In this weeks 13 Rules: Random NBA Thoughts Steve dives into random NBA thoughts from Week 14 NBA games – NBA 2026 Trade Deadline: Injuries, Contenders, and the Rising Hornets’ Future. Make sure to listen and add the 13 Rules: NBA Random Thoughts podcast the Shot Clock Pod to your list!
Offensive-Minded Players on Contending Teams
They say defense wins championships, and in the last forty years only four teams have won titles with a defense rated below tenth. My question becomes: knowing how difficult it is to win a title, why do teams that are serious contenders go out and trade for good offensive players who are known as bad defenders? Is this why Trae Young was traded for an expiring contract, though it was CJ McCollum? Does this also play into Ja Morant’s value?
NBA 2026 Trade Deadline: Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Injury and Milwaukee’s Dilemma
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury last night throws the NBA trade deadline into disarray. Teams were waiting and hoping he would be on the market. For Milwaukee, it puts them in a bind. What do they do? It seems the right thing is to trade him and begin the rebuild. The negative to this is that if Giannis is dealt, his value is decreasing. As of today, he’s only played thirty of the Bucks’ forty-four games. If he is out for at least a month, this means he’ll miss a minimum of another thirteen games or so. This brings the total number of missed games near thirty. As he ages, he will be more susceptible to injury.
Celtics and Pistons Send a Message
The Celtics-Pistons game—a one-point Pistons win—had some significance. For Detroit, it showed they are the top dog in the conference as they defended their home court. For Boston, it told them they can compete with Detroit even on the Pistons’ home court. From that game, Boston could look at themselves as contenders, and it may be an important factor in Jayson Tatum returning this year.
Warriors’ Dynasty on the Brink
Jimmy Butler’s injury might be the final blow that will end the Warriors’ dynasty. The Warriors don’t have many assets to trade for the star player they need. It’s ironic that the Warriors’ hopes rest on Jonathan Kuminga, either as a trade asset or someone who can try to partially make up for Butler’s loss and keep the Warriors respectable.
Clippers’ Resurgence
Don’t look now, but the LA Clippers are coming back. They started the season horribly and, at their lowest, were 6–21. They have won fourteen of their last seventeen and are now in tenth place. A big reason is the play of 36-year-old James Harden, who has averaged 25.5 points and 8.5 assists in that stretch.
Knicks Trying to Regain Momentum
The New York Knicks’ game against the Philadelphia 76ers today will create a great deal of interest, particularly in the Knicks. The Knicks blew out the Brooklyn Nets by 54 points the other night after a horrible stretch where they went 3–9. A win will show they are beginning to right the ship; a loss will keep the questions about the Knicks alive.
Hornets Building a Promising Future
The Charlotte Hornets, for the first time in a while, are becoming competitive. Over the last few weeks, they have beaten the Denver Nuggets, LA Lakers, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Orlando Magic on the road. They are building a strong team with LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges, Brandon Miller, Josh Green, and outstanding rookie Kon Knueppel. The Hornets need a big man, and if they get one, they will have a nice future. They are hoping rookie Ryan Kalkbrenner can develop into the big they need.
