Awards through the 1st Quarter of The Season

This NBA season has been a whirlwind so far and we’re only 6 weeks in! This past summer we had so many players change teams, and for the first time in years we don’t have a true favorite for the NBA title, although you could make an argument for at least 6 or 7 teams. We have seen many unexpected players make leaps in their overall game. There have also been teams, like the Suns, with good records coming out of nowhere. Usually after the first 6 weeks of the season, it’s pretty easy to name the favorites for the awards, but this year it wasn’t easy at all. It took a lot more work and research than it usually does but here are the early season favorites to get these awards come June.

Defensive Player

Anthony Davis

AD has been great for the Lakers, especially on the defensive end of the court. The man is averaging almost 3 blocks, 1.5 steals a game, grabbing 7 defensive rebounds. Davis also has a 59% block percentage, and a 28% steal percentage. He is having a monster season and is a huge reason why the Lakers defense is so solid this year. The Lakers have the 3rd most efficient defense in the league and a very high defensive rating. LA has the right players alongside Davis (LeBron, Avery Bradley and Danny Green to name a few) to really take advantage of his skills.  They are all crafty and smart defenders that can operate on the wing more freely, with Davis being the anchor for their defense in the paint. Now I suppose you can always make the case for Rudy Gobert or Giannis Antetokounmpo since they are having great seasons as well, but AD is just playing out of this world on defense.

Most Improved Player

Brandon Ingram

This was probably the most difficult award for me to choose. First off, we have Luka Doncic, whose almost averaging a 30 point triple-double. Then we have last year’s winner, Pascal Siakim, who is jumping into the MVP conversation. Even Devonte Graham is coming out of nowhere with an increase in numbers across the board. Ultimately, I chose Brandon Ingram. The reason I chose Ingram was because although a lot of people had written him off, he has become the best player on the Pelicans. I have never been a big fan of Brandon Ingram’s game, but he has shown up big time this year. He’s putting up 25 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, as well as a block and a steal per game. That is a pretty good stat line, with major increases in every major statistical category. The Pelicans are one of the youngest teams in the league and aren’t winning a ton, but Ingram is showing that he can be a franchise cornerstone for them alongside Zion Williamson. Brandon has also improved his 3-point shooting considerably this season, which makes him an even more lethal scorer. Ingram’s game reminds me more and more of Carmelo Anthony with each passing season. Just add the fact that Ingram is becoming a good defender and he’s looking a lot like a future all-star.

 

6th Man

Lou Williams

They really should just name this award after Sweet Lou since he has won it so many times. This season, he has improved his numbers for the Clippers, averaging 22 points and 6 assists a game off the bench. Lou is a big part of why the Clippers are serious title contenders this season. Williams isn’t just a spark plug though. He’s becoming more and more of a play-maker each year of his career. The other player I really considered for this was Goran Dragic. The former All-Star has been moved to the bench this season, but he’s flourishing there. He has put up 16 points and 5 assists a game, which is pretty impressive off the bench. Spencer Dinwiddies is making a strong case as well but he’s started half the games he has played in this season. Regardless of Dragic and Dinwiddies game, Lou Williams impact is too much to ignore.

Coach of the Year

Nick Nurse

Nick Nurse might be one of the best coaches in the NBA. In a surprising turn of events, the Raptors have the 2nd best record in the East. Now why is this such a surprise? Well for starters, they lost Kawhi Leonard in the offseason. To make matters worse, they’ve had Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka sidelined because of injuries. Everyone would have expected the Raptors to nosedive this season but somehow Nurse has assisted many of his players in unlocking another level of their game. Pascal Siakim is playing like a top 10 player, and Fred Van Vleet looks like an All-Star; their stats have skyrocketed!  Also, Norman Powell and OG Anunoby have both taken slight steps forward to increase their raw numbers. Honestly, the Raptors are probably just a piece away from being title contenders again.

Executive of the Year

Pat Riley

The moves in the off season made by Pat Riley have been extremely underrated. The team drafted Tyler Herro, who is having a solid first season. They also signed Kendrick Nunn as an undrafted free agent, who has since become quite a surprise as a starter. Lastly, they traded for Jimmy Butler who is an all around star in the NBA. Young players, Bam Adebayo and Justise Winslow, have both taken steps forward this season as well. Riley also signed Duncan Robinson who’s putting up 11 points a game for them. Pat Riley has the Heat in a good spot for the future and they have a pretty good squad this season, currently contending for home court in the Eastern Conference.

Rookie of the Year

Ja Morant

Ja is having a great rookie year. He has already had some significant highlights the first few weeks of the season, including a game winner against the Hornets. Morant has excellent court vision, and is a freak athlete. He is putting up 18 points, 6 assists, 3 rebounds and a steal a game. He’s an impact player on both ends of the court, pairing so well with Jaren Jackson Jr and the rest of the young Grizzlies roster. With Morant as a cornerstone, Memphis has a bright future ahead of them.

Most Valuable Player

Giannis Antetokounmpo

A repeat is looking more and more likely to me for the Greek Freak. I didn’t know how much more Giannis could improve after this past season, but he has. He’s upped his scoring and rebounding and has become a better outside shooter. Giannis also has the Bucks tied for the best record in the NBA this season. He is well on his way to his next MVP. Luka Doncic and Lebron James are also both having great seasons, however they just don’t quite measure up to Giannis, whether that is statistically or just how their team is doing in general.

The NBA season still has a lot of games left and as we know, so much can change. It will be interesting to see, come April, if these same players make an appearance.

10 Greatest Power Forwards

It’s still the slow time of the year for NBA fans, so I’m ranking the greatest players at each position. To start out with I’m listing the greatest Power Forwards. Most the players I rank in this will have played after the ABA-NBA merger, since they didn’t record as many stats before that (such as blocks and steals) but there are a couple notable exceptions at each position, like Wilt Chamberlain, and Elgin Baylor.

10. Chris Webber

6’10

played 14 seasons

Webber is probably a bit of a surprise to a lot of you, but Webber was an incredible player on some really good Kings teams in the early 2000s. C-Webb was a 5 time All-Star and All-NBA, and for his career he averaged 21 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 1.4 steals and 1.4 blocks a game for his career. Webber also started to revolutionize the Power Forward position in the early 2000s

9. Kevin McHale

6’10

played 12 seasons

McHale is another player that would be higher on this list if it wasn’t for injury. McHale played with a broken foot most of the 86-87 season so the Celtics would still be contenders. Unfortunately the Celtics didn’t win the finals that year, and McHale was never the same player again. But McHale did win 3 championships, was a 7 time All-Star, a 6 time all defensive player, won the 6th man of the year twice, and he’s in the Hall of Fame.

8. Elvin Hayes

6’9

15 seasons

Hayes played for the Rockets and Bullets from the late 60s to the early 80s. Hayes was a key part of 3 NBA finals teams with the Bullets, and won the 1978 NBA championship with them. Hayes was one of the best scorers and rebounders in the league for most of his career, and Hayes was also a really good defender.

7. Dirk Nowitzki

7’0

20 seasons

Dirk you can make a pretty good argument for being the best european player of all time. Dirk had one of the greatest playoff runs of all time when he won his championship with the Mavericks in 2011, he put that team on his back and carried them to a win against LeBron James and the Heat. Dirk won an MVP, a finals MVP and a championship. For his career he averaged 21 points, 7.5 rebounds, 2.4 assists, a block and a steal a game. Dirk was an All-NBA player 12 times, and an All-Star 14 times. 

6. Bob Pettit

6’9

10 seasons

Bob Pettit was a player for the for St Louis and Milwaukee  Hawks, for his career he averaged 26 points, 16 rebounds, and 3 assists a game. He was a dominating force in the early days of the NBA. Pettit was an 11 time All-Star, 11 time member of the All-NBA team, he won 2 MVPS and most importantly he won that coveted championship.

5. Chris Bosh

6’11

12 seasons

Bosh was one of the best power forwards in the league when he was on the Toronto Raptors, but after his first year in Miami he realized that he needed to take a step back for the team and he’s a key part of why the Heat won back to back Chips. After LeBron left the heat Bosh turned back to his old self, and he was a beast for the Heat, and they looked like they were just a piece or 2 away from being real title contenders with Bosh and Dywane Wade leading the way. Unfortunately though Bosh had those Blood clots that forced him to retire. Bosh still for his career averaged 19 points, 8.5 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 block and .8 steals a game. Bosh was an 11 time All-Star, and he won those 2 championships. If CB hadn’t been forced to retire he’d still be dominating the league today and he’d definitely be higher on this list.

4. Charles Barkley

6’6

15 seasons

Barkley is another one of the best players to never win a ring. I really had a hard time deciding between him and Chris Bosh, but Barkley was just such a dominant force and he carried his team at times. The man for his career had very similar stats to the Mailman, scoring 22 points, grabbing 12 boards, dishing out 4 assists, and getting 1.5 steals to go with a block a game. Barkley was an 11 time All-Star, as well as a member of the All-NBA team 11 times. Barkley also had one of the most dominant seasons of all time with the suns in the 92-93 season which earned him the MVP award on his way to the finals to face the Chicago Bulls led by Michael Jordan.

