The
unofficial first half of the 2014-15 National Basketball Association (NBA)
campaign has been one of surprise, excitement, intrigue and disappointment. The
leaders of the Eastern and Western Conference has gotten off to historic
starts. One of the supposed teams that was supposed to contend has had their
highs and lows this season. The Western Conference is full of contenders for
the title and a few teams are already looking to next year as this season has
been one to forget On top of that, this past Thursday 39 players via 11 trades
involving 17 teams at the trade deadline changed teams in order to bolster
their championship hopes or putting themselves in a better position for the
future. Here is a synopsis of each team’s first half of the season, the trade
they made yesterday and their grades for first half of the season.
Abbreviation
Key: ppg (points per game); rpg (rebounds per game); spg (steals per game); bpg
(block shots per game); FG% (field goal percentage); 3-Pt.% (three-point
percentage); opp.-opponent’s.
Atlanta
Hawks:
43-11 (1st Southeast Division; No. 1 Seed East) 25-3 at home, 18-8
on the road.
-103.4
ppg-6th; opp. ppg: 96.8-4th; 40.9 rpg-27th
When
this season began, many did have the Atlanta Hawks leading their division, let
alone garnering the best record in the East.
Since
being 7-6 on Nov. 26, 2014 after a 126-115 home loss versus the Toronto
Raptors, the Hawks have won a remark 36 times in their last 41 opportunities.
They
had a franchise record 19-game winning streak from Dec. 27 to Feb.2 was tied
for the fifth longest in NBA history with victories coming against the likes of
Cleveland Cavaliers twice; Portland Trail Blazers twice; the Los Angeles
Clippers; the Oklahoma City Thunder, Memphis Grizzlies; Washington Wizards and
the aforementioned Raptors.
The
Hawks 17-0 record in the month of January was the first team in NBA history to
record 17 victories in one calendar month without a defeat. Their 12 straight
wins against the West was a franchise record and the team also won 12 straight
games on the road. Both of which came to an end on Feb. 2 from a 115-100 loss
at the New Orleans Pelicans.
The
Hawks achieved another milestone in the month of January as the starting
quintet of Jeff Teague (17.0 ppg-leads team, 7.5 apg-leads team, 1.7 spg), Kyle
Korver (12.7 ppg, 51.2 FG%, 52.3 3-Pt.%), Al Horford (15.6 ppg, 7.4 rpg); Paul
Millsap (16.8 ppg, 7.9 rpg, 57.8 FG%) and DeMarre Carroll (12.0 ppg, 5.1 rpg,
39.7 3-Pt.%) were named Eastern Conference Players of the Month. It was the
first time in NBA history that this has occurred.
The
Hawks also became the eight team in NBA history to have four players make the
All-Star. Horford, Millsap, Teague and Korver represented the Hawks for the
2015 All-Star weekend in New York City last week joining head coach Mike
Budenholzer, who became the first Hawks since Hall of Famer Lenny Wilkens in
1994 to coach the East All-Star.
The
Hawks are more than just their four All-Stars. This team has complied the best
record in the East because they are a team that plays as such.
Teague’s
understudy Dennis Schroder (8.5 ppg, 3.5 apg) has played really well in his
second season. Forward Mike Scott (7.6 ppg, 39.8 3-Pt.%) has given the Hawks
perimeter shooting off their bench. New editions from the off-season Thabo
Sefolosha and Kent Bazemore have had an impact on both ends and the likes of
Pero Antic and Shelvin Mack have had their moments.
The
consistent level of winning has also energized the fan base, which has not been
seen for a long times. Games at Phillips Arena are selling out for the first
time in many years.
The
question now is going forward, can the Hawks make some serious noise in the
playoffs. If that is going to happen, they must improve their overall
rebounding.
In
their last three losses at the Hornets, at the Grizzlies and at the Boston
Celtics, the Hawks were a -50 on the glass.
So
far, the poor rebounding has not deterred the Hawks, but if they plan on going
far in the playoffs, their overall rebounding must get better.
Grade
A+
Boston
Celtics:
20-31 (3rd Atlantic Division) 12-15 at home, 8-16 on the road.
-100.8
ppg-11th; opp. ppg: 102.3-25th; 43.8 rpg-13th
With
the Celtics continuing to rebuild the team back into a perennial playoff team,
the $64,000 question was what was going to happen with Rajon Rondo?
On
Dec. 16, the All-Star lead guard and last true part from the Celtics 2007-08
title team was traded to the Mavericks along with forward Dwight Powell for
forward Jae Crowder, veteran lead guard Jameer Nelson, center Brandan Wright
and a 2015 first-round pick and a 2016 second-round pick.
Back
in early January, forward Jeff Green was dealt to the Memphis Grizzlies for a
protected future first-round draft pick and newly acquired Wright was sent to
the Phoenix Suns. Days later, they sent Nelson to the Denver Nuggets for guard
Nate Robinson, who was waived a few days later.
This
past Thursday at the trade deadline, the Celtics acquired guard Isaiah Thomas
(15.2 ppg, 3.7 apg. 39.1 3-Pt.%). They also acquired forwards Jonas Jerebko and
Luigi Datome from the Detroit Pistons for forward Tayshaun Prince.
This
has left starting shooting guard Avery Bradley (13.4 ppg) and Brandon Bass (9.5
ppg, 4.2 rpg) as the only players left from the 2012 Celtics playoff roster.
The
team’s future is now in the hands of some young, but talented players like
forward Jared Sullinger (14.4 ppg-leads team, 8.1 rpg-leads team), who is on
the shelf indefinitely because of a stress reaction in his left foot; center
Tyler Zeller (9.6 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 55.7 FG%); guard Marcus Thornton (8.9 ppg, 41.9
3-Pt.%) and the Celtics two high draft choices from this past June, 2014 in future
lead guard Marcus Smart (No. 6 overall pick)
out of Oklahoma State and guard James Young (No. 17 overall pick) out of
Kentucky.
The
future is not just in the current players that are on the roster right now.
Through the acquisitions that the team has made, general manager and champion
with the Celtics as a player, Danny Ainge and the organization have acquired a
high number of first round draft picks, with many of them protected.
This
upcoming June the Celtics will have their own 2015 1st round pick as
well as the one they received from the Los Angeles Clippers and three second
round picks.
In
the 2016 draft, the Celtics will have their own first round pick and the
Brooklyn Nets, Cavs and Mavericks, along with five second round picks.
In
the next five drafts overall, the Celtics will have as many as 12 first-round
picks and up to 26 overall picks.
One
other thing that the Celtics have in their favor is that they signed former
Butler Head Coach Brad Stevens to a six-year contract last summer, which states
that he is the man to lead this proud franchise with 17 titles to its name back
to prominence.
After
a tough stretch in late January, the Celtics have played great in the early
stages of February with four victories in six tries so far and right now, they
stand 1 ½ games out of the No. 8 and final playoff spot in the East, which is
occupied currently by the Miami Heat.
For
a lot of talk about some teams tanking to improve their draft lottery status,
the Celtics are proving that building a roster and making it better for the
future starts from within. It also helps when you have a major asset that
team’s want, especially when that asset is a perennial All-Star lead guard like
Rondo, who can get put up a triple-double in the blink of an eye.
While
the team has some nice pieces already in place, it is what the Celtics do in
the Draft and free agency from this point forward that will determine their
future. If all goes according to the script of general manager and former NBA
champion with the C’s Danny Ainge, the future will be so bright that the great
fans of Boston will have to wear shades.
Grade:
B-
Brooklyn
Nets:
21-31 (2nd Atlantic Division) 10-15 at home, 11-16 on the road.
-95.5
ppg-26th; opp. ppg: 99.5-14th; 41.8 rpg-23rd
In
the world of professional sports, things can change very quickly. You can have
dreams of accomplishing great things and then reality comes to the fore front
and it does not happen. The next thing you know, you are back to square one.
After
a rough beginning a season ago under then, new head coach Jason Kidd, the Nets
managed to get into the playoffs and they defeated the Raptors in seven games
despite not having home court advantage. They lost in the Semifinals to the
eventual Eastern Conference Champion Heat in five games.
Things
changed a lot since then. Kidd, who wanted more power in the organization was
shown the door and these days is leading the Milwaukee Bucks who are playing
well this season. Forward Paul Pierce left in free agency to join the
Washington Wizards.
The
Nets hired former Grizzlies head coach Lionel Hollins to be their new head
coach. Unfortunately, the fortunes of the Nets unlike the last two years have
not gotten better.
Since
winning six out of seven games from Dec. 21, 2014 to Jan. 2, 2015 to get back
to the .500 mark at 16-16, the Nets have lost 15 out of their last 20 games.
Key
players like Joe Johnson (15.5 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 3.7 apg), Brook Lopez (15.3 ppg,
6.2 rpg, 1.7 bpg), Deron Williams (12.9 ppg, 6.1 apg) have not performed at a
consistent level this season.
Williams,
who has missed a number of games because of injury since coming to the Nets is
posting his lowest scoring average since his rookie season nine years ago. His
assists per game have gone down in the last five seasons.
Lopez
has had moments where he plays like a dominant center and then there are times
he still does not rebound at a consistent rate and does an intimidating
presence in the paint on the defensive end.
When
back-up guard Jarrett Jack (12.6 ppg, 5.0 apg), who has started 27 times so far
this season, plays like the he’s the best player for the Nets, there is
something wrong.
The
one positive for the Nets this season has been the development of second-year
forward Mason Plumlee (10.3 ppg, 7.0 rpg), who has really come on as of late.
One
of the hardest things to see in professional sports is a player past his prime.
That has been evident in the play of Kevin Garnett.
When
he and Pierce came to the Nets a season ago, they were expected along with
Lopez and Williams to help the Nets contend for supremacy in the East and lead
them to a championship.
That
has not been the case and on Thursday at the trade deadline, Garnett waived his
no-trade clause in his contract and was dealt to the Minnesota Timberwolves for
forward Thaddeus Young (14.3 ppg, 5.1 rpg, 45.1 FG%).
Even
with all of their problems, the Nets are just one game behind the Heat for the
No. 8 and last playoff spot in the East.
If
they can somehow get things on track, they could make back into the playoffs
and see what they can do. It will not be easy though and Williams, Lopez and
Johnson have to lead the way.
Grade:
D-
Charlotte
Hornets:
22-30 (3rd Southeast Division) 13-15 at home, 9-15 on the road.
-94.3
ppg-27th; opp. ppg: 96.9-5th; 43.9 rpg-11th
In
the NBA, there are three words that best describe teams that consistently make
the make the playoffs and can build towards the dream of winning championships.
Consistency, stability and chemistry.
These
are three words that the once Charlotte Bobcats, now Charlotte Hornets that
were a very far fetch for their organization.
That
all changed a season ago with then new head coach Steve Clifford, the signing
of free Al Jefferson (17.3 ppg, 8.5 rpg-leads team) and the growth of mainstays
in guard Kemba Walker (18.8 ppg-leads team, 5.2 apg-leads team) and Gerald
Henderson (11.2 ppg).
The
result, they went 43-39 and made the playoffs as the No. 7 Seed in the East,
but were swept by the eventual East champion Heat.
This
off-season, the Hornets signed in free agency guard Lance Stephenson (9.0 ppg,
5.6 rpg, 4.9 apg) Brian Roberts (7.1 ppg) and Marvin Williams (6.6 ppg). In
this past June’s draft, they selected forward Noah Vonleh with the No. 9
overall pick out of Indiana and with the 26th pick, sharp shooter
P.J. Hairston out of North Carolina and the NBA D-League.
Those
new editions, Walker and Henderson, along with key roles players like forward
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (10.2 ppg, 7.2 rpg), center Cody Zeller (7.5 ppg, 5.6
rpg), guard Gary Neal, forward/guard Jeff Taylor and center Bismack Biyombo
were supposed to make the Hornets a playoff team that had a chance to make some
noise.
