Category: NBA Basketball

Do the Dallas Mavs have high expectations

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Many people believe the Dallas Mavericks are one of the “new hopes” of the NBA. But, they still have to prove they can play atop the Western Conference with the big boys – and they have to prove they can go and take it – by not letting LA run roughshod. I think we can all agree the Mavericks are getting better and, perhaps, can win the NBA championship – of course it is possible for Luka and company.

They are currently tied up at 2 games apiece in the playoffs.
What should we expect, and what could we expect?
They have a solid combination of scorers who can pound teams quickly, before opposing defenses are completely set up, Dallas is sitting at 3rd in the NBA at 116 ppg. They have a very efficient style that is a lot of fun to watch.

It’s scary to think about how nasty the Mavs can be, if all on the same page. Especially as Luka Doncic is still just 21 years old – and I don’t think he has come close to moving into his prime yet, he is only getting better. His numbers have been remarkably dynamic over the last 2 seasons, so it’s hard to imagine he is just going to fade away anytime soon. The rock will be in his hands, a lot – and good things always happen, when that happens. I fully expect Luka to be the impressive offensive player he always has been.

Doncic led the Dallas Mavericks in scoring in last seasons journey with 21ppg, as well as assists per game at 6.0 – but they finished at just 33-49. Which was rough, they had been a steady 50-55 win team since 2000 – with 12 seasons winning 50 or more games since then, but recently had started to slip. Luka is and always will be a very tough cover, his shooting and skills on the court are without question, the soul of this team.
Kristaps Porzingis – the deadly PF – still needs to improve his post up game down low, in my opinion. This will put him even that much tougher to defend, with his size and shooting skills – but it would also put Porzingis in a better position to use his 7-3 length and get more rebounds.
His 9.5 rpg is solid, but could be a 12-13/game player.
Another area that he can improve in, is his passing – he plays it safe, always looking to just making the safe play – he doesnt punch when in the corner. I don’t want risky – but someone who fights back with a couple haymakers when shoved in the corner. Porzingis rarely takes any risks with his passing, he seems to be preoccupied with making the “right” decision. The 7-3 Latvian rarely drives and kicks out – I would expect that to keep improving with Luka and Hardaway lurking around the arc, knocking it down from downtown.
But, overall, Porzingis has been stellar over his 4 year career. He has really shown what he can do in Dallas – and he is showing it off, and has had 3+ turnovers in a game only 9 times this season – but has also had 3+ assists in just 15 games this season as well.
One of the biggest questions for the Mavs will be – is Tim Hardaway getting around the 15 shots/game that he was getting over the last 2 seasons timeframe. Something is going to have to give being that he is surrounded by so many other scoring options in Dallas, and there are more important things to do for the team. His scoring ability is underrated – but they have some big time players just like VegasTopDogs has big time handicapping experts.
This season, he has been getting up an average of 12.6 shots /game, and when he is putting up 16 or more shots /game – the Mavs have not been winning – his ball movement is more important to their winning ways. When Tim gets 16 shots up, the Mavs are just 5-9, when he gets 4+ assists the Mavs are 9-4.
The most interesting member of Dallas will likely be the veteran Hardaway – with Luka and Porzingis as far bigger scoring options. The 27 year old SG was dropped into the scoring option 3 spot for this team – as his numbers had been trending upward over the 2016-2018 seasons, going from 14 to 18ppg since 2016. But with Doncic scoring at a 29ppg clip, and Porzingis getting his 19 /game – Tim getting his scoring chances can be inconsistent.
The Dallas Mavericks have made the end of the season, and the upcoming NBA playoffs very exciting. Regardless of whether the Mavericks win it all during this weird NBA season, they have a fun talented team to watch – and there are even better days ahead in Dallas – without question. If they dont prevail in the playoffs vs the Clippers or Lakers – it’s perfectly understandable. As fun and exciting as Dallas look on paper, it takes a lot to win it all – many forget that many great teams have been beaten in the NBA playoffs with even better teams. If the Mavs lose, you can’t pin it on Luka or Porzingis – but if the Mavericks win it all – it would be pretty amazing.

