Our first quarter is over, so it’s time for that time honored cliche, first quarter MVPs, which usually have nothing to do with four-quarter MVPs. But instead, for our Saturday Starting Five, we’ll be covering those players who haven’t lived up to what their teams have needed, or paid, them to be. Sure, there are worse players, but these are the ones who have been paid and expected to be more.
Vince Carter: On pace for career lows in points per game and per minute, as well as assists per game and per minute. His 3-point percentage is significantly down (33.8%, his lowest since an injury plagued 2004-2005 season). Most importantly, in a season where the Magic were hoping Carter would buck up after more time in the system, for one last run. Orlando is staring down the reality of not being in the league of the East’s elite, and Carter was meant to get them there, even at his age. Worse still, even if he wasn’t doing enough, if he was at least performing to par his trade value would be higher. In essence, the Magic are getting the worst of both worlds.
John Salmons: Whoops. It’s not so much that Salmons is worse than he’s ever been, he’s just eerily similar to the marginal player that played for Chicago last year before he was traded to Milwaukee and underwent a resurgence that netted him his new contract. Of course, that guy could shoot. Salmons is shooting 37% this season, from the field. For a guy who’s supposed to at least share scoring responsibilities for the Bucks. If Salmons doesn’t get this turned around soon, the Bucks’ already dimming hopes for the season could go to black.
Tyreke Evans: Even with his plantar fasciitis, we expected more out of the former Rookie of the Year than this. The Kings certainly did. It’s not just Evans’ numbers that have plummeted, it’s that he’s not getting to the rim, attacking, and taking charge of the offense. The Kings moved him to shooting guard to give him the opportunity to be the tip of the spear, but instead they’re just charging the line with a shovel.
Baron Davis: Not surprising in the least, but here he remains. Davis was to be the bridge from Clipper past to Clipper future, the wily veteran helping the young team with leadership and the occasional clutch play. Instead, he’s simply been bad. Missing too many shots, showing up out of shape, and like he did on Saturday, wasting opportunities with terrible shot selection. The era of the Dizzle is over.
Chris Bosh: I remember that Chris Bosh was considered the third best free agent of last year, and that he was considered to be a great player. I just don’t really remember why. Amar’e Stoudemire had the explosive plays, the scoring potential, the playoff wins, the fiery nature, and the swagger. Bosh had a nice midrange. And that’s pretty much all he’s shown in Miami. No Heat player has underperformed like Bosh has and every attempt to get physical and attack with aggressiveness only comes off as yogurt trying to be stone.