Unfortunately,
injuries to the likes of Jefferson, Walker Stephenson and Vonleh, not to
mention their troubles at the offensive ends got the Hornets off to a tough
start.
After
a 91-87 loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers back on Jan. 2, the Hornets were 10-24
and out of the playoff race.
A
five-game winning streak from Jan. 3 to Jan. 10 and a 14-8 stretch has gotten
the Hornets back into the playoff picture, where they currently hold the No. 7
position in the East.
Three
straight losses before the All-Star break though has them tied with the Heat
only and just a one-game separation from the Nets and Celtics who are on the
outside of the playoff line looking in.
That
is most likely one of the reason back on Feb, 10, the Hornets traded Neal and a
second-round draft pick to the Minnesota Timberwolves for guards Mo Williams
(12.2 ppg, 6.4 apg, 34.7 3-Pt.%) and Troy Daniels.
Williams
whether he starts or comes off the bench, he will bring a steadiness to the
team and added offense from the perimeter. He most likely will be the starting
lead guard with Walker out for some time because of knee surgery.
Last
season, the Hornets made the playoffs because they were one of the best
defensive teams in the league. They have been able to get back on track because
they got back to being a team that makes it tough for their opponent at the
offensive end.
They
rank seventh in the NBA in opponent’s field goal percentage giving up just 43.9
percent from the floor and in blocks at 5.5 per contest.
For
this team to improve their playoff seeding and be more than just a one and done
team if they make it, Jefferson must get back to being the bread and butter of
the Hornets at the offensive end. Stephenson must somehow get his offensive
game back on track. Marvin and Mo Williams, Hairston, Roberts and Daniels must
be able to strike a match consistently on the perimeter for the Hornets.
Grade:
D-
Chicago
Bulls:
34-20 (1st Central Division; No. 3 Seed East) 15-11 at home, 19-9 on
the road.
-102.2
ppg-9th; opp. ppg: 99.1-12th; 45.6 rpg-3rd
When
this season began, many considered the Bulls the team to beat in the East with
four-time MVP LeBron James going from Miami back to the Cavaliers.
The
2011 MVP Derrick Rose was returning from injury and the additions of
forward/center Pau Gasol (18.4 ppg, 12.1 rpg-4th NBA, 2.1 bpg-5th
NBA); guard Aaron Brooks (10.8 ppg, 44.2 3-Pt.%) and rookie forward Nikola
Mirotic (7.1 ppg, 4.2 rpg) have made the Bulls a legitimate contender to win it
all.
The
additions of Gasol and Brooks have been a big reason why the Bulls having one
of the best statistical seasons under Head Coach Tom Thibodeau.
They
are tied for eighth in the league in three-point percentage at 35.9 percent.
They are in the middle of the pack in assists per contest at 21.6, tied for 14th
and they are second in free throws attempted per game at 26.0 and they are
third in free throw percentage at 78.4 percent.
Gasol,
who made the All-Star team for the fifth time in his career and started, leads
the league in double-doubles with 35, including, the last 15 games in a row,
which is now third all-time in team history.
Also,
starting swingman and first-time All-Star selection Jimmy Butler (20.4
ppg-leads team, 5.8 rpg, 46.1 FG%) is how the Bulls got off to such a great
start being 25-10 after a 114-105 win versus the Houston Rockets on Jan. 5.
Since
that time though, the team has gone 9-10 since then with some very tough losses
versus the Utah Jazz (97-77 on Jan. 7); versus the Orlando Magic (121-114 on
Jan. 12); versus the Heat (96-84 on Jan. 25) and the Los Angeles Lakers
(123-118 in double-overtime on Jan. 29).
Two
big reasons for the slide, injuries to the likes of forward/guard Mike Dunleavy
(9.3 ppg, 41.1 3-Pt.%), forward Taj Gibson (10.7 ppg, 6.7 rpg), center Joakim
Noah (7.7 ppg, 9.7 rpg, 3.7 apg) and Kirk Hinrich (6.5 ppg), who have missed a
combined 49 games.
Games
missed by Gibson, Noah and Hinrich have been tough for the Bulls at the
defensive end.
To
bring this into a better focus, in the first four seasons under coach
Thibodeau, the Bulls lead the league in points allowed three times and finished
3rd once.
This
season alone, they have given up 100 points 25 times, where they have gone
11-13 in those contest.
The
Bulls still rank eighth in opponent’s field goal percentage surrendering just
44.1 percent; sixth in opponent’s three-point percentage at 33.5 percent and
seventh in rebound differential with a +2.3. The also lead the league in blocks
per game at 6.3
Even
with their inconsistent play of late, they are still leading their division and
are just 2 ½ games from being the No. 2 Seed in the East, which is occupied by
the Atlantic Division leading Toronto Raptors.
For
the Bulls to win the East and the NBA title, Rose (18.9 ppg, 5.0 apg-leads
team) has to pick and choose his spots to dominate at the offensive end. With
more options now, he does not have to be the primary scorer any longer. Just in
the closing moments of games.
As
far as the defensive end, as long as Thibodeau has been in the “Windy City,” it
has been the Bulls calling card. With the entire roster back together, things
should get back on track, like the last four games going into the All-Star break
where the Bulls have surrendered an average of 88.3 points per contest.
Grade:
B+
Cleveland
Cavaliers:
33-22 (2nd Central Division; No. 5 Seed East) 21-9 at home, 12-13 on
the road.
-102.2
ppg-10th; opp. ppg: 99.3-13th; 42.7 rpg-18th
There
are two words that best describe the season of the Cavs to this point. Up and
Down.
They
won just five of their first 12 games. They then won 12 out of 15. The Cavs a
serious rough patch losing 10 out of twelve, which included a six-game losing
streak from Jan. 5 to Jan. 13.
During
that 12-game stretch, four-time MVP LeBron James missed eight games
recuperating a nagging knee and sore back.
Upon
returning in the middle of January, the Cavs went 11-1, which included 10
consecutive wins to close out the month and James (25.9 ppg-2nd NBA,
7.3 rpg and 5.6 apg) averaged 29.9 ppg, 6.2 rpg, 6.3 apg on 51 percent shooting
from the field.
They
stretch the streak to 12 games, but it concluded with a 103-99 loss at the
Indiana Pacers on Feb. 6.
The
Cavs did win two of their last three prior to the All-Star Break bring them
within a 1.5 game lead of the Bulls in the Central Division and the No. 3 Seed
in the East.
Along
with James getting healthy and playing at his usual high level, the Cavs made
two key trades to improve the roster, acquiring center Timofey Mozgov (9.3 ppg,
8.1 rpg; 10.7 ppg, 8.6 rpg, 1.6 bpg with Cavs) from the Denver Nuggets for two
protected 2015 first round picks who has given the Cavs a much needed presence
in the paint on both ends. That has been especially important since starting
center Anderson Varejao was lost in late December with a torn Achilles.
The
Cavs also acquired back in January guard Iman Shumpert and guard/forward J.R.
Smith (12.7 ppg, 35.5 3-Pt.% with Cavs) from the Knicks and those two have
added perimeter shooting and better perimeter defense for the Cavs.
Since
the acquisition of Shumpert and Smith, the Cavs have gone 15-6. Along with
winning consistently, the Cavs have become a more balanced team overall.
Starting
lead guard Kyrie Irving has really come on averaging 23.8 points per game in
January. On January 28 at the Detroit Pistons Irving scored 38-points going
13-23 from the field, including 6 for 10 from three-point range in leading the
Cavs to a 103-95 victory. The next just 24 hours later, Irving had an
incredible game with a career-high of 55 points going 17 for 36 from the field,
including hitting a franchise record 11 three-pointers in 19 attempts and going
10 for 10 from the free throw line in leading the Cavs to a 99-94 win versus
the Portland Trail Blazers. It was the 10th 50-plus point
performance in Cavs history.
It
is clear that the Cavs are getting things together at the right time. For them
going forward the rest of this season and into the playoffs, first-year head
coach David Blatt, who has had his ups and downs this season has to define a
set a consistent rotation for his bench and decide finding a consistent minutes
for the likes of Tristan Thompson (9.1 ppg, 8.4 rpg), Shawn Marion, James
Jones, Mike Miller and Brendan Hayewood.
On
top of that, they need Kevin Love (17.0 ppg, 10.4 rpg) to play more
consistently. Shooting 42.9 percent from the floor and 34.5 percent from
three-point territory will not cut it. If he can come close to playing like he
did versus the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 8 when he had 32 points, 10 boards on
11 for 18 from the floor, which included going 7 for 8 from three-point range,
the Cavs will be back in the championship conversation.
Right
now, the Cavs have no chance of catching the Hawks for the top spot in the
East. If they can continue to play consistently, they could get as high as the
No. 2 Seed.
Grade:
C+
Detroit
Pistons:
21-33 (4th Central Division) 10-18 at home, 11-15 on the road.
-98.3
ppg-21st; opp. ppg: 99.8-17th; 45.2 rpg-4th
Even
with a new addition of Stan Van Gundy as their new head coach and president of
basketball operations, the Pistons were the same old Pistons, who lost more
than they won.
At
5-23 after a 110-105 loss at the Brooklyn Nets on Dec. 22, something had to
give. In a bold move, the team waived starting forward Josh Smith, who was then
picked up by the Houston Rockets.
While
the team is currently still under .500 mark, they have gone 16-10 since then
and find themselves just two games out of the No. 8 playoff spot in the East,
currently occupied by the Miami Heat.
The
subtraction of Smith has allowed the dynamic starting front court duo of
forward Greg Monroe (15.4 ppg, 10.4 rpg-2nd team) and Andre Drummond
(12.6 ppg, 12.8 rpg-2nd NBA, 1.8 bpg-leads team) to work more
cohesively together.
On
top of that, starting lead guard Brandon Jennings had played the best
basketball of his career overall.
With
Smith in the lineup, Jennings averaged just 12.6 points and 6.4 assists on 36.8
percent from the field and 32.7 percent from three-point range. In the games
that followed, Jennings averaged 19.8 points, 7.0 assists on 43.9 percent from
the field and 39.4 percent from three-point range.
In
the Pistons 128-118 victory versus the Orlando Magic on Jan. 21, Jennings
played the best all-around game of his career with 24 points, 21 assists and
just two turnovers, going 10 for 21 from the field. Drummond had a strong
performance as well with a team-high 26 points, 17 rebounds, four steals and
three block shots. Monroe also had 24 points and 10 rebounds.
The
good fortune of the Pistons took a serious turn three nights later at the
Bucks, when Jennings sustained a serious foot injury late in the third quarter.
The
next day, it was confirmed that Jennings suffered a ruptured left Achilles
tendon, bring an end to his season. He did have surgery to repair the Achilles
and rehabilitation is expected to take 6-9 months.
The
Pistons lost their next four games in a row, giving up 100-points in three of
the four games. The team regrouped to win four out of seven prior to the break.
Without
Jennings for the rest of the season, it is up to understudy D.J. Augustin to
lead the Pistons, which he has done well as a starter this season averaging
18.7 points, 7.8 assists on 45.1 percent from the floor and 40.4 percent from
three-point range.
In
his first game after the Jennings injury, Augustin had a career-high 35 points
to go along with eight assists going 12 for 20 from the field, including five
for nine from three-point range.
With
the playoffs within reach, the Pistons went work during the trade deadline
yesterday and in a three-team deal with the Jazz and Oklahoma City Thunder
acquired guard Reggie Jackson (12.8 ppg, 4.3 apg) and dealt Augustin and
forward Kyle Singler to the Thunder.
In
another trade at the deadline, the Pistons acquired forward Tayshaun Prince
from the Celtics for his second tour of duty with the team that he help win a
championship back in 2004. The Celtics received forward Jonas Jerebko and guard
Luigi Datome.
The
addition of Prince, who helped the Pistons win it all back in 2004 will be a
big help in terms of bringing experience and knowledge for this young team on
how to win games and make a serious run to make the playoffs.