Why the Los Angeles Clippers are going to win the NBA Championship

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The LA Clippers are entering the playoffs as the #2 seed in the West. They made a magnificent splash with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George and then when you look at their overall talent, they have a really solid contender on their court. This is a team that is hungry. Since 1980, they have had 23 seasons with a 40% or less winning percentage, they have been the joke to their big brother in LA. But, now, they believe they can win a championship with Leonard and George leading the team. Their offense has been daunting, at 4th in the league, and their defense is better than most teams. Let’s look at why they will win it this season.

All teams shoot to get their dangerous combination on the court – but there always seems to be a combination that just works.
Enter Kawhi Leonard and Paul George.

When in form and in full health, Paul George is a top 10 player and a sure winner.
I firmly believe that.
George has been banged up in his past – but he has emerged as a better player than he ever was. He lost everything but 6 games during his 2014 season, then bounced back in 2015 with 23ppg, then in 2018 he averaged 28 ppg and led the NBA at 2.2 steals /game. He has shown astonishing resilience and determination. Then in this last off-season George was grabbed by the Clips, as art of their hard push. George is an excellent creator with the ball in his hands, and is unafraid to put the ball on the floor and take it to the rack. He can create buckets whether attacking the rim, or kicking out to one of their veteran guards, to drop a trey.

George has great confidence in his game, has shown awesome touch from behind the arc, is a deft passer and can clean the glass, on both the defensive and on the offensive side. He is also making threes at just about a 41% clip which is more than enough to keep a defense honest.

No one sees Kawhi Leonard coming. He just quietly shows up and then so many games later, he is either winning MVP’s, or winning championships. Leonard is one of the top 3 players in the NBA right now, hands down. He had a sensational finals against the Warriors last season, when they were supposed to be wrecked, by loading up 28.5ppg and 9.8rpg. He has shown he can walk onto a good team and instantly make it a championship team.

The 6-7 SF has grown, before our eyes, especially over the last 2 seasons, after his San Antonio debacle- into a good shooter, a fierce defender and a smart player who can lead a team. No one seems to pay attention, until you look at the scoreboard and see you’re losing and he has quietly put up 25 and 10. He doesn’t force the game, and is sneaky good. The 28 year old superstar has the absolute heart to lead this team to a title. The Klaw and PG13 feed off of each other and are as dangerous a duo as anyone in the game.

Having major superstars Leonard and George along with a stellar bench is enormous. The Clippers have a great group of bench players that can all hang some quick buckets, and provide excellent relief for the starters. Montrezl Harrell is averaging 18.6ppg off the bench, while Lou Williams is averaging 18.5ppg and 5.7apg off the bench. These guys alone, would likely start on almost every other team in the league.

Williams is a sharpshooting backup SG who has been hitting 36% from deep during the regular season, in 29 minutes per game during his 2019 season. Harrell is one of the best reserve bigs in the league, he is more than a handful and super efficient – as long as he is healthy. They have a huge offensive advantage when they get the production they get from off the bench, they can legitimately go 10 men deep every single night without losing much productivity. Going deep into their rotation and keeping a serviceable player on the court at all times, is huge. And they have that option.

So many have swooned and cheered over the “other LA team” but I don’t think anyone should forget the Clippers, the “cousin Oliver” to the Lakers team. The Lakers made some huge headlines over last off-season with the moves they made – but I still think I trust the Clippers offense more than the Lakers right now.

A winning mindset is needed to have to compete for a title, and the Clippers have that, along with other right pieces in place. The Clippers have a sweet roster, they have a top coach, and they have an impressive bench that can swing things. They have a good case as to why they will win it all this season. I feel that if they can stay healthy – then they have the ability to win it all.

The Miami Heat are being overlooked by many

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With the NBA season  back in full swing – and then the NBA playoffs – it is time to ask the question – how long are people going to ignore the Heat?  Miami had been playing some really good basketball this year, and the NBA playoffs will be starting up – it might be time to not.
They have been able to win 84% games at home – where they have been lethal. Miami had won just 39 games last season – but they look to have gotten their heads on straight this year, they have gotten so much better and will likely end up with some court advantage this postseason.

