This is a better team without Ben Gordon. I know this may be very controversial, especially amongst those that I have included on this email, but I think it’s true. Defensively, they have gone from a small/undersized team, to a big starting lineup. You replace Gordon with Salmons and you gain 6 inches (at least) and a much better all-around defender. Defensively, they have been excellent through 10 games ranking 6th in Opponents Points Per Game (91.8) and 4th in Defensive Rating (99.5 Point Per 100 Possessions).

Now Vinny would argue that the reason has more to do with him harping defense in training camp and throughout the season, but I don’t buy that. I don’t like Vinny as a coach (though really would enjoy him reviewing local Italian restaurants) and I don’t think he knows or understands how to teach defense. Therefore, I think it has more to do with the Gordon-Salmons exchange.

I think this team has the ability to be a tremendous defensive team if Rose would improve in this area. This is a tangible spot/opportunity for Vinny to show he can coach defense and we have not seen it. Rose is still constantly running directly into screens and not able to keep his man out of the paint – Lou Williams killed him for 20.

Offensively, obviously Ben is a better pure scorer than Salmons, but I think the dropoff on the defensive end is severe, especially if you are talking about him starting. However, I am optimistic.

Here are Salmons current numbers:
Year FG% 3PT% FT%
09-10 34 30 71

Previous years –
08-09 47 42 83
07-08 48 33 82
06-07 46 36 78

So what does this show? Well, obviously Salmons has shot way below his career numbers so far this season. If you assume his percentages will go back to the mean, or at least close, then a strong improvement over the next 72 games will occur.

Bottom line: I think this team is definitely better defensively without Gordon, and potentially, better offensively without Gordon.

If we can get a big second half from Rose, Noah continues to be a 10/12/3/2 guy and Taj avoids hitting a rookie wall, then I think the 4/5 seed is attainable. Unfortuantely, the 4/5 seed doesn’t get you past Cleveland, Orlando and Boston. However, maybe that type of progress gives LeBron/Bosh/DWade optimism and we get a true alpha dog to join the team in 2010. With Luol becoming you’re third best player, then you’ve got a chance to compete for what really matters.

What’s sad is Shaq will make the allstar game but Noah is a better center right now (of course thanks to a great decline Shaq’s abilities due to his age). What other center in the East is playing better then Noah right now besides Howard (though I don’t even think Howard stats so far shows this but at the end of the day we know how is a better center).

My question: HOW can he get votes for the All-Star game this year? Is there any way to do it, any letters to write, etc? Will the league step in at some point?