3. Karl Malone

6’9

18 seasons

Malone was a monster for almost 20 years in the league, for his career he averaged 25 points, 10 boards, 3.6 assists, 1.4 steals, and a bit under a steal for his career. Malone is easily one of the greatest players to never win a ring, and a big part of that is he was unfortunate enough to play in the same era as the Jordan Bulls, and the Rockets with Hakeem. Malone was a 14 time all star, 14 time All-NBA,  and a 2 time MVP. also lets not forget that the Mailman is a Hall of Famer and was a member of the Dream Team.

2. Kevin Garnett

6’11

20 seasons

KG was a monster in his prime, he carried to Timberwolves to deep playoff runs, and then when he got traded to Boston he was a key part of their finals teams and the team that ultimately won the championship. His last few seasons in the league kind of brought down his stats, but for his 21 year career he scored 18 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, handed out 4 assists as well as racking a steal and 1.5 blocks a game. Garnett was a 15 time All-Star, 9 time All-NBA, 12 time all defense, and he also won an MVP.

Tim Duncan

6’11

18 seasons

Duncan Played center for a portion of his career, but for the majority of it he was a power forward. Duncan with the spurs went to the finals 6 times, and he won 5 of them, getting the finals MVP in 3 of them. Duncan won 2 MVP’s, he was on the All-NBA, All-Star, and All Defensive teams 15 times. For his career he averaged 19 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks and almost a steal a game, but most importantly he was the anchor of the Spurs dynasty, his leadership and willingness to sacrifice were key for them.

 

NBA Breakout Players

It’s reached the slow time of the NBA off season, so I decided to pick a player from every team in the NBA that should breakout this upcoming season. Every season they are players that just happen to be in the right position to succeed or perhaps their teams decide to use them in a different way. Either way this season should be no different and here are 30 players who are primed to have a break out season.

Northwest Division

Denver Nuggets

Michael Porter Jr.

If Porter can stay healthy, that’s the thing with him, if he can stay healthy. But if he stays healthy he will be a beast, there aren’t many people with his height, athleticism, touch, and skill set. I am worried that Porter hasn’t played significant basketball since he was in high school, and the fact that he sat out a full year then hurt his knee in his first practice back is a major red flag, but if he can stay on the floor, Porter will be able to be another player that can create his own shot, and space the floor for the Nuggets.

Minnesota Timberwolves

Andrew Wiggins

I’ve never been the biggest Wiggins fan but there was a reason he was the number one pick in his draft. Getting Jimmy Butler hurt his development, Wiggins looked like a future All-Star, but then Butler came and they played basically the same position and that stunted Wiggins growth. Timberwolves coach Ryan Saunders has said he’s going to have Wiggins initiate the offense which he showed some potential doing last year. Culver and Covington are going to be able to help spread the floor for Wiggins and allow him to drive more to the rim. 

Oklahoma City Thunder

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

I am a HUGE SGA fan, he was a very good point guard for a playoff team as a rookie, which is very rare. I hope the Thunder just give him free rein once they trade Chris Paul. SGA has good size, can guard almost all wings and guards, is a good shooter, and he’s got good court vision. I don’t think that SGA will ever be a superstar player in this league, but he can be a fringe all star and help good teams win a lot of games.

Portland Trailblazers

Zach Collins

A lot of people are picking Afernee Simons to break out for the Blazers, but I think Zach Collins is primed to have a huge year. With Nurk hurt, and Whiteside being a limited offensive player. Collins is athletic, has good outside touch, and has been a good defender so far in his career. Collins is also versatile enough to play the 4 or 5 and he is quick enough that he can switch on to smaller defenders on defense.

Utah Jazz

Emmanuel Mudiay

Mudiay had a very underrated year for the Knicks, and he’s coming to a situation where he can learn from Mike Conley, one of the smartest players in the league. Mudiay is 6’5 and very athletic. He’s going to have shooters around them that can help spread the floor for him so he can drive to the rim and create shots for others. Mudiay is also a good defender so he’ll fit in perfectly with Quin Snyder’s system.

Pacific Division

Golden State Warriors

Willie Cauley-Stein

Stein is going to the perfect situation. He had a good year this past season where he averaged career highs in points, rebounds, assists and steals, but i think he could easily average a double-double this season, as well as improve his shot blocking. Playing with Steph curry, Klay Thompson, Draymond Green and D’Angelo Russell is going to get Willie lots of open and easy layups and dunks.

Los Angeles Clippers

Ivica Zubac

Zubac was an absolute steal for the Clippers at the trade deadline. He has good size, is quick on his feet and is a good shot blocker. Having Paul George, Kawhi Leonard Patrick Beverly, Lou Williams, Landry Shamet, Montrezl Harrell, JaMychal Green and Moe Harkless will take a ton of pressure off of Zubac. Zubac will gets a lot of minutes since he is the only true center on the roster, but he won’t have to worry about covering the wing players on defense, and he won’t be relied on to carry the scoring load at all, all he needs to do is get rebounds, block shots and score the occasional bucket.

Los Angeles Lakers

Quinn Cook

Cook showed his worth in the finals, he’s a solid shooter, he can create a bit for others, he can handle the ball and he’s not a bad defender. Playing alongside LeBron and AD should create a lot of opportunities for Cook to have open shots and open lanes to the basket. Also the fact that he’s the only point guard on the team that can shoot means he’s guaranteed a lot of playing time.

Phoenix Suns

Kelly Oubre Jr

I’ve always been a big fan of Oubre’s game, he’s a good defender and has shown flashes of being a good scorer. He needs to improve his outside shot and be a more willing passer. But athletes with his length and bounce don’t come around very often. Oubre has a good handle, can get to the rim pretty consistently, and just because he doesn’t always pass, doesn’t mean he’s a bad passer. I am a little worried about the fit with Devin Booker and Oubre, i think their playing styles might clash, but if they can figure out that is one dangerous tandem of wings.

Sacramento Kings

Marvin Bagley III

Bagley was one of my favorite rookies last year, he had a bit of a disappointing rookie year, due to injury and not being used correctly, but this year that should change. I still think Bagley is more of a center, but he’ll be playing alongside Dewayne Dedmon who can stretch the floor at the center position which will give MB3 more chances  for open shots in the dunker position and around the rim. I’m also excited to see De’Aaron Fox and Bagley run the pick and roll this, i think that could be a real weapon for the Kings.

Southwest Division

Dallas Mavericks

Luka Doncic

Luka had an incredible rookie but with the Mavericks adding a healthy Kristaps Porzingis, and Seth Curry and  it’s going to take the pressure off Doncic. Curry is a solid guard that can defend, shoot and play on and off the ball. Porzingis will be a player that can take a lot of the scoring pressure off Doncic and he can be a great partner with him in the pick and roll game. Luka should start year two in better shape and more adjusted to the style of play in the NBA.

Houston Rockets

Danuel House

The Rockets don’t have a ton of young talent so this was a much harder choice to make compared to a lot of other teams. House will be a good 3 and D player in the NBA for years to come, he probably won’t become a dynamic offensive player but I think he can become a high end defensive player.

Memphis Grizzlies

Dillon Brooks

Brooks second season was marred by injuries, but there was a reason that a lot of NBA teams were high on him after his rookie season. Brooks is a good shooter, he moves well without the ball, he’s a smart passer, and he isn’t a bad defender. I’m really excited to see him play off of Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson. The Grizzlies are definitely not going to be a good team this year, but they will be fun to watch and have one of the brighter futures in the NBA.

New Orleans Pelicans

Brandon Ingram

I’ve never been the biggest fan of Ingram, but he’s a very talented player, and he can be a premier scorer in the NBA, he just needs the ball in his hands, which he didn’t get last season until LeBron went down with his injury, and Ingram excelled during that time. Unfortunately Ingram had those scary blood clots that ended his season. Ingram will be in a great situation with a good coach in Alvin Gentry, a great veteran guard in Jrue Holiday and a bunch of young talent. Ingram won’t have much pressure on him playing alongside Zion, so this is the perfect situation.

San Antonio Spurs

Dejounte Murray

I was so disappointed when he got injured before the season started. Murray is already one of the best defensive guards in the NBA at 22. He’s extremely athletic and has a great wingspan. Murray needs to improve his outside shot, but he has good body control and he can get to the rim. The Derrick White and Murray backcourt should be one of the best defensive backcourts in the NBA, and Murray will get more playing time and more free rein of the offense.

Atlantic Division

Boston Celtics

Jayson Tatum

A lot of people have given up on Tatum after his rough second season, but he’s still just 21 years old. I think playing alongside Kemba Walker is going to be huge for him, Walker is much more of a team player that Kyrie Irving, and can play off the ball a lot better than Kyrie, so Tatum should have the ball in his hands a lot more this season.

Brooklyn Nets

Taurean Prince

Prince is a good defender, a good shooter, and he can create his own shot off the dribble a little bit as well. With players like Caris LeVert, Kyrie Irving, and Spencer Dinwiddie who are all heavy iso players, and demand lots of attention from the defense so Prince should get a lot of easy open shots from 3 and around the rim. Prince also is playing for a contract this season so he will be extra motivated.

New York Knicks

Julius Randle

Julius Randle actually looked really good this past season, and I wish he was on another team this season, but he should have another big season this year. Randle is an incredible rebounder, he can handle the ball and he’s a really good passer. Randle will easily have a 20 point, 10 rebound season, I also think he could get 4 or 5 assists a game this season as well. RJ Barrett will be a fun player to watch when he’s paired with Randle in the Pick and Roll.

