with his tenacious defense. He has been the ultimate two way player over the last decade and we have no doubt that come the end of next season he'll still be in the top 10.

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Top PF going into 2012-2013, #8 Josh Smith

Image from Sports-kings.com

We continue our countdown of the top power forwards heading into the 2012-2013 NBA season with Josh Smith of the Atlanta Hawks at #8. Josh Smith had a breakout year this last season, and should have been an All-Star in the minds of many. Smith is known for his plays above the rim on both the offensive and defensive end of the floor. For the 2011-2012 campaign he averaged 18.8 PPG 9.6 RBP (both career highs), and was up to his usual tricks on the defensive end. Once the playoffs began, he turned it up to another level against the veteran Boston Celtics averaging 16.8 PPG and an incredible 13.6 RBP.
Smith benefitted from two things this year. The first, is better perimeter defense by his teammates, this allowed Smith to become a TRUE help side defender instead having to constantly help, as his teammates were beat off the dribble again and again. The second, is more trust from coach Larry Drew on the offensive end. Smith's points came off a variety of ways. Post ups, and plenty of fast break opportunities with the occasional highlight reel.  Smith's transition from defense to offensive is great, he runs the floor like a guard and can finish with the best of them. Smith is a crafty post up player, he loves to go to his left, and will shoot a hook shot over his left shoulder. Not only does he run the floor like a deer, but his ability to finish over the rim is amazing.
Take this play, The Hawks were having a terrible offensive possession and because of Smith it culminated with a momentum shifter at a crucial point in the game. There was no offensive strategy in that play, no polished offensive skill from anybody, just a straight athletic play made on one of the league's most feared shot blockers. Smith's Athletic ability and freakish body gives him intangibles that cannot be taught. Now, if we take a second look at that clip, it  shows us one of the problems that have kept Smith from becoming a better player. Smith has an inexplicable love for shooting jumpshots, something he is not very good at.
Smith last season took over 400 shots from 16ft to the 3 point line. He also took 109 3-point shots of which he only made an abysmal 28 for a 27% clip from beyond the arc. Whereas he only took 363 shots at the rim for a very good 68% clip. He only shot 32% on jumpshots and 63% from the free throw line. The bottom line is Smith is hurting his team and himself by shooting jumpshots, so why take them? If he's going to work on jumpshots he might as well spend the time working on his free throw shooting.
Smith is avery gifted player, he's a great one on one defender and a lethal shot blocker. Whether it's on one on one, help side defense or fast break defense, Smith will get it done on the defensive end. His versatility allows him to switch on pick and rolls and guard smaller perimeter players. In addition, it is rewarding to see his rebounding at all time high, he virtually averaged a double double at 9.7 RBP and also had a career high 15.9 % TRB (TRB is the total rebound percentage, it tells us the percentage of rebounds that Smith captured while he was on the floor). Offensively he averaged close to 20 points, and provides high energy baskets for his team. If Smith learns to stay close to the rim and take as few jumpers as possible ( As well as eliminate the three point shot completely) his offensive game will grow. If he manages that, look for Smith to stay a top 10 PF for a long time, and eventually make an All-Star Team.
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