Russell Westbrook

Examining the 50-Point Explosions

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March 2022 has featured eight 50-point games so far.  According to NBA.com, this month has had the most 50-point games since there were nine in December 1962 (six by Wilt Chamberlain and three by Elgin Baylor).  In the early 1960s, with the fast pace and the existence of Wilt, 50-point games were quite commonplace.  But now we have seen 50-point games emerge more often and, sometimes, from more random players like Saddiq Bey, a good player but quite surprising 50-point guy.  … [Read more...] about Examining the 50-Point Explosions

Quick Thoughts Russ/Duarte Edition

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1. Westbrook Traded Again:  The biggest trade of draft day was the Lakers flipping Kyle Kuzma, Montrezl Harrell, Kentavious Caldwelll-Pope, their 22nd pick (who ended up being Isaiah Jackson, who was, in turn, traded to the Pacers for Aaron Holiday) for Russell Westbrook (and two future second-rounders).  My initial reaction was to wonder how a ball dominant point guard who is a shaky shooter would mesh with LeBron James and Anthony Davis. I also questioned why the Lakers would … [Read more...] about Quick Thoughts Russ/Duarte Edition

Swapping Toxic Contracts: Russ for Wall

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Three years ago, trading John Wall for Russell Westbrook would be a fantastically interesting challenge trade.  Now it feels like….well not quite so fantastic but still a challenge trade of a sort.  Let’s break it down by bullet points: -Their contracts are virtually the same (three years and $133 million left).  Both players have $47+ million player options in 2022-23.  We have a hunch they will both exercise those options.  We have a further hunch that they may have … [Read more...] about Swapping Toxic Contracts: Russ for Wall

HOF Review: Northwest Division

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Next stop on our Hall of Fame franchise review is the Northwest Division.  As a reminder, our HOF review seeks to find each franchise’s most likely active and retired player to make the Hall.  If you want more details on what that means, check the following links: Ground Rules  Atlantic Division Central Division Southeast Division Southwest Division Denver Nuggets -Most likely HOFer, active players:  In our Atlantic review, we consider Carmelo Anthony … [Read more...] about HOF Review: Northwest Division

Quick Thoughts

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1. The Worst of the Last 20: As 2020 is upon us, there has been a lot written about the moments and teams of the last decade.  Some of this is quite interesting but when I step back, I’m more interested in the larger picture.  We are now 20% of the way through this 21st Century and I have watched/followed more NBA since 2000 than before (my NBA sentience started in the early 1980s).  In other words, I’ve watched much more basketball without Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan than I have with … [Read more...] about Quick Thoughts

NBA Playoff Predictions 2017-18

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For the first time in several years, the odds do not favor a Warriors-Cavs Finals.  In fact, the odds probably don’t even favor either team making the NBA Finals.  The Rockets appear to be a better (and healthier) team than Golden State, which has limped through this last month.  In the East, the familiar axiom that LeBron James is enough to overcome the East’s best regular season may no longer apply. The Warriors and Rockets are the class of the West by far and their Conference Finals … [Read more...] about NBA Playoff Predictions 2017-18

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