Philadelphia 76ers

Zhaire Smith

Smith essentially redshirted this past season due to injury and that freak allergy accident, but he had a really good summer league. Smith is a really good athlete, and he’s shown good touch from outside. The 76ers are going to need Smith to step up this season, they don’t have a lot of wings that can shoot and defend, and i think he will be able to do that.

Toronto Raptors

OG Anunoby

OG is an extremely athletic, big wing and he’s going to need to play a lot of minutes with Kawhi Leonard leaving this offseason. OG isn’t going to fill Kawhis shoes, but if he improves his shooting he will become an even more valuable player, since he is a good defender and he can get to the rim pretty consistently. 

Central Division

Chicago Bulls

Wendell Carter Jr.

Carter had a good start to his rookie season, but his season was derailed by an injury. In his rookie he already showed that he is a fearless shotblocker with good timing. He also can finish around the rim. Carter has a really high basketball IQ, and he fits in with the rest of the Bulls starting lineup perfectly, so I am very excited to see him have a healthy year alongside Lauri Markkanen, Zach LaVine, Otto Porter Jr, and Tomas Satoranski.

Cleveland Cavaliers

Cedi Osman

The Cavs are another team that doesn’t exactly have a lot of breakout candidates, but I think Osman could potentially take another big step forward this season. Even if he just improves his 3 point shot he’ll take a big step forward. But i think he can improve from a play making standpoint as well. Cedi also has all the tools to be a very good defender in the NBA and this past season was only his second in the league, as well as his first playing major minutes, so he’ll only get better from here.

Detroit Pistons

Luke Kennard

Kennard is already a knockdown shooter after just 2 seasons, he’s a great spot up shooter, can run off screens, and move well without the ball to get open for shots. Kennard also has a good stepback as well. Kennard is skilled enough he can initiate the offense when he needs to as well. He should continue to benefit playing off of Blake Griffin this next season as well due to his passing and his shooting ability.

Indiana Pacers

Malcolm Brogdon

Brogdon is one of those players that really has no weaknesses in his game. He is an incredible shooter, a good passer, and a really good defender. Brogdon can play on and off the ball, which makes him the perfect fit for the Pacers. He is the perfect person to pair alongside Victor Oladipo, since they are both great defenders, great shooters and both can play either guard position.

Milwaukee Bucks

Wesley Matthews

I don’t know if I’d say Matthews will have a breakout season, but I think he’ll have a really good season. Matthews is still a really good shooter, and playing alongside Giannis and Brook Lopez should get him a ton of open shots. Matthews is also still a good defender, not to the level he was before he tore his Achilles, but he can still slow people down, and should fit the Bucks defensive schemes well.

Southeast Division

Atlanta Hawks

Jabari Parker

I still think that Parker could be a star in this league. He really just needs to stay healthy, and become more consistent with his outside shot. Parker is really crafty at creating his own shot, and we know he can score. Jabari is a good passer, and I think in the right system he could have a Draymond Green like role, and I think the Hawks are like the perfect situation for him to play like that. Trey Young and John Collins will be a lot of fun to watch.

Charlotte Hornets

Terry Rozier

To be honest the Hornets roster is a wreck, and they don’t have much great young talent at all. Rozier is going to basically get the keys to the offense and he’ll be the tank commander for the next season or so. Scary Terry is a very talented player, and I think he’ll easily average 20 points this season.

Miami Heat

Justise Winslow

I still think Winslow can be a very good player in this league, when Erik Spoelstra played him at PG he looked really good. Winslow has good size, is really athletic, he’s improved as a 3 point shooter, as a playmaker, a shot creator, and he’s also a really good defender, I’m excited to see him play alongside Jimmy Butler, he should benefit a lot from Butlers shot creation and defensive ability. 

Orlando Magic

Jonathan Isaac

Isaac is a really athletic, has good size, already has shown strong defensive instincts. He has improved each season as a shooter, and he has good body control around the rim. Of all the players on the Magic I think that Isaac has the most potential, players that are 6’10, with a 7’1 wingspan, and are freak athletes don’t come around every day . All Isaac needs to break out this season is consistent playing time.

Washington Wizards

Thomas Bryant

The Wizards don’t exactly have a ton of breakout candidates, which leaves us with Thomas Bryant. Bryant had a very good 2nd year in the league with the Wizards, and I think he could easily average a double double this season since  he’ll get a lot of time on the court this year due to the Wizards lack of talented bigs.

 

The 2019 Draft

Thursday is probably my favorite day of the year as an NBA fan, it’s the NBA Draft. This draft was much harder to predict than i thought it was going to be after the top 3. these are my choices for what i think will happen.

New Orleans Pelicans: Zion Williamson, Duke

Zion is pretty clearly the number 1 pick in this years draft. 6’7 280 pound players with his athleticism are next to unheard of and he could be a player that changes the landscape of the NBA for the next 10 years or so.

Memphis Grizzlies: Ja Morant, Murray St

Morant is the clear cut number 2 pick, he’s and elite athlete that has amazing court vision and excels in the open court. Morant will be the perfect player to pair with Jaren Jackson Jr. and he’ll be able to grow with a rebuilding team.

The New York Knicks: RJ Barrett, Duke

There was a reason that Barrett was the top ranked recruit coming out of high school. He’s a big wing that’s athletic and very skilled. He will be a player that the knicks can build around, especially with the Kevin Durant injury and Kyrie Irving most likely going to the Nets. even if the Durant does go to the Knicks RJ will still have a year to develop before Durant comes back.

New Orleans Pelicans: Jarrett Culver, Texas Tech

Culver is a very similar player to Deandre Hunter, but i think he has a higher ceiling. I’m not convinced the Pelicans will keep this pick but if they do Culver is a very interesting player for them to pair with Ingram on the wing.

Cleveland Cavaliers: De’Andre Hunter, Virginia

Hunter is a big wing, that is a good defender, he’s probably the best player available at this point in the draft and he will be a piece that compliments Kevin Love and Colin Sexton well. He also just gives the Cavs another young solid building block for their future.

Phoenix Suns: Coby White, North Carolina

A Devin Booker and Coby White back court would be really interesting. Booker really would help space the floor for White. White is an extremely quick player who excels in the open court. The biggest worry I would have with this back court is that I’m not sure if he would be able to play off the ball well at this point in his career, and I’m not sure if Devin Booker would want to play off ball primarily.

Chicago Bulls: Darius Garland, Vanderbilt

The Bulls need a point guard, bad, I love Kris Dunn but he isn’t developing into a starting PG. Garland is the best PG on the board at this point, but I’m not sure if he’s the best fit next to Zach LaVine, neither one of them is the best defender, and LaVine likes to have the ball in his hand. Garland running pick n roll with Lauri Markkanen could be really interesting. I love how he navigates dribbling off the pick and through traffic. He has a really tight handle and he’s an excellent shooter and has shown lots of play making potential.

Atlanta Hawks: Brandon Clarke, Gonzaga

Clarke isn’t going to be a superstar in this league, but he is going to be a very very good player. Clarke is a versatile and super smart defender. He isn’t the biggest or longest guy out there but he has incredible timing. If his jump shot continues to improve he could help the Hawks have amazing spacing for the rest of their team. I’d love to watch him on the short roll with Trae Young, sorta like the Steph Curry and Draymond Green duo.

Washington Wizards: Cam Reddish, Duke

Reddish had a really disappointing year at Duke, but I think a lot of that was just the situation he was on with that Duke team. Reddish has a really pretty looking shot, he’s long, strong, and athletic enough that he could be an ideal 3 and D player in the NBA for years to come.

Atlanta Hawks: Romeo Langford, Indiana

Langford has great touch, but his form and release are super funky. I think Langford could be a Jamal Crawford type 6th man for the Hawks. Langford is great at creating his own shot, and he’s great at finishing around the rim as well as in traffic.

Minnesota Timberwolves: Jalen McDaniels, San Diego State

McDaniels would make up for a lot of Karl Anthony-Towns defensive shortcomings, he’s a versatile defender, and he excels playing defense off ball. He has a really good handle, and he’s a great passer with excellent court vision. McDaniels also excels at setting screens to get his teammates open.

Charlotte Hornets: Jaxson Hayes, Texas

Hayes is a big athletic player, he’s pretty raw on the offensive end, but he has great instincts, lateral quickness and an incredible wingspan. He has shown the ability to be an excellent rim runner in the pick n roll and he can catch lobs like crazy.

Miami Heat: Rui Hachimura, Gonzaga

The Heat are in a bit of a strange spot right now, Dwyane Wade is retired, Goran Dragic isn’t getting any younger, but they still have some talented young players like Justise Winslow, Bam Adebayo, and most importantly Josh Richardson. The Heat need the most help on the wing, and I think Rui could really be a solid player in the NBA for a long time to come. He hasn’t been playing basketball for super long and the Heat might be the perfect place for him to develop into his full potential alongside Winslow and Richardson on the wings, he’s shown potential to be a good outside shooter, he has some ball handling ability, and has shown creativity creating his own shots.

Boston Celtics: Goga Bitadze, Georgia

Since the Celtics aren’t getting Anthony Davis, and it looks like Kyrie is going to walk in free agency. I think he’d be a great fit for Boston alongside Jason Tatum and Jaylen Brown. He has a good touch from outside, he’s a good passer and he’s a really smart player, he’s never going to be an elite defender and he tries, he has good fundamentals and his high basketball IQ really comes into play there.

