Official NBA 2016-2017 Thread - 30 teams, 1 goal. 2 weeks left, so much can happen!!
B
But what do they want in return? Maybe a better point guard and some picks?
Man somebody needs to jump on this ASAP....
Kings Open To Trading Willie Cauley-Stein
NOV 11, 2016 1:17 PM
The Sacramento Kings are open to trading Willie Cauley-Stein.
Cauley-Stein has been seeking a bigger role than he has so far received under Dave Joerger. Cauley-Stein has averaged just 4.9 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.6 blocks in 14.5 minutes per game so far in his second NBA season.
Cauley-Stein was the sixth overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft out of Kentucky. The Kings subsequently added several big men which has made finding minutes for Cauley-Stein problematic.
But what do they want in return? Maybe a better point guard and some picks?
Man somebody needs to jump on this ASAP....
Kings Open To Trading Willie Cauley-Stein
NOV 11, 2016 1:17 PM
The Sacramento Kings are open to trading Willie Cauley-Stein.
Cauley-Stein has been seeking a bigger role than he has so far received under Dave Joerger. Cauley-Stein has averaged just 4.9 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.6 blocks in 14.5 minutes per game so far in his second NBA season.
Cauley-Stein was the sixth overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft out of Kentucky. The Kings subsequently added several big men which has made finding minutes for Cauley-Stein problematic.
they need a gm clearly.
they need new organizational management. they've hit on 1 pick (cousins)
and missed with everything else players+coaches.
Yeah they need a complete makeover. I ultimately seeing Boogie getting moved for some picks and a solid center. I think the Kings are sick of him and vice versa
so set them back 10 more years? lol
they could turn it around they have 1 piece in him.
just don't have anything else due to their own fault.
If you get a top 3 pick and some solid players for Cuz, you gotta go for it. It's not like he's Anthony Davis who actually lead his team to the playoffs and winning records. Boogie is Kevin Love in Minnesota all over again with the on court theatrics
doubt Myers would do it... but it would be interesting to see him on the Warriors...
im not the biggest cousins fan.. in fact not even close.. but this dude has been playing with the damn kings lol
so yea.
he'd fit in. its hard to find someone who wouldn't fit in on a ball sharing offense lol
but nope.
Lakers with another win.
Washington is ass and will probably miss the playoffs again.
Pacers still struggling out the gate. I had them as a top 4 team.
Rockets need depth. Harden gonna need wins to be the MVP. The Rockets should be playing McDaniel's over Brewer. McDaniel went from all rookie team to barely getting playing time. I know he wasn't the best 3pt shooter but he has potential.
Washington is ass and will probably miss the playoffs again.
Pacers still struggling out the gate. I had them as a top 4 team.
Rockets need depth. Harden gonna need wins to be the MVP. The Rockets should be playing McDaniel's over Brewer. McDaniel went from all rookie team to barely getting playing time. I know he wasn't the best 3pt shooter but he has potential.
He has GOTS to go. Period.
Yeah don't own y'all pick. May as well go for wins. They making the best out of what they have. Jefferson had like 20. Kilpatrick still getting buckets.
Man somebody needs to jump on this ASAP....
Kings Open To Trading Willie Cauley-Stein
NOV 11, 2016 1:17 PM
The Sacramento Kings are open to trading Willie Cauley-Stein.
Cauley-Stein has been seeking a bigger role than he has so far received under Dave Joerger. Cauley-Stein has averaged just 4.9 points, 1.8 rebounds and 0.6 blocks in 14.5 minutes per game so far in his second NBA season.
Cauley-Stein was the sixth overall pick in the 2015 NBA Draft out of Kentucky. The Kings subsequently added several big men which has made finding minutes for Cauley-Stein problematic.
Why? He has no offense. He's a poor mans Joakim Noah. It was a dumb draft pick and they drafted him too high.
It's just like how they drafted Stauskus after McClemore, and both of them turned out to be bust.
Nobody is going to give up a lot for a player who isn't going to help you win
They say the Kings are asking for too much for him, and teams aren't going to give up that much because he's immature and a head case and just having him isn't going to help you win
Shit he could help out many teams, I don't know if he's consistent but the few times I show him play, he was very good in Boogie's absent.
Spurs play with full squad for first time in win over Houston
HOUSTON -- Experience lends itself to perspective apparently, because that’s precisely what veteran Manu Ginobiliprovided Saturday in summing up theSan Antonio Spurs' 106-100 triumph over the Houston Rockets.
“We didn’t care that much about [starting the season] 4-0,” Ginobili said. “Of course, it hurts to lose three out of four at home. We don’t like it. But we can’t be that dramatic yet. We were not great after [starting] 4-0. We are not that terrible now.”
What the Spurs (7-3) are now is whole, after playing a game with the full squad for the first time all season. Injuries to key starters, such as Tony Parker andDanny Green, mixed with the incorporation of a bevy of new additions in Pau Gasol, David Lee andDewayne Dedmon conspired early in the season to prevent San Antonio from developing chemistry quickly, while maintaining its decades-old culture of unselfishness.