Along
with Monroe and Drummond continuing to play consistently in the paint on both
ends, the perimeter players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (11.9 ppg), Jodie
Meeks (11.7 ppg) and Anthony Tolliver (7.9 ppg, 39.1 3-Pt.% with Pistons), who
the team acquired from the Phoenix Suns back in December for forward Tony
Mitchell must get more consistently play on the perimeter on both ends. More
than anything, they need Jackson to come in and become the starting floor
general he has voiced he was capable of being very quickly.
On
top of that, the Pistons must play more consistently at the defensive end. For
a team with two big men of the likes of Drummond and Monroe, it is hard to
fathom that the Pistons are 23rd in field goal percentage allowed at
45.9 percent and 23rd in opponent’s three-point percentage at 35.6
percent.
The
playoffs are within striking distance. Just two games, three on the loss side
separate the Pistons. They have no room for error as the Celtics, Nets and Heat
are in front of them. If they are going to make it, the new additions and the
mainstays must come together quickly.
Grade:
C-
Indiana
Pacers:
21-33 (4th Central Division) 11-14 at home, 10-19 on the road.
-95.8
ppg-23rd; opp. ppg: 97.2 7th; 44.7 rpg-7th
For
three consecutive postseasons, the Pacers championship dreams ended at the
hands of the Heat, with the last two happening in the Eastern Conference Finals
in seven and six games respectably.
The
chances of getting back for a third year in a row went by the wayside in the
off-season when starting shooting guard Lance Stephenson bolted in free agency
for the Charlotte Hornets and All-Star swingman Paul George suffered a broken
leg during USA Basketball tryouts.
Things
went from bad to worse as three other key cogs in starting forward David West
(13.1 ppg, 7.3 rpg), starting lead guard George Hill (14.1 ppg, 46.6 FG%, 40.0
3-Pt.%) and his back-up C.J. Watson (10.3 ppg, 40.9 3-Pt.%) began this season
on the shelf with injury.
Hill
has played just eight games so far this season.
If
there is one silver lining in the Pacers season so far is that new additions
C.J. Miles (12.4 ppg) and Rodney Stuckey (11.6 ppg) along with the likes of
Solomon Hill (9.6 ppg), Donald Sloan (9.4 ppg, 4.3 apg) and Chris Copeland (7.0
ppg) have gotten more playing time and have been solid.
Along
with that, the Pacers have not lost their identity in playing solid defense
ranking 11th in opponent’s field percentage at 44.2 percent and 13th
in three-point percentage allowed at 34.7 percent.
Along
with West, starting center Roy Hibbert (11.1 ppg, 7.1 rpg, 1.8 bpg-leads team),
and forward Luis Scola (9.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg) have held things together as much as
possible along with head coach Frank Vogel.
According
to reports, George is expected by Mar. 1 to begin practicing and play in an NBA
game two weeks later.
While
they stand just two games out of the eighth and final playoff spot, they have
to leap frog the Heat, who occupy the No. 8 spot now, the Nets and Celtics and
that will be a tall task.
Grade:
C-
Miami
Heat:
22-30 (3rd Southeast Division) 9-15 at home, 13-15 on the road.
-92.8
ppg-28th; opp. ppg: 96.6 2nd; 37.8 rpg-30th
When
LeBron James opted out of his contract with the Heat and decided to return to
the Cavaliers, it was clear that the Heat were no longer a title contender.
With
the re-signing of Chris Bosh (21.1 ppg, 7.0 rpg), Mario Chalmers (10.8 ppg, 4.3
apg 1.6 spg-leads team), Chris Andersen and the signing of Luol Deng (14.3 ppg,
5.1 rpg, 48.8 FG%, 37.7 3-Pt.%) Danny Granger, Josh McRoberts, Shawne Williams,
they were at least a playoff team.
Unfortunately
for the Heat, they have been very inconsistent and find themselves clinging to
the No. 8 Seed right now.
A
big reason for the inconsistent play of the Heat is that Wade. The 11-time
All-Star has missed 17 games this season with injuries. The most recent one he
is dealing with is a strained right hamstring that has kept on the shelf for
the last seven games. He is expected to return this Friday when the Heat resume
action at the New York Knicks.
Along
with Wade, Granger and Andersen have missed have missed time this season
because of injury as well.
The
one shine light for the Heat this season has been the play of their newest
addition Hassan Whiteside (10.8 ppg, 8.6 rpg-leads team and 2.4 bpg-leads
team).
The
2010 second round pick out of Marshall, who was signed back in November, 2014
introduced himself to the national audience back on Jan. 25 at the Bulls when
he had his first career triple-double of 14 points, 13 rebounds and a
career-high 12 blocks shots in helping the Heat to a 96-84 win.
In
the Heat’s 93-72 setback against the Dallas Mavericks on Jan. 30, Whiteside had
14 of his career-high 24 rebounds in the first quarter. The 24 boards matched
the second most in a single game in team history. He also finished with 16
points.
The
play of Whiteside has given the Heat an inside presence that they have not had
in a few years and if he keeps playing like he has, the Heat might have found
their starting center for years to come.
The
outlook on this season change within the last 48 hours as at the trade deadline,
the Heat got a new starting lead guard in acquiring from the Phoenix Suns
All-NBA Third team selection a season ago in Goran Dragic (16.2 ppg, 4.1 apg,
50.1 FG%, 35.5 3-Pt.%) in a three-team deal with the Suns and New Orleans
Pelicans.
The
Heat also acquired his brother Zoran Dragic and sent the Suns Granger and two
first round picks in 2017 and 2019.
The
Pelicans received Williams, guard Norris Cole and center Justin Hamilton.
The
news was not all good for the Heat though in the last 24 hours. According to
Associated Press reporter Brian Mahoney, Bosh was undergoing more tests in a
South Florida hospital in the early part of Friday amid concerns of a blood
clot on one of his lungs.
The
report also said that the Heat forward had been dealing with side and back pain
for the past several days. He did go to the hospital on Thursday to be
evaluated.
Heat
head coach Erik Spoelstra has stated that it is too soon to draw any
conclusions and that they are waiting for a full diagnosis and expected
prognosis.
If
a blood clot is found, Bosh could potentially be out the remainder of the
season. Which is the same thing that happened with Nets’ forward Mirza
Teletovic.
This
trade pulled off by the Heat and Pat Riley has gotten the Heat back to serious
playoff contention and the opportunity to defend their East crown that they
have held the last four seasons. Not having Bosh will put a serious snag into
those plans.
Going
forward, a healthy Wade and Bosh and consistent play from the rest of the
supporting cast is what is going to be required for the Heat to make the
playoffs and contend.
Grade:
C+
Milwaukee
Bucks:
30-23 (3rd Central Division; No. 6 Seed East) 15-10 at home, 15-13
on the road.
-99.2
ppg-19th; opp. ppg: 97.2 6th; 41.3 rpg-25th
With
the worst record in the league a season ago at 15-67, the Bucks had nowhere to
go but up.
Nobody
expected them though to go from the worst record in the league a season ago to
being a playoff contender, especially from how they got to that point.
In
the off-season, long time team owner Senator Herb Kohl sold the team to New
York-based billionaires Wesley Edens and Marc Lasry for $550 million.
With
the No. 2 overall pick in 2014 NBA draft, the Bucks selected forward Jabari
Parker (12.3 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 49.0 FG%) out of Duke University.
On
July 1, 2014, the Bucks acquired head coach Jason Kidd from the Nets in
exchange for two second-round picks in 2015-2019. The team proceeded to fire
then Head Coach Larry Drew.
After
being steady for much of the season being at the .500 mark or one to two games
over, eight victories in their last 10 outings leading up to the All-Star
break, which included a five-game winning streak from Jan. 27 to Feb. 4 has the
Bucks now six games over the .500 mark.
The
team has done this without Parker, who was lost Parker to a torn Anterior
Cruciate Ligament (ACL) back on Dec. 15, a 96-94 win at the Phoenix Suns.
A
big reason for that has been the play of lead guard Brandon Knight, who was in
the running to make his first All-Star appearance and has a chance to make a
lot of money this summer when he becomes a free agent.
Most
Improved Player candidate Giannis Antetokounmpo (12.0 ppg, 6.6 rpg-leads team,
50.7 FG%), who has garnered four double-doubles in the last seven games leading
towards the All-Star break.
The
Bucks have also gotten great play out of forward Khris Middleton (11.4 ppg,
47.6 FG%, 42.3 3-Pt.%) and O.J. Mayo (11.8 ppg).
One
of the big things that Kidd has gotten this team to do on a consistent basis is
play defense.
They
are fifth in the NBA in field goal percentage allowed surrendering 43.5
percent. The Bucks are third in opponent’s three-point percentage at 32.9
percent. The team is tied for third in the league in steals at 9.6 and are
second in forced turnovers per contest at 16.2. The Bucks this season are 17-0
when they hold the opposition under 90 points.
In
a stunning move at the trade deadline, the Bucks in a three-team deal with the
Suns and Philadelphia 76ers acquired last season’s Rookie of the Year in
starting lead guard Michael Carter-Williams (15.0 ppg, 7.4 apg, 6.2 rpg, 1.5
spg).
The
Bucks received from the Suns in the deal guard Tyler Ennis and center Miles
Plumlee. Knight and guard reserve guard Kendall Marshall were sent to the
Phoenix Suns.
The
76ers received from the Suns the 2015 protected first-round pick from the Los
Angeles Lakers.
The
Bucks not only got a new starting lead guard for this season, they got one who
if he continues to improve one that can lead them to greatness. Carter-Williams
will have one of the best to ever play the position in Kidd.
What
will help this team going forward is getting better play from mainstays like
center Larry Sanders (7.3 ppg, 6.1 rpg) and Ersan Ilyasova (8.8 ppg).
It
was just a couple of years ago that the team made big time commitments contract
wise with both and because of injuries and in the case of Sanders immaturity on
and off the court that they have performed below what they are capable of.
That
is one of the reason the team traded for Plumlee and brought in veteran big man
Kenyon Martin earlier in the season.
If
Sanders and Ilyasova can ever get things together and the Bucks can continue to
get consistent play from the likes of Jared Dudley (8.8 ppg, 3.5 rpg, 50.6 FG%,
44.2 3-Pt.%), ZaZa Pachulia (7.8 ppg, 6.5 rpg), Jerryd Bayless (7.9 ppg) and
John Henson (7.2 ppg, 4.3 rpg, 1.9 bpg-leads team) the Bucks will make the
playoffs, which was unthinkable when this season began.
If
it was not for the excellent season that the Hawks were having under
Budenholzer, Kidd would be a shoe in for Coach of the Year.
Grade:
A-
New
York Knicks: 10-43
(5th Atlantic Division) 7-19 at home, 3-24 on the road.
-92.5
ppg-29th; opp. ppg: 100.2-19th; 39.8 rpg-29th
This
past weekend was the only time that New York basketball was under the lights
for something great as the host for the 2015 All-Star Weekend, which just past.
It
has been a long, painful cannot bear to watch season in the “Big Apple” when it
comes to professional basketball.
In
nearly seven decades of Knickerbockers basketball, which has seen seven players
have their jersey retired; worth approximately $2.5 billion according to
Forbes; won eight Eastern Conference crowns and two NBA titles, this season has
been the worst in the history of the franchise.
To
put this painful season into perspective, the Knicks lost 16 games in
succession from Dec. 14, 2014 to Jan. 15, 2014. Prior to that, they went
through a seven game losing streak from Nov. 4, 2014 to Nov. 14, 2014 and then
a 10-game losing from Nov. 24, 2014 to Dec. 10, 2014.
As
this season has gone on, it became crystal clear that change had to take place.
The
house cleaning started with the trades of J.R. Smith and Iman Shumpert to the
Cavaliers for forward Lou Amundson, C Alex Kirk, a 2015 first-round pick from
the Thunder and a 2019 second round pick from the Cavs in early January. Also
during that time, the Knicks waived center Samuel Dalembert.
On
Monday, the Knicks waived forward Amar’e Stoudemire, who five years ago signed
a $100 million contract and made a statement that the Knicks were back.
