To Franchise or Not to Franchise

In today’s NBA, what constitutes a franchise/cornerstone player?

Star power. Elite or versatile skill set. Youth and/or superb health record. Superior athleticism. Leadership/dependability. Obviously, in an ideal world, you want your franchise cornerstone to have all five of those qualities (and really, I listed eight qualities)—but there’s only one Lebron James and only one Kevin Durant.

That said, if you have a player that checks off four of those five boxes, you’re definitely thinking about offering him a max contract and feeling confident that he can be a vital piece if not the foundation for a championship-caliber franchise.

So, the question the Los Angeles Lakers should be asking themselves is—is Dwight Howard a franchise player?

Let’s go down the list after the jump.

Still Not a Believer: Knickerbocker Edition

It’s New York, so of course there’s going to be lots and lots of love for the Knickerbockers in a year in which they currently own the best record in the Eastern Conference. There’s talk of Carmelo Anthony for MVP. There’s talk of best team in the Association. There’s talk of dethroning the Heat.

But, talk is cheap. Analyzing the situation, trends, and historical precedents, reveal what should be more realistic expectations for this Knicks team.

Skill Vs Talent: Kobe Vs Lebron

This was posted on March 13, 2009. Today, the argument is no longer an argument (no matter how brilliantly Bryant is currently playing). Lebron is still the most talented player in the league, but his skill level has taken leaps and bounds which makes him, without question, the best player in the league right now.

But back in 2009? Everybody had an opinion on this argument. Just ask my coworker Chris Lee. He'll literally get physically and emotionally angry if you bring this up to him. He didn't talk to me for an entire day because of this topic.

There Will Be Bledsoe

Imagine if Russell Westbrook was drafted by a team with Chris Paul. Imagine he had to earn his minutes. Imagine he spent a lockout shortened 66-game season and then an entire offseason learning to imitate how Paul plays. Now close your eyes and imagine the type of player he would be. When you open them up, go ahead and Google Eric Bledsoe.

While he's been dubbed "baby Lebron" by no less than Lebron James himself, Bledsoe really is more like a mini-Westbrook with his zest for playing, his energy, his hops, and his high flying acrobatics.

But beyond the highlight reel plays (like last night’s facial block at the rim on a Dwyane Wade dunk attempt), Bledsoe has taken a quantum leap forward in his development in his third season. He’s always had the athleticism, but this year, he’s added a ton of thought to his game. And it absolutely shows.

Want to Be Part of It: NY Knicks 12-13 Preview (Pt. 1)

Here’s something I never thought I’d write: I completely agree with Stephon Marbury.

In an interview with ESPN New York, the starting point guard for the Chinese Basketball Association’s reigning champion Beijing Ducks simply said, “Nope,” when asked if he thought Knicks stars Carmelo Anthony and Amar’e Stoudemire could play together.

Include Tyson Chandler and that pretty much sums up my feelings towards the Knicks' Big Three. In fact, I’d argue that the majority of the Knicks roster is ill-suited to play together—no matter how stacked New Yorkers believe their team to be or how many Knicks players think they can win it all.