With the entire team together at the Toyota Center on Saturday, the Spurs finally flashed hints of chemistry development. The fact that five players -- nearly six, as Patty Mills contributed eight points -- scored in double figures provides enough evidence to suggest San Antonio’s selfless culture won’t be crumbling anytime soon.
Kawhi Leonard scored 29 points or more in three of his previous four outings headed into Saturday and paced San Antonio with 20 in the win over Houston. But this 20-point night for Leonard seemed different, considering he scored 10 points in the opening quarter and didn’t light up the scoreboard again until the fourth quarter as the game tightened with San Antonio fighting to hold off the surging Rockets. Leonard hit five of seven in the final quarter.
LaMarcus Aldridge and Parker chipped in 16 apiece, followed by Gasol with 15 and Ginobili with 12.
“This is our first time having our full roster able to play, and being that it was on a back-to-back, I think we did a pretty good job tonight,” Leonard said. “[In the] fourth quarter we gave up 30 points. So we’ve still got some stuff to work on to keep that momentum going throughout the game. But overall I think we did pretty good.”
San Antonio rolled out of the gates to start the season at 4-0, including a signature 29-point win in the opener over Golden State. In that outing, Parker hyperextended his right knee and struggled in subsequent contests before the Spurs decided to sit him for a three-game stretch Nov. 4-9.
The Spurs lost two of those games -- to the Clippers and Rockets, which outscored San Antonio in the paint a combined 96-62. In the two games since Parker returned to the lineup, San Antonio has outscored opponents 82-64 in the paint, in part because of his penetrating style.
“He gets us organized. He hasn’t been with us much so far this season,” Popovich said. “The last stretch, he played 10- or 10-and-a-half [minutes] in a row. It’s just a stability factor on the perimeter. That was a big help. Manu [Ginobili] had a big game for us tonight. Adding those two to the mix is important, because of corporate knowledge.”
Meanwhile, Green, the starting shooting guard, suited up for just his second game all season Saturday, as he has been out for eight of the team’s 10 games due to a quadriceps strain suffered in the summer.
The team has also held out Ginobili and Aldridge as early as the first week of the season for rest, which likely hindered the development of team chemistry.
“We’re starting to build chemistry for the future, for late in the season,” said Aldridge, who led the Spurs with 10 rebounds. “I thought tonight was a good step in the right direction.”
Gasol agreed and his chemistry with Aldridge is becoming apparent as evidenced by the high-low game the duo is improving at executing.
“We definitely played better today than we did a few days ago. We’re making progress, and that’s what it’s about,” Gasol said. “We’ve been playing much better on the road than we have at home. Hopefully we can come out with the same intensity and aggressiveness and continue to make progress. I think it’s important [to finally have the full team]. We had a little better balance. We’re moving the ball better. The first seven or eight games of the season, it was a lot of one-on-one, a lot of isolation. We were 19th or 20th in the league in assists. We’ve picked that up the last couple of games and it’s paid off. We have a lot of guys that can score, put the ball in the hole and make plays. Ball movement will be a huge point for us going forward.”
It always has been, but the Spurs now want to come together more on both offense and defense.
“We’ve just got to keep building and realize that improving has got to feel like after every game we became a little better, we [took] a couple steps forward,” Ginobili said. “I think we did today.”
- Michael C. Wright
ESPN Staff Writer
HOUSTON -- Experience lends itself to perspective apparently, because that’s precisely what veteran Manu Ginobiliprovided Saturday in summing up theSan Antonio Spurs' 106-100 triumph over the Houston Rockets.
“We didn’t care that much about [starting the season] 4-0,” Ginobili said. “Of course, it hurts to lose three out of four at home. We don’t like it. But we can’t be that dramatic yet. We were not great after [starting] 4-0. We are not that terrible now.”
What the Spurs (7-3) are now is whole, after playing a game with the full squad for the first time all season. Injuries to key starters, such as Tony Parker andDanny Green, mixed with the incorporation of a bevy of new additions in Pau Gasol, David Lee andDewayne Dedmon conspired early in the season to prevent San Antonio from developing chemistry quickly, while maintaining its decades-old culture of unselfishness.
With the entire team together at the Toyota Center on Saturday, the Spurs finally flashed hints of chemistry development. The fact that five players -- nearly six, as Patty Mills contributed eight points -- scored in double figures provides enough evidence to suggest San Antonio’s selfless culture won’t be crumbling anytime soon.
Kawhi Leonard scored 29 points or more in three of his previous four outings headed into Saturday and paced San Antonio with 20 in the win over Houston. But this 20-point night for Leonard seemed different, considering he scored 10 points in the opening quarter and didn’t light up the scoreboard again until the fourth quarter as the game tightened with San Antonio fighting to hold off the surging Rockets. Leonard hit five of seven in the final quarter.
LaMarcus Aldridge and Parker chipped in 16 apiece, followed by Gasol with 15 and Ginobili with 12.
“This is our first time having our full roster able to play, and being that it was on a back-to-back, I think we did a pretty good job tonight,” Leonard said. “[In the] fourth quarter we gave up 30 points. So we’ve still got some stuff to work on to keep that momentum going throughout the game. But overall I think we did pretty good.”