The Heat are very deep, with a lot of guys who can put the ball in the hole, with 8 guys averaging 11 or more /game. Miami made some quality moves in drafting sharpshooter SG, Tyler Herro, and picking up Jimmy Butler – I love the Butler pickup especially. His game is effortless and has shown that with 7 games of 25pts and 6 or more assists. Herro and Jimmy Buckets have been good pickups. 22 yr old Bam Adebayo is also an improving big man with his 16 ppg and 10 rpg as he has been inserted into the starting lineup. The Heat have shown this season they can beat the elite teams with the team they have on the court – as they had gone 2-0 vs the Bucks and 2-0 vs Toronto. I’m not saying they’re going to run through the playoffs – but they’re definitely going to be far more of a handful than some may be expecting. Miami has a roster that can beat anyone in the East, as long as they play to their potential, and I give them a lot of credit, and when the playoffs start, the teams that make some noise are playing 8-9 guys.

More of the media should be putting the Heat in conversation in the top teams of the NBA. And the Heat bring a fiery glimmer of hope to the league that there are still some teams that are making the right moves, and getting better to become a contender in the NBA. Miami are better than the Sixers and their hype train – and they are better coached, I feel the Heat are more well rounded than Denver, as well. Milwaukee has arguably one of the best players in the NBA, in Giannis Antetokounmpo – but his supporting cast is lacking.

There is a player induced mismatch of talent in the league, so to see a team like the Miami Heat coming around and potentially be making some noise is an inspiring and pleasant surprise. I think they are very capable of going deep into the NBA Playoffs in the Eastern Conference this year.

Did Vince Carter hang on too long

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I think us fans know it is always very hard for any athlete to leave the game, knowing they are either too injury riddled, or just too old to play the game anymore. No one wants that feeling of being useless and having the game pass you by.
Vince Carter was the Toronto Raptors first superstar, back in 1998, he came in at 22 years old, and was netting 18 /game. Vince had one of the better post up games among shooting guards, using it in Toronto and really mastered it in New Jersey.  He had no problem with banging down low, he oftentimes had a much bigger advantage down in the box, being able to fade away, or drive to the basket. He was a powerful leaper with awe inspiring hops, he was a lethal scorer that would leave broken ankles all over the court back in the early 2000’s. Vince was one of the best dunkers to play in the NBA, and was a ton of fun to watch take it to the hole. When Carter dunked his elbow into the rim during the 2000 Dunk Contest, he was instantly immortalized, making kids try to emulate it on their lowered rims.
Many could say good players like Shawn Kemp, to HOFers like Kevin Garnett and Hakeem Olajuwon, all hung onto the game for too long, some sadly tarnishing their legacies. When Kemp was putting up single digits for his last 3 seasons, Garnett was scoring 3.2 /game at 39, and Olajuwon held on probably 3 years longer than he should have, Vince has been putting up 8 or less for the last 6 seasons. Many former stars often fail to come to grips with their fading talent having a problem letting go of the game, before the game lets go of them. A few rare guys leave with their legacy intact – who were all still useful on the court, and productive still. Tim Duncan was still making an impact for the Spurs during his last year – he was still a top level defender.  Vince is there for mentor-ship alone, he has become a liability, and would have been a smarter move if he retired after 36.
Carter is unquestionably athletically blessed, but, if we are being honest, he hasn’t been immune to aging, he has been putting up a sad average of 6.3 ppg since 2014. Many players seem to refuse to let go of the fact that NBA legends are never beating father time, staying around too long, holding on to their mythical reputation. They may be just good enough to play, but they should eventually be replaced by a younger guy who provides more production. Nobody wants to be the old guy being escorted out of the party for being too old.  With his obvious lack of explosiveness he finds it far more difficult against far younger and agile players, Vince is no longer breaking ankles, and lighting up scoreboards – we watch him waiting for him to break his own ankle when moving too fast.
It has gotten sad.
He is nothing more than a basic serviceable player on a team. No one has expectations from him going forward, and teams probably like him in the locker room, but, it is probably better to move to more youth, than have him. Vince Carter is no longer the showstopper, or an unstoppable force one on one, from a 25 ppg guy to barely 5 /game. He can’t accelerate anymore, like he was able to many years ago, and take off in the lane and bring it home on the rim on a big man waiting down low. At this point, it seems like he is living off of his legacy of “Vinsanity” – as he is one of my favorite and best dunkers of all time.

While I respect Vince Carter playing in his 40’s – and, of course, it is his own personal decision – but I think it is time to hang up the sneakers.
Vince loves basketball – and that’s ok. But it’s also ok to ride off into the sunset with dignity, not being asked to leave. I would prefer my memories of Vince Carter to be buzzer beaters, big three-balls, and high flying dunks – not a slow old guy who was having a problem scoring 5, and fighting to get off the bench.

