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2013-2014 NBA Thread - IND @ WAS and OKC @ LAC on ESPN
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lawdog1
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I will be interesting to see how Kobe is integrated back into the line-up. Obviously, him being available will mean less minutes (and shots) for other guys who have been contributing for the Lakers this season, like Johnson, Nick Young and Henry.
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only series i want to see in the east..
ON THE OTHER HAND, every series in the west should be entertaining again
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It's gonna be a positive and a negative.
Farmar is out for a month, and Blake has an injured elbow (shouldn't miss time though)
If we can get Kobe Johnson (that one guy who averaged like 15 assists in like 3 games last year) yeah that guy, then they'll be fine.
If he comes out guns blazing, trying to prove people wrong, and shoot 20+ times a game? That's a recipe for disaster.
Kaman hasn't gotten any run, and I think Nick young will slide to the three spot, and Wes Johnson slides to the 4 to play small ball for some stretches.
I agree though it will be interesting to see how long it takes them to get used to playing with Kobe.
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there are other teams in the east?
lawdog1
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It was the same thing with Kaman on the Mavs last season. He was a regular rotation player for like the 1st two weeks of the season, then buried on the bench most of the time. I think from this point on in his career, he's going to be one of those guys who's on a different team every year. But he'll keep getting jobs because he's a 7 footer with some skills
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i question this everyday..
the team currently 4th in the east would be 14th in the west (out of the 16 teams in that conference).. and that's not taking in to account teams played to get those records
Rookie Watch: Biggest surprises.
The Top 50 is gonna come out weird in the post...usually do a few lines on the player...if anyone wants a specific one lmk.
Any examination of rookies who have been positive surprises after one month has the potential to include players who will eventually become irrelevant or out of the league altogether after just a few years. The list of first-month success stories that ended up failing is long and full of big names. But that does not change the task at hand for these rookies; they need to do their best to earn rotation minutes and then build from there.
We knew heading into the season that some rooks were going to play the way they are playing now, just as we know most of these guys will look a lot different in time -- some for the better, some for the worse. There are five guys, though, who have stood out from the pack in terms of outplaying their team's expectations. And the one guy who leads all rooks in overall play has to be considered the biggest surprise of all as we head into December.
1. Michael Carter-Williams, 76ers
MCW was one of the top five rookie of the year candidates I wrote about in July, so it's not surprising that he is now the leading contender for the award. The surprise is how often he has been special, doing some terrific things while being his team's best player in victories.
His opening-night masterpiece in Philly's win over Miami will be talked about for his whole career; that's what 22 points, 7 rebounds, 12 assists and 9 steals will do for a player in his first NBA game. In the five wins he's been a part of, he's had three double-doubles and averaged 17.0 points, 8.8 assists, 6.2 rebounds and 3.8 steals while shooting 45.8 percent from 3. Winning that many games by Thanksgiving is a shock for a team most experts felt would struggle to win 12 games all season, and his shooting percentage from deep is surprising as well.
John Wall, another great point guard talent who struggles as a shooter, did not help his team win games by using the 3-point shot until his third season. Making 3s and free throws is a huge part of being an efficient player, something that was not expected from MCW as a rookie. But his five-plus free throw attempts per game are a sign that he is giving defenders far more trouble than any of the GMs who passed on him projected. He is shooting almost as many free throws a game as Wall did as the top pick his rookie year.
So add it all up: He's making a higher percentage of 3s than anyone expected based on his poor shooting in college last season. He's getting to the line a lot. He's passing great, rebounding well and serving as a holy terror on the defensive end (first in steals per game). That's the kind of impact truly great players make in games and in seasons; they change the outlook of their team's success hugely. That MCW is doing so already is indeed the biggest surprise of the rookie class so far.
2. Mason Plumlee, Nets
One would assume that Plumlee would have been drafted higher had teams known he was going to be "Shaq extra-lite" as a rookie. The No. 22 pick is constantly running to the rim and, by being fast, athletic and tall, getting a lot of shots from that spot on the floor. Amazingly, considering how important the rim area is, he often ends up wide open too. But his physical talents allow him to finish even when he does encounter a defender.
Heading into this week, Plumlee has made 74 percent (35 of 47) of his shots near the rim -- the area that accounts for 100 percent of his made field goals. He deserves credit for seeking out that area, for being able to convert in occasional traffic and for not trying to score from areas outside the immediate vicinity of the rim. He has attempted just four shots beyond the paint. What team doesn't need an athletic big man with good hands who understands how to play effectively on offense?
He doesn't project to be a star, or perhaps even a starter, but he can be a solid role player who has to be guarded, and that counts for something, particularly in a weak draft class.