San Antonio rolled out of the gates to start the season at 4-0, including a signature 29-point win in the opener over Golden State. In that outing, Parker hyperextended his right knee and struggled in subsequent contests before the Spurs decided to sit him for a three-game stretch Nov. 4-9.
The Spurs lost two of those games -- to the Clippers and Rockets, which outscored San Antonio in the paint a combined 96-62. In the two games since Parker returned to the lineup, San Antonio has outscored opponents 82-64 in the paint, in part because of his penetrating style.
“He gets us organized. He hasn’t been with us much so far this season,” Popovich said. “The last stretch, he played 10- or 10-and-a-half [minutes] in a row. It’s just a stability factor on the perimeter. That was a big help. Manu [Ginobili] had a big game for us tonight. Adding those two to the mix is important, because of corporate knowledge.”
Meanwhile, Green, the starting shooting guard, suited up for just his second game all season Saturday, as he has been out for eight of the team’s 10 games due to a quadriceps strain suffered in the summer.
The team has also held out Ginobili and Aldridge as early as the first week of the season for rest, which likely hindered the development of team chemistry.
“We’re starting to build chemistry for the future, for late in the season,” said Aldridge, who led the Spurs with 10 rebounds. “I thought tonight was a good step in the right direction.”
Gasol agreed and his chemistry with Aldridge is becoming apparent as evidenced by the high-low game the duo is improving at executing.
“We definitely played better today than we did a few days ago. We’re making progress, and that’s what it’s about,” Gasol said. “We’ve been playing much better on the road than we have at home. Hopefully we can come out with the same intensity and aggressiveness and continue to make progress. I think it’s important [to finally have the full team]. We had a little better balance. We’re moving the ball better. The first seven or eight games of the season, it was a lot of one-on-one, a lot of isolation. We were 19th or 20th in the league in assists. We’ve picked that up the last couple of games and it’s paid off. We have a lot of guys that can score, put the ball in the hole and make plays. Ball movement will be a huge point for us going forward.”
It always has been, but the Spurs now want to come together more on both offense and defense.
“We’ve just got to keep building and realize that improving has got to feel like after every game we became a little better, we [took] a couple steps forward,” Ginobili said. “I think we did today.”
Rockets' shooting and defense fail in loss to Spurs
HOUSTON -- The inability to defend and make open shots hurt the Houston Rocketson Saturday night.
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Rockets106-100, and while the final score indicates a close game, it doesn't tell the true story.
Houston scored a season-low 40 first-half points, well below its season average of 61.4. The 22 first-quarter points were also a season low for a team averaging 31.3.
The Rockets played from behind most of the night, trailing by as many as 15 in the third quarter, until a frantic fourth-quarter burst.
Eric Gordon, who scored a season-high 27 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter. "This game is a game of runs. You definitely want to take control of the first half, and in that second half, you know what to expect. It comes down to who makes the most shots and who plays the best defense."
San Antonio didn't do anything different against two of Houston's playmakers. Danny Green guarded James Harden, and Ryan Anderson was picked up by Kawhi Leonard.
Anderson suffered from a miserable shooting night, misfiring on 12 of 13 shots. His final attempt of the night was blocked by Green, who did the same to Harden earlier in the fourth quarter.
"I missed them, just missed them," Anderson said. "Those are shots I shoot all the time, and I just missed them. Sometimes you miss them and it's frustrating obviously. But you got to move on to the next game, and I don't like playing like that, so it's not like I'm trying to miss. Those were good shots, and they didn't fall."
Anderson missed 6 of 7 uncontested shots. The Rockets shot just 38.2 percent from the field.
It was a stunning reversal for Anderson, who in the previous two games scored a combined 43 points, making 14 of 26 shots from the floor.
This time, Anderson couldn't find a rhythm.
As for Harden, he was forced into becoming a facilitator, but when his teammates didn't hit shots, it led to a long evening.
However, Harden still managed to pick up a triple-double -- 25 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds. He became the first Rocket to produce two consecutive triple-doubles since Elvin Hayes at the end of the 1970-71 season.
Stats aside, Harden grew tired at the end of this contest, having played 39 minutes. In Wednesday's victory over the Spurs, coach Mike D'Antoni played Harden a season-high 40 minutes. The bearded guard recorded his first triple-double of the season.
At this rate, Harden will surely wear down, and the amazing numbers he's producing will dwindle.
D'Antoni indicated the expected return of starter Patrick Beverley (knee) at some point next week, maybe as early as Monday against the Philadelphia 76ers, which will take some pressure off Harden.
"It's going to help a lot," Harden said of Beverley's return. "Pat is a dog and he brings a lot to our team, especially on the defensive end."
Beverley's entrance to the starting lineup allows D'Antoni to massage the rotation to his liking. He wants Gordon to come off the bench exclusively to provide scoring. He would like to utilize Corey Brewer as a tough-minded small forward defender off the bench, too. Yet, on Saturday night, Brewer was benched to start the second half in favor of Gordon.
