LestersLegends.com

Image courtesy of Icon SMI
.
Just because you can’t secure Rajon Rondo, it doesn’t mean that your a lost cause in the steals category. Here are some value players to help you win that category.
.
Trevor Ariza, New Orleans Hornets
Ariza’s production went up with Houston last year, but he struggled mightily from the field, shooting just 39.4 percent. He is playing for New Orleans this year, and I expect a regression offensively. However, he’s averaged 1.7 and 1.8 steals the past two seasons respectively. He should remain among the league leaders in the category.
.
Corey Brewer, Minnesota Timberwolves
He’s a bit of a risk as the Wolves added Martell Webster and Wesley Johnson, but he’s been a solid defender all the way back to his days at Florida.
.
Mike Conley, Memphis Grizzlies
So he probably won’t ever live up to his #4 draft pick status, he’s been vastly more successful than his Buckeye teammate Greg Oden. He’ll give you a nice little boost in assists, as well as steals. He averaged 1.4 steals per game last year, and you can likely wait on him until at least the eighth round.
.
Ron Artest, Los Angeles Lakers
His numbers took a hit with the Lakers last year, but he should feel a lot less pressure after helping them repeat as champions. Even if his scoring remains below his career average of 15.5, he’s a virtual lock to be top 20 in steals.
.
Rodney Stuckey, Detroit Pistons
Last year was a disaster for the Pistons, but Stuckey played pretty well averaging 16.6 points, 4.8 assist, 3.8 rebounds, and 1.4 steals. With another year under his belt, he’s a good bet to quietly put up some serious numbers.
.
Mario Chalmers, Miami Heat
Chalmers regressed in the steals category, but he still managed 1.3 per game. LeBron is a great help defender so Chalmers can afford to aggressively jump passing lanes and go for the steal.
.
Ronnie Brewer, Chicago Bulls
Brewer has averaged at least 1.6 steals over the past three seasons. He is bringing his defensive prowess to the Bulls.
.

Also check out:

ESPN is reporting the World Champion Los Angeles Lakers have agreed to terms with Ron Artest.  It won’t become official until July 8th, but unless the deal his a snag, the Lakers can almost be penciled in for another trip to the Finals.

The Lakers already got a gift when they were handed Pau Gasol for Marc Gasol and some scraps.  Now Ron Artest will take less money to join the Lakers squad, which is shaping up to be a dynasty.  I cannot fault Artest for wanting to win a ring.  There have been many players who have taken cuts to win titles.  He point blank came out and said “I’m not playing for the money anymore.”

There aren’t many players who can somewhat keep Kobe in check.  Now one of them is on his team. 

It wasn’t all good news for the Lakers as Trevor Ariza, an important part of their title team, has agreed to join the Rockets.  Cleveland, who was interested in both wing players, has to feel a little left out in the cold as they missed out on two chances to add more firepower to the LeBron-Shaq marriage.

11/17/08