On
Thursday at the trade deadline, the Knicks sent guard Pablo Prigioni to the
Houston Rockets for guard Alexey Shved and two second round picks in 2017 and
2019.
Ever
since his first year in New York, things have gone down hill for him with the
nagging injuries and the inability for his game and Carmelo Anthony’s (24.2
ppg-5th NBA, 6.6 rpg) to mesh together.
Speaking
of the eight-time All-Star, his season came to an early end as he opted for
season-ending surgery on his left knee.
So
far in the 13 games he has missed this season, the Knicks have yet to put one
in the win column.
This
is not what first year head coach Derek Fisher, who was a five-time champion
with former Lakers head coach and now Knicks team president Phil Jackson,
expected.
It
has given a chance for players like guards Langston Galloway (11.1 ppg, 4.7
rpg), Tim Hardaway, Jr. (11.1 ppg) and Shane Larkin, centers Jason Smith (8.1
ppg, 3.8 rpg), Andrea Bargnani and Cole Aldrich, forwards Quincy Acy, Lou
Amundson, Lance Thomas and and rookies Cleanthony Early and Travis Wear to get
serious playing time for the rest of this season and allow the Knicks to figure
out if any of them could be a part of the team next season and going forward.
While
they may have the worst record in the league, there is now guarantee that they
will get that real high draft pick in the NBA Lottery in the late spring.
If
they have any plans on getting any marquee free agents or even second tier free
agents to sign, the Knicks have to show some kind of consistency for the
remainder of this season, with or without Anthony. Above all else, they have to
show that they can effectively run the famed “Triangle Offense,” which has been
a serious struggle this season.
New
York is a city of big dreams and many possibilities. It is also a city where
you are front page news and there is now where to hide from it. The Knicks are
terrible right now, but the organization has hope they can turn things around
and fans have hope of better days ahead. It is up to the organization to turn
that hope into results and it starts this offseason.
Grade:
F-
Orlando
Magic:
17-39 (5th Southeast Division) 7-18 at home, 10-21 on the road.
-95.7
ppg-25th; opp. ppg: 101.7-24th; 40.8 rpg-28th
In
the NBA, especially in this current era, you only have so much time to turn the
fortunes of a team around, especially when it is your first chance as a head
coach.
Nearly
three years ago, 12-year veteran guard with the Utah Jazz, Hawks, then New
Jersey Nets and San Antonio Spurs and assistant coach with the Spurs Jacque
Vaughn was hired to be the new head coach of the Magic.
Coming
in, he knew that the team was rebuilding after the trade of All-Star center
Dwight Howard and that building the team back to a perennial playoff
participant was going to take time.
Unfortunately,
the organization felt that the team was stuck in neutral and not going anywhere
fast. That resulted in the early part of this month reliving Vaughn of head
coaching duties and replacing him with assistant James Borrego on an interim
basis.
Unlike
most teams walking into a rebuilding situation, Borrego has some real good
parts to work with.
Starting
center Nikola Vucevic (19.6 ppg-leads team, 11.3 rpg-7th NBA, 53.6
FG%) who the Magic acquired in the Howard trade three years ago has been a
walking double-double, which he ranks third in the league with 32.
The
starting backcourt of second-year guard Victor Oladipo (16.6 ppg, 1.6 spg-leads
team) and rookie lead guard Elfrid Payton (7.9 ppg, 5.7 apg, 3.7 rpg) have
shown flashes of being a backcourt to watch out for in the years to come.
Ever
since come over from the Bucks during the season three years ago, Islip, NY
native Tobias Harris (17.4 ppg, 6.6 rpg, 46.5 FG%, 37.5 3-Pt.%) has proven a
serious find at small forward and has played very consistently that he will
have a lot of suitors when he becomes a free agent this summer.
For
the rest of this season, Borrego and the Magic organization have to figure out
how to fill out the rest of the roster around the Vucevic, Oladipo, Payton and
Harris, who the Magic have made their top priority to re-sign.
Other
than swingman Evan Fournier (12.1 ppg, 37.7 3-Pt.%), some of the other young
players like forwards Maurice Harkless and Andrew Nicholson, center Dewayne
Dedmon and guard Devyn Marble have risen to the moment and proven that they are
a part of the Magic long term.
For
veterans like guards Luke Ridnour, Willie Green and Ben Gordon, this might be
just another stop for them in their NBA journey, but for someone like Channing
Frye (7.6 ppg, 4.2 rpg, 39.3 3-Pt.%), who the Magic signed to a four-year
contract has to pick things up and be the veteran presence this team needs.
Grade:
D+
Philadelphia
76ers:
12-41 (4th Atlantic Division) 7-19 at home, 5-22 on the road.
-89.8
ppg-30th; opp. ppg: 100.5-20th; 42.2 rpg-21st
When
you are in the process of rebuilding a team from the bottom up, there are a lot
of things that have to happen in the early stages to show that there is hope
for better days ahead.
For
starters, you need a head coach, who is willing and able to teach a young group
of talented players the right way of doing things. The Sixers have in long time
Spurs assistant coach Brett Brown who has championships on his resume.
Second,
you need to draft talented players who can be coached to become great players
and who are willing to put in the work day after day to become great.
The
Sixers hope they have that last season’s Rookie of the Year in guard Michael
Carter-Williams forward/center Nerlens Noel (8.2 ppg, 7.2 rpg-leads team, 1.7
bpg-leads team), who missed all of last season recovering from a knee injury he
sustained in his only season at University of Kentucky and second-year guard
Tony Wroten (16.9 ppg, 5.2 apg and 1.6 spg-leads team), who will be out the
rest of the season to repair a partially torn ACL in his right knee.
The
team in a surprising moved traded Williams to the Bucks in a three-team deal,
where they netted a 2015 protected first-round pick of the Lakers from the
Suns.
In
another trade, the Sixers acquired often injured center JaVale McGee from the
Denver Nuggets and a 2015 lottery protected first-round pick and the rights to
center Chukwudiebere Maduabum.
Back
in Dec. 2014, the Sixers acquired a 2020 second-round pick and cash
considerations from the Nets along with forward Andrei Kirilenko, who has not
played for them and guard Jorge Gutierrez, who was released
Third,
it takes having young players who can show the potential of being a part of the
team in the future.
Some
of the Sixers that have shown flashes of being a big part of the team in the
years to come include second round pick guard K.J. McDaniels, who the team
traded to the Houston Rockets for guard Isaiah Cannon and a 2015 second round
pick; second-year center Henry Sims (8.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg), guard Hollis Thompson
(8.0 ppg, 35.9 3-Pt.%), and second round pick forward Jerami Grant (5.7 ppg).
The
most important thing that is necessary in this process is management to sell
the plan to the fans, especially fans who do not hold their tongue when it
comes to expressing their feelings about how their hometown professional teams
are doing.
Team
President and General Manager Sam Hinkie has been steadfast in explaining
through the press that this plan will show results.
This
season did not start well for the Sixers, losing their first 17 games. Since
then though they have won 12 games in 41 chances. It may not be much, but it is
a start.
The
hopes and dreams of better days ahead rest on the shoulders of Noel,
Carter-Williams, center Joel Embiid, the No. 3 overall pick in this past June’s
draft, who is out for the season recovering from injury and forward Dario
Saric, the 12th overall pick in this past June’s draft, who is
playing these days for Anadolu Efes of the Turkish Basketball League.
They
also have to turn the number of draft picks they have gotten in a number of
these trades into players that the team can build with for this so-called
bright future.
Grade:
D
Toronto
Raptors:
36-17 (1st Atlantic Division; No. 2 Seed in East) 21-9 at home, 15-8
on the road.
-105.6
ppg-5th; opp. ppg: 100.7-22nd; 41.9 rpg-22nd
The
true measure of a team that came out of nowhere a season ago, but saw their
season come to a crashing end in the postseason is coming back better and more
determined to take another step to being great.
The
Toronto Raptors have shown this season that they are ready to take that next
step.
Leading
the way is starting lead guard Kyle Lowry (18.6 ppg,-leads team, 7.2 apg-leads
team, 4.8 rpg), who made his first All-Star, as a starter in his ninth NBA
season, solidifying the new four-year contract he got this off-season
re-signing with the team.
Starting
center Jonas Valanciunas (12.0 ppg, 8.6 rpg-leads team) has come on in his
third season and has been a solid compliment to veteran forward Amir Johnson
(9.9 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 59.6 FG%).
The
acquisition of guard Lou Williams (15.2 ppg) has added serious scoring punch
off the bench to go alongside back-up guard Greivis Vasquez (9.6 ppg, 3.5 apg,
36.2 3-Pt.%), forward Patrick Patterson (8.5 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 46.8 FG%, 40.6
3-Pt.%) and forward James Johnson (8.0 ppg, 4.0 rpg).
The
Raptors season at first was put in serious jeopardy when starting shooting
guard DeMar DeRozen (18.3 ppg) in the 106-102 loss versus the Dallas Mavericks
on Nov. 28, 2014 sustained a lower body injury. The injury turned out to be a
torn left adductor longus tendon.
DeRozen
missed the team’s next 21 games, where the Raptors went 13-8 and remaining in
the No. 2 spot in the East.
As
mentioned earlier, what hurt the Raptors in the playoffs a season ago was their
lack of experience, which cost them against the No. 6 Seeded Nets, who defeated
the Atlantic Division champs and the No. 3 Seeded Raptors in seven games.
On
top of that during the regular season, the Raptors had an inability to pull out
games that were down to the clutch. This season, they have gotten better with a
5-3 record in games decided by four points or less.
Two
big questions are in front of the Toronto Raptors heading into the home stretch
of the season.
One,
will swingman Terrence Ross (10.3 ppg, 36.8 3-Pt.%) emerge from the serious
shooting slump that he has been in since the seven game setback to the Nets in
the first round of the playoffs a season ago?
Two,
can the Raptors play consistently at the defensive end of the court?
Surrendering
45.8 percent from the field, 34.6 percent from three-point range, No. 12 in the
league and ranking 18th in block shots per contest at 4.5 will not
get it done.
Baring
a serious collapse, the Raptors will make some history. With 14 more wins, they
will earn their first 50-win season in franchise history.
If
they have any plans on making a serious run in the postseason, the defense must
match the offense.
Grade:
A+
Washington
Wizards:
33-21 (2nd Southeast Division; No. 4 Seed East) 20-8 at home, 13-13
on the road.
-99.7
ppg-18th; opp. ppg: 97.3-9th; 44.1 rpg-9th
It
is one thing to go from a bad team to a playoff team. It is something totally different
going from a perennial playoff participant to a championship contender.
When
this season began, the challenge for the Washington Wizards was being a team
that could win at a consistent level when they no longer had the element of surprise.
What
they had in their favor was a group of players and a head coach ready to accept
the challenge.
At
the head of this strong team is one of the best starting backcourts in the
business of two-time All-Star John Wall (17.4 ppg-leads team, 10.1 apg-Leads
NBA, 4.5 rpg, 1.9 spg-leads team), who leads all guards and is tied for fifth
in the league with 29 double-doubles and
Bradley Beal (15.0 ppg, 43.6 3-Pt.%).
A
strong frontcourt lead by center Marcin Gortat (11.6 ppg, 8.1 rpg-leads team,
53.7 FG%), Nene (11.4 ppg, 5.1 rpg), Kris Humphries (8.2 ppg, 6.8 rpg), Kevin
Seraphin (7.0 ppg, 3.8 rpg) and Drew Gooden.
Solid
perimeter players in Rasual Butler (8.8 ppg, 42.9 3-Pt.%), Otto Porter and
Ramon Sessions, who the Wizards acquired at the trade deadline from the
Sacramento Kings for guard Andre Miller and Martell Webster.
The
one thing that the Wizards lack a season ago in the second round against the
Pacers, the East runner up a year ago is experience.
This
off-season, the Wizards went out and got some in NBA champion Paul Pierce (12.5
ppg, 45.1 FG%, 38.4 3-Pt.%).