D'Antoni might limit Brewer's minutes when Beverley returns. Brewer finished with zero points, again, marking the third time in the past four games he has failed to score. At one point during the loss to the Spurs on Saturday, Sam Dekker played at small forward.
When the Rockets are beaten up on the defensive end, someone has to score in addition to Harden. On Saturday, Gordon provided some relief, tying a career high with seven 3-pointers. Harden had to grind out his points, and it showed. He spent plenty of time in the trainer's room afterward.
Harden isn't one to complain about his heavy minutes. D'Antoni knows the minutes must decrease, but Harden is often the lone offensive threat.
HOUSTON -- The inability to defend and make open shots hurt the Houston Rocketson Saturday night.
The San Antonio Spurs defeated the Rockets106-100, and while the final score indicates a close game, it doesn't tell the true story.
Houston scored a season-low 40 first-half points, well below its season average of 61.4. The 22 first-quarter points were also a season low for a team averaging 31.3.
The Rockets played from behind most of the night, trailing by as many as 15 in the third quarter, until a frantic fourth-quarter burst.
Eric Gordon, who scored a season-high 27 points, including 13 in the fourth quarter. "This game is a game of runs. You definitely want to take control of the first half, and in that second half, you know what to expect. It comes down to who makes the most shots and who plays the best defense."
San Antonio didn't do anything different against two of Houston's playmakers. Danny Green guarded James Harden, and Ryan Anderson was picked up by Kawhi Leonard.
Anderson suffered from a miserable shooting night, misfiring on 12 of 13 shots. His final attempt of the night was blocked by Green, who did the same to Harden earlier in the fourth quarter.
"I missed them, just missed them," Anderson said. "Those are shots I shoot all the time, and I just missed them. Sometimes you miss them and it's frustrating obviously. But you got to move on to the next game, and I don't like playing like that, so it's not like I'm trying to miss. Those were good shots, and they didn't fall."
Anderson missed 6 of 7 uncontested shots. The Rockets shot just 38.2 percent from the field.
It was a stunning reversal for Anderson, who in the previous two games scored a combined 43 points, making 14 of 26 shots from the floor.
This time, Anderson couldn't find a rhythm.
As for Harden, he was forced into becoming a facilitator, but when his teammates didn't hit shots, it led to a long evening.
However, Harden still managed to pick up a triple-double -- 25 points, 13 assists and 11 rebounds. He became the first Rocket to produce two consecutive triple-doubles since Elvin Hayes at the end of the 1970-71 season.
Stats aside, Harden grew tired at the end of this contest, having played 39 minutes. In Wednesday's victory over the Spurs, coach Mike D'Antoni played Harden a season-high 40 minutes. The bearded guard recorded his first triple-double of the season.
At this rate, Harden will surely wear down, and the amazing numbers he's producing will dwindle.
D'Antoni indicated the expected return of starter Patrick Beverley (knee) at some point next week, maybe as early as Monday against the Philadelphia 76ers, which will take some pressure off Harden.
"It's going to help a lot," Harden said of Beverley's return. "Pat is a dog and he brings a lot to our team, especially on the defensive end."
Beverley's entrance to the starting lineup allows D'Antoni to massage the rotation to his liking. He wants Gordon to come off the bench exclusively to provide scoring. He would like to utilize Corey Brewer as a tough-minded small forward defender off the bench, too. Yet, on Saturday night, Brewer was benched to start the second half in favor of Gordon.
D'Antoni might limit Brewer's minutes when Beverley returns. Brewer finished with zero points, again, marking the third time in the past four games he has failed to score. At one point during the loss to the Spurs on Saturday, Sam Dekker played at small forward.
When the Rockets are beaten up on the defensive end, someone has to score in addition to Harden. On Saturday, Gordon provided some relief, tying a career high with seven 3-pointers. Harden had to grind out his points, and it showed. He spent plenty of time in the trainer's room afterward.
Harden isn't one to complain about his heavy minutes. D'Antoni knows the minutes must decrease, but Harden is often the lone offensive threat.
He can't score. He's a garbage points player.
If he can't help out a shit team(Kings) how could he help out another team? They're ready to give up on him already with a weak contract.
That tells you his upside or what they think it is.
Pelicans' Davis in exclusive company after 10 games
Anthony Davis' first 10 games this season put him among NBA greats. Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images
It was another loss for the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night despite another strong game from Anthony Davis.
The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Pelicans 126-99, dropping New Orleans' record to 1-9.
Washington Wizards).
Davis has scored 30 or more points in each of his past four games. That is the longest streak of 30-point games in Pelicans history, matching Davis' career-long streak set in March 2014.
The Pelicans have matched their worst start through 10 games in franchise history. They were 1-9 last season, and in 2004-05, when they were known as the New Orleans Hornets.
Davis likes playing the Lakers
The 34 points was the second most Davis has scored against the Lakers in his career. His career high against them is 39 in February of last season, a 99-96 Lakers victory.
ESPN Stats & Information
Davis made 16 of 25 shots in that February game. After Saturday's 13-of-26 shooting, his career shooting percentage against the Lakers dropped to .613, but still his best against any team.
Did you know?
The Lakers' 27-point win was their largest on the road since Nov. 28, 2009, at the Warriors, when Los Angeles won by 33 points.