Detroit Pistons: Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Virginia Tech

He is a wing that has good size, he’s a really good passer, and he’s extremely patient and doesn’t force things very often. Nickeil also is extremely long and a good defender. He needs to improve his shot from outside, but he could be the play making wing that the Pistons need.

Orlando Magic: Ty Jerome, Virginia

The Magic desperately need a lead play maker. They traded for former number 1 pick Markelle Fultz at the deadline, but he’s far from a sure thing. Jerome is a great choice here, he’s never going to be a super star, but he can be a primary play maker but he can also play off-ball. Jerome is the ultimate team player, and he’ll be fine with whatever role he is in on whatever team.

Atlanta Hawks: Matisse Thybulle, Washington

Thybulle is a long athletic defender, that has good outside touch. He’d be a great player to pair with Kevin Huerter on the wing, and he would help stretch the floor for Trae Young to be able to create for everyone else.

Indiana Pacers: Dylan Windler, Belmont

He isn’t gonna be a star, but he could be a solid 3 and D player for years to come. He excels moving without the ball and he is a solid defender. Windler is the exact type of player that the Pacers need, he’ll help space the floor for Victor Olidipo, Myles Turner and Sabonis.

San Antonio Spurs: Nassir Little, North Carolina

Little might be the 2nd most intriguing prospect from an athletic standpoint in this draft. He is 6’6 with a 7’1 wingspan, and crazy athletic. Little is really, really raw but he’s young, and the Spurs have a history of being able to develop players. He could potentially guard every position on the court, and he’s such a freak athletically he was able to slow down Zion when he played Duke

Boston Celtics: PJ Washington, Kentucky

Washington would be a really interesting fit next to Jaylen Brown and Jason Tatum on the wing. He’s improved as an outside shooter and should continue to improve from out there. In reality he could play some minutes at the center position and should help give Brad Stevens more flexibility in his lineups.

Oklahoma City Thunder: Tyler Herro, Kentucky

Herro looks like he could be a knockdown shooter. He moves extremely well without the ball, he’s not a great athlete and doesn’t have the length to be a great defender, but he will be able to provide shooting for the Thunder which they desperately need.

Boston Celtics: Cameron Johnson, North Carolina

Johnson is another player that’s a good shooter, he isn’t great at creating his shot, but he moves well without the ball and he’s an excellent shooter of the catch. Johnson is also a good rebounder and he’s an okay defender, won’t ever be a lockdown defender but he’s not a liability on defense.

Utah Jazz: Carsen Edwards, Purdue

The Jazz desperately need more shooting, and another player that can create his own shot. Carsen Edwards gives them both, he’d also be someone that can slide into a 6th man role for the Jazz. Edwards finishes well at the rim, he’s a good defender and he can get his shot off extremely quick.

Philadelphia 76ers: Kevin Porter Jr, USC

Porter would be a good fit on the perimeter alongside Ben Simmons and Embiid. He shot a good percentage from 3, but he didn’t have a huge sample size and he’s not a great free throw shooter. He’s got the tools to be a good defender and he can be lethal on and off the ball in the open court.

Portland Trail Blazers: Grant Williams, Tennessee

Williams is a really smart player, he’s a solid defender, good rebounder and will always embrace whatever role is given to him. He could develop into a solid 3 point shooter, he has some good post moves and he’ll be able to defender almost any position. He’s the kind of player Portland could really use to help stretch the floor, but not be a liability on defense.

Cleveland Cavaliers: Bol Bol, Oregon

He started off pretty solid for the Ducks this past season but he got injured. Bol Bol is 7’2 and can knock outside shots and he has a decent handle for his size. He is well worth the risk at 26 and could be a difference maker if he stays healthy.

Brooklyn Nets: Luguentz Dort, Arizona St

He is a great athlete that should be an incredible defender in the NBA. he’s and extremely strong, and athletic player, and he already has some good go to scoring moves. He could be a solid player in the NBA for a long time.

The Golden State Warriors: Terrence Davis, Ole Miss

Davis could be a great 3 and D player that could help fill in for Klay Thompson to start the year. Davis also has shown some play making ability, as well as the ability to create his own shot.

San Antonio Spurs: Sekou Doumbouya, France

Sekou is an extremely raw player, but extremely athletic, he’s another player that’d be perfect for the Spurs to put in their system for a couple seasons. He’s only 18 so he is really young, he’s shown some amazing footwork and he has good touch. Sekou also is a good rebounder and shot blocker.

Milwaukee Bucks: Mfiondu Kabengele, Florida St

He is Dikembe Mutumbos nephew so you know he will be able to protect the rim. He’s a great athlete, and excels in the pick n roll and pick n pop. Kabengele is solid on the catch and shoot, and he can also score in the paint. He should be able to eventually replace brook lopez, which the Bucks will need because he’s getting older and he might get a huge contract this summer.

The Best Fits for every head coach opening

The NBA head coaching carousel has officially started with the hiring of Luke Walton this past week, and the firing of Igor Kokoskov last night. Finding the right coach is always an extremely difficult thing, and so many things have to fall in place for a coach to be successful, but here are some that could be successful.

Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cavs are in an interesting spot, they have some really talented young players, in Cedi Osman and Colin Sexton, but they also have a borderline All-Star player in Kevin Love, and they have a 50% chance at a top 4 pick.

Ime Udoka would be a good choice, for the young players that the Cavs have. Udoka has spent years coaching and playing under Gregg Popovich who is one of the greatest coaches of all time. Udoka is a coach that a lot of the younger players on the Spurs gravitate towards and he could hopefully bring some of the Spurs culture to Cleveland.

Igor Kokoskov just got fired by the Suns, and I’m not sure why. He didn’t really get a fair shot with Phoenix. He’s been assistant under some great Coaches, it’s not his fault that he was coaching for one of the most dysfunctional franchises in the whole league. Coaching a team with some great young players in addition to solid veteran players.

A coach like Sam Cassell would be another guy I’d like to see in Cleveland. Cassell had a pretty dang solid career as a point guard in the NBA, he helped mentor Rajon Rondo as a young player on the Celtics and he’s an assistant that players love to play hard for. I think Cassell would help Sexton develop into a solid floor general in the NBA

Memphis Grizzlies

Memphis is transitioning out of the Grind City era with trading Marc Gasol and demoting Chris Wallace. Mike Conley is still on the team and he’s one of the more underrated players in the league. The Grizz have a budding star in Jaren Jackson Jr, and they have a bunch of solid young players in Dillon Brooks, Delon Wright, and Kyle Anderson. Jevon Carter, Tyler Dorsey and Bruno Caboclo both have a lot of potential, and Jonas Valanciunas is entering the prime of his career.

I think the ideal candidate for the Grizzlies would be Juwan Howard. Howard had a great career, he could help Triple J a lot, and he’d bring that amazing Heat culture to the Grizzlies. Howard took up the mentoring role a lot in his playing career and he was a guy that teammates always loved. He’s had the opportunity to coach under and learn from Eric Spoelstra who is one of the best coaches in the NBA, and he’s learned from Pat Riley who is one of the best coaches of all time.

Frank Vogel would be another interesting potential coach for the Grizzlies. He was a really good coach for that Pacers team that almost made the finals. He’s a great defensive coach and that’d fit with the style the Grizzlies have historically had the most success with. I don’t think he had a fair shot as the coach of the Magic, they didn’t have the best rosters and didn’t fit the grind it out style that Vogels best teams had.

Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers are a team that are in an interesting spot. They need to hire a coach that LeBron approves of, but ideally they need a coach that will also help develop the young players and change the toxic culture around the Lakers organization.

Honestly I think it’s going to be Ty Lue that ends up being the Lakers head coach, even though I don’t think he is the best choice as their. Lue won with LeBron, and Lebron has stated that he liked being coached by LeBron.

I think that Juwan Howard would honestly be the best choice for the Lakers. He’d bring that amazing Heat culture to the Lakers, he has a reputation of being able develop players, and he’s a coach that LeBron would respect.

Phoenix Suns

The Suns should be a desirable coaching destination. They have a group of young talented players, a storied history and are in a place where people want to live, but thanks in large part to Robert Sarver, they literally have goats crapping in their offices, and they have no direction or plan for their franchise.

Almost any coach I’ve already listed would be good for the Suns. But I think Jay Larranaga would be a good choice, he’s the son of longtime college coach Jim Larranaga, and he’s coached under Doc Rivers and Brad Stevens who are great coaches. He’s great at player development, he’s a good offensive coach, and he won when he was coaching in the G-League. I’d love to see him develop the young players the Suns have like DeAndre Ayton, Josh Jackson and Mikal Bridges.

David Vanterpool is another coach that has shown that he can develop players. Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum both credit him with playing a big part of their development. Vanterpool has also been a coach with the Blazers since 2012, so he’s seen the Blazers stay competitive through massive roster overhaul and changed playing styles.

The Suns could also go in another direction and hire a college coach like Tony Bennett and Jay Wright. Both of them have won on the college level, and have proven they can develop NBA talent. The Suns would give them a bunch of talented young players where they could basically start from scratch with the culture, style of play, everything. It’d be the perfect situation if the Suns management are on the same page as the coach, and if Robert Sarver just stays out of the way.    

All Sophomore Teams

The players that take a big step in their second NBA seasons is always interesting to me. Most NBA rookies aren’t good, but last year was sort of exception with 3 that played exceptionally well into the playoffs. This season there were a number of other players that took a big step forward and came out of nowhere this season, so I decided to make the All Sophomore team, of which players were the most impressive in their 2nd seasons. A lot of players made a big jump so I decided that winning would play a key factor into which players made the team and didn’t.