3. Nate Wolters, Bucks
Teams would sign up on the spot if they knew they could find a capable backup point guard in the second round, especially one who could quarterback their team while not turning the ball over. In the past three drafts, only Sacramento's Isaiah Thomas has panned out as a second-rounder who is a capable point guard for his team, with a few guys still being evaluated. (Tyshawn Taylor has a shot in Brooklyn.)
Wolters is still a long way from being a sure thing, but his start is promising. Young guys are asked incessantly to make only easy plays, but almost none of them can do just that, which is why they have high turnover rates and normally low shooting percentages. Wolters is struggling as a shooter but has been possibly better than any other true rookie in years (discounting rookies who were pros in Europe) at doing exactly what he is asked to do: make simple plays and run the offense while making the right reads.
It's true that as teams realize he is a scoring liability they may be better at taking away his passing angles, but as of now he is doing a terrific job of feigning an interest in scoring while really setting up the correct pass to the man in the best position to score. And he is making few mistakes because of that "simple play" execution.
4. Steven Adams, Thunder
Sure, he's averaging only 4.4 points and 5.0 rebounds with a blocked shot per game. Nothing eye-opening there. But he's doing that in 17 minutes a game. If he was playing 36 minutes a game, he would likely be close to averaging a double-double with two blocks per game. Factor in his solid presence on the defensive end and overall toughness and OKC has its future starting center.
It's not a complete shock that Adams is showing this potential, as he was a late lottery pick, but it has been a pleasant surprise that he is affecting games already. He is only 20 years old (and will be for the entire season), meaning his future is bright if he can stick to what he is doing now.
For the Thunder to be able to draft a likely starter late in the lottery in this class is also a surprise. The best part is the fit for Adams in OKC, considering the Thunder's personalities and stars. Adams is the genuine article; tough, strong and only looking to do his job, he's exactly what the Thunder needed.
5. Vitor Faverani, Celtics
Here's how unique Faverani is: He is top 10 in the league in blocked shots per 48 minutes and has made nine 3-pointers, which is three times as many 3s as the other nine shot-blockers on that list combined (Serge Ibaka with two of those three). So he plays like Marc Gasol on defense but has strong hints of Mehmet Okur on offense. He's not as good as either guy, of course, but at 25 years of age and only now being fully exposed to NBA athletes, he can still get better.
It's easy to imagine that Boston, as well as the rest of the league, did not expect this kind of production from Faverani. Put it this way, his play has some international scouts answering some tough questions from their bosses. Who doesn't need a solid paint defender who can make 3s?
Rookies who showed a heartbeat this past week
ROOKIE 50 RANKINGS
We're keeping track of every NBA rook. Here are the latest Top 50 rankings.
RankPlayerStock
1Michael Carter-Williams
2Mason Plumlee
3Steven Adams
4Vitor Faverani
5Victor Oladipo
6Trey Burke
7Tim Hardaway Jr.
8Nate Wolters
9G. Antetokounmpo
10Ben McLemore
• Click here for the complete rankings »
Tim Hardaway Jr., Knicks
With his 5-for-8 performance from behind the arc Sunday against the Pelicans, Hardaway showed his team that he can knock down multiple 3s, even in a close game. Plenty of guards can make a 3, some can make two in a row, but few make three or more in a quarter. Hardaway did that, plus he got fouled shooting another.
Early in the game he took only great shots, waiting for the ball to be passed to him in rotation and launching wide-open looks. Later, clearly feeling in rhythm, he was more aggressive looking for his shot and it paid off.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
Every great rookie seems to have the one signature play that screams to his coach "you must play me," and Antetokounmpo had that against the Celtics. He raced back on defense to block a shot at the rim (tip of the hat to LeBron and Wade, who have made that such a cool play to try) then immediately raced rim to rim the other way, where he caught a pass at the top of the key and soared to the hoop for a dunk.
Not many wings have the ability to make that play, and fewer have actually done it. Antetokounmpo also showed off some nice passing skills, including a terrific left-hand ball push that resulted in a sweet pass to a teammate for a bucket.
Trey Burke, Jazz
Not only did Burke have a great game in helping Utah upset Houston on Monday night (remember, though, that Houston was missing starting forward Chandler Parsons and super sub Jeremy Lin), he threw his hat into MCW's Rookie of the Year ring. Burke made big shots all game long and played with great poise at game's end.
This young man is already so comfortable being a dominant player for his team that the NBA jump has not seemed too big for him. He's headed for top-three status in this report by next week.
We knew heading into the season that some rooks were going to play the way they are playing now, just as we know most of these guys will look a lot different in time -- some for the better, some for the worse. There are five guys, though, who have stood out from the pack in terms of outplaying their team's expectations. And the one guy who leads all rooks in overall play has to be considered the biggest surprise of all as we head into December.
