Empty the Bench

By: Zachariah Blott

Darren Collison earns second triple-double for class of 2009: In a 107-101 victory over the Pacers last Friday, the Hornets’ rookie point guard went for 18 points, 12 assists, and 13 rebounds. This marks the the second triple-double of the season by a rookie (the only other being Stephen Curry’s 36-10-13 line from February 10th, unless you count DeJuan Blair’s effort on January 13th: 28 points, 10 offensive rebounds, and 11 defensive rebounds). As a starter during Chris Paul’s multiple absences, Collison is averaging 18 points, 8 assists, and 4 rebounds per.

Milwaukee’s Brandon Jennings nearly did it on opening night with 17, 9, and 9. Sacramento’s Tyreke Evans has gotten close a few times and seemed to have the size, skillset, and opportunity to achieve the feat first. Congratulations Mr. Collison. Not too shabby for being the 10th PG selected in last summer’s draft, especially compared to this guy.

Remember the Sixers’ real point guard? Louis Williams, Philadelphia’s odd-man-out during the Allen Iverson fiasco (I believe this officially marks the third one in the last 12 months), was back in the starting lineup on Tuesday and Wednesday. In two road games, he averaged 23 points, 5 assists, and 7 rebounds per, along with 56% from the field (14-25) and 54% from deep (7-13). I know GM Ed Stefanski and Coach Eddie Jordan aren’t getting into Mensa any time soon, but Williams should never have been sitting behind the perpetual freak show and a rookie who is neither a good distributor or scorer.

Josh Smith blocks shots, forgets about cleaning the glass: Atlanta PF Josh Smith has a bit of reputation for lacking consistency and going for big plays instead of simple, helpful ones. Exhibit A is the Hawks’ February 19 loss in Phoenix. While Smith was able to dazzle with 4 blocks, he only grabbed 3 defensive rebounds (the easy ones), and 5 total. The Suns outboarded the Hawks 50-36.

Zachariah Blott cannot recommend Rick Telander’s “Heaven Is A Playground” enough.

Louis Williams Photo Credit: Icon SMI

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