1st Team

Guard- De’Aaron Fox

Fox made a huge jump between his rookie and sophomore seasons. He looked like he was by far the best point guard drafted in the 2017 draft. He was a huge reason why the Kings were so good this season. Fox averaged 17 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds and 1.6 steals a game. Fox is one of the fastest players in the league and he uses that speed to blow past defenders pretty consistently. Fox also shows that he can show up and perform in the biggest moments.

Guard- Donovan Mitchell

Spida may have struggled to start this season, but he got going after that rough start and had a heck of a season. He averaged 24 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds and 1.4 steals a game. Mitchell showed that he could be a primary playmaker this season and run the offense. The Jazz rely on Mitchell for a crazy amount of their offense, and he almost always comes through for them. Mitchell also improved on the defensive side of the ball, he’s shown flashes of being a lockdown defender.

Guard- Ben Simmons

Simmons didn’t quite take the jump forward that he was expected to make in his 2nd season, but he still had a really good season, he was the only player on this list to make the All-Star season. Simmons had 17 points, 9 rebounds, 8 assists, 1.4 steals and almost a block a game. Simmons in the open court is one of the most unstoppable players in the NBA. He has incredible court vision and he has shown that he can be a good defender.

Forward- Jayson Tatum

Tatum didn’t quite reach the expectations that people had of him coming after his strong playoff run. Tatum still averaged 16 points, 6 rebounds, and a steal a game. He’s shown flashes of being a go to scorer for the Celtics, he needs to improve a passer for the Celtics and as a defender, but he is well on his way to being a star for Boston.

Forward- John Collins

Collins had a huge 2nd season for the Hawks. He averaged 19 points, 10 rebounds. He’s also become a pretty good outside shooter for the Hawks, and he’s always a lob threat for them. Collins is a pretty dang good defender. It’s no mistake that the Hawks started playing much better when he returned from injury.

2nd Team

Guard- Monte Morris

Morris is one of the best backup point guards in the whole league. He came out of nowhere this season. Off the bench he averaged 10 points, 4 assists, and 1 steal a game. Morris is one of those players that has no true weaknesses in his game and he’s a huge a reason why the Nuggets were such a good team this past season. Monte is an amazing outside shooter which spaces the floor for the Nuggets and is another reason that they were such a surprise this season.

Guard- Derrick White

It looks like the Spurs found another one of their diamond in the rough players in White. Derrick had to step into a starting role for a good portion of the season with the Dejounte Murray injury and he did really well in that role. White is a player similar to Morris that doesn’t seem to have any glaring weaknesses, but he’s really shown that he is a strong defender. He averages a steal and almost a block a game as a 6-4 point guard. He is a good athlete and he can knockdown outside shots consistently for the Spurs, he’s a big reason the Spurs future’s looking brighter and brighter.

Guard- Bogdan Bogdanovic

Bogdan is so much fun to watch play, especially with the young core that the Kings have. As the 6th man for the Kings he was able to score 14 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds and a steal a game. Bogdan is the type of player NBA teams are always searching for. He can play defense, create his own shot and pass, he’d have a spot on any NBA roster.

Forward- Kyle Kuzma

Kuzma had a really good 2nd season for the Lakers. He showed some improvement scoring the ball, his percentage from 3 dipped this season, but his efficiency across the rest of the board has gone up, he also showed flashes of being a good passer. He’s just a player that can heat up quick and then go out and get you buckets. Kuzma isn’t a good defender yet, but he has all the tools to be a good defender.

Forward- Lauri Markkanen

19 points and 9 rebounds a game is what Markkanen averaged a game for the season. If he’d played more games he would definetly be on my first team. But Markkanen looks like a future star for the Bulls. Athletic 7 footers that can shoot don’t come around every day and he’s a 7 footer that is extremely athletic and can shoot the lights out.

The 2019 All-NBA Teams

The end of the regular season is here! With the playoffs starting this weekend, here are my picks for the All-NBA teams.

First Team

Guard- James Harden

Harden is having one of the best offensive seasons of all time, he scored over 30 points a game in 32 straight games, and he’s averaging 36 points a game, and almost 8 assists a game for the season. Remember at the beginning of the year when we thought the Rockets might not make the playoffs? Clint Capela and Chris Paul were also both injured for a long stretch and it looked like the Rockets were sunk. Well Harden put the Rockets on his back and they look like they may have a real shot at making the finals this season.

Guard- Stephen Curry

Curry has been amazing again this season. He is incredible not only as a player but as a leader. Even when he was hurt the Warriors played better when he was just in the arena and on the road with them. When Curry is playing he takes the Warriors to another level. He’s having his best shooting season since he was the unanimous MVP, Curry has also been good defender this season and he’s also a great weapon off ball which has opened up the Golden State offense even more.

Forward- Kevin Durant

You could make an argument for Durant being the best player in the NBA right now, he’s a monster defensively and offensively. KD is also such a good defender that he can guard an opposing team’s best players, and he also has the length to block shots and deflect passes. Durant has also made strides as a playmaker averaging 6 assists a game which has helped to open up the offense for Klay Thompson and Steph.

Forward- Giannis Antetokounmpo

Giannis is my pick for MVP, he’s been an absolute monster this season, he’s the reason that the Bucks are the best team in the NBA. He’s averaging a crazy efficient 27 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1.5 steals/blocks a game. He has improved as a shooter throughout the season, he still isn’t a great outside shooter but you have to respect him from outside more than you used too. He’s amazing at creating open looks for others which is why Khris Middleton and Eric Bledsoe are having breakout seasons. Giannis is also an amazing defender, he could possibly win Defensive Player of the Year, as well as MVP. Durant might be the only other player in the NBA right now that can guard all 5 positions on the court and effect every aspect on that side of the court.

Center- Joel Embiid

Embiid is the most dominant center we’ve had in the NBA since prime Shaq. Embiid is such a beast physically, and he’s extremely skilled for his size. The 76ers are a much better team when he’s playing, he’s averaging 27.5 points, 14 rebounds, 3.5 assists, 2 blocks and almost a steal a game. He’s one of the best two-way players in the league. Embiid also has the ability to step out and knock down a three, it’s rare you get somebody so physically gifted with touch like his. Joel is not a lethal shooter but you have to respect his outside shot which opens up the floor for his teammates.

2nd Team

Guard- Damian Lillard

Dame has become one of the best players in the entire league. He’s a one man wrecking crew. Dame is 26 points, 7 assists, 5 rebounds and a steal a game. Lillard has become a good defender and there are very few players better at running the pick n roll and manipulating it in their favor. Dame also might be the best leader and culture setter in the NBA, he makes the Blazers a much better team that always seem to over achieve in a big part because of that culture.

Guard- Russell Westbrook

Russ may be having an awful shooting season, but he’s averaging a triple double for the 3rd consecutive year and makes his team so much better. I don’t know if there’s a better player at creating shots for his teammates out of thin air in the whole league. The Thunder have no shooting at all which makes the ability Westbrook has to create shots even more impressive, On Zach Lowes podcast Chris Herring of 538 talks about Westbrook’s teammates only hit 29% on wide open 3s, which is absolutely abysmal. But even with the terrible shooting around him he’s still averaging close to 11 assists a game thanks to his incredible court vision. Russ is also a great defender, he is a big reason why the Thunder had the best defense in the league most of this season.

Forward- Paul George

PG was a legit MVP candidate and the best player in the league for a few weeks. Before his shoulder injury George was my choice for defensive player of the year. He is one of the best perimeter defenders in the league right now and is a key to the Thunder defense. He’s averaging 28 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 steals a game which were all career highs. The majority of the Thunder offense is generated by him and Russ so they are extremely important to his team. George has also become the go to player in clutch situations for the Thunder, and he has proven himself in those situations.

Forward- Blake Griffin

Griffin has returned to his all-star form this season. Blake is averaging 25 points, almost 8 rebounds, and 5.5 assists a game. Blake has also improved a lot as a defender this year and he’s also carried the Pistons to what looks like is going to be a playoff appearance for the first time in a few seasons, and it’ll be just the 2nd time in 10 seasons. Griffin has been extremely healthy and reliable for the Pistons this year which is a big reason for his big year this year.

Center- Nikola Jokic

Jokic is probably the best passing big man in the league. He’s basically running the Nuggets offense from the center position. He averages 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 7 assists a game. He makes his teammates so much better and he makes offense easier for everybody else on his team. Jokic is also a great outside shooter, which alongside his ball handling can make the Nuggets offense lethal when the rest of the team is making shots.

3rd Team

Guard- Kyrie Irving

Kyrie is the best ball handler in the NBA, his ability to get to the rim amazes me. He was a bit of a hard choice for me to put on here because he for sure isn’t winning any leadership awards this year, but he is just way too good to be left off the All-NBA teams. He’s averaging a career high with 7 assists a game, and he’s still putting up 24 points a game. He’s one of those players that can completely take over a game and will hit a game winning shot for your team. He’s just a player I couldn’t leave off the list because of his ability to change a game so drastically.