The NBA return will be very interesting

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There have been reports all over the news, that the NBA is looking at the possibility of picking up play relatively soon. Players are working out, getting ready for the next step, as they need to start getting mentally and physically ready for the final push of the NBA season. I would think that most players are ready to get back on the court and finish the season they started.
The NBA is targeting July 31st 2020 for a return to play, per Charania. NBA commissioner Adam Silver and the league office informed Board of Governors that July 31 is a target date for return of season, sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium.
The NBA seems like they are going to be able to move forward with the season, including an interesting playoff format. There have been talks of having an expanded playoff, a notion that essentially would have teams that were on the brink of making it during the season to play in to get the final spots. The NBA could have “play in” playoffs for teams that were close to the 8th seed – this could be a ton of fun, and borderline brilliant. It would bring excitement to teams that were catching momentum late in the season, until stoppage, or banged up, and were thinking they were done. The NBA having essentially 2 sets of playoffs, one for the top tiered teams and another for the lower tiered teams trying to get in, would be awesome. With a compromised on court season, some teams were already packing it in – this could change that mindset – this breathes new life into them.
From what I have seen, and heard, there won’t be fans, and home court advantage will be nullified, as games will be played at a neutral court and our VegasTopDogs experts will be ready.
Things are going to be different in many ways. The season finishing and playoffs impending, can not only bring some closure to the league’s season, but also some much needed sports excitement. Of course, the playoffs popping up at this stage of the year, could very well lead to the Finals this year going into August, which would be very different. And obviously, the sooner the playoffs begin, then, the sooner the brass can start figuring out when next season can start, with some basis of a game-plan in place.
You cant get to step 2, until you get through step 1.
I think it would be unfair if the NBA went directly to the playoffs, like some have suggested. Especially, when there are teams like the Portland Trail Blazers, New Orleans and the Sacramento Kings, who were all very much in striking distance of getting into the playoffs in that 8th slot, as the West is filled with teams that can make that jump in. Yes there are some teams altered in some way from the time off – like Philly and Portland, but in basketball, notably, I feel that the better team wins the series, probably 90% of the time. And if a team like the Lakers cannot handle the 8th seed, regardless of who it would be, then maybe there is something to be said there.
We miss the euphoric escape of sports. Sports is something that brings people alive and fills is with excitement. I feel society as a whole, need sports entertainment – we can watch flowers grow, only for so long. It’s good to feel that win as your team is on top at the end of the buzzer, and it is great fun to watch fast paced action with great athletes. These players are getting paid lots of money a year, these guys are young, hungry and competitors, although some are hesitant – I would believe the vast majority of the guys want to compete, at least I would hope so. Anything that brings back some keyhole semblance of basketball, and gets us back to normalcy is going to be accepted. Some may be excited and sit with their fingers crossed – others may not want the season back, under these circumstances – but I think, no – I know – regardless of which side of the fence you stand on, basketball fans will watch the games that return.

NBA season recap and what to look out for

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One of the most exciting leagues each year, one of the most followed and that causes the loudest noise in general, the NBA, came to a forced stop a few weeks ago. Coronavirus, or Covid-19, has caused chaos in the sports world and some of the fans that have felt it the most are the true basketball fans, who were enjoying one of the best, most competitive seasons of the NBA in recent years.

This seemed to be like a good year for LeBron James to win his 4th NBA ring, backed up by the greatness of Anthony Davis and a greatly assembled LA Lakers team. LeBron was even leading the race to NBA MVP when the season stopped. The Milwaukee Bucks are the best team in the league, according to numbers, and were showing off amazing strength and team play, lead by the “Greek Freak”, Giannis Antetokounmpo. Other teams like the Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat or Boston Celtics, in the East, or the LA Clippers, the Denver Nuggets or Houston Rockets, in the West, were giving this season the extra ingredients we were all waiting for, while we got closer and closer to the playoffs.

The NBA has announced that they intend to finish the season, hopefully coming back to action in early June, and moving the NBA Finals to August, considering a probable format change. We all certainly hope this will happen, and we will get to watch the ending of a remarkable season, at least so far. In fact, former players and media have already commented that, if the season were to be completed, we might be in for the best playoff run ever, considering that all the superstars and best teams in the league are getting a 2 month rest, allowing them to get in shape, adjust details, work on the floor and get ready to fight for the ring. This hiatus will definitely help players return in top form and allow veterans like LeBron himself, to get to the playoffs 100% healthy.