His
experience, especially in the clutch of tight playoff games should help the
Wizards this time around coming down the stretch of this season, but in the
postseason.
Two
things that can hold this team back from really making some noise the remainder
of this season is injuries and their inability to remain focused on the task at
hand.
Beal,
who missed the start of this season because of a broken wrist, is dealing with
nagging toe injury and a stress fracture in his lower right fibula. There is
now timetable for how long he will be out of the line-up.
Along
with Beal, Webster has barely played this year because of herniated disc in his
back that he had surgery on in the off-season.
Prior
to taking two of their final three games prior to the All-Star break this past
weekend, the Wizards had not been so magical losing five consecutive games from
Jan. 28 to Feb. 5 and dropping seven games in nine chances.
After
sustaining their second loss in a three-day span to the Hornets 94-87 back on
Feb, 5, head coach Randy Wittman said after the game blew another big lead in
the second half, “Until we understand it, it’s going to be like that. The same
exact thing over and over again.”
What
the Wizards have to understand as the second half of this season begins that
playing at a high level has to be part of their DNA. Becoming a great team has
to start in practice and has to translate to the game. It must be sustained
from one quarter to the next; from first half to second half; from one game to
the next and from one season to the next.
Grade:
B-
Western
Conference
Dallas
Mavericks:
36-20 (3rd Southwest Division; No. 5 Seed West) 17-9 at home, 19-11
on the road.
-106.0
ppg-3rd; opp. ppg: 101.0-23rd; 42.3 rpg-20th
A
season ago, the Dallas Mavericks took their interstate rivals and the No. 1
seeded San Antonio Spurs to seven games, but fell to the eventual champs in
seven games.
In
the off-season, owner Mark Cuban and the Mavs organization new they needed to
get some new blood to help All-Star forward and future Hall of Famer Dirk
Nowitzki (18.2 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 46.5 FG%, 35. 3-Pt.%), some more help if they were
going to win another championship.
They
signed restricted free agent Chandler Parsons (15.6 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 37.5 3-Pt.%)
to a three-year $46 million offer sheet that his former team the Houston
Rockets did not match.
In
free agency, they signed veteran forwards Richard Jefferson, Charlie Villanueva
and Al-Farouq Aminu, and guard J.J. Barea (7.7 ppg, 34.7 3-Pt.%).
In
a trade with the Knicks, the Mavs got center Tyson Chandler (10.7 ppg, 11.9
rpg-6th NBA), who played a major role in the Mavs taking down the
Heat in the 2011 Finals in six games. The team also acquired guard Raymond
Felton.
While
the team was doing very well early in the season, something was missing.
In
the middle of December, the Mavericks traded forward Jae Crowder, guard Jameer
Nelson, center Brandan Wright a 2015 first-round pick and a 2016 second-round
pick to the Boston Celtics for All-Star guard and NBA champion Rajon Rondo (9.0
ppg, 6.5 apg, 4.9 rpg, 1.5 spg) and forward Dwight Powell.
Earlier
this week, the Mavs claimed forward/center Amar’e Stoudemire (12.0ppg, 6.8 rpg)
off waivers from Knicks.
The
acquisition of Rondo has had mixed results as the Mavericks have gone just
13-10 since then and Rondo is right now on the shelf because of a facial injury
he sustained in Dallas'108-93 victory at the Magic back on Jan. 31.
While
the Mavericks have played well at times this season, they have two big issues
that have kept them from being even higher in their tough division as well as
the West in general.
While
they have an okay rank in opponent’s field goal percent at 13th
giving up 44.5 percent shooting and they are ranked 10th in blocks per
game at 4.9, the Mavericks are just 26th in opponent’s three-point
percentage at 36.3 percent. Despite having one of the best rebounders in the
business in Chandler, the Mavs are dead last in rebound differential being
out-rebounded by nearly four per game at -3.8.
This
hands down is one of the best offenses in the league ranking eighth in assist
per contest at 22.9; sixth in field goal percentage at 46.3 percent and 12th
in three-point percentage at 35.7 percent.
With
that being said, if the Mavericks want to be a more serious contender in the
tough Western Conference, their defense must improve.
On
top of that, they must win more games against the rest of the conference. Against
the other seven playoff teams, the Mavericks are just 3-10.
If
the play like they did at the Thunder on Thursday night, where they lost
104-89, this season could end very quickly in the playoffs.
Shooting
just 36.3 percent from the field; getting out-rebounded 62-39 and allowing 25
points or more in three of the four quarters will not get it done.
Grade:
C+
Denver
Nuggets:
20-33 (3rd Northwest Division) 12-14 at home, 8-19 on the road. -100.7 ppg-12th; opp. ppg: 104.1-26th; 44.9 rpg-6th
It
is one thing to be a team loaded with talented players who can take your breath
away with the tremendous amount of skills they can put on display. Then that
same group of talented players can put on a performance that leaves your head
scratching making you ask, why, how?
Those
are the highs and lows that best describe the Nuggets this season.
Last
year, this roster performed below expectations because injuries decimated them
and yet they still had a solid showing under first year head coach Brian Shaw.
While
the team has suffered the injury bug again, they have performed as a whole below
expectations across the board.
It
is hard to fathom that a high scoring team that scores the ball well only shoots
43.4 percent from the field and 31.6 percent from three-point range, ranking 26th
and 28th in NBA respectably.
On
the other end of the floor, this team is one of the best rebounding teams in
the league as well as one that defends the three-point line well giving up just
34.4 percent, ranking 9th in NBA and yet they ranked in the middle
of the pact in rebound differential at +0.2 per contest, which is 15th
in the league.
A
big reason for that is the opposition shoots 45.2 percent against them, tied
for 16th in the league. The Nuggets get 4.7 blocks per game, tied
for 13th in the NBA and they only force 12.7 turnovers per game,
ranking 22nd in the NBA.
Ever
since winning two in a row in late November, 2014 to the beginning of December,
which got them to above .500 at 9-8, they have gone 11-25 since and have been
unable to recover.
Forward
Kenneth Faried (11.7 ppg, 8.7 rpg-leads team), who really came into his own a
season ago and was a huge reason that Team USA captured Gold at the FIBA World
Cup in Spain this past summer and got a contract extension has not had the same
impact this season.
Arron
Afflalo, who the Nuggets acquired from the Magic in the off-season has played
okay, but he impact on both ends has been minimal, especially from three-point
range where he is shooting just 33.7 percent.
At
the trade deadline yesterday, he was dealt to the Portland Trail Blazers along
with forward Alonzo Gee. The Nuggets in return got forwards Will Barton, Victor
Claver, Thomas Robinson and a lottery protected 2016 first round pick and a
2017 first round pick.
Center
JaVale McGee has missed time again because of injury and illness and when he
has been out there, his presence has been tardy at best. He also was shipped
out of town, being traded to the Sixers along with a 2015 first-round pick that
is lottery protected from the Oklahoma City Thunder and the draft rights to
center Chukwudiebere Maduabum. The Nuggets in return receiving the draft rights
to guard Cenk Akyol.
Back
in January, the Nuggets sent back-up guard Nate Robinson to the Celtics for
Jameer Nelson.
They
also sent center Timofey Mozgov to the Cavaliers for two protected 2015
first-round picks.
Forwards
Wilson Chandler (13.9 ppg, 6.0 rpg), J.J. Hickson (8.1 ppg, 6.3 rpg), Danilo
Gallinari (8.2 ppg), Darrell Arthur and guard Randy Foye (5.5 ppg) have also
been inconsistent with their play.
To
put the struggles of the Nuggets into better perspective, this team used to
dominant at home. Two years ago, they won 38 out of their 41 games at the Pepsi
Center. This season, they are just two games over .500 mark on their home
court.
Just
two years ago, the Nuggets were one of the best teams in the West under the
direction of now Sacramento Kings head coach George Karl. Look where they are
now.
The
only saving grace for the Nuggets is that the will be minutes for young guys
like Jusuf Nurkic (7.0 ppg, 6.3 rpg), who has performed well in spurts and
rookie guards Gary Harris and Erick Green.
While
it can be said now that the organization should not have let Karl and GM Masai
Ujiri go two years ago, but that was then. This is now.
It
is clear the Nuggets have a lot of work to do to get back to the form of where
it was two years ago. The biggest key is deciding if starting lead guard Ty Lawson
(16.1 ppg, 10.1 apg, 44.7 FG%, 36.0 3-Pt.%), who has 22 double-doubles on the
year is their leader of the future.
While
he has been the only consistent Nugget of late, his attitude and reliability
have been a question mark. That has to change quickly for things to get better
at least on the floor for the Nuggets.
Grade:
F
Golden
State Warriors:
42-9 (1st Pacific Division; No. 1 Seed in West) 23-2 at home, 19-7
on the road.
-110.6
ppg-1st; opp. ppg: 99.6-15th; 45.1 rpg-5th
It
has been close to four decades since the loyal fans of the Bay Area can say
that their basketball team has a legitimate chance of winning a title. This is
that season.
The
driving force behind the great dream is the high level of play from the
All-Star backcourt of “The Splash Brothers” Stephen Curry (23.6 ppg-6th
NBA, 7.9 apg-leads team, 4.7 rpg, 2.2 spg-Leads NBA, 48.1 FG%, 39.9 3-Pt.%) and
Klay Thompson (22.1 ppg, 47.1 FG%, 44.0 3-Pt.%), who have taken their
experience in helping Team USA capture Gold at the FIBA World Cup in Spain and
run the Warriors to the top of the NBA mountain.
Along
with superstar play of the backcourt, career seasons from forwards Marreese
Speights (12.0 ppg, 5.1 rpg), Draymond Green (11.1 ppg, 8.3 rpg, 3.6 apg, 1.6
spg) and Harrison Barnes (10.3 ppg, 5.7 rpg, 50.3 FG%, 43.2 3-Pt.%) have pushed
the Warriors to a serious title contender in the tough West.
While
by the numbers the bench for the Warriors has not been great, swingman Andre
Iguodala (7.2 ppg), guards Leandro Barbosa (7.1 ppg, 49.1 FG%, 35.9 3-Pt.%),
Shaun Livingston and Justin Holiday have been a major reason the Warriors
earlier this year won a franchise record 16 wins in a row from Nov. 13, 2014 to
Dec. 16, 2014.
At
home, the Warriors have been as dominant as ever winning a franchise record 19
consecutive times at Oracle Arena from Nov. 13, 2014 to Jan. 27.
What
has made this season even more impressive is that the Warriors have done this
without starting center Andrew Bogut (6.6 ppg, 8.4 rpg-leads team, 1.8
bpg-leads team) and forward David Lee who has missed 38 games combined this
season because of injury.
To
put this in perspective, the Warriors lead the league in field goal percentage
allowed at 42.1 percent and are fourth in opponent’s three-point percentage at
33.0 percent. They are second in the league in block shots per contest at 6.1;
fourth in steals per game at 9.6 and they are third in the league in forced
turnovers at 15.8.
In
terms of offense, they are just as good leading the NBA in assists per game at
27.2 and field goal percentage at 48.1. Only the Rockets make more three-point
field goals per game than the Warriors at 10.4 and only the Hawks make them at
a higher percentage at 38.4 percent.
It
has been a honeymoon season for first year head coach Steve Kerr, who replaced
Mark Jackson this off-season. The five-time NBA champion with the Bulls and
Spurs has been able to take the Warriors from being a good team to a title
contender.
The
Warriors stellar play has also given some well-deserved buzz around the league
about Curry being a leading candidate for MVP and Kerr as a top candidate for
Coach of the Year along with Hawks’ head coach Mike Budenholzer and Bucks’ head
coach Jason Kidd.
The
question now is can the duplicate what they did in the regular season in the
postseason, where a season ago they fell in a tough seven games series with
their heated Pacific Division rival the Los Angeles Clippers.
This
postseason will not be an easier as it is likely they will face an improved
Thunder team, who really improved their bench at the trade deadline on Thursday
in the first round.