Guard- Bradley Beal

Bradley Beal is one of the more underrated players in league. He is averaging career highs in almost every major statistical category. He’s averaging 26 points, 5.5 assists, 5 rebounds, 1.5 steals, and almost a block a game. He’s a one man wrecking crew, he’s so well-rounded that he doesn’t have a clear-cut weakness in his game, and he can play on and off ball. Beal might be the 2nd best shooting guard in the league after James Harden, and he’s single handedly carrying the Wizards.

Forward- Kawhi Leonard

Kawhi is still not quite at the level he was before his injury but he is getting better and better. Leonard is one of the best defenders in the NBA, which is part of what makes his team’s defense so solid. He’s also a player that you can just throw him the ball and he will get you a bucket when you need it the most. The biggest complain I have with Kawhi is he isn’t the best at creating shots for others, but he doesn’t need to do that with the way this Raptors team is constructed. I also have him on this list because he’s the best player on a very good team.

Forward- Ben Simmons

Simmons is one of the more unique players in the NBA right now. He basically can play 1-4, he runs the offense for the 76ers, and he has incredible court vision. Simmons is also a great rebounder and great defender. He is also incredibly efficient from the field, and doesn’t turn the ball over very much. Even though he’s not a good shooter he’s able to get to the rim and find other ways to help his team on offense.

Center- Rudy Gobert

Gobert is my pick for defensive player of the year. He makes the Jazz so much better defensively. He also helps them a lot on the offensive end of the court, because of his ability to set solid screens and roll to the rim. He has great hands so they can lob the ball up to him and they know he’s going to get it. Rudy is one of the most important pieces on the Jazz, when they are on the court the Jazz are a much better team.

Who’s next up from the G-League?

The NBA G-League is finally starting to be utilized like it should be, and there are a lot of good players finding their way into the NBA via the G-League, players such as Hassan Whiteside, Robert Covington, Derrick Jones Jr., Yogi Ferrell, Spencer Dinwiddie, Seth Curry, Dewayne Dedmon, Justin Holiday, and Gerald Green just to name a few of the G-League Alumni in the NBA right now.

I’m going to talk about a player from each G-League roster that I think could be an impact player in the NBA.

Agua Caliente Clippers

Angel Delgado

Delgado is one of the best natural rebounders I’ve ever seen averaging 14 rebounds a game. Delgado also has great touch around the rim and he has good size, He’s 6’10 and 250 pounds. He shoots 60% from the floor, he’s also a good rim runner and roll man on the pick n roll. He’s not the best scorer in the post but he has a few go to moves that are solid. I think he could be a solid role player in the NBA.

Austin Spurs

Drew Eubanks/ Travis Trice II

Trice and Eubanks have become a pretty dang good pick n roll combo. Trice is an excellent playmaker and he’s a good outside shooter shooting 35% from 3 for the season with the spurs its dipped down to 32% but I think it’ll get better because he has really good mechanics on his jump shot. SInce he’s been with the Spurs he is averaging 9 assists a game. Trice also has good instincts on defense, he’s averaging a steal a game and I think he could be a really good defender in the NBA he just needs to sharpen his instincts on that end.

Canton Charge

Jaron Blossomgame

Blossomgame is a beast, he’s listed at only 6’7 but he looks taller than that to me. He’s a really crafty scorer, and a good rebounder, he’s a good shot blocker for his size as well. His jump shot needs a little tweaking, his stroke and touch are good but he kind of twists his body on his jump shot so it’s hard for him to stay squared up to the basket as he’s shooting. If he gets that  taken care of he could be a really valuable player in the NBA with his athleticism and his creativity on offense.

Capitol City Go-Go

Devin Robinson

Robinson is one of my favorite players in the G-League. The dude has incredible length and he has the ability to guard every position but center on the floor. He has a really good-looking shot, he’s a bit of a streaky shooter, but he’s becoming more consistent. He’s a really good rebounder for his size, and he has a high motor. He’s an incredible athlete, he plays above the rim and he’s incredibly quick and has great instincts on defense. He’s a great help defender as well, he’s so long and quick that he recovers to contest shots extremely well without fouling. One of his biggest weaknesses is he isn’t super strong so he can get pushed around a bit by bigger defenders but he’ll get stronger as his career goes on.

Delaware Blue Coats

Shake Milton

Milton is a big PG, he’s a good outside shooter, he’s a good play maker and he has good size, and he could be a good defender with his size and length, and he has good feet which help him on defense as well. He needs to be more physical on defense and that will take him to the next level.

Erie Bayhawks

Alex Poythress

Poythress is 6’8 and weighs almost 240 pounds, he’s really athletic and has good size. He’s shooting 51% from the floor and he’s averaging 24 points and 10 rebounds a game. He’s improved as a passer averaging close to 3 assists a game. His inability to create offense for himself and others was a big knock on him coming out of college but he’s seemed to improve that part of his game quite a bit. Another knock on him coming out of college was that he wasn’t a good shooter but his jump shot has improved quite a bit. He still has a long way to go but he’s improving, he’s currently shooting 30% from 3 and 70% from the free throw line. He’s also a really good defender, he averages a steal and a little over a block a game. The nice thing with him is that he can defend in the post with his size, and he’s athletic enough to defend players on the perimeter, he could probably even switch on to point guards for short stretches as well.

Fort Wayne Mad Ants

Rob Gray

Gray is a good shooter, and something i really like about his game is that he gets his shot off extremely quick, especially off the dribble. I love how he uses screens as a ball handler, it’s hard to explain without watching him play but he’s really good at using the screen to get in the lane and he’s great at finishing through contact in traffic. For as much as he gets in the lane he doesn’t get the foul line as much as I’d like, but he shoots 85% from the foul line so he makes most his shots when he gets there. One other thing he needs to improve at is creating shots for others. For as much as he gets in the lane and is the primary ball handler he only averages 3 assists per game, and 2 turnovers. If he can improve that aspect of his game he has a spot in the NBA.

Grand Rapids Drive

Kalin Lucas

Lucas is a bit of an older player in the NBA, but he is a really good shooter, not a bad defender, his main problem is that he’s not the best athlete and a bit of a smaller player, but he’s a decent passer and he get his shot off quickly off the dribble, he could be an effective backup for teams to have on the bench.

Greensboro Swarm

Chinanu Onuaku

Onuaku is a rebounding machine. He averages 14 points, 12 rebounds a game. But he also is a very good passer, he also sets solid screens and he’s a good role man on the Pick n roll. He also has a nice little hook shot he can hit in the post. He’s also big, strong and athletic, weighing in at 250 pounds and standing 6’10. Chinanu is also a really good defender, averaging almost 2 blocks and just over a steal a game. He also has  great timing contesting shots which is part of what makes him such a good shot blocker.

Iowa Wolves

Canyon Barry

Canyon is the son of Hall of Famer Rick Barry, has 3 older brothers Jon, Drew, and Brent, that all played in the NBA, and another older brother that played professionally overseas. Barry is very good shooter, skilled player, and a good athlete. He also plays very smart, coming from a basketball family probably helps a lot with that. Barry is a good defender, and he’s unselfish as well as crafty, his biggest weaknesses are probably his ball handling and passing ability, but he’s improved a lot on those fronts over this season.

Lakeland Magic

Amile Jefferson

One thing I like about Jefferson is how well-rounded he is. He is really dangerous in the high post and pick n roll with his passing ability and his ability to slip screens and get to the rim. He  is a decent post player, he has good touch around the rim and he has a bag of tricks he can use to score down there. He’s a really good ball handler in the open floor as well. Another thing I like about Jefferson is that he has incredible length, he’s a pretty dang good athlete too, and he has a lot of potential on defense because of those attributes. He has improved on defense but still has a long way to go.

Long Island Nets

Theo Pinson

Pinson I think will have a long NBA career. He is an incredible shooter, he shoots 39% from 3, and he’s an 86% free throw shooter. The fact that he’s such a good free throw shooter points to him continuing to improve as a 3 point shooter. Pinson is a great playmaker on the wing too, he can initiate offense, be the main ball handler in the pick n roll, as well as get to the rim off the dribble. Pinson is also a pretty good defender and rebounder for his position and size. Pinson also has really good length with a 7 foot wingspan. He averages a steal and almost a block a game as well.

Maine Red Claws

RJ Hunter

Hunter had probably one of the best shots in NCAA history while he was at Georgia State, and ever since then he’s kind of disappeared. Hunter has a really smooth jump shot, and he’s a good foul shooter, I think he will continue to get better from outside. Hunter isn’t a world-class athlete, but he’s smooth. He’s also a very good passer and he can create a lot of shots for himself and others out of the pick and roll. I don’t think he will ever be a great defender but he’s long enough that he could be a decent defender.  

Memphis Hustle

Dusty Hannahs

I freaking love Hannahs game! He is just so smooth, and he is an incredible shooter, he shoots 44% from 3, and 92% from the line, he’s also really good at getting in the paint and finishing through contact. He’s also pretty strong and busts his butt on that end of the floor. He needs to improve his playmaking ability but I think he could be a really good role player in the NBA.

Northern Arizona Suns

Jawun Evans

Evans has incredible court vision which helps him make some incredible passes, but also causes him to also turn the ball over a lot. Evans isn’t a great shooter, and he’s kind of streaky. He is decent at getting to the rim and scoring in the paint. Evans takes a lot of risks on defense which is why he gets almost 2 steals a game, but he also gets burned a lot on defense because of that as well as his size.