These are the individual leaders so far in the 2019-2020 NBA season

–          Points per game: James Harden, 34.4 – Houston Rockets

–          Rebounds per game: Andre Drummond, 15.2 – Cleveland Cavaliers

–          Assists per game: LeBron James, 10.6 – LA Lakers

–          Blocks per game: Hassan Whiteside, 3.1 – Portland Trail Blazers

–          Steals per game: Ben Simmons, 2.1 – Philadelphia 76’ers

–          Field Goal percentage: Mitchell Robinson, 74.2 – New York Knicks

–          Three Pointers made: James Harden, 271 – Houston Rockets

–          Three Point percentage: George Hill, 48.0 – Milwaukee Bucks

These are the team leaders so far in the 2019-2020 NBA season

–          Points per game: Milwaukee Bucks, 118.6

–          Rebounds per game: Milwaukee Bucks, 51.7

–          Assists per game: Phoenix Suns, 27.2

–          Blocks per game: LA Lakers, 6.8

–          Steals per game: Chicago Bulls, 10.0

–          Field Goal percentage: LA Lakers, 48.5

–          Three Pointers made: Dallas Mavericks, 1026

–          Three Point percentage: Miami Heat, 38.3

–          Free Throw percentage: Phoenix Suns, 82.6

If the NBA playoffs started today, just to have an idea of how things are currently in the league, in the East we would have Bucks vs. Magic, Raptors vs. Nets, Celtics vs. 76’ers and Heat vs. Pacers. In fact, Bucks, Raptors and Celtics had already clinched their playoff spot before the season stopped. In the West, we’d enjoy of Lakers vs. Grizzlies, Clippers vs. Mavericks, Nuggets vs. Rockets and Jazz vs. Thunder. Only the Lakers, so far, had clinched a playoff spot, their first since 2013.

As we get ready for the return of the action in the NBA, make sure that you, as a bookie, partner up with the best Price per Head service providers, and finally get to make the most out of your business.

Paul George and Kawhi Leonard brought the Clippers to another level

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The question after every off-season transactions always is the same. Are the teams better than it was last season? Obviously no team wants to sit stagnant, especially if one of the bottom tiered teams that is looking to generate a league buzz and get better, and compete.
Adding Kawhi Leonard and Paul George to LA brought some serious talent to a rusty team dynamic – that just wasn’t getting it done. Adding MVP-like player like Leonard is immediately going to help make any team better. And then LA also picked up a 9 year vet Paul George – who buried 39% from deep last year, as George hit big shots all season for OKC last season. The Clippers have thrived with him on the court since his arrival in LA. Kawhi Leonard’s stat lines don’t tell the full story with his play, he brings a quiet leadership and a cool calmness over anything. Kawhi is definitely an offensive upgrade to the SF position over Danilo Gallinari – and, with his ability to handle the ball and create his own shots, he brings more fluidity to the game for them. And Leonard – known around the league as “The Claw” – impacts the game at the defensive end as well, bringing a great instinct and quick hands, verified by his career 1.8spg and career 100 def rating.
Leonard knocked down 49% of his shots last year in Toronto, and led them to the championship – who could possibly complain about that? He has been their key roll man on the pick and roll during this season, and he has done excellently there as well. He gets himself involved all over the court, and when he is spotting up, he’s been hitting 46% of shots from the field this season. Kawhi also brings some post up opportunities – and defensively, we know he’s been more than pretty good as well.
Paul George is a superstar player who is often overlooked – and he is currently dominating from behind the arc for them – a spot that has produced 3+ three pointers /game, along with hitting 39% from deep. And despite all of his really sweet numbers – the biggest impact he brought to LA has been a massive impact on floor spacing – when George is on the floor, the Clippers 4th ranked offense runs like butter. To the point – where quite a bit of the teams offense runs through him, and that’s how it should be with PG13 landing on this team.
When Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was the teams SG he made the Clippers young and they weren’t gelling as they should have been – that’s why LA decided to go in another direction. Not that he is a bad player by any means – and he is going to have a very good career – but he didn’t create the mismatches, and he also seemed to struggle against bigger defensive guards. Paul George is a very capable scorer against better players and is a defensive upgrade, as a plus.
LA has some talented young guys, like 22 yr old Landry Shamet – who will learn so much playing with great players like George and Leonard – these 2 superstars will handle the load and live up to their names and expectations. This has been a huge win for the Clippers. This team will only get better during the season, and as I expect them to, the Clippers are going to be a 55 or more win team. LA had a couple of things that needed to be worked on, and with Kawhi Leonard and Paul George – those things look like they have been fixed.

