- Let’s examine the trade between the Knicks and Raptors, we’ll look at it from both teams view. First the Knicks, RJ Barrett was an offensive player that needs the ball to take his man to be successful. The Knicks already have two players that were ball dominant (Julius Randle and Jalen Brunson) and that’s enough. OG Anunoby fits the Knicks because he doesn’t need the ball and is content to play offense from the corner where he shoots over 40% from three. This is a good complementary player for Randle and Brunson. For the Knicks to complete the puzzle they need a decent defender that can shoot off the catch. Think CJ McCollum that is a better defender.
- The Toronto Raptors could benefit from this deal as well. RJ Barrett has not reached the expected potential as a third pick in the draft. However as I mentioned previously he needs the ball to be effective. Being traded could have freed him up to become more ball dominant as Toronto has only Pascal Siakam that needs the ball to score. Immanuel Quickley is the player that has the most potential in the deal. Some have compared him to Tyrese Maxey, but that’s getting a little too ambitious. Don’y forget Quickley was runner up to Malcolm Brogan for sixth man of the year last year.
- The Oklahoma City Thunder are off to a good start. They are presently sitting second in the Western Division. They have a potential big three in Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren and Jalen Williams. It’s early but Gilgeous-Alexander is even being talked about as an MVP candidate. The three will only get better. What most don’t realize is the Thunder have 11 first round picks and 14 second round picks between the 2024 draft and the 2030 draft. Their key to being successful for a long while is how they manage the salary cap as some of their player move on to their second contract.
- The Phoenix Suns continue to have injury problems. The latest injury is Kevin Durant’s hamstring problems. When you have older players that make big money it’s a tough situation. Besides the high salaries, these older players are more susceptible to injuries and Phoenix has already had their share.
- The San Antonio Spurs are twenty eighth in the league in points allowed per game. The problem is in the old NBA changing your culture meant defending. This will get buy in from your group as defense requires a team effort. Far be it from me because Greg Popovich is one of the greatest coaches of all time and usually is right so this is becoming part of the new NBA. See the Indiana Pacers.
- Jaylen Brown’s stats are down this year. Those that are watching him on a daily basis say he is playing the best basketball of his career. He is playing more unselfishly and defending at a higher level.
- If you followed the Detroit Pistons and their long losing streak you would have thought if they didn’t beat Toronto Saturday night the streak may never end. They presently are beginning a west coast trip which is always difficult. Going into Saturday nights game against the Raptors who had lost a tough game to Boston on Friday. They made the trade Saturday morning so Anunoby, Barrett and Quickley weren’t going to play leaving Toronto depleted. Finally Detroit was in Detroit on Friday resting at home while Toronto was flying into Detroit after their Friday night game in Boston.
5 Boston Celtics Who Dazzled in the Preseason Opener
October 6, 2024