Anthony Davis' first 10 games this season put him among NBA greats. Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images
- 9:42 PM CT
- ESPN Stats & Information
It was another loss for the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night despite another strong game from Anthony Davis.
The Los Angeles Lakers beat the Pelicans 126-99, dropping New Orleans' record to 1-9.
Washington Wizards).
Davis has scored 30 or more points in each of his past four games. That is the longest streak of 30-point games in Pelicans history, matching Davis' career-long streak set in March 2014.
The Pelicans have matched their worst start through 10 games in franchise history. They were 1-9 last season, and in 2004-05, when they were known as the New Orleans Hornets.
Davis likes playing the Lakers
The 34 points was the second most Davis has scored against the Lakers in his career. His career high against them is 39 in February of last season, a 99-96 Lakers victory.
ESPN Stats & Information
Davis made 16 of 25 shots in that February game. After Saturday's 13-of-26 shooting, his career shooting percentage against the Lakers dropped to .613, but still his best against any team.
Did you know?
The Lakers' 27-point win was their largest on the road since Nov. 28, 2009, at the Warriors, when Los Angeles won by 33 points.
LeBron says consistency fuels his status as NBA's top player
Why LeBron James is still King of the NBA
WASHINGTON -- LeBron James appreciates being appreciated.
When asked about being named the league's No. 1 player for the sixth consecutive year inESPN's annual #NBArank, the three-time champion said there is one characteristic to his game that people are noticing.
"I think it means something of the simple fact that, you know, that what I'm doing, I'm very consistent," James said following theCleveland Cavaliers' 105-94 win over theWashington Wizards on Friday. "I'm very consistent with my game, very consistent on how I approach the game. And there's, whoever's making it, I don't know who's making the case for it, they respect the way I play the game. So it's a testament to that."
James made the comments on the same night he became the youngest player in league history to reach the 27,000-point mark (31 years, 317 days), besting Kobe Bryant's previous mark (32 years, 160 days).
"It's truly an honor to be a part of a journey like that where you see someone put in so much work every single day and accomplishment after accomplishment," saidKyrie Irving, who was one of James' teammates who celebrated the accomplishment by emptying water bottles on the 14-year veteran's head.
"Really just humble about it," Irving said of James. "It's the best way to be, and that's who he is. For us, really celebrate and be a part of it, we never want to take it for granted. He deserves it, a douse of water. Youngest player to 27,000 points, it's an unbelievable feat. It also tells you he's been in the league a while. You never take it for granted, especially moments like that."
James is two-for-two in being named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week so far this season and is averaging 23.4 points, 9.3 assists and 9.0 rebounds through the Cavs' 7-1 start.
If James had an MVP award to match every year that he has led #NBArank, he would be tied with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the league's all-time lead with six. As it is, only Abdul-Jabbar's six and Michael Jordan's five Maurice Podoloff Trophies beat his collection of four.
Why LeBron James is still King of the NBA
WASHINGTON -- LeBron James appreciates being appreciated.
When asked about being named the league's No. 1 player for the sixth consecutive year inESPN's annual #NBArank, the three-time champion said there is one characteristic to his game that people are noticing.
"I think it means something of the simple fact that, you know, that what I'm doing, I'm very consistent," James said following theCleveland Cavaliers' 105-94 win over theWashington Wizards on Friday. "I'm very consistent with my game, very consistent on how I approach the game. And there's, whoever's making it, I don't know who's making the case for it, they respect the way I play the game. So it's a testament to that."
James made the comments on the same night he became the youngest player in league history to reach the 27,000-point mark (31 years, 317 days), besting Kobe Bryant's previous mark (32 years, 160 days).
"It's truly an honor to be a part of a journey like that where you see someone put in so much work every single day and accomplishment after accomplishment," saidKyrie Irving, who was one of James' teammates who celebrated the accomplishment by emptying water bottles on the 14-year veteran's head.
"Really just humble about it," Irving said of James. "It's the best way to be, and that's who he is. For us, really celebrate and be a part of it, we never want to take it for granted. He deserves it, a douse of water. Youngest player to 27,000 points, it's an unbelievable feat. It also tells you he's been in the league a while. You never take it for granted, especially moments like that."
James is two-for-two in being named the Eastern Conference Player of the Week so far this season and is averaging 23.4 points, 9.3 assists and 9.0 rebounds through the Cavs' 7-1 start.
If James had an MVP award to match every year that he has led #NBArank, he would be tied with Kareem Abdul-Jabbar for the league's all-time lead with six. As it is, only Abdul-Jabbar's six and Michael Jordan's five Maurice Podoloff Trophies beat his collection of four.
5 Facts from the Opening Weeks of the 2016-17 NBA Season
The opening weeks of the NBA Regular Season are now behind us. Many exciting games have already been played and many more are on the horizon. From scoring outburst, high flying dunks and historic starts to surprising losses, misplays and more, the action around the NBA is already starting to heat up. Here are five talking points from the first few weeks of the 2016-17 NBA Season.
Honourable Mention: 46th Best?