The 5 Best NBA players from each conference

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At about 65% through the 2019 -20 NBA season – we have seen some exciting action on the court. We typically know who the star players are coming into the seasons – and who we expect to lead teams – and then we have some unique surprises.
Looking at players this year and their overall court impact – here, we bring you the best 5 NBA players from each conference running the courts this season.

= EAST =

Joel Embiid
Philadelphia 76ers
23 ppg
12 rpg
3 apg

Joel Embiid is a perfect machine with a great scoring all over the court, with the ability to handle business around the rim and some decent three ball shooting as well. He has the the instinctive ability to play some strong defense as his defensive rating verifies and 1.3 blocks /game.

Embiid has answered the call for Philly with smooth shooting and power – all the while, having a pleasant scoring touch – he’s not going to light up the board for 35+ points on a nightly basis, but, let us be 100% honest – Embiid is without question, the most dangerous offensive weapon of the Philly offense – and will be for this team for quite some time.

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Bradley Beal
Washington Wizards
31 ppg
4 rpg
6 apg

26 year old Bradley Beal is a very well rounded contributor for the Wizards and has been electric this season. His explosiveness with his scoring has been incredible to watch. Beal is dead-eye lethal with his shot off the dribble, hitting 46% of shots this year, and burying 35% from deep as well

The 6-3 SG has been superb with point production, as he has been a high volume producer for the Wizards, with 10 games of 40 or more this year so far. The SG takes what the defense gives him, and then if he doesn’t like what they give him – he goes out and takes it, with his dangerous jump shot, that is critically precise from all over.

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Pascal Siakam
Toront Raptors
24 ppg
8 rpg
4 apg

The 25 year old Siakam is averaging 11 points per game higher this season, than his 4 year career average. He has taken full control of the team with fervor – after Leonard bailed on him after last season. The 6-9 SF is exceeding the high expectations the Raptors had on him entering the year with the team being handed to him as the leader.

He has been nothing short of stunning – hitting 36% of his deep balls in 35 minutes /game on the season, Pascal has taken the reigns, while leading the team, averaging 24 points, 4 assists, 8 rebounds.

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Trae Young
Atlanta Hawks
30 ppg
4 rpg
9 apg

The only area Trae Young been shaky with has been his defense – but he certainly fills up the box score, majorly, with nuclear scoring ability and some exceptional ball handling. Bottom line, there is simply no team or player that can contain him on the court.

He has scored less than 25 pts in only 26% of his games played.
Ridiculous.
And remember, he is only 21 years old.
His ability to put the ball in the bucket, has been recognizably impressive.

Trae has been strikingly dangerous this season, with scoring explosiveness and he has only increased his efficiency throughout the year. Young is the only established and legit scoring option in the Atlanta Hawks lineup, there is without a doubt – no cause for anyone questioning of him being here.

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Giannis Antetokounmpo
Milwaukee Bucks
30 ppg
14 rpg
6 apg

Giannis Antetokounmpo has shown no signs of slowing down and obviously popping up in MVP discussions, as he has been dominant. Giannis seems to always be 2 steps ahead of everyone else on the court. 30pts and 14 boards are nothing to ignore – obviously, and his presence with getting to the rack has been difficult to ignore on the court. He is a destructive scorer and has also become a very good passer for Milwaukee, especially when in the paint.

Antetokounmpo has been extraordinarily efficient – he has been hitting on over 54% of his field goal attempts, and granted, 53% of his shots come from within 5 feet of the cup – as he plays more of an old school mindset – get to the rim. He is still working on his deep ball hitting just 31% – but even with the fact that everyone knows he is looking to drive – he still gets 20 shots /game and hangs 30ppg.

