I'll be honest and say that I forgot to mention the Cavaliers in my last post while delineating the few teams that actually have the size to counteract the Nuggets. It's like sometimes, I forget the Cavs even exist. But I was reminded of their existence when they recently defeated the Warriors for the second time in as many weeks. And one of the players who stood out was Evan Mobley who, btw, is visibly taller than anyone in the Dubs' rotation.
Although I can't find the link at the moment, Mobley was recently criticized, if I remember correctly, by a prominent member of the Cavs' braintrust, due to inability to shoot. The argument was that, since Jarrett Allen likewise can't do so, then it doesn't pay to have two non-shooting bigs on the same squad, especially as starters. That's how thinking is in today's NBA. It's like shooting is even prioritized over defense which, all things considered, shouldn't be.
So perhaps Cleveland should be more focused on maximizing what they have as opposed to conforming to the makeup of other rosters. Ideally, you fight fire with water, not fire with fire. And with that in mind, in theory the Cavs are just as much in position to win the East as anyone else. The Celtics may be better on the perimeter but not in the interior. And as for the Sixers, having two quality defensive bigs to throw at Joel Embiid is definitely better than having just one.
KNICKS STARTING TO WIN AGAIN(?)
Last season I criticized the Knicks, reasserting that Randle was their alpha, and immediately after he went on a tear, and the team started winning. I did the same thing a few days ago, and since then NYK has won three straight, even though all three of the teams they beat - the Spurs, Clippers and Hornets - are, as it currently stands, suspect.
Now, it is becoming more obvious that NYK's x-factor is RJ Barrett. I'll be honest and say that for awhile there, I was starting to believe that dude was a bust or, in the very least, overrated. But he keeps getting better. And now, it's not unreasonable to speculate that Barrett may even be an allstar soon.
I also kinda slept on Immanuel Quickley, believing that he had already hit his ceiling. Even from the time he was a rookie, Quickley, imo, has always been above-average in his position as backup PG. But now it's like he's developed into a legitimate threat, someone that opposing teams have to be mindful of.
That said, it remains to be seen how the Knicks fare against teams that actually have their shit together.
SHOUTOUT TO TYRESE MAXEY
I was able to perceive Tyrese Maxey's superstar potential from the time he was an unknown rookie, back when Ben Simmons was still around. Then, when Simmons refused to play and with Maxey starting at the point, the Sixers were still winning, as if nothing had changed. So I was thinking to myself that when they did trade Ben, they would use the opportunity to acquire someone like an allstar level 3. Instead they acquired Harden, in the process potentially stunting the progress of Tyrese, i.e. relegating him to third or fourth on the pecking order, even though he obviously deserved more. But Maxey took it in stride instead of griping or demanding a trade (something that made me admire him even more), and in the long run, things are working out for the best. Just don't forget who it was that first recognized he was a great player.
SHOUTOUT TO SCOOT HENDERSON
Scoot Henderson is injured again, as to have been expected, and he's also been stinking the joint up, as at least I expected. It isn't his fault because, even if does prove to be a generational talent or whatever, it should have been obvious to the Blazers' braintrust that he isn't the type of rookie you start, especially not at point. It'll be interesting to see what they do with Scoot when he returns. But hopefully, it won't be throwing his ass right back into the fire.
THE RETURN OF MILES BRIDGES
LaMelo Ball may be the most-popular player on the Hornets, but imo Miles Bridges is the best, or at least he was a couple of seasons ago, even if he didn't make allstar. Melo has a sound all-around game, but chuckin' PGs are common these days, and Charlotte's roster isn't good enough to capitalize on his passing abilities. So in the grand scheme of things Miles was the more-valuable player, the type that you can win games with.
That said, even with Bridges and Ball, this squad isn't likely to make the playoffs. Hornets' fans booed when they choose Brandon Miller over Scoot, but I believe now they realize that was a wise decision, which isn't something you hear often in relation to Charlotte. Oh well. At least with Bridges back, they'll be more entertaining to watch and currently have a better outlook than the Grizzlies, which definitely wasn't something I saw coming.
No comments:
Post a Comment