That
is why it is important that Bogut and Lee stay healthy for the rest of the
season and give the Warriors major production in the paint on both ends.
The
Warriors will get tested right out of gates as their early post All-Star break
schedule has them playing four of their first five games against the defending
champion Spurs and at the Wizards, Cavs and Raptors.
Grade:
A+
Houston
Rockets:
36-17 (2nd Southwest Division; No. 4 Seed in West) 18-8 at home,
18-9 on the road.
-103.1
ppg-7th; opp. ppg: 99.8-18th; 43.4 rpg-15th
Last
season ended painfully for the guys from “Clutch City” as Portland Trail
Blazers’ guard Damian Lillard hit a three-pointer at the horn to win the series
4-2.
Unlike
the last two off-seasons when the Rockets acquired James Harden (27.4 ppg-Leads
NBA; 5.7 rpg, 6.8 apg, 2.0 spg, 45.5 FG%, 38.3 3-Pt.%) and signed All-Star
center Dwight Howard (16.3 ppg, 11.9 rpg-leads team), the Rockets lost lead
guard Jeremy Lin as he was traded to the Lakers and starting forward Chandler
Parsons signed an offer sheet with the interstate rival Mavericks, which the
Rockets did not match.
The
roles that were expected to be counted on this season included newly acquired
Trevor Ariza (12.6 ppg, 5.4 rpg), Donatas Motiejunas (11.6 ppg, 6.0 rpg),
rookie Kostas Papanikolaou, Patrick Beverly (10.7 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 36.5 3-Pt.%),
NBA champion Jason Terry, Isaiah Cannon and Terrence Jones (9.3 ppg, 4.7 rpg).
This
season so far has been good for the Rockets, especially with injuries to the
likes of Jones and Howard, who missed 64 games combined because of injury.
Harden
has taken his game to a level that has many talking about him winning the MVP Award
for the first time in his career. On top of that, the Rockets have made a
commitment to being a top notch defensive team.
The
edition of Josh Smith (12.4 ppg, 6.7 rpg, 3.7 apg) off waivers in late December
and the acquisition of Corey Brewer (11.1 ppg) from the Minnesota Timberwolves
have added much needed depth to the bench.
The
Rockets added more depth by acquiring forward K.J. McDaniels (9.2 ppg, 3.8 rpg)
from the Sixers in exchange for Canaan and a 2015 second round pick from the
Nuggets or Timberwolves. They also received guard Pablo Prigioni from the Knicks
for guard Alexey Shved and second round picks in 2017 and 2019.
The
biggest reason why the Rockets have stayed consistent all season despite the
injuries and some minor changes has been their stellar defense.
Opponents
are shooting just 44.4 percent against them, which is 12th in NBA
and they are No. 1 in the league in three-point percentage allowed giving up
just 31.6 percent. They are second in steals at 9.6 per contest and are fourth
in forced turnovers per contest at 15.7.
The
biggest concern for the Rockets going forward this season is the health of
Howard, who received a bone marrow aspirate injection on his right knee back on
Feb. 4 to relieve the swelling in the joint. Howard will be re-evaluated in the
next four weeks while he rehabilitates. There is no timetable for his return
though.
So
far the Rockets have done well at 14-7 without their big man in the middle, but
things are not going to get any easier as eight of the next 13 opponents are
above .500 mark.
If
Harden can continue his high level of play and the role players can continue to
grow, the Rockets should be fine as they have shown all season long.
Grade:
B-
Los
Angeles Clippers:
36-19 (2nd Pacific Division; No. 5 Seed in West) 22-7 at home, 14-12
on the road.
-107.0
ppg-2nd; opp. ppg: 101.0-22nd; 41.7 rpg-24th
When
it comes to excitement, anticipation of what’s to come at the offensive end and
playing the game at a high octane level, nobody does it better for the Los
Angeles Clippers.
They
are third in the NBA in assists per contest at 24.6, led by the perennial
All-Star floor general Chris Paul (17.8 ppg, 4.9 rpg, 9.8 apg-3rd
NBA, 1.9 spg-leads team); second in field goal percentage at 47.3 and fifth in
three-point percentage at 37.1.
In
terms of inside and outside offensive attacks, the Clippers have one of the
best in All-Star forward Blake Griffin (22.5 ppg-leads team, 7.5 rpg, 5.1 apg).
Perennial
Sixth Man of the Year contender Jamal Crawford (16.2 ppg) and J.J. Redick (14.6
ppg 46.8 FG%, 43.2 3-Pt.%) are two of the best perimeter players in the game.
What
has held the Clippers back at times this season is the fact that other than
Crawford, their bench of forward/center Spencer Hawes (6.4 ppg, 3.8 rpg), guard
Jordan Farmar, forwards Glen Davis and Hedo Turkoglu and Austin Rivers, son of
head coach Doc Rivers that was acquired earlier in the season from the Celtics and
the play of starting small forward Matt Barnes (9.8 ppg, 36.6 3-Pt.%) have been
inconsistent.
What
has also been inconsistent has been their play at the defensive end.
A
season ago, the Clippers lead the league in opponent’s three-point percentage.
This season, they are just 10th at 34.6 percent. Teams overall a
season ago shot just 44.1 percent against the Clippers, which was fifth in the
league. The Clippers have fallen to 19th field goal percentage
allowed at 45.3.
Even
with the best rebounder and one of the best shot blockers in the business in center
DeAndre Jordan (11.0 ppg, 13.9 rpg-Leads NBA, 2.3 bpg-2nd NBA), the
Clippers are 19th in rebound differential at -0.7 per game and rank
just 15th in block shots per game at 4.7.
After
winning six games in a row from Jan. 17 to Jan. 28, the Clippers lost five out
of their next six, which included a four-game losing streak from Feb. 2 to Feb.
8.
The
team went just 3-5 on their latest road trip as their home court The Staples
Center was preparing for The Grammy Awards.
They
did however win their last two games prior to the All-Star break by winning at
the Mavericks 115-98 lead by Jordan’s 22 points and career-high 27 rebounds to
go along with three blocks. He followed that up with a game-high 24 points, 20
rebounds, three steals and three blocks in helping the Clippers to a 110-95 win
versus the Rockets.
The
road ahead for the Clippers will not be an easy one as Griffin will be on the
shelf for at least three weeks following surgery to remove a staph infection in
his right elbow that took place last week.
If
there is one thing good about this is the fact that the team played without
Paul for a period of time because of a shoulder injury and the rest of the team
picked up their play to remain a top the West.
This
time around, it is Paul and Jordan who have to pick it up until Griffin gets
back.
Along
with that, the Clippers must improve on the defensive end as the stretch to
playoffs begins.
Coming
into this season, the Clippers wanted to finally get out of the shadow of their
so-called “Big Brother” the Los Angeles Lakers and win a title. If that is
going to become a reality, they must play better starting now.
Grade:
C+
Los
Angeles Lakers:
13-40 (5th Pacific Division) 7-18 at home, 6-22 on the road.
-99.1
ppg-20th; opp. ppg: 106.2-30th; 43.6 rpg-14th
Here
is an interesting fact. Last season was the first time the Knicks, Celtics and
Los Angeles Lakers all missed the postseason in the same year. That is how bad
things have gotten for three of the NBA’s flagship franchises who combined to
win 35 NBA titles, have countless players in the Hall of Fame that have
impacted the game greatly and have given moments one after the other that are
legendary.
While
it has been a struggle for the Lakers to say the least this season, they did
add another proud moment to their resume as future Hall of Famer Kobe Bryant on
Dec. 14, 2014 at the Minnesota Timberwolves passed Hall of Famer and the man he
has been compared to Michael Jordan into 3rd place on the NBA’s
All-Time scoring list. He finished with 26 points in leading the Lakers to a
100-94 victory.
That
would be one of the last bright moments for the five-time NBA champion and 2008
MVP as on Jan. 21, he hurt his shoulder that occurred on a drive to the rim
that he threw down hard. It was revealed later on that week that Bryant
sustained a torn right rotator cuff that he eventually had surgery on ending
his season early for the third straight year.
This
is just another egg thrown on the Lakers season, which has seen them lose nine
straight games from Jan. 11 to Jan. 27, which fell one shy of tying the
franchise record for consecutive losses, which occurred during the 1948-49
season when they were the Minneapolis Lakers.
Their
102-86 defeat at the Portland Trail Blazers before the All-Star break last
week, was their sixth straight defeat and set a new franchise record for
setbacks in a row on the their 11th in succession on the road, a new
franchise record.
The
difference between the aforementioned Knicks and Celtics, the Lakers do not
have a clear road map on how to get back to their usual winning ways.
Other
than Bryant, who will be a 37 years-old and fighting back from another injury,
the Lakers do not have a true star moving forward.
Sure
they will have a high draft pick this June, but other than that what do they
have.
The
current roster which consist of guards Nick Young (13.5 ppg, 36.7 3-Pt.%),
Ronnie Price, Jordan Clarkson (7.6 ppg) and Jeremy Lin (10.2 ppg, 4.6 apg, 37.4
3-Pt.%), forwards Carlos Boozer (12.5 ppg, 7.0 rpg), Wesley Johnson (9.3 ppg,
3.7 rpg), Ryan Kelly and Ed Davis (8.0 ppg, 7.3 rpg), center Jordan Hill (12.3
ppg, 8.0 rpg-leads team) and Robert Sacre does not have that next star to take
the place of Bryant when he does eventually retire. fs
The
team hoped that they could groom rookie forward Julius Randle into that next
great Laker player, but he got hurt in the first game of this season and is out
until next year.
This
has been a tough season for team, head coach and three-time champion with the
team Byron Scott and the fans.
While
the Lakers may have the mystique, the championship legacy and the cap space to
get back to being a playoff team again, it is not going to happen in the blink
of an eye. It is going to take patience, work and a whole lot of luck.
Grade:
F-
Memphis
Grizzlies:
39-14 (1st Southwest Division; No. 2 Seed in West) 23-5at home, 16-9
on the road.
-100.6
ppg-15th; opp. ppg: 95.7-1st; 43.2 rpg-16th
Sometimes,
one simple thing can separate one team from another. It can be a statistic or
even a player and their value to that particular team.
Last
season, Grizzlies starting center Marc Gasol missed a chunk of time because of
a knee injury and the Grizzlies were not the same.
A
healthy Gasol (18.3 ppg-leads team, 8.1 rpg, 1.7 bpg-leads team), who is having
the best season of his career has made them a legitimate championship contender
again.
He
and fellow front court mate Zach Randolph (16.9 ppg, 12.0 rpg-5th
NBA) formed one of the most dynamic front court duos in the league.
Running
the show at the lead guard spot is Mike Conley (16.9 ppg, 5.3 apg), who is
having another banner season.
Forward
Jeff Green (15.9 ppg), who was acquired recently from the Celtics back on Jan.
12 has been a welcome addition and has given the Grizzlies much needed
athleticism in the front court.
While
by the numbers he has not had a serious impact that many expected when he
signed this off-season, swingman Vince Carter will be counted on when he does
return from the foot injury to give the Grizzlies a serious perimeter threat
alongside guards Courtney Lee (10.7 ppg, 47.6 FG%, 44.8 3-Pt.%) and Beno Udrih
(7.8 ppg).
The
moto of the Grizzlies over the past few seasons has been “Grit and Grind” and
no one has symbolized that better than defensive ace guard Tony Allen (8.0 ppg,
3.9 rpg, 1.9 spg-5th NBA) along with the likes of center Kosta
Koufos, forward Jon Leuer and guard Nick Calathes.
The
Grizzlies have been over the past few years one of the best defensive teams in
the league and that has been the case this season as they are ninth in
opponent’s field goal percentage at 44.1; tied for eighth in steals at 8.4 per
game and ninth in forced turnovers forcing the opposition to cough it up 14.8
times a night.
The
difference from years past is the offensive output has matched the defensive
output as the Grizzlies rank 11th in assists per game at 22.0 and
they are eighth in field goal percentage at 46.0.