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= WEST =

James Harden
Houston Rockets
35 ppg
6 rpg
7 apg

James Harden actually appears to be improving as the season goes on – and that is going to problematic for anyone. Harden explodes when he needs to, with dribbling and a smooth stroke – and can get his shot off vs bigger defenders as well. He has put together high octane scoring displays over and over – many of his big scoring games are due to his ability to draw contact. Drawing contact from a defender and getting to the line are easy points.

He gets to the line an average of 12 times a game, his 6th consecutive season getting to the line over 10 times/game. His 87% from the line is outstanding – so his game has not only been about getting easy points /game – but also getting opposing players in foul trouble.

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Luka Doncic
Dallas Mavericks
28 ppg
9 rpg
9 apg

Doncic has been beyond efficient on the court – contributing in every way possible for the Mavs across several statistical categories, leading Dallas every night. Through 51 games, Luka is putting up 28pts – 9 boards, 9 dimes and has added 14 triple doubles on top of that.

He is the unconditionally best all around player in the NBA right now. He also carries around a fantastic 27.6 player efficiency rating. Luka is very tough to guard, as he is bigger than most G’s and quicker than expected to many of the SFs that try to guard him. He has been spectacular, and he has a great future ahead, that is only going to get even better.

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Anthony Davis
LA Lakers
27 ppg
10 rpg
3 apg

Anthony Davis’s scoring has been as effective and smooth as usual, and his overall production, both defensively and interior scoring has gotten better what he has done over past seasons, with LeBron, his game is just that much better, which in turn makes the team around him better. He has been a real treat to watch dominate on the court this year.

Davis has brought himself to a new level as a Laker this season – putting up 27 ppg along with his exemplary defensive presence on the court, stuffing 2.5 shots per game so far, tops in his career.  And the fact is – he’s converting shots from all over the court with steady aggressiveness, and knocking down 85% from the free throw line. He is a nightmare, and a seamlessly natural weapon for LA.

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Kawhi Leonard
LA Clippers
27 ppg
8 rpg
5 apg

As long as Kawhi is on the court for the the Clippers – he’s always a threat to post great numbers. 41% of games this season he has put up 30 or more – the 28 year old wing has been rock-steady this season, and his free throw shooting has been exceptional – and is tops in his career at 89%.

He also gets a lot of time as the primary ball-handler for LA – as he has shown that with 5 assist /game that he can keep the game under control. He can find guys, and not make stupid decisions when getting a double team, or when the pressure is on.

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Lebron James
LA Lakers
26 ppg
8 rpg
11 apg

It doesn’t matter who is trying to slow Lebron down – the King still scores his buckets with ease – and can still keep drilling 3balls over and over, as he hits 2.2 /game this season, a career best for the old timer. James has been excellent in all aspects of the game, as usual, including a respectful 35% from beyond the arc.

Lebron has put up better than 25 PPG in each of the last 16 seasons, this year, he has shown with age, he can still produce like the youngsters can – as he has actually gotten even better with his play making ability. He leads the the NBA at 11 assists /game. It is almost as if he is finally in his natural position on the court – finding guys for buckets, James has always been a pass first player, and this year he is really showing the NBA what he can still do.

