JBOMB Basketball Blog

Here’s an interesting blog post from Brian Spencer’s EmptyTheBench.com – The NBA’s Top 6 Double-Double Machines Who Aren’t Household Names.

The blog post is basically highlighting 6 of the most underrated NBA players when it comes to creating double-double almost automatically, nights in and nights out.

I rule out a player for a reason – Brian, too, mention that he is yet to be a double-double machine someday. Read on to know what I mean.

Here are the elite members of the pack:

David Lee, New York Knicks

David Lee is year 3 Knicks Forward-Center that looks like the guy next door.

So wrong – he is formidable, and continue to shine under Mike D’Antoni game play system.

His efficiency shooting, at .559 in 23 games, helps his strong double-double – a bit over 14 points per game and 10 rebounds per game.

Paul Millsap, Utah Jazz

Forget the injured Carlos Boozer for a while. Paul Millsap takes the spotlight and dominate the board.

A strong Utah Jazz’ supposedly-Carlos’-backup, Paul Millsap records 12 straight double-double, with the latest highlight of 32 points and 10 boards vs. the Boston Celtics.

Sick basketball display from a player that ‘only’ compensated $800k this year – underrated and underpaid – Lucky Jazz :D

Al Jefferson, Minnesota Timberwolves

I agree with Brian Spencer’s pick on Al. Al is good, but very much underrated, in my opinion.

Blame it on the Wolves. Like I said in my previous blog post on Dwight Howard and about the Top 10 Clutch NBA Players that are being underpaid – He is underpaid, but a clutch performer in the 4th quarter, and I still say to the Orlando Magic: Put Hedo on Small Forward or Shooting Guard, and let Al dominate the Power Forward position, creating a double threat with the Howard-guy… only just the Magic has someone/two to trade Al with… hmm, who would that be? (psst… Trade Rashard, will ya?)

Back to business. Al’s double-double is a bit of a higher quality on this Top 5 list – he averages over 21.8 points and 10.3 boards a game on average in 23 games and 23 starts. Oh, add to that 2 blocks per game.

A truly underrated 6-10, 265-pounder – he is ‘da beast’ on the paint. Only if he was as ‘loud’ as Shaq.

Andris Biedrins, Golden State Warriors

I’ve monitored Andris since he was a Rookie, and learn that many love him – for, um, questionable reason. He definitely need to add more power and awareness to his game.

That being said, he is still 22 y-o, and learning fast. He is definitely the most efficient performers in the Top 5 list – His numbers: .550, 12.2 rebounds a game, 1.2 steals a game, 1.7 blocks a game, and 15.1 points a game in 32.8 minutes, 24 games and 24 starts.

’nuff said.

Troy Murphy, Indiana Pacers

Troy, a 6-11, 245 lbs. is definitely the most underrated player of all in the Top 5 list.

7 NBA seasons under his belt with a strong rebounder and team player, Troy Murphy is still not getting the recognition he deserved.

His 11.6 PPG and 11.1 RPG showcase is pretty much his display in 7 seasons (career: 11.4 PPG, 8.0 RPG.) And, this season, Troy is the NBA second best defensive rebounder at 9.2 boards a game, only trailed by the Magic’s Dwight Howard.

Upcoming… Luis Scola, Houston Rockets

He is stunning, I must say. But I wouldn’t consider him a double-double machine, just yet. I agree with Brian Spencer that he is the one to watch. But, sorry Luis, perhaps next time on my Top 5 list?

Image by ESPN.com.

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