1. Michael Carter-Williams, 76ers
MCW was one of the top five rookie of the year candidates I wrote about in July, so it's not surprising that he is now the leading contender for the award. The surprise is how often he has been special, doing some terrific things while being his team's best player in victories.
His opening-night masterpiece in Philly's win over Miami will be talked about for his whole career; that's what 22 points, 7 rebounds, 12 assists and 9 steals will do for a player in his first NBA game. In the five wins he's been a part of, he's had three double-doubles and averaged 17.0 points, 8.8 assists, 6.2 rebounds and 3.8 steals while shooting 45.8 percent from 3. Winning that many games by Thanksgiving is a shock for a team most experts felt would struggle to win 12 games all season, and his shooting percentage from deep is surprising as well.
John Wall, another great point guard talent who struggles as a shooter, did not help his team win games by using the 3-point shot until his third season. Making 3s and free throws is a huge part of being an efficient player, something that was not expected from MCW as a rookie. But his five-plus free throw attempts per game are a sign that he is giving defenders far more trouble than any of the GMs who passed on him projected. He is shooting almost as many free throws a game as Wall did as the top pick his rookie year.
So add it all up: He's making a higher percentage of 3s than anyone expected based on his poor shooting in college last season. He's getting to the line a lot. He's passing great, rebounding well and serving as a holy terror on the defensive end (first in steals per game). That's the kind of impact truly great players make in games and in seasons; they change the outlook of their team's success hugely. That MCW is doing so already is indeed the biggest surprise of the rookie class so far.
2. Mason Plumlee, Nets
One would assume that Plumlee would have been drafted higher had teams known he was going to be "Shaq extra-lite" as a rookie. The No. 22 pick is constantly running to the rim and, by being fast, athletic and tall, getting a lot of shots from that spot on the floor. Amazingly, considering how important the rim area is, he often ends up wide open too. But his physical talents allow him to finish even when he does encounter a defender.
Heading into this week, Plumlee has made 74 percent (35 of 47) of his shots near the rim -- the area that accounts for 100 percent of his made field goals. He deserves credit for seeking out that area, for being able to convert in occasional traffic and for not trying to score from areas outside the immediate vicinity of the rim. He has attempted just four shots beyond the paint. What team doesn't need an athletic big man with good hands who understands how to play effectively on offense?
He doesn't project to be a star, or perhaps even a starter, but he can be a solid role player who has to be guarded, and that counts for something, particularly in a weak draft class.
3. Nate Wolters, Bucks
Teams would sign up on the spot if they knew they could find a capable backup point guard in the second round, especially one who could quarterback their team while not turning the ball over. In the past three drafts, only Sacramento's Isaiah Thomas has panned out as a second-rounder who is a capable point guard for his team, with a few guys still being evaluated. (Tyshawn Taylor has a shot in Brooklyn.)
Wolters is still a long way from being a sure thing, but his start is promising. Young guys are asked incessantly to make only easy plays, but almost none of them can do just that, which is why they have high turnover rates and normally low shooting percentages. Wolters is struggling as a shooter but has been possibly better than any other true rookie in years (discounting rookies who were pros in Europe) at doing exactly what he is asked to do: make simple plays and run the offense while making the right reads.
It's true that as teams realize he is a scoring liability they may be better at taking away his passing angles, but as of now he is doing a terrific job of feigning an interest in scoring while really setting up the correct pass to the man in the best position to score. And he is making few mistakes because of that "simple play" execution.
4. Steven Adams, Thunder
Sure, he's averaging only 4.4 points and 5.0 rebounds with a blocked shot per game. Nothing eye-opening there. But he's doing that in 17 minutes a game. If he was playing 36 minutes a game, he would likely be close to averaging a double-double with two blocks per game. Factor in his solid presence on the defensive end and overall toughness and OKC has its future starting center.
It's not a complete shock that Adams is showing this potential, as he was a late lottery pick, but it has been a pleasant surprise that he is affecting games already. He is only 20 years old (and will be for the entire season), meaning his future is bright if he can stick to what he is doing now.
For the Thunder to be able to draft a likely starter late in the lottery in this class is also a surprise. The best part is the fit for Adams in OKC, considering the Thunder's personalities and stars. Adams is the genuine article; tough, strong and only looking to do his job, he's exactly what the Thunder needed.
5. Vitor Faverani, Celtics
Here's how unique Faverani is: He is top 10 in the league in blocked shots per 48 minutes and has made nine 3-pointers, which is three times as many 3s as the other nine shot-blockers on that list combined (Serge Ibaka with two of those three). So he plays like Marc Gasol on defense but has strong hints of Mehmet Okur on offense. He's not as good as either guy, of course, but at 25 years of age and only now being fully exposed to NBA athletes, he can still get better.