New Orleans Pelicans the team to beat in 2 years

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New Orleans surrounded Zion with some really good supporting talent, dropping Ball and Holiday in their backcourt, as they are 2 of the better wing defenders in the game, along with Zion, who himself is a strong defender. Then they added 6-9 Ingram as a 2nd scoring option and he has been awesome with his 25ppg and JJ Redick as their screen shooter. Plus Jaxson Hayes and his “oop” machine ability, the New Orleans Pelicans will be in the playoffs very quickly.
Zion is going to be the star for New Orleans, he is a middling shooter, a good defender, and strong rebounder, and an instinctive passer. Williamson struggled with a steady jump shot, hitting only 24 trey balls in 33 games in Duke, and players in the NBA aren’t going to leap out of his way like they did in college. It is going to be fun to see how his game style translates as the season goes on – he isn’t going to push everyone around in the paint anymore, at 6-6 and 285lbs. But already he has shown his exceptional basketball ability at the next level with 22ppg and 8 boards /game.
In the trade they made with the Lakers – the Pelicans in the long haul, will be better than the Lakers. Lonzo Ball is a great defender and passer, Ingram has more than shown his ability to light it up while waiting for Zion to get healthy – and will be a great 2nd scoring option to Zion, as his smooth touch and shooting off screens, has shown. And Hart will be a great 6th man with his shot selection and rebounding ability and Hayes will give them another solid player, especially on D.
This trade will go down as a Vikings – Cowboys Herschel Walker level – trade over time. Which we know made Dallas the team of the 90s. The Pelicans are going to be set up for a decade. This trade was all or nothing to get James a ring in LA, and he very well might get it this year. We all know, the fans, the management and certainly LeBron needs it. The biggest worry in the back of my brain I would have, if I am a Lakers fan, is Anthony Davis staying healthy. And if Davis is going to keep improving his production as he has, he has never played a full NBA season since coming in the league back in 2012 – which could be a huge concern for LA. If the Lakers don’t win a title in the next 2 years – we will all talk about how this trade destroyed the Lakers. Getting rid of everything they did is a lot to dish for just one guy – even if it’s a star like Anthony Davis.
So the true impact of the trade will remain to be seen, the Pelicans got some promising young players with their trio of 1st rd picks, and with their potential, and skills – I still feel they will win the trade in the long run. Their strength will be offense – New Orleans is going to eventually have one of the most feared frontcourts in the game, and the backcourt defense should get even better – as Lonzo and Holiday are both excellent. I like the Pelicans team really because of their system, and they’re going to run – which will be great for Lonzo’s game. With guards that can move the ball with speed, and Ingram and Zion both can run as well. A basketball team can be turned around with 1-2 guys who are top notch players – the Pelicans have their guys to go with. These guys all bring scoring and hope to New Orleans. This was a haul for the Pelicans and it sets them up better for down the road then the Lakers. With Ball, Holiday, Ingram, Zion, Hart and the 7-0 foot Hayes – who has great shot blocking ability and is going to be a supreme lane clogger for New Orleans in time. They will be ready in about 2-3 years time, right when the Lakers are going downhill.

Why is nobody concerned about the Oklahoma City Thunder

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The Oklahoma City Thunder lineup is going to be a really tough guard if they can find a way to get into the playoffs. I know we are a long way from the tournament – but they have some heat on that team, and I think more should be keeping an eye on them. They have several guys who are all above average to top end shooters, with 3 guys who can knock down 46% or better from the floor who take 12 or more shots / game, and they don’t have anyone on the team who soaks up a ton of wasted possessions, chucking up bad shots. They have a handful of guys who can also put the ball on the floor, and make plays as well.
Dennis Schroder has compiled an impressive body of work statistically with 18ppg and 47% shooting – coming off the bench, and still amassing 31 minutes /game. Schroder was the teams best player vs 2 of the better teams in the conference, the Clippers and vs the Jazz during a 2 week stretch, when he netted 28 and 27 points on 49% shooting in those games, which shows he can get it done with ease. Schroder hasn’t had great postseason success – when playing with Atlanta for his first 4 years in the league, with just one strong run in 14-15 when he didn’t get a lot of shots and never saw the court much.
Chris Paul’s shot creation skills off ISO plays have been incredibly good for a guy of his age. Paul turned 34 years old and has been having his best shooting season since 16-17 season, at 47%. He is super effective, and still plays good defense, as well, as he is tops on the team in steals. At 34 years old – he is bringing the veteran leadership for this team, Paul has everything you could want from an offensive centerpiece, including, the veteran smarts to not force bad shots. Paul can fade off into the corner, not touching the ball, then suddenly has 4 quick possessions in a row where he is either scoring or assisting. Could you imagine what he could have done for this team in his prime?
Then there is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander – who looks incredibly comfortable on the court with exceptional scoring skills. As a scorer, he’s the real deal – getting to the rim whenever he wants to, and he can drop shots from all over the court, he attacks with ease off the dribble going to the bucket, his 19.9 ppg is tops on the team. I actually think he is one of the better scoring jump shooters I’ve seen in awhile, and is showing more at a young age than many players. I also feel his quickness off the ball is very good, as he gets separation off the dribble and can drive to the rack. He isn’t an All-Star yet – but he is as close as it gets. His potential is sky high, as well at the fact that he is very athletic, and of course, he is just 21 years old.
If Paul can lead this Thunder team and sneak into the playoffs this year, as a potential 6th or 7th seed, they match up well vs a currently 2nd seeded Denver team, who they have played tough this year so far. Steven Adams is good for a double-double every night with points and rebounds. OKC is a good team, that could be a tough out if they make it to the NBA playoffs.