Off
all the teams that have a chance to come out of the West, Memphis is right up
their because of their top notch defense and that they have Randolph and Gasol
to go to inside on offense.
The
key for them is can Green, Conley, Carter, Lee and Udrih keep the defense honest
enough on the perimeter to give more room for Gasol and Randolph to operate
inside.
Grade:
A
Minnesota
Timberwolves:
11-42 (5th Northwest Division) 6-21 at home, 5-21 on the road.
-97.5
ppg-22nd; opp. ppg: 106.1-29th; 41.2 rpg-26th
When
the Timberwolves said goodbye to All-Star forward Kevin Love trading him this
past off-season to the Cavaliers, it was a clear white flag that the team was
starting over. When you are in that position, you want to start over with
someone you have visions of one day being what Love was.
The
T’Wolves hoped that No. 1 overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft in forward/guard
Andrew Wiggins (15.2 ppg, 35.8 3-Pt.%), who was acquired for Love is that guy
to lead them to better days.
So
far he has been up to the task winning NBA Rookie of the Month for all four
months to this point.
You
also want to in this process have players along with the so-called future to
grow with that particular player.
Fellow
rookies guard Zach LaVine (7.6 ppg) and Adreian Payne, who the T’Wolves acquired
from the Atlanta Hawks for a future first-round draft pick earlier this month;
second-year forward Shabazz Muhammad (13.6 ppg, 48.6 FG%, 39.2 3-Pt.%) and
center Gorgui Dieng (9.5 ppg, 8.4 rpg-leads team, 1.7 bpg-leads team), lead
guard Ricky Rubio (10.8 ppg, 7.8 apg) and forwards Anthony Bennett, Chase
Budinger and Robbie Hummel have the talent to be that supporting cast alongside
Wiggins.
Third,
you need a group of veteran players, who can not only play, but have the
knowledge and work ethic to show the young and talented players the necessary
tools to grow into being great players individually and a great unit together.
The
T’Wolves took care of that at least for the rest of this season, maybe more
when they traded for the greatest player, statistically for sure in franchise
history in Kevin Garnett from the Nets for Thaddeus Young.
Garnett
along with guard Kevin Martin (20.2 ppg, 44.6 FG%, 41.3 3-Pt.%), center Nikola
Pekovic (13.5 ppg, 7.2 rpg) and guard Gary Neal, who the T’Wolves acquired from
the Hornets and in exchange for guards Mo Williams and Troy Daniels are tasked
with showing some of the young talented T’Wolves how to become a great players
and great team.
Finally
is having a coach who can guide this young team through tough losses how to become
a team that is a perennial playoff participant. That coach is Flip Saunders,
who along with Kevin Garnett guided the Timberwolves to seven straight playoff
appearances from 1997-2004.
In
Garnett’s 12 seasons, where he was coached by Saunders for seven of them, the
T’Wolves went 501-451 making the playoffs eight times, going to the Western
Conference Finals in 2004. Since leaving in a trade to the Boston Celtics eight
years ago, the team has gone 186-425 with no playoff appearances.
It
is going to take time for the Timberwolves to recapture the glory years of the
late 1990s and early 2000s. With the likes of Wiggins, LaVine, Dieng, Muhammad,
Rubio, Bennett and the rest can get together, the T’Wolves future is bright
with many playoff appearances.
With
one of the greatest competitors on their team in KG teaching them what it means
to be a pro, they will get better just from that.
Grade:
C+
New
Orleans Pelicans:
27-26 (5th Southwest Division) 17-10 at home, 10-16 on the road.
-99.8
ppg-17th; opp. ppg: 99.7-16th; 44.0 rpg-10th
When
you are blessed as an organization to have a great player who can be the face
of the franchise for years to come, it is important to surround that players
with other players that can mesh with him and that group has to strive to
become a perennial playoff participant.
The
Pelicans have that kind of player in former No. 1 overall pick in
forward/center Anthony Davis (24.5 ppg-4th NBA, 10.3 rpg, 2.7
bpg-Leads NBA), who tied with Wizards’ guard John Wall and Pistons’ center Andre
Drummond for fifth in double-doubles with 29.
The
guard combination Tyreke Evans (16.8 ppg, 5.4 rpg, 6.1 apg), Jrue Holiday (15.2
ppg, 7.1 apg-leads team, 1.6 spg-leads team) and Eric Gordon (12.6 ppg, 44.9
3-Pt.%) has shown flashes of excellence at times, but they have not been
consistent over the last two years and they have bee injury prone. Gordon and
Holiday, the starting backcourt have missed a combined 37 games because of
injury. Evans has played real well as a starter averaging 16.6 points, 6.2 assists
and 5.3 boards in his 49 starts. In 34 starts as a forward, Evans has averaged
17.7 points, 6.4 assists and 4.9 rebounds.
With
Holiday still out because of injury, the Pelicans in a three-team deal with the
Heat and Suns, acquired guard Norris Cole from the Heat. They also acquired
forward Shawne Williams, who they are expected to put on waivers and center
Justin Hamilton.
Speaking
of the frontcourt, off-season acquisition in center Omer Asik (7.0 ppg, 9.9
rpg) has been a solid compliment to Davis. Forward Ryan Anderson (14.9 ppg, 5.2
rpg, 34.7 3-Pt.%) has been okay as a shooter, but needs to do more.
The
rest of the supporting cast of centers Alexis Ajinca (5.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg) and
Jeff Whitey, forwards Dante Cunningham, John Salmons and Luke Babbitt, guards
Jimmer Fredette and Nate Wolters when they have gotten time have shown they can
contribute in a big way. Neither one of them though has separated themselves to
get consistent minutes on the floor.
For
most of this season, the Pelicans have been up and down, sometimes more down
than up. Five wins in a six-game stretch, which included four straight wins
from Jan. 21 to Jan. 26 put the Pelicans three games over the .500 mark. A 3-5
stretch which proceeded that wiped that good karma by the wayside, which
included three straight defeats prior to the All-Star break.
To
make matters worse, Davis is day-to-day with a shoulder injury that kept him
out of the All-Star Game this past weekend. He is scheduled to play when the
Pelicans visit the Magic on Friday night.
Right
now the Pelicans are 1.5 games behind the Phoenix Suns for the No. 8 and final
playoff spot.
For
head coach Monty Williams and his team to leap frog the Oklahoma City Thunder
as well as the Suns, they need Davis to get back soon and play at the high
level he has been all season. They need to find a way to get Evans, Gordon and
Holiday significant time on the court where they are producing consistently.
They also need some of their other role players to step up and play big when
their number is called.
Grade:
C-
Oklahoma
City Thunder:
29-25 (2nd Northwest Division; No. 8 Seed West) 17-8 at home, 12-17
on the road.
-100.7
ppg-13th; opp. ppg: 98.6-11th; 46.8 rpg-1st
Missing
the All-Star dynamic duo of Russell Westbrook (26.0 ppg-3rd NBA, 7.7
apg-leads team, 6.3 rpg, 2.2 spg-2nd NBA) and Kevin Durant (25.4
ppg-leads team, 6.6 rpg, 4.1 apg, 51.0 FG%, 40.3 3-Pt.%) to start this season,
put the Thunder right behind the eight ball.
It
has been an uphill climb just to make it above the playoff line, but three
straight victories prior to the All-Star break and a 104-89 victory versus the
Mavericks on Thursday night, their seventh wins in their last ten chances has
leaped frogged the Thunder into the No. 8 and final playoff spot over the
Phoenix Suns, who they have beaten in their first two meetings and will meet
them two more time on Feb. 26 in Phoenix and Mar. 29 in Oklahoma City.
They
were the clear cut winners at the trade deadline acquiring in a three-team deal
with the Pistons and Jazz forward/center Enes Kanter (13.8 ppg, 7.8 rpg, 49.1
FG%), guard D.J. Augustin (10.6 ppg, 4.9 apg), forwards Kyle Singler (7.1 ppg,
40.6 3-Pt.%) and Steve Novak and a 2019 second round pick.
Center
Kendrick Perkins, forward Grant Jerrett were sent to the Jazz as well as the
rights to center Tibor Pleiss, a 2017 second –round pick from the Pistons and a
future first-round pick from the Thunder. Perkins is expected to be bought out
of his contract by the Jazz.
The
new additions strengthen the bench of the Thunder tremendously. Kanter gives
the Thunder a low post presence on offense and another rugged rebounder.
Augustin will be a solid back-up to Westbrook and Singler and Novak give the
Thunder serious outside threats, especially from three-point range.
With
the new additions and the high octane duo of Westbrook and Durant, the Thunder
have gone from being a one and done playoff team to one that can be very
dangerous.
For
that to happen, head coach Scott Brooks needs to get a more consistent paint
presence offensively from forward Serge Ibaka (13.9 ppg, 7.7 rpg, 2.2 bpg-3rd
NBA), who has turned into more of a three-point shooter this season.
If
he can perform like he did on Thursday versus the Mavs, when he had 21 points
on 8 for 12 from the field, 5 for 6 from the free throw line and a career-high
22 rebounds, the Thunder will be even more dangerous.
They
also need more from the likes of Dion Waiters (10.5 ppg), who has averaged 10.8
points on just 38.6 percent shooting in 19 games since being acquired by the
Thunder from the Cavaliers earlier this season as well as from Anthony Morrow
(9.5 ppg, 37.2 3-Pt.%), Mitch McGary, Jeremy Lamb and Perry Jones.
Forward/center
Nick Collison and guard Andre Roberson can only give so much in terms of the
intangibles, the scoring is going to have to come from the other aforementioned
players.
At
about the midway point of this season, there was a question of whether the
Thunder were going to even make the playoffs. The talk has changed and now the
question is, what team can stop them that they meet in the playoffs
Grade:
B-
Phoenix
Suns:
29-25 (3rd Pacific Division) 16-11 at home, 13-14 on the road.
-105.9
ppg-4th; opp. ppg: 104.7-28th; 42.5 rpg-19th
After
one of the worst seasons in team history two years ago, the Suns were one game
from making the playoffs a season ago.
Losing
seven of their last 10 games has dropped them out of the No. 8 and final
playoff spot, which the Thunder now occupy.
Ever
since they produced eight wins in 10 chances from Jan. 2 to Jan. 21, the Suns have
won just three times in their last 10 games, which includes two straight losses
prior to the All-Star break.
It
has not helped that starting lead guard Goran Dragic has expressed his
unhappiness about his situation with the team about him being re-signed this
off-season when he is set to become a free agent. It has gone as far as Dragic
saying he no longer trust the organization.
In
a bold move, the All-NBA Third team selection, his brother Zoran were traded to
the Heat at the trade deadline on Thursday to the Heat and received forward
Danny Granger, forward/guard John Salmons from the Pelicans and two first-round
picks, one for 2017 and another for 2019.
In
another trade on Thursday, the Suns sent Sixth Man of the Year candidate Isaiah
Thomas, who signed a four-year, $27 million deal this past off-season in a
sign-and-trade with the Sacramento Kings to the Celtics. The Suns received 2016
first-round pick of the Cavaliers and guard Marcus Thornton (8.9 ppg, 41.9
3-Pt.%).
In
a three-team deal with the Bucks and 76ers, the Suns acquired lead guard
Brandon Knight (17.8 ppg, 5.4 apg, 40.9 3-Pt.%) and guard Kendall Marshall.
Bucks
received guard Tyler Ennis and center Miles Plumlee.
For
the Suns to get back on the winning track and capture the No. 8 spot, they need
Bledsoe (17.2 ppg-leads team, 5.9 apg-leads team, 5.2 rpg) and Knight to mesh
together as soon as possible.
They
need members of their frontcourt like the Morris twins Markieff (15.1 ppg, 6.0
rpg) and Marcus (9.9 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 39.7 3-Pt.%), center Alex Len (6.2 ppg, 6.0
rpg, 1.5 bpg-leads team) and center Brandan Wright, who the Suns acquired back
in January from the Celtics for a protected first-round pick.
