The Underlying Point
NBA critics have questioned the Hawk’s selection of Marvin Williams, a raw freshman prodigy from the national champion Tar Heels, with the second overall pick in the 
2005 NBA draft. Sure Williams had talent to offer. And sure Williams had even more to offer in potential. But anyone that knew the Hawks knew that they needed a point guard in the worst of ways. The Hawks eventually found one once they traded for Mike Bibby, but the fact remains that the Hawks really missed the boat on that 2005 draft night.
Once David Stern announced the Hawks’ selection, the PG carousel was set in motion. With the third overall pick, the Jazz selected Deron Williams. The Hornets selected Chris Paul next. And finally, Raymond Felton became the third straight top tier PG taken once the Bobcats selected the hometown kid, Marvin Williams’ teammate from the national champion Tar Heels.
Now in their sixth seasons, Williams and Paul have emerged as the top guns at their position. Williams has been an all-star, an Olympian, and the leader of strong playoff teams during his career. Chris Paul… well, Chris Paul has done the same but has taken his game even a step further. Paul has become one of the game’s elite superstars. He is a player who has been strongly considered in recent years for the league’s MVP award. Injuries have hampered the small floor general, but this season, it appears that Chris Paul is back on track leading the surprising Hornets to a 13-5 start.
Then of course, there is Felton, the current Knicks PG who to this point in his career has been good, but not nearly as good as the two PGs selected directly in front on him in 2005. With that said, Felton is becoming more comfortable in his new home, in his new system, and most importantly, with his new sidekick. Lately, Felton has been playing lights out basketball, torching opponents with his shooting ability, passing ability, defense and overall intensity. To this point in the season, Felton has been even better than advertised – everything Knicks’ fans could have wanted from him. Felton has emerged as a leader of this franchise with his toughness and his warrior mentality.
Tomorrow night, the Knicks stroll into New Orleans having played very good basketball of late. Of course, the Knicks have beaten up on some inferior teams, but the fact remains that the Knicks have gone on a recent winning surge. Much of that winning can be attributed to Felton’s spectacular play. Although the main focus should be on the Knicks beating the Hornets, it is tough to ignore the match-up between Felton and Paul. Having watched Felton a lot this season, I have to believe that he is amped for this clash with Paul, his peer who has seen his career take off since the two were drafted back in 2005.
Most people still consider Chris Paul to be the class of the PG position. Whether he is the best or not, Paul is still a benchmark for other point guards. There are plenty of Knicks fans who have talked about the possibility of acquiring Paul in the summer of 2012. In fact, many people view Felton as a stop-gap PG for this team, having signed only a two year contract with the Knicks, a contract that expires at the same time as Paul’s.
Well, tomorrow night, Felton has the chance to show Knicks fans how well he can match up with the game’s elite PG. With how well each player has played this season, I expect them to both play at a very high level. It will be the one of the bigger story lines of the game, the underlying point.
Let’s go Ray Felton and let’s go Knicks!
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