After being ranked as just the 46th best player in the NBA by Sports Illustrated, Demar DeRozan has come into this season with a bit of a chip on his shoulder. Derozan has been quoted as saying “it [the ranking] will always add a little extra motivation.” Whether or not the Sports Illustrated Ranking has been the driving factor behind the 27-year old’s recent play, one thing is certain, Demar DeRozan is a man on a mission.
Derozan became the first player since Michael Jordan in 1986 to score 30 or more points in 5 straight games including, two 40 point outbursts. Although DeRozan’s historic streak would be broken against Sacramento on November 6th, (23 points) Derozan is reminding fans everywhere that even after lackluster playoff shooting performances, he is indeed worth all 139 million dollars that his new, lucrative contract will pay him over the next five years. Currently, Demar DeRozan leads the NBA with 34.1 points per game. If this stellar play can continue, not only will DeRozan find himself suiting up for the Eastern Conference All-Star in New Orleans but, he will also be a driving factor in Toronto winning a fourth straight Atlantic Division title and, punching their ticket to the Postseason once again.
5. The Portland Trail Blazers will go as far as Damian Lillard can carry them
Damian Lillard’s ability to continually raise the level of his play is truly amazing. Currently, the 26-year-old point guard is ranked fifth with 30.0 points per game. James Harden (ranked fourth) is averaging 30.6 and Anthony Davis (ranked third) is averaging 30.9. C.J McCollum is also putting up good numbers but the Portland Trail Blazers are Damian Lillard’s team.
Portland may be sitting in seventh in the West right now but if the stellar and almost un-human level of play from Lillard continues, the Trail Blazers can go as far as Lillard can carry them. This year will also be the year thatDamian Lillard makes the All-Star Team, without a doubt.
Many would argue that last season the standout guard should have made it and rightfully so, however, this year, after once again taking his level of play to a whole other level, Lillard will set foot on the court at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans as a member of the Western Conference All-Star.
There will be games where Portland’s star will indeed, in fact, appear human but for Portland, the key to their success starts with the man wearing “the letter O”.
4. Don’t worry because every little thing is going to be alright
When Kevin Durant signed with the Golden State Warriors this past summer, many fans were in shock and other may have even hit the “panic button”. In Oklahoma, Durant’s departure did not mark the end of the story but rather the beginning of a new chapter. The Thunder, are Russell Westbrook’s team now and so far the early MVP favorite has not disappointed.
Not only is the 27-year-old sensation averaging 9.6 assists per game but he is also averaging 31.1 points and 8.3 rebounds per game as well. Westbrook also already has notched two triple-doubles in the young season. The first, came against Phoenix on October 28th a game in which, Russ exploded for 51 points, 10 assists and 13 rebounds. The second game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 30th in which he scored 33 points, 16 assists and 11 rebounds.
Westbrook is not the only member of the Thunder contributing to the team’s early success. Center Steven Adams’ continual ascent to greatness has also filled the hole left by the departure of Serge Ibaka very nicely. Victor Oladipo is also making very nice contributions as well. Both players previously mentioned were both recently rewarded with long-term, lucrative contract extensions. Currently, Oklahoma is tied for second in the Western Conference with none other than the Golden State Warriors.
3. It is going to be a LONG season for Anthony Davis
You have got to feel for the New Orleans Pelicans. The team made the playoffs just two seasons ago and it seemed that with the addition of new Head Coach Alvin Gentry, things were really starting to be looking up.
This season, a serious of injuries and unfortunate events struck leaving the Pelicans on the outside looking in. For a team with a very little chance of making the playoffs, the early play of Anthony Davis is New Orleans’ biggest victory. As previously noted Davis is averaging 30.1 points per game (including a 50 point outburst) which, ranks him third in the NBA and is averaging 11.0 rebound which, ranks him 8th in the NBA.
It is inevitable that at some point, Davis will go down with some sort of injury due to overuse and the grind of being New Orleans’ literal only offensive option. Teams are literally only guarding Davis on defense during some possessions of the game. Not to say that the big man can not handle the role because, we all know he most certainly can but after all, he is human.
The return of Jrue Holiday next week will most definitely provide the Pelicans with a much-needed boost. Davis is not showing any signs of slowing down, at all. The stellar play of the young big man will most definitely earn him a spot on the Western Conference All-Star Team and should earn him Most Valuable Player votes come season’s end.
New Orleans may not make the postseason but Anthony Davis is undoubtedly their Most Valuable Player.
2. Will anyone be able to stop Cleveland?
The reigning NBA Champions already look as though they are in Midseason form and that, is scary. Through Seven games Cleveland is currently first in the Eastern Conference with a 6-1 record. The Cavs did however, start the season 6-0 before an eventual loss to Atlanta on November 8th. As previously noted, Cleveland is firing on all cylinders.
LeBron James is already averaging 22 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists per game while Kyrie Irving, is averaging 22 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists. Early, outstanding play from Kevin Love is also a major positive for Cleveland. Love is the third member of Cleveland’s big three to average 20 or more points per game with 22 and, he is also averaging 9 rebounds and 1 assist per game as well.
