Give Some Credit To The Unknowns Of The NBA

By: Joe Colombo

Posted: 3/20/08

There are few exciting things going on in the NBA besides the Houston Rockets and their dominating play this past month. However, as I write this, the Rockets just had their 22-game win streak snapped by the Boston Celtics. On paper, this seemed to be a great match-up and arguably Houston's most difficult home game this season. A close game through the first half, which ended at tied at 40-40, it was all but a certainty that the game would go down to the wire. However, the visiting Celts took charge and outscored the Rockets 32-16 in the third quarter, which led to a complete rout and a 94-74 final, ending the Rockets historic streak.

The Rockets lost their most dominating player in Yao Ming last month, and you would think it's hard to win without a 7-foot-6-inch beast. But the Rockets have prevailed by getting some unrecognized players ample Playing time.

Every team has their superstar, or their No. 1 option, or heck, even their pine-rider. But, there are always those other players who get virtually zero recognition around the league while they bust their hump every night. Well, let's give them some pen.

Here is your inaugural NBA All-Unknown First Team.

Guard: Jose Calderon. Honorably mentioned in my column earlier this year about the league's top point guards, Calderon has done nothing but back up that spot on the list. Acting as chief-and-commander for the playoff-bound Toronto Raptors, Calderon has become Chris Bosh's best friend. Calderon is not only leading the Canadian-based squad in assists averaging 8.5 per, but he is third on the team in scoring at 12.1 points per game. The Spaniard is averaging 10 more minutes this year than last (31-plus compared to 21 minutes), 3.5 more assists per game, and less than one half a turnover more (1.8 compared to 1.4 per game). In just his third season, Calderon has improved his shot tremendously, which lets him hold up three fingers signaling the made 3-ball much more often. He has improved his court vision as well. Calderon can either take the rock to the basket himself, or, with help from Bosh and Jamario Moon, has no problem letting them catch the ball near the hoop for an alley-oop.

Guard: Monta Ellis. You can't put a price on Monta Ellis' value to the Golden State Warriors. He's a perfect fit - a fast-paced player on an up-tempo team. Ellis is playing just three more minutes per game this season than last, but he averaging more points and rebounds. At only 6-feet, 3-inches, Ellis can defend around the basket against bigger guards and play above the rim himself (do yourself a favor and YouTube his dunk against Phoenix's Leandro Barbosa). He is shooting a higher percentage from the field, but he does lack a three-point shot. Not all guards have to have 3-point range though. Note: Dwayne Wade.

Guard: Beno Udrih. Replacing the once injured, now traded, Mike Bibby, Udrih has established himself as a vital piece to the Sacramento Kings' style of play. Whether he is runnin' and gunnin' with Kevin Martin or in a half-court set with Brad Miller, Udrih is an important asset on the floor. Leading the team in assists (4.5 per game), Udrih is averaging 3.4 boards and 13 points also, both impressive for a point guard. He also shoots 85 percent from the charity stripe and plays strong defense at the point, making himself a valuable player on any team.

Forward: David West. After missing the playoffs last season, West has helped bring the Hornets to the top of the Western Conference. Not many people knew about the fifth-year power forward out of Xavier until this year, and many still don't, even after he was selected to his first All-Star team along with Chris Paul this season. West is the Hornets' No. 1 scoring option - that is, when Paul doesn't do the whole thing himself - and is averaging 19.7 points per game this season. His points, assists, and rebounds averages have jumped each year of his career, yet he's still an unknown in my book. Perhaps playing in a bigger setting like in the playoffs, or in a bigger market - like New York, (please?) will help get this certified baller's name out on the street more.

Forward: Luis Scola. The 2002 second-round pick out of Argentina has been a contributor all season for the Houston Rockets, but his presence on the floor has become greater since the loss of Yao. Since the All-Star break last month, Scola has played seven more minutes per game and has averaged four points higher per game (12.4 compared to 8.5). Scola averaging eight rebounds this past month has been crucial for the Rockets, while they have out-rebounded their opponents by six per game during their 22-game winning streak. And at 6-feet, 9-inches, Scola's height is a must-have on the floor since he is their only inside presence other than Dikembe Mutombo - a name which can only be said while shaking your finger in the air.

Joe Colombo's NBA column runs every Thursday. He can be reached at Joseph.Colombo@UConn.edu.