It's easy to imagine that Boston, as well as the rest of the league, did not expect this kind of production from Faverani. Put it this way, his play has some international scouts answering some tough questions from their bosses. Who doesn't need a solid paint defender who can make 3s?
Rookies who showed a heartbeat this past week
ROOKIE 50 RANKINGS
We're keeping track of every NBA rook. Here are the latest Top 50 rankings.
RankPlayerStock
1Michael Carter-Williams
2Mason Plumlee
3Steven Adams
4Vitor Faverani
5Victor Oladipo
6Trey Burke
7Tim Hardaway Jr.
8Nate Wolters
9G. Antetokounmpo
10Ben McLemore
• Click here for the complete rankings »
Tim Hardaway Jr., Knicks
With his 5-for-8 performance from behind the arc Sunday against the Pelicans, Hardaway showed his team that he can knock down multiple 3s, even in a close game. Plenty of guards can make a 3, some can make two in a row, but few make three or more in a quarter. Hardaway did that, plus he got fouled shooting another.
Early in the game he took only great shots, waiting for the ball to be passed to him in rotation and launching wide-open looks. Later, clearly feeling in rhythm, he was more aggressive looking for his shot and it paid off.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks
Every great rookie seems to have the one signature play that screams to his coach "you must play me," and Antetokounmpo had that against the Celtics. He raced back on defense to block a shot at the rim (tip of the hat to LeBron and Wade, who have made that such a cool play to try) then immediately raced rim to rim the other way, where he caught a pass at the top of the key and soared to the hoop for a dunk.
Not many wings have the ability to make that play, and fewer have actually done it. Antetokounmpo also showed off some nice passing skills, including a terrific left-hand ball push that resulted in a sweet pass to a teammate for a bucket.
Trey Burke, Jazz
Not only did Burke have a great game in helping Utah upset Houston on Monday night (remember, though, that Houston was missing starting forward Chandler Parsons and super sub Jeremy Lin), he threw his hat into MCW's Rookie of the Year ring. Burke made big shots all game long and played with great poise at game's end.
This young man is already so comfortable being a dominant player for his team that the NBA jump has not seemed too big for him. He's headed for top-three status in this report by next week.
The Top 50 is gonna come out weird in the post...usually do a few lines on the player...if anyone wants a specific one lmk.
Last edited:
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mani actually like that shirt a lot
i wouldn't be able to get away with wearing it the way he is, but i would rock it
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time to change the playoff format. best 16 teams in the L gets in. It's not fair to the western conference teams
lawdog1
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Did they say anything about Reggie Bullock?
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i was thinking he was going to take henry out of the rotation..but then henry had a huge game last game
plus all of the lakers pgs are out so im guessing he might play a heavy distribution role. who knows tho..lolakers.
lawdog1
Not much 
November 21, 2013
Nov. 21: Bullock is getting only sparse minutes for the Clippers.
November 03, 2013
Nov. 1 The Clippers were smacked around by the Lakers in their opener, which gave Bullock a chance to play in the game's final minute. He made a nice pull-up jumper, but that won't help him crack the rotation any time soon. He just needs to stay focused and wait for his opportunity.
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when I saw the stat. Hopefully, they can keep things going. Strange to think that the future is somewhat bright for this franchise. Just have to be smarter with roster moves....
victor page
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Can't be...
I mean the Cavs are such a better team than the Wizards.
I mean the Cavs are such a better team than the Wizards.
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the cavs have a real point guard
victor page
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lawdog1
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November 21, 2013
Nov. 21: Bullock is getting only sparse minutes for the Clippers.
November 03, 2013
Nov. 1 The Clippers were smacked around by the Lakers in their opener, which gave Bullock a chance to play in the game's final minute. He made a nice pull-up jumper, but that won't help him crack the rotation any time soon. He just needs to stay focused and wait for his opportunity.
Thanks. With Barnes out, Bullock has been playing more and looking better recently. I think he cracked double-figures against the Pacers. Mostly, he just launches 3s, but I've seen him hit a couple nice pull up jumpers off the dribble. With Redick out and Barnes not coming back for another couple weeks, he's going to continue to get minutes. I hope the improvement continues.
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Kyrie is the Teflon Don of the NBA.
Dude is above criticism. All good as long as he's crossing dudes up, doe.
Dude is above criticism. All good as long as he's crossing dudes up, doe.
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You can even add Favors to this list.
If I had to pick, I would say there's still some hope for Turner, I know it's early but he's averaging 21ppg, 7rpg, 4apg ...
Wes Johnson only looks good because of D'Antoni's system.
Hayward's FG and 3pt % continues to decline.
Aminu had bust written all over him, should've stayed at Wake and developed an offensive game.
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Not for nothing, but D'Antoni is doing a hell of a job coaching up the Lakers.
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Just when i dropped otto in fantasy...
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