In perhaps one of the least talked about opening night performances, Kevin Love scored 23 points and grabbed 12 rebounds against New York. Currently, Cleveland ranks 2nd in the league in points per game, 11th in assists per game and, 14th in rebounds per game. Tristan Thompson (9 rebounds per game), Channing Frye (10 points per game) and J.R Smith (9 points per game) are also all having great starts to the season.
Cleveland very well could remain atop the East until April which, poses the question, “Can anyone stop Cleveland?”. There may not be a simple answer now but, one thing is for sure and that is that with the way they are playing now, the Cleveland Cavaliers look like a serious threat to repeat as champions.
1. Growing pains in Golden State
Did anyone actually expect the Golden State Warriors to lose a game at all? How about, did anyone expect Golden State to lose not one but, two games in the first month of the season, including their opener? Yes, these statistics are all in fact, true.
The Warriors do however rank first in the league in points per game, assists per game and steals per game. The team itself is still trying to figure things out and during an 82 game season, the time for figuring things out is very limited.
One player the Warriors miss the most is Andrew Bogut. Steph Curry was indeed the best player in the NBA last season, however, Bogut may have been Golden State’s most important. Andrew Bogut was the glue which, held everything together. Not to say that for the Warriors everything’s falling apart but, they are missing the passing and rebounding skills from the Australian big man and his all around interior presence. Too many, Bogut may not have seemed that important however, it is no evident more than ever just how important he was to the Warriors.
There will at some point during the season where Golden State goes on a lengthy winning streak, it is inevitable. The Warriors are still are a super team and right now, they are a super team figuring out how to properly place all the pieces together in their puzzle.Kevin Durant has come out of the gate red hot and although Steph Curry’s historic three-point streak came to an end, the reining, back to back Most Valuable Player has recovered nicely.
Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are also adjusting to somewhat new roles but have still performed well. With the emergence of Kevon Looney, the Warriors may also have themselves a new dual threat as well. With the season still young, there is plenty of time for the Golden State Warriors to become the dominant team everyone knows they will be. In their 7 wins on the year so far, the Warriors have shown tremendous flashes of just how scary they will be.
*Statistics as of November 11th, 2016.*
The opening weeks of the NBA Regular Season are now behind us. Many exciting games have already been played and many more are on the horizon. From scoring outburst, high flying dunks and historic starts to surprising losses, misplays and more, the action around the NBA is already starting to heat up. Here are five talking points from the first few weeks of the 2016-17 NBA Season.
Honourable Mention: 46th Best?
After being ranked as just the 46th best player in the NBA by Sports Illustrated, Demar DeRozan has come into this season with a bit of a chip on his shoulder. Derozan has been quoted as saying “it [the ranking] will always add a little extra motivation.” Whether or not the Sports Illustrated Ranking has been the driving factor behind the 27-year old’s recent play, one thing is certain, Demar DeRozan is a man on a mission.
Derozan became the first player since Michael Jordan in 1986 to score 30 or more points in 5 straight games including, two 40 point outbursts. Although DeRozan’s historic streak would be broken against Sacramento on November 6th, (23 points) Derozan is reminding fans everywhere that even after lackluster playoff shooting performances, he is indeed worth all 139 million dollars that his new, lucrative contract will pay him over the next five years. Currently, Demar DeRozan leads the NBA with 34.1 points per game. If this stellar play can continue, not only will DeRozan find himself suiting up for the Eastern Conference All-Star in New Orleans but, he will also be a driving factor in Toronto winning a fourth straight Atlantic Division title and, punching their ticket to the Postseason once again.
5. The Portland Trail Blazers will go as far as Damian Lillard can carry them
Damian Lillard’s ability to continually raise the level of his play is truly amazing. Currently, the 26-year-old point guard is ranked fifth with 30.0 points per game. James Harden (ranked fourth) is averaging 30.6 and Anthony Davis (ranked third) is averaging 30.9. C.J McCollum is also putting up good numbers but the Portland Trail Blazers are Damian Lillard’s team.
Portland may be sitting in seventh in the West right now but if the stellar and almost un-human level of play from Lillard continues, the Trail Blazers can go as far as Lillard can carry them. This year will also be the year thatDamian Lillard makes the All-Star Team, without a doubt.
Many would argue that last season the standout guard should have made it and rightfully so, however, this year, after once again taking his level of play to a whole other level, Lillard will set foot on the court at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans as a member of the Western Conference All-Star.
There will be games where Portland’s star will indeed, in fact, appear human but for Portland, the key to their success starts with the man wearing “the letter O”.
4. Don’t worry because every little thing is going to be alright
When Kevin Durant signed with the Golden State Warriors this past summer, many fans were in shock and other may have even hit the “panic button”. In Oklahoma, Durant’s departure did not mark the end of the story but rather the beginning of a new chapter. The Thunder, are Russell Westbrook’s team now and so far the early MVP favorite has not disappointed.
Not only is the 27-year-old sensation averaging 9.6 assists per game but he is also averaging 31.1 points and 8.3 rebounds per game as well. Westbrook also already has notched two triple-doubles in the young season. The first, came against Phoenix on October 28th a game in which, Russ exploded for 51 points, 10 assists and 13 rebounds. The second game against the Los Angeles Lakers on October 30th in which he scored 33 points, 16 assists and 11 rebounds.