If
the Suns and head coach Jeff Hornacek want to overtake the Thunder for that
final playoff spot, which will be very hard now, they have to take care of
business starting Friday night at the Timberwolves, because three of their next
five opponents over the next eight days are at the Bulls, versus the Thunder
and versus the defending champion Spurs.
Grade:
C-
Portland
Trail Blazers:
36-17 (1st Northwest Division; No. 3 Seed in West) 23-5 at home,
13-12 on the road.
-102.6
ppg-8th; opp. ppg: 97.3-8th; 46.0 rpg-2nd
A
season ago, the Portland Trail Blazers had the same record at the All-Star
break a season ago. The difference between last season and this one is that
they are ahead in their division, but unlike last season, they had to deal with
injuries to key players, in particular their starting center and All-Star power
forward.
Starting
center Robin Lopez (9.9 ppg, 7.3 rpg, 1.6 bpg-leads team) missed 23 games this
season because of broken hand on Dec. 15, a 108-95 victory versus the defending
champion Spurs.
In
his return on Feb 3 versus the Utah Jazz, Lopez had 11 points, six boards and
two blocks in the 103-102 win.
All-Star
forward LaMarcus Aldridge (23.6 ppg-T-7th NBA, 10.3 rpg-leads team,
46.3 FG%) back on Jan. 19 versus the Sacramento Kings, a 98-94 win, hurt his
left thumb in the second quarter and did not return.
It
was revealed a couple of days later that, the Trail Blazers forward tore a
ligament in that thumb and needed surgery that would keep him out six to eight
weeks.
After
two tough close losses at the Suns and versus the Celtics, Aldridge decided to
delay surgery and have his left thumb taped and splinted up and that he would
play through the pain.
In
his first game since that announcement, he had 26 points and nine boards in
leading the Trail Blazers to a 103-96 victory versus the Washington Wizards.
Since
then, he has played great and alongside fellow All-Star in lead guard Damian
Lillard (21.5 ppg, 6.3 apg-leads team, 1.5 spg-leads team, 4.6 rpg) to four
wins in their last five games prior to the break, which was on the heels of
eight defeats in 10 chances prior.
Another
big difference between the Trail Blazers of last season and this season has
been their bench. The additions of veteran center Chris Kaman (8.9 ppg, 6.7
rpg) and guard Steve Blake have helped to some extent, but the team still is
ranked 28th in bench scoring in the league with just 25.8 points per
contest.
The
injury to Lopez opened up playing time for center Meyers Leonard (6.1 ppg, 4.6
rpg, 45.0 3-Pt.%) and he along with guard C.J. McCollum, forwards Dorell
Wright, Thomas Robinson and Allen Crabbe have made the most of their
opportunity.
The
Trail Blazers used the trade deadline to fix this chink in their armor by
acquiring guard Arron Afflalo (14.5 ppg) from the Nuggets along with forward
Alonzo Gee.
Forwards
Victor Claver, Thomas Robinson and guard Will Barton and along with a lottery
protected 2016 first-round pick.
The
addition of Afflalo gives the Trail Blazers a big time offensive threat from
the perimeter off the bench to go alongside Blake and Kaman, they now have
another perimeter defender that is not afraid to take the challenge of guard
some of the explosive guards in the league.
Over
the past season and a half, the Trail Blazers starting five has been one of the
best in the league of Lopez, Aldridge, Lillard, Wesley Matthews (16.4 ppg, 45.4
FG%, 39.9 3-Pt.%) and Nicolas Batum (8.9 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 4.7 apg).
This
season for Batum has been one of his worst in terms of scoring since his rookie
season. For the Trail Blazers to be a serious threat in the postseason, they
need him to get back on track scoring wise.
While
the Trail Blazers have the same record as they did last season at this time,
the difference is that they are a better defensive team.
Teams
are shooting just 43.1 percent from the field and just 32.0 percent from the
three-point line against the Trail Blazers, ranking third and second in the
league respectably and rank ninth in the league in blocks per game getting
five.
The
Trail Blazers are in a good place entering the post All-Star break, but they
know getting comfortable is not the way to go in the tough Western Conference.
For
this team to make noise, the All-Star duo of Lillard and Aldridge must perform
at a high level and Aldridge cannot not have any setbacks with the injured left
thumb.
On
top of that, getting Afflalo comfortable with his role off the bench is
imperative.
Grade:
A-
Sacramento
Kings:
18-34 (4th Pacific Division) 11-17 at home, 7-17 on the road.
-100.0
ppg-16th; opp. ppg: 104.2-27th; 44.6 rpg-8th
If
there is one thing that professional sports is management manages, coaches’
coach, players play. When all three do not stay in their lane, chaos and losing
ensues.
Even
with a 9-6 start to this season, the chances of the Kings making the playoffs
was slim, very slim.
When
first-time All-Star center DeMarcus Cousins (23.8 ppg-6th NBA, 12.5
rpg-3rd NBA, 1.7 bpg-leads team) missed game because of injury, the
Kings good start was gone and they have not recovered since winning just nine
times in 37 chances.
On
Dec. 15, 2014, the organization fired head coach Michael Malone. When it
occurred it was head scratcher because he had this team headed in the right
direction. According to sources around the league, Malone was let go because of
a difference in philosophy from GM Pete D’Alessandro and owner Vivek Ranadive.
They wanted the Kings to play a more up tempo style instead of one that
functions consistently out of the half court.
Under
interim head coach Tyrone Corbin, things did not get any better for the Kings
and earlier this week made another coaching change hiring former ESPN NBA
analyst George Karl, who garnered 1,131 victories in his career with the
Nuggets, Bucks, then Seattle Supersonics, Warriors and Cavaliers.
In
Karl, the Kings have the most credible coach since they had Rick Adelman on the
sidelines who lead the Kings to eight straight playoff appearances from
1999-2006.
Along
with having a centerpiece in Cousins to work with, Karl will have other
talented players to work with like forwards Rudy Gay (19.9 ppg, 5.9 rpg, 3.9
apg), Carl Landry (7.6 ppg, 4.3 rpg), Jason Thompson (5.6 pg, 6.3 rpg), Omri
Casspi (7.1 ppg) and Derrick Williams (6.6 ppg); guards Ben McLemore (11.7 ppg,
36.2 3-Pt.%), Darren Collison (16.1 ppg, 5.6 apg-leads team, 1.5 spg-leads
team), Ray McCallum and Nik Stauskas.
At
the trade deadline, the Kings acquired one of Karl’s favorite players from his
time with the Nuggets in veteran guard Andre Miller from the Wizards in
exchange for guard Ramon Sessions.
There
was a time when this franchise had stability from the top down. If the Kings
expect to ever see those days again, they have to get that cohesion back in
order. They have one of the best coaches ever. A great player in Cousins, who
if he matures can be one of the greats, Talented players who need direction and
one of the most loyal fan bases in professional sports. It on the entire
organization to fix this and it has to start with the rest of this season.
Grade:
F
San
Antonio Spurs:
34-20 (4th Southwest Division; No. 7 Seed West) 20-7 at home, 14-13
on the road.
-100.9
ppg-11th; opp. ppg: 97.1-5th; 43.7 rpg-13th
Yes
they are a team that has some age on it. Yes they are a team that believes in
being united as one on both ends and not as a group of individuals. Above all
else, they are coached hard and they respect putting the work in.
It
is because of that the defending NBA champion San Antonio Spurs have been a championship
contender, winning five championships with perennial All-Stars Tim Duncan (14.8
ppg, 9.9 rpg-leads team, 1.9 bpg-leads team), Manu Ginobili (12.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg,
36.1 3-Pt.%) and Tony Parker (14.7 ppg, 5.0 apg-leads team, 47.6 FG%) and head
coach Gregg Popovich leading the way.
Unlike
previous years however, they are at the bottom of the playoff standings in the
West.
A
lot of that has to do with the fact that they have had injuries to key role
players like forward Kawhi Leonard (15.1 ppg-leads team, 7.5 rpg, 2.1 spg-leads
team), guards Marco Belinelli (9.8 ppg, 38.7 3-Pt.%) and Patty Mills (8.6 ppg,
36.1 3-Pt.%) and center Tiago Splitter (7.4 ppg, 4.6 rpg), who have missed 92
games because of injury.
Without
Leonard in particular, the Spurs are just 9-9.
Those
injuries are a major reason why the Spurs went 8-10 in the month of December.
The
Spurs picked themselves up in January going 10-4 and have won four out of six
so far in February.
The
other thing that the Spurs have in their favor is the ability to win on the
road, especially in the postseason.
Besides
the aforementioned “Big Three” of Duncan, Parker and Ginobili and some of the
other aforementioned role players that have been hurt this season, the likes of
guards Danny Green (12.0 ppg, 4.5 rpg, 39.3 3-Pt.%), Cory Joseph (8.4 ppg),
centers Aron Baynes and Matt Bonner have gotten minutes and have kept the team
afloat as they have so many times before.
This
season marks the 20-year anniversary that the defending NBA champion Houston
Rockets led by Hall of Famers Hakeem Olajuwon and Clyde Drexler, who were the
No. 6 Seed in the West won all three playoff series on the road as well as the
NBA Finals defeating the Jazz, Suns, Spurs and Magic to win their second
straight title.
The
Spurs are right now in that same position as the No. 7 Seed right now, but have
a chance to move up. Even though the likes of the Warriors, Grizzlies, Trail
Blazers, Rockets, Clippers and Mavericks are in front of them in the standings,
the Spurs are one team they are fearful of facing in the postseason, even
though they will never admit it.
Grade:
B-
Utah
Jazz:
19-34 (4th Northwest Division) 10-15 at home, 9-19 on the road.
-95.7
ppg-24th; opp. ppg: 98.2-10th; 42.9 rpg-17th When you are a young team and you are trying to become one that contends for the playoffs year in and year out, it takes having the core players putting in the work to make getting better a standard.
For
the Jazz, those core players include swingman Gordon Hayward (19.7 ppg-leads
team, 5.0 rpg, 4.3 apg, 46.0 FG%, 39.2 3-Pt.%), forward Derrick Favors (15.9
ppg, 8.1 rpg-leads team, 1.7 bpg) and second-year guard Trey Burke (12.6 ppg,
4.7 apg).
It
also takes having a coach who will demand that standard be met each day. That
falls in the hands of first year head coach Quin Snyder, who has been an
assistant head coach in the NBA, in college and overseas.
On
top of that, being a part of team that is so young trying to figure it out, it
gives players a chance to play and see if they can be a major piece of the
future.
That
is the case right now with second-year center Rudy Gobert (6.9 ppg, 7.3 rpg,
2.2 bpg), who averaged 9.4 points, nine boards and three blocks in January. He
will get a lot more time now with forward/center Enes Kanter being dealt to the
Thunder at the trade deadline on Thursday in a three-team deal with the Thunder
and Pistons.
The
Jazz received in return for Kanter, center Kendrick Perkins, who is likely to
be bought out of his contract, forward Grant Jerrett, the rights to center Tibor
Pleiss, a 2017 second-round pick from the Pistons and a future first-round pick
from Thunder.
Along
with Gobert, the likes of forward Trevor Booker and rookies Rodney Hood, Joe
Ingles and Dante Exum must use this time to better their games and see if they
are fixtures for the Jazz going forward.
Yes
it is going to take time for this team to become a playoff regular, but they
have talented players to make that future a reality. It is up to Snyder to
implement his system that the players can buy into and execute on the floor.
Grade:
DInformation, quotes and statistics are courtesy of www.espn.go.com/nba/standings/statistics; 2/19/15 6 p.m. NBATV’s “The Starters” with Trey Kerby, J.E. Skeets, Tas Melas and Leigh Ellis and en.wikipedia.org/wiki; 1/26/15 6:30 p.m. edition of NBATV’s “The Starters” with Tre Kerby, J.E. Skeets, Tas Melas and Leigh Ellis and the 2014-15 Trade Tracker on www.nba.com.
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