Oklahoma City Blue

KJ McDaniels

I thought KJ McDaniels was gonna be a really good player in the NBA. He’s a freak athlete, and he’s a good defender, he is also a good rebounder. If he could just develop a good outside shot I think he would easily have a spot in the NBA.

Raptors 905

Wade Baldwin IV

I was pretty sad when Baldwin was traded from Portland, I think he has a lot of potential and he’s an extremely confident player who works really hard and has an incredible motor. He has great size and length, he stands 6’3 but has a 6’10 wingspan which helps him to be a good defender. He’s a good outside shooter and he seems to have a lot of potential being a shot creator for himself and others on offense.

Rio Grande Valley Vipers

Gary Payton II

Gary Payton is a strong athletic guard, he’s a really good defender and great rebounder for his size. The main thing holding Payton back from being in the league right now is his shooting. Payton is not a good shooter, he shoots 55% from the free throw line, and 26% from 3. His main strength is his defense though, he’s averaging 3 steals and a block a game.

Salt Lake City Stars

Tyler Cavanaugh

Cavanaugh has been killing it lately, he’s a great shooter, and he’s great in the pick n roll and pick n pop game. Cavanaugh is a pretty good passer, he’s a good post up scorer and he can get into the lane and score around the rim really effectively. He isn’t the best defender in the world but he tries hard on that end and isn’t a liability.

Santa Cruz Warriors

Damion Lee

Lee might end up on the Golden State Warriors playoff roster because of their lack of depth at wing, and he would be able to help them. Lee is a very good outside shooter, he’s shown that in the few NBA games he’s played this year, but Lee also has a decent playmaking ability for a secondary ball handler, and he’s a decent defender. Lee also moves really well without the ball too which would make him perfect for the Warriors in the playoffs.

Sioux Falls Skyforce

Yante Maten

Yante is honestly just a well-rounded all around player. He’s a good shooter, creative scorer, and a decent defender. His biggest weaknesses are that he’s not an elite athlete, not a good playmaker, and he’s kind of stuck in between being a 3 and a 4. He’s not quite quick enough to guard wings, but a bit too small to guard a lot of post players.

South Bay Lakers

Johnathon Williams

Williams isn’t the best shooter, but he has amazing touch around the rim, he is a good ball handler in the open court and excels at getting good clean shots off at the rim with creativity. Williams is also a good defender, he can switch on picks, and he’s a good rebounder. Williams is also a good passer, and can create shots for lots of other players.

Stockton Kings

Troy Williams

Williams is a good defender, has good size, and he’s a decent athlete. I think Troy could be an ideal “3 and D” player in the NBA, Williams just needs to improve his outside shot, he shoots just under 30% from 3, but he’s a decent free throw shooter and has good form so I think his outside shot will improve. Troy is also a good rebounder which will help improve his value.

Texas Legends

Daryl Macon

Macon is a really fun player to watch, he’s a bit streaky, but when he has it going he can score in bunches. Macon has great handles, and his step back is awesome and he has a great array of floaters, runners and hook type shots that he can hit when he’s playing pretty well. Macon is an intense and emotional player, and that comes across especially on the defensive end of the court.

Westchester Knicks

Isaiah Hicks

I’m not quite sure why Hicks isn’t in the NBA right now, he’s 6’9, 240, and has a 7 foot wingspan. Hicks is also a great athlete. One of the big knocks on Hicks coming out of North Carolina was he couldn’t shoot outside of 15 feet and he’s actually become a much better shooter, he’s not a knockdown shooter by any means but he shoots 33% from outside and should only get better. Another knock on him was he wouldn’t use his left hand at all, and he still prefers his right hand but he doesn’t avoid his left hand like the plague like he did in college.

Windy City Bulls

JaKarr Sampson

Sampson actually played a couple of seasons in the league with the 76ers and the Nuggets. I think he could still be a good role player in the NBA, there aren’t many guys that have his athleticism, size and length. One thing about him that really impresses me is his ability to finish with each hand around the rim, he also has a pretty good spin move, and euro step. Sampson also sets solid screens and he has great hands. JaKarr also is a beast on the boards. He’s a decent shooter but honestly that’s probably the biggest thing holding him back right now.

Wisconsin Herd

Nick Johnson

Johnson has always been a player I liked since he was at Arizona, he’s a good ball handler, and he finishes well through contact. Johnson isn’t the best defender, he’s athletic enough and big enough that I think he could improve on that end, he also has to become a better shooter than he is right now, but if he can do that he’ll have a place in the NBA.

The Prospects I can’t wait to watch in the Tourney

March Madness is the start of my favorite time of year, after the Tourney is done we get the NBA playoffs, and then the NBA Draft which I love!

Here are the players I’m most excited to watch in this years Tourney that are going to be selected in June.

Zion Williamson

Duke

It’s not everyday you see a 6’7, 275 pound man who can out run, out jump, and out muscle just about any player in the league. He has a decent handle and his half court game has improved. Zion also has amazing touch around the rim, he also has shown an ability to pass the ball and play make. Zion is also a very good defender as well.

NBA Comparison: ????

Honestly if he reaches his full potential we’ll never have seen a player like him before. His size and athleticism are unmatched by anyone else

RJ Barrett

Duke

Barrett has good size, he’s a really good athlete, and he’s shown flashes of being a good passer. He’s also shown an ability to move off the ball. Could be a really good defender with his length and quick feet, also can anticipate passing lanes really well. He has really good touch from outside but his mechanics need a little work. In most drafts he’d probably go number 1, and he was actually the number 1 prospect in his class, but he has Zion who’s shown how special he really is.

NBA Comparison: James Harden

Barrett has that same kind of herky jerky, awkward, but crafty game that harden has. He’s really crafty with his scoring, he’s a creative passer just like Harden.

Cam Reddish

Duke

Reddish has good size and athleticism, he’s 6’8 and has a 7’1 wingspan. He played point guard in high school. He is a prototype wing for the modern NBA, especially with his really pretty looking jump shot. He has struggled with Duke but he has kind have been the odd man out with Zion and RJ Barrett, but he is still really young and could be a good player for a long time in the NBA.

NBA Comparison: Khris Middleton

Middleton is a great secondary star in the NBA, he’s long, a good defender, good shooter, and physically him Reddish are nearly identical.

Ja Morant

Murray State

Ja Morant is an amazing athlete, his speed and jumping ability are incredible. Morant is a great scorer as well as a great facilitator. Ja is also a great finisher around and above the rim. Morant is also a good defender, he probably doesn’t have the size and strength to be an elite defender right now, but he can become stronger as his career goes on. Ja also needs to improve his outside shot, but he’s a good free throw shooter which is always a good sign for an outside shot to improve. Ja also averages 5 turnovers a game which is a lot, he needs to cut down on that number, but I think Morant is the 2nd best prospect in this years draft behind Zion.

NBA Comparison: Stevie Francis/ Stephon Marbury

Ja has Francis athleticism but also the ball handling, creativity and shooting that Marbury had, the nice thing is that he doesn’t seem to have the off the court issues that those two players had.

Rui Hachimura

Gonzaga

Rui Is a long prospect, he is 6”8 with a 7’2 wingspan that has a good jump shot, really good-looking footwork and he has improved a lot as a ball handler. Rui also has a knack for the big moments in games and he is a really creative shot creator. He’s a decent athlete, but doesn’t possess elite athleticism yet, he could become a much better athlete by getting into better shape and a better diet. His lack of athleticism would definitely hold him back on defense. Rui also doesn’t have a defined position in the NBA, he isn’t quite big enough to guard post players, but he’s not quick enough to guard most wing players. But with his work ethic he will be able to be a solid NBA player.

NBA Comparison: Paul Pierce

The way that Rui plays reminds me a lot of Pierce, he scores in a lot of the same ways as Pierce, and much like Pierce he’s not the best athlete and kind of tweener, but I think he could use his unique size to his advantage and become an elite scorer.

De’Andre Hunter

Virginia

Hunter isn’t the best athlete in the world but he’s a really good shooter, good defender and he’s really crafty. He utilizes ball fakes and pump fakes a lot better than most sophomores. He isn’t ever going to be a star in the NBA but he has a very high floor compared to most players. Hunter has good size and length and he’s a good hustle player. Hunter isn’t the best ball handler in the world, and isn’t an elite athlete, but the strengths definitely outweigh the weaknesses with him.

NBA Comparison: Trevor Ariza

Ariza and Hunter have similar size, they’re both smart players, they have good jumpers, move well off the ball, are long and excellent defenders. Ariza isn’t a star but man he is a very good player and he has been a key part of some really good teams.

Nassir Little

North Carolina

Little is one of the best athletes in the draft, he’s one of the more raw prospects in the draft, but he has incredible upside. Little is 6’6, has a 7’1 wingspan and he’s built like a tank. He’s probably going to need a few years to develop before he’s ready to contribute in the NBA. Little has incredible leaping ability, and he’s pretty strong as well. Nassir has good instincts on defense and has shown that he can be a lockdown defender especially with his defense, but he gambles a bit too much right now. Little also needs to improve his decision-making and his jump shot. His mechanics are a little funky and he needs to tweak his jump shot.

NBA Comparison: Jason Richardson

Richardson and Little physically are really similar, Little reminds me a lot of a raw J-Rich, he just needs to improve his jump shot and his instincts on the defensive side of the ball, but I think he has some of the higher upside of a lot of the players in this years draft.