Westbrook is not the only member of the Thunder contributing to the team’s early success. Center Steven Adams’ continual ascent to greatness has also filled the hole left by the departure of Serge Ibaka very nicely. Victor Oladipo is also making very nice contributions as well. Both players previously mentioned were both recently rewarded with long-term, lucrative contract extensions. Currently, Oklahoma is tied for second in the Western Conference with none other than the Golden State Warriors.
3. It is going to be a LONG season for Anthony Davis
You have got to feel for the New Orleans Pelicans. The team made the playoffs just two seasons ago and it seemed that with the addition of new Head Coach Alvin Gentry, things were really starting to be looking up.
This season, a serious of injuries and unfortunate events struck leaving the Pelicans on the outside looking in. For a team with a very little chance of making the playoffs, the early play of Anthony Davis is New Orleans’ biggest victory. As previously noted Davis is averaging 30.1 points per game (including a 50 point outburst) which, ranks him third in the NBA and is averaging 11.0 rebound which, ranks him 8th in the NBA.
It is inevitable that at some point, Davis will go down with some sort of injury due to overuse and the grind of being New Orleans’ literal only offensive option. Teams are literally only guarding Davis on defense during some possessions of the game. Not to say that the big man can not handle the role because, we all know he most certainly can but after all, he is human.
The return of Jrue Holiday next week will most definitely provide the Pelicans with a much-needed boost. Davis is not showing any signs of slowing down, at all. The stellar play of the young big man will most definitely earn him a spot on the Western Conference All-Star Team and should earn him Most Valuable Player votes come season’s end.
New Orleans may not make the postseason but Anthony Davis is undoubtedly their Most Valuable Player.
2. Will anyone be able to stop Cleveland?
The reigning NBA Champions already look as though they are in Midseason form and that, is scary. Through Seven games Cleveland is currently first in the Eastern Conference with a 6-1 record. The Cavs did however, start the season 6-0 before an eventual loss to Atlanta on November 8th. As previously noted, Cleveland is firing on all cylinders.
LeBron James is already averaging 22 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists per game while Kyrie Irving, is averaging 22 points, 3 rebounds and 4 assists. Early, outstanding play from Kevin Love is also a major positive for Cleveland. Love is the third member of Cleveland’s big three to average 20 or more points per game with 22 and, he is also averaging 9 rebounds and 1 assist per game as well.
In perhaps one of the least talked about opening night performances, Kevin Love scored 23 points and grabbed 12 rebounds against New York. Currently, Cleveland ranks 2nd in the league in points per game, 11th in assists per game and, 14th in rebounds per game. Tristan Thompson (9 rebounds per game), Channing Frye (10 points per game) and J.R Smith (9 points per game) are also all having great starts to the season.
Cleveland very well could remain atop the East until April which, poses the question, “Can anyone stop Cleveland?”. There may not be a simple answer now but, one thing is for sure and that is that with the way they are playing now, the Cleveland Cavaliers look like a serious threat to repeat as champions.
1. Growing pains in Golden State
Did anyone actually expect the Golden State Warriors to lose a game at all? How about, did anyone expect Golden State to lose not one but, two games in the first month of the season, including their opener? Yes, these statistics are all in fact, true.
The Warriors do however rank first in the league in points per game, assists per game and steals per game. The team itself is still trying to figure things out and during an 82 game season, the time for figuring things out is very limited.
One player the Warriors miss the most is Andrew Bogut. Steph Curry was indeed the best player in the NBA last season, however, Bogut may have been Golden State’s most important. Andrew Bogut was the glue which, held everything together. Not to say that for the Warriors everything’s falling apart but, they are missing the passing and rebounding skills from the Australian big man and his all around interior presence. Too many, Bogut may not have seemed that important however, it is no evident more than ever just how important he was to the Warriors.
There will at some point during the season where Golden State goes on a lengthy winning streak, it is inevitable. The Warriors are still are a super team and right now, they are a super team figuring out how to properly place all the pieces together in their puzzle.Kevin Durant has come out of the gate red hot and although Steph Curry’s historic three-point streak came to an end, the reining, back to back Most Valuable Player has recovered nicely.
Klay Thompson and Draymond Green are also adjusting to somewhat new roles but have still performed well. With the emergence of Kevon Looney, the Warriors may also have themselves a new dual threat as well. With the season still young, there is plenty of time for the Golden State Warriors to become the dominant team everyone knows they will be. In their 7 wins on the year so far, the Warriors have shown tremendous flashes of just how scary they will be.
*Statistics as of November 11th, 2016.*
6. Will the Nuggets ever beat the got damn Detroit Pistons
Will the Nuggets ever make the playoffs again
How's his finger doing? He been balling for y'all big time. Fuck Horford, Crowder is the dude being missed.
Playing like he knows nobody can guard him. Got some Mitch Richmond is him game, young Golden State early years of Sac-town Mitch.
MCcaw defense is very good to be a young rookie. He may turn out to be Livingston's replacement
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