I’ll start with the TNT game, which I almost didn’t watch because Devin Booker and Kevin Durant were out.
Wait, what was that? Is that………
Devin Booker’s music???????
Yes, Booker returned with 19 points and six assists and the Suns are whole again. Torrey Craig has lost what little value he had (3 points in 25 minutes). Chris Paul did have 12 assists with his 9 points, but the guy just looks slow to me. He’s thicker than he used to be and seems like he’s a step slower. Still good, but I’m wondering how long this will last before he craters. I’d get off him and trade him to someone who isn’t watching. And what happened to Deandre Ayton? 35 points and 15 boards, keep that going.
I would buy on all of the Suns going forward except for Paul.
The Nets were missing Kevin Durant and traded Kyrie Irving, so they had weird lineups all night. I’m sure you all have been waiting with bated breath my take on Cam Thomas. I’m sure it’s too late to pick him up, but what do we make of three straight games of 40 points? I’m just going to enjoy the ride if I have him. The scoring is legit. If he keeps getting the minutes, he’ll have to tighten up his handle. He was double teamed through the fourth and had three turnovers while dribbling. I’m sure Thomas is at the center of the scouting reports. Thursday they get the Bulls, who can’t guard anyone on the perimeter, so fire him up on Deadline Day.
Ben Simmons played in this game and I literally forgot that he had done so. 2 points, 6 boards, 4 assists for a guy who is just getting worse. I’m 100% out on him this year and for the future. The passion to work hard and improve is just not there.
Grizz blow out Bulls in the Fourth
No DeMar DeRozan, so we know how the Bulls offense went. 89 points. 89. Points. Patrick Williams needs the ball more often. 9 points and 5 boards look bad on paper, but Zach LaVine thinks he’s a ball-dominant guard and just isn’t.
An incredibly comical offensive sequence from the Bulls.
Don't even know where to start… pic.twitter.com/178zUeYCcX
— Mark K (@mkhoops) February 8, 2023
Williams needs more opportunities and, as a Bulls fan, I’m hoping the trade deadline inspires them to let him have more chances. I’m holding him where I can.
There was a bit of Andre Drummond support on the old social media after back-to-back monster double-doubles, but he crashed back down to normal with 3 points and 6 boards in 12 minutes. If he gets traded to a better situation, run to pick him up, but the Bulls just aren’t going to play him enough to have consistent value.
The Grizzlies took off three quarters at home and still overcame Dillon Brooks‘ 2-12 shooting night for a win. With Steven Adams out, the center rotation has been a black hole of broken dreams, and I’m avoiding it. If Xavier Tillman can’t do more than 6 points and 2 boards against the fearsome defense of Nikola “Voooooochie” Vucevic, then I’m out.
Knicks over the Spunky Magic
Immanuel Quickley still played 34 minutes and scored 18 points and was active all over the place. Thibs loves that defense, so he’s safe for the rest of the season. Jericho Sims was the center of choice last night with 34 minutes, 8 points, and 9 boards. Good luck predicting who starts the rest of this season. RJ Barrett still is my predicted trade piece, so monitor this team at the deadline. They’re trying to add another high dollar player and Barrett looks like salary matching fodder.
For the Magic, I hope everyone is appreciating the Markelle Fultz tour: 21 points on 9-12 shooting, four boards, five assists. I love his story and glad that he’s back. I’d be buying if someone isn’t paying attention.
I feel a trade of a big man coming for this Magic team. There’s too many guys and they’re cannibalizing each other. The Raptors need a big man and the Magic need a point guard. HMMMMMMMMMMMM.
Denver over Wolves by a Million
Blowouts really suck for analysis.
Rudy Gobert gave up a triple-double to a certain MVP candidate in the FIRST HALF, so he sat. Nobody on the Wolves hit over 20 minutes. In a deep league, maybe Wendell Moore is a good candidate in a dynasty league with his five assists last night. He just knows how to play. Has little upside, but will be around forever. Other than that, this was a trash game.
Nuggets are completely out on Bones Hyland. DNP-CD in this game and he’s a sure bet to be traded. He could get his value back then, but if you’re holding out hope for a future with him as a Nugget, this was fairly clear.
Defying Nature, Pelicans defeat the Hawks
Actually, Pelicans are water birds and Hawks are not, so they usually have nothing to do with each other.
Trae Young continued his weird season. The guy is not an elite shooter, but has that reputation. 4-14 happens a lot and I’m wondering if he gets traded. I guess 16 assists does salve the wound a bit. Stitches it up, if you will. Gives it a cast, no less.
I’ve got my eyes on the Hawks making some moves too. John Collins has been rumored to get traded for years, Clint Capela is in the same situation, and this whole thing seems to be not working out. The GM, old friend Landry Fields, is rumored to be on the hot seat, so watch guys like AJ Griffin, Jalen Johnson, and Onyeka Okongwu, who could all be good stashes until Thursday.
Brandon Ingram is back! 11-18 shooting, 30 points, 8 assists, and roll him back out there expecting what you paid for him to be the norm going forward. Trey Murphy got up 13 shots in this one, and is my preferred target to keep minutes going forward. Pelicans have a lot of rumors out there too, so monitor who comes in and adjust accordingly.
Thunder ruin LeBron’s big night
Keep an eye on Isaiah Joe, who is a sharpshooter. He hit 5 from long distance last night and I think he fits exactly what the team needs. This is another interesting team. With all those draft picks, they could be primed to make a move for a veteran leader type. Fun team.
Is there a worse fantasy backcourt than Dennis Schroeder and Patrick Beverley? 17 points, 8 assists, and 6 TO between them. No defensive stats. Bring back Troy Brown Jr. and I’ll be a little bit happy just for the upside.
Congrats to LeBron James, the second-best player of all time. He was never as good as Michael Jordan at their respective peaks, but James’ career is second to nobody ever. Impressive.
Thanks again for the honor of reading my stuff, and again hit me in the comments (gently, please)
