13 Rules: Random NBA Thoughts

NBA Things I Believe: Positive Things I believe

1. The Milwaukee Bucks appear to have found something, suddenly they can defend under Doc Rivers. They have gone five and two in their last seven games but more importantly have given up only 100.7 points per game in that span. This defensive turn around puts them back in the title conversation.
2. The Detroit Pistons are beginning to figure things out. In their last three games they have lost two, against the Knicks and Magic, on the last shot and then beat the Chicago Bulls, pulling away in the fourth quarter. Cade Cunningham is emerging as a real good player, though he needs to understand he has teammates and doesn’t have to play iso ball at the end of games. He’s getting support from Simone Fontecchio, Jalen Duren, Jaden Ivey and Ausar Thompson. Suddenly the Pistons aren’t the worst team in the league as the Washington Wizards have taken that title away. The Pistons need to get a veteran that has won in free agency next year and allow this group to grow. It may take time but it’s something positive.
3. As usual the Miami Heat are beginning to make noise as they usually do in the second half of the season. The Heat are eight and two in their last ten games and have won five straight. They have done this while not playing at full strength. They rarely have a full squad. Nobody wants to see them in the playoffs. At this time of the year we are always reminded that the Heat are a team you can never count out.
4. The Atlanta Hawks have won two straight without Trae Young who is out for about a month. They also have played much better defense since Young went out. DeJounte Murray has played well and he has shown the ability to make clutch shots. If this continues and I believe it will Trae Young should be available this summer.

NBA Things I Believe: Negative Things I Believe

1. Despite having two stars, De”Aaron Fox and Domantas Sabonis, the Sacramento Kings will be an early playoff exit team. They are not a good defensive team and have shown absolutely no consistency this year.
2. What to make of the Golden State Warriors. They have played well going eight and two in their last ten games. Those that are thinking title please slow down. Take a look at the Warriors loss to Denver last Sunday. They lost by sixteen at home. Denver is still the best team in the west and the fact that Golden State did not play better at home doesn’t bode well for them when they meet up with good teams.
3. Lastly let’s talk about the rules in the league. The term legal guarding position has made it more difficult to play defense. How many times does an offensive player initiate contact into his defender yet the foul goes against the defender. I’m not talking about an offensive player lowering his shoulder or an errant elbow. The NBA should look at this and take a better look at who is initiating the contact and make their calls accordingly.