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[QUOTE="fanfanclubclub, post: 84686, member: 787"]
Southerland's per-40 scoring has basically [I]doubled[/I]: from 13.8 to 26.5.

James is scoring really well, but obviously there is a possibility that he has simply been on a hot streak shooting against lousy competition (and aiding by easy shots when we were pressing a team that couldn't get to half court).

James has also shown some improvement in his floor game-
Southerland's per 40 stats from 2010: per 40: 6.5 reb, 1.4 a, 1.7 blk, 1.4 s
Southerland's per 40 stats from 2011: per 40: 8.4 reb, 2.9 a, 1,9 blk, 3.8 s

But this improved floor game is still one of the least productive floor games on the team, mirroring the stat sheet of the clearly-hobbled Joseph. If Southerland keeps up this level of scoring, then he is about as good as injured-Joseph: except that Southerland doesn't get to the line (1.9 fta per 40), so he is not as efficient as Joseph (7.2).

If, on the other hand, James is simply riding a 3 game hot streak vs. lousy competition, then he doesn't deserve minutes over Joseph, and his floor game makes it hard to win minutes from Fair, BMK, and Xmas. Syracuse doesn't play four front court subs.

Also, Southerland and Melo are apples and oranges.

Southerland is not a default 1st rounder with his skill set and size, Melo is. Huge difference. There is no chance for Southerland to be Daniel Orton'ed. Melo's size, mobility, defensive presence, and skill set put him in a favorable position where he just needs to show some game sense and stay healthy: both of which he is doing. Melo simply changes the game on both sides of the floor.
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