NBA Preseason - 13 Rules: Random NBA Thoughts

NBA Preseason – Western Conference

I believe Denver is a team on the decline. This is a tough thing to say when you have the best player on the planet. The first reason I give for this belief is the loss of Caldwell Pope. Not only is he a good defender but he’s also a real good three point shooter. He has shot over forty percent from three for the last two years. It seemed whenever Denver’s offense bogged down Pope bailed them out. The second reason is Jamal Murray‘s health. He is already having knee problems and his season hasn’t started. He just signed a big contract. I understand when players age a team is almost forced too re-sign that player but it rarely turns out good. Ask the Clippers about Kawhi Leonard.

I know Dallas is pretty good but I don’t think they are elite. They were the surprise team of the playoffs last year but I believe they over achieved. They do have Luka Doncic and he’s great. The signing of Klay Thompson was an interesting move. Dallas is hoping his addition puts them over the top. His defense isn’t close to what it was in Golden State’s championship years. In Thompson’s case he is thirty-four. Thompson offensive numbers have been decreasing since he was injured and it’s rare a players numbers rebound when they are over thirty.

Don’t get me wrong Anthony Edwards is a real good player with a chance to be a great one but let’s not anoint him the face of the league quite yet. He’s only in his fifth season he’s an average three point shooter and his teams haven’t gotten to the NBA finals. I’m not saying he won’t get there but let’s slow down the hype.

A lot of people have opined about the Karl Anthony-Towns trade. Towns is a real good player but what people forget was how good Donte DiVincenzo was as a Knick last year. Not only was he a good shooter, forty percent from three, he brings a toughness and feistiness that every team needs and wants.

NBA Preseason – Eastern Conference

I understand people are down on the Heat but I think they still have something left. Seeing Jimmy Butler play in preseason games was startling but I think he has something to prove, get a new contract. Bam Adebayo has become the face of the franchise and he’s really good on both ends of the court. Tyler Herro hasn’t been healthy over the last few years but if he’s healthy he can score. Terry Rozier is a solid player and Jamie Jaquez and Nikola Jovic are improving. I look at them as a fourth place team in the east.

Has anybody figured out what the Bulls are doing. They lost DeMar DeRozan in the offseason but instead of starting a rebuild they still are good enough to be a play in team. They appear to be destined in that dreaded area, a middle of the road team. Btw it’s great to see Lonzo Ball back.

Joel Embiid said he will not play in back to back games this year. With Paul George now struggling with a hyper-extended knee it may be wise for the Sixers to try to make sure their players are healthy when the playoffs begin. This would mean there will be a great deal of load management games for the duo this year.