Jarrett Culver

Texas Tech

Culver is an interesting prospect because he’s still growing. It’s strange because last year Culver was a good shooter, and this year he’s fallen off, and he’s taking around the same amount of shots from 3 as well. Culver is also a good defender and rebounder. If Culver keeps growing and ends up being around 6’10 with his skill set his ceiling would be much higher than it would be if he stays around 6”7. Culver has a high floor compared to a lot of players, his shooting should improve and he’s a smart player, and is a decent passer.

NBA Comparison: Reggie Bullock

Bullock has similar size to Culver and he has a similar skill set. They’re both smart players, know how to play off ball, but if Culver keeps growing he could end up being a 4 that you can run the offense through sometimes.

 

 

 

The Future of the NBA

This is the time of year where the playoff teams start to separate themselves from the lottery teams. There’s a few teams in the NBA that have brighter futures from the rest and are well on their way to contention.

Sacramento Kings

The Kings are one of my favorite teams in the league right now, De’Aaron Fox is one of my favorite players in the league, he has incredible athleticism, and he has improved a lot between his 1st and 2nd year. The thing that has really impressed me with him is how his Jump Shot has improved. Fox shoots 37% from 3 this season, that’s up from 30% last season. Fox has shown flashes of being a great defender, he has the instincts, motor and athleticism to be an amazing defender, he just needs to stay focused and engaged on the defensive end. Fox is well on his way to being one of the best point guards in the NBA.

Buddy Hield has become a dangerous scorer and he’s also a clutch performer. Hield is a candidate for most improved player. He’s averaging 21 points a game, up from 13 last year, he’s also shooting 47% from 3, while taking almost eight treys a game. He’s also a good rebounder averaging 5 a game. He’ll never be an elite defender, but he puts forth effort on that end of the floor and isn’t a big liability on that end of the floor.

The Kings also have a bunch of young guys. Marvin Bagley iii is a stud, he’s got the potential to be a star in this league. Harry Giles has looked really good for stretches this season, and I still think that Willie Cauley-Stein could be a really good center in the NBA. The Kings also have a lot of cap space and they could use that to sign a couple more role players to surround their young core.

Atlanta Hawks

I love the hawks young core, Trae Young and John Collins have the potential to be the next great pick n roll combo in the NBA. I love Trae Young’s passing ability, his court vision is incredible, I was a big doubter of his coming into the season but he has proven me wrong, especially since the All-Star break. So far this month he’s averaging 27 points, and 10 assists a game, he’s had some clutch moments and that game he had against the Bulls where he scored 49 points, 16 assists, and 8 rebounds a game.

The Hawks also have John Collins who’s an athletic freak, he’s already a walking double double, averaging 20 points and 10 boards a game. I think he has the potential to be an elite shot blocker. Another thing I love about Collins game is he’s incredibly efficient for a 2nd year player

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Taurean Prince is another player I love, he’s already a 3 and D player, he’s athletic, strong and has good size. Atlanta also has Kevin Huerter, DeAndre’ Bembry, and Omari Spellman who are all very young and could be really good role players in the NBA for years to come. The Hawks have their own pick, and could potentially have Cleveland’s first round pick if it lands out of the top 10, and the Mavericks if that pick falls outside the top 5.

Los Angeles Clippers

I love the Clips roster, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is a big athletic point guard, he’s 6’6 with a 7 foot wingspan. He’s good defender already and i think he could be a lockdown defender in the NBA. He doesn’t have the best mechanics on his jump shot, but he’s been a decent shooter in the NBA so far.

Jerome Robinson has a lot of potential, he’s athletic and he’s a good shooter, not a bad defender. I don’t think he’s going to be a star in the NBA but he could be a solid starter or a super sub in the NBA.

Landry Shamet is another big guard that isn’t exactly an elite athlete, but he’s amazing shooter, and he’s also a good defender, he has good instincts and he tries really hard on that side of the ball. Shamet is going to be a really really good role player in the NBA for years to come. The Clips also have Montrezl Harrell who’s the ultimate hustle player, and Ivica Zubac who has a ton of potential to be a good player. The Clippers also have a slough of draft picks coming in over the next few seasons and a ton of cap space.

Boston Celtics

The Celtics might be in turmoil right now, but they still have one of the most talented rosters in the whole NBA, even if Kyrie leaves this summer they have an amazing roster.

Jayson Tatum is going to be a star in NBA, he’s only 21 but he’s already played exceptionally well on one of the league’s biggest stages. Tatum is just one of those  players that has that it factor when he plays. Tatum is a good rebounder, my biggest complaint with him is that he’s not exactly the best at creating shots for his teammates and sharing the ball, and he tends to settle for contested shots that are harder to make.

The Celtics also have Jaylen Brown, and in my opinion he’s one of the more underrated young guys in the league. I love his game, he’s uber athletic, really smart, a really good defender, a good shooter and I think he also has the ability to be a good playmaker and shot creator for others.

Terry Rozier will be a restricted free agent this summer but I wouldn’t be surprised to see him back on the Celtics if Kyrie walks. Terry showed how good he could be when Kyrie was hurt last year and he’s just one of those players who’s not scared of anything.

The Celtics also have players like Semi Ojeleye who I think could be a solid role player in the NBA, and Marcus Smart is a really good role player and only 25. The Celtics also have a lot of first round picks, and Danny Ainge who’s one of the best GMs in the whole league.

Cleveland Cavaliers

I think the Cavs have a lot of players that they can build around.

I really like Collin Sexton, I think he’s just one of those players that’s a winner and a bulldog of a player. I don’t think he can be the best player on a championship team, but he’ll be a really good player in the NBA. Sexton really needs to become a better playmaker if he’s going to be a lead ball handler.

Cedi Osman is another guy that I really like, he’s efficient, and I think he’s a starter in the NBA. He’s not a star, but he’s going to be a really good player for a long time.

Marquese Chriss is a player that I think could still be a really good player in the NBA. Larry Nance jr, Jordan Clarkson and John Henson are younger and solid players. The Cavs also could probably flip Kevin Love and Tristan Thompson for some more assets, and the Cavs also have a ton of 2nd round picks they can use to help rebuild their team.

Philadelphia 76ers

The 76ers have two of the best young players in the NBA in Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid. Simmons is a triple double machine, he has amazing court vision, he’s a good defender, great rebounder and is uber athletic, now if Simmons just had a decent jump shot he’d be another level.

Embiid is a monster down low,he’s 7’1 and 250 pounds, and he feasts in the low post, especially when he has a smaller defender on him. Embiid has shown flashes of being a really good defender, he needs to get better at guarding on the perimeter, players like Al Horford really hurt him because they draw him out to the perimeter and he struggles out there.

They also have Tobias Harris who’s become an all-star level player and he’s only 26 years old. He’s averaging 20 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists a game.

The 76ers also have solid role players like TJ McConnell and a solid prospect in Zhaire Smith that could make a big difference if he comes back healthy next year. They also have the Kings 1st round pick this year, and a 1st round pick coming in from the Thunder next season. As well as a slew of 2nd round picks that they can use as trade chips. The 76ers also have about 30 million in cap space this summer that they can use to resign Tobias Harris and Jimmy Butler, or if one of them walks they can try to resign another player to help take them to next level.

Brooklyn Nets

The Nets had one of the bleakest outlooks in the NBA a couple of seasons ago and now they honestly have one of the best futures in the NBA with a decent amount of cap space, some draft picks and lots of young players with potential.

They absolutely stole D’Angelo Russell from the Lakers, this year he’s had an all-star season and he’s a candidate for most improved player. Russell is averaging 20 points, 7 assists, 4 rebounds and a steal a game. He has the potential to be one of the best guards in the league in my opinion, there aren’t many people with his size, shooting, ball handling and court vision. I think D-Lo also has the potential to be a lockdown defender as well.

Jarrett Allen is also another extremely talented young player, he’s an excellent defender and he’s not afraid of anyone on that end of the court which I love as well. He’s already blocked LeBron, AD, Blake Griffin and a few others. He’s a great rebounder as well and he’s not even 21 yet.

Spencer Dinwiddie is a 25-year-old player that Nets just signed to a great contract extension for them. He’s Averaging 17 points and 5 assists a game off the bench for the Nets.

The Nets also have Caris LeVert who the Nets absolutely stole in the draft. He’s averaging 15 points, 4 assists, 4 rebounds and a steal a game. He’s shown the he can create his own shot and he also has good size and length.

Dallas Mavericks

The Macericks have Luka Doncic the 19 year old phenom that basically has the Rookie of the Year award wrapped up. Doncic controls the game so well at such a young age, he has a great stepback shot and he is an incredible passer for his size, he’s a 6’7 point guard and as he gets in better shape he’ll improve on defense and become an even better offensive player.

The Mavs acquired Kristaps Porzingis, and he’s a great star player to pair with Luka, he’s 7’3 a good athlete, a good shot blocker, and a good outside shooter.

The Mavs also have Jalen Brunson who I think will be a very good backup point guard in the NBA for years, Maxi Kleber who’s a good outside shooter and I think could be a good big man off the bench. Dorian Finney-Smith is another player that could be a great role player in the NBA, he’s a good defender and rebounder, if he just improves his outside shot he’ll be very good. Dwight Powell is another younger big guy they have coming off the bench that could be a valuable player off the bench as a role man and grabbing rebounds.

The Mavs also keep their pick if it lands inside the top 5 which would give them another player to add to their core of Luka and Kristaps.