In this weeks 13 Rules: Random NBA Thoughts Steve dives into random NBA News Week 11 January 2026 thoughts from Week 11 NBA games – from Kerr’s coaching decisions to Jokic’s injury fallout and Eastern Conference battles. Make sure to listen and add the 13 Rules: NBA Random Thoughts podcast the Shot Clock Pod to your list!
NBA News Week 11 January 2026: Steve Kerr Jonathan Kuminga Warriors Bench Drama
Steve Kerr is a great coach, undoubtedly a Hall of Famer. I don’t quite know what happened to him though. A couple of years ago he embarrassed Jayson Tatum in the Olympics by not playing him in the championship game. Keep in mind Tatum usually is in the top five each year in MVP voting. He has been at it again; this time he’s doing it to Jonathan Kuminga. Kuminga has played only one of the last eleven games, getting DNP-coach’s decision for each game he has missed.
Last night after Jimmy Butler, Steph Curry, and Draymond Green sat out against the Oklahoma City Thunder, Kerr said Kuminga would play. Kuminga then said his back hurt and he would not be available. I’m not advocating a player taking off without being hurt if that is what Kuminga did, but you still have to like it. Kuminga just signed a two-year, $48 million contract.
Nikola Jokic Injury MVP Rule Nuggets Impact
Nikola Jokic’s injury is a tough break for the Denver Nuggets. All indications are he will be back in a few weeks, so in the long run the Nuggets should be okay. It’s interesting how his injury will cost him the MVP because of the rule that you must play at least 65 games. It has been mentioned the rule isn’t fair. The only question I have is how could you think a guy deserves honors if he misses 22% of your team’s games?
Orlando Magic Paolo Banchero Regression Analysis
I thought the Orlando Magic would be a team on the rise this year, but so far I’m wrong. I know the injuries have hurt them. One factor not mentioned is Paolo Banchero has regressed. He is averaging 20.7 points per game, the least he has scored since his rookie season. He’s also shooting 24.4% from three.
New York Knicks Defense Problems 2026 Stats
The New York Knicks look like the best team in the Eastern Conference though they’ve lost their last two games. One stat that alarms me is that over the last nine games they’ve allowed almost 120 points per game. They were rated 16th defensively in the league coming into last night’s game. I know Josh Hart has been out and Mitchell Robinson has played sporadically and they do make a difference, but championship teams usually are rated in the top 7 defensively, so unless the Knicks defy this stat they need to improve defensively.
Chicago Bulls Josh Giddey Injury Rebuild Rumors
Josh Giddey is out for what’s believed a couple of weeks. Before the injury Giddey was in the All-Star conversation. He is averaging 19.2 points per game with 9 rebounds and 8.9 assists. The Bulls will have a tough time without him. With Nikola Vucevic, Coby White, Zach Collins, and Ayo Dosunmu all in the last year of their contracts, we might finally see the Bulls begin to rebuild with a couple of moves before the trade deadline.
Detroit Pistons Recent Losses Road Trip Analysis
The Detroit Pistons just concluded a road trip where they lost to the LA Clippers and Utah Jazz. They came home and lost to the Miami Heat. My question is: are the Pistons dropping to the level they belong or just going through a tough stretch? Remember it was only two years ago the Pistons won fourteen games. This year they are on a pace to win 60 games.
San Antonio Spurs Victor Wembanyama Team Record
The San Antonio Spurs’ record with Victor Wembanyama playing this year is 15-6; without him, 11-3. It looks like the Spurs have built a solid team around him and can survive him missing games as long as it isn’t in the playoffs.
