Not Enough (Warriors) Spin to Rehabilitate Andrew Wiggins
Andrew Wiggins has had six seasons to show us who he is. I believe him.
Luol Deng Is Back (In A Weird Two Years Wasted Way)
When the Lakers signed Luol Deng to a generous free agent contract ($72 million) in the summer of 2016, I had two thoughts. The first thought I had about the Deng decision was that he was looking to get paid and was willing to sacrifice wins so he could live in a Beverly Hills or…
It Is Finally Going to Be Chris Paul In The Conference Final
Chris Paul has been here before. Trying to get to the Conference Final. Three years ago, he lost to the Houston Rockets in a massive choke job, blowing a 3-1 series lead. Seven years before that he was up 3-2 over the Spurs, played almost every minute in game 7 at home (New Orleans) and…
Eric Bledsoe’s Disappearing Act
Three years ago, Eric Bledsoe held the Phoenix Suns hostage until they paid him a max deal. It was a familiar negotiation. You know me so what are you going to pay me? Maybe the Suns hesitated for so long because they had a clue that in 2018 in the playoffs Bledsoe’s PER would be…
Kyrie Thinking About Kyrie (Again)
That Kyrie Irving wants out of Cleveland may be shocking news to some since no one in their right mind willingly gives up the LeBron James gift, but not only is Irving ready to part ways with all things King James, he is willing to leave millions on the table to do it. Kyrie is…
Jimmy Butler Wins the Draft
Forget Lonzo and LaVar Ball speaking the Lakers into existence. Forget Markelle Fultz and the Process. Or, Jayson Tatum possibly imitating the game of Paul Pierce. Or a young Frenchman playing for his team’s title but first a short flight to NY for the Knicks to draft him. Or, all the Porzingis trade rumors that…
(Haters) What Do You Think About John Wall Now
There is a scene in the movie Creed where Sylvester Stallone demands his young pupil to look in the mirror. Michael B. Jordan, the student, obeys; he looks. He is solemn and a little sweaty from vigorous training, boxing all day long. Jordan has a look of wry confusion as he stares at his reflection. He…
Sacramento and the Playoffs? Really?
The Kings have the 9th best record in the Western Conference. Forget that the record is below .500. So what? Who cares? For the Kings, it is getting into the playoffs that matters. It is breaking their decade drought. It is reversing the karma that has had them watching the playoffs on t.v. for what…
Standing Between the Bulls and the Lottery Is Jimmy Butler
The Chicago Bulls didn’t make the playoffs last year and it is entirely possible they won’t make the playoffs this year. It depends on Jimmy Butler. He has to be heroic and even then the Bulls may only pull off an 8th seed. The Bulls don’t offer Butler much help. It is not just that…
Charlotte and History
If all goes as it has so far, the Charlotte Hornets will win the Southeast Division for the first time in their history. That is a historical achievement for a team that five years ago was a depressing 7-59. It was a lockout season so only 66 games were played in 2011-12 and in those…