The Cup is Here, A Quarter Season Check-In

Let’s assume the “quarter” is a very generalized marker, seeing as how NBA teams have played anywhere from 22-25ish regular season games. At this point, the season has started to take shape and all the nice things that come with it; essentially answers. For example, did we think the Sixers would be where they are now? Maybe?

Now currently standing at 7-15, that put’s them in a very forgiving 10th spot in the East, so actually when you think about how much tumult the first 22 games have had, this actually does not look like the slow motion train wreck it was a few weeks ago. The same could be said for the Bucks, though I’d say this was basically Giannis putting the entire franchise on his back and grinding them back to respectability. The Rockets and Clippers have surprised, and maybe this is the just who the Lakers were… and maybe, scary thought, this is exactly who the Cavs actually are.

Celtics are still the team to beat, but that doesn’t change the fact that there are a handful of teams that could emerge as potential threats. We all thought the Thunder would be quick out of the gate, building off last year’s success, but they’ve been somewhat slow to get off the ground.

As the trade rumors began to surface, it’s important to remember this season, the new CBA will cast a cloud on this year’s deadline and beyond. I won’t go over the 18 million word treatise, but teams will be heavily restricted in how they move pieces, especially if they are in the 1st apron, with all 2nd apron teams all but eliminated as potential landing spots. It’ll be interesting to see how this develops, much like how it’s interesting to see how a desert forms in real time, but just from a shear fantasy and fandom perspective, that sticks bro. Trades are fun, they’re great for teams that want to retool for whatever direction, and allows player movement and player opportunity. But what do I know, I got two aprons and they’re just for cooking, ya know?

That being said, Jimmy Butler has just been listed as available by the Heat. I’m not sure he moves, but the at least the motivation here is that Pat Riley does not want to extend him. If you squint, I guess the Warriors and Rockets make the most sense. The Timberwolves would be a wild card… probably the wildest of ones.

If you’re still on Nikola Jokic MVP Watch, that’s now 100+ points, 30+ rebounds and 15+ assists in a two-day span.

Karl Anthony Towns had 24 points, 15 rebounds, 6 assists along with 2 steals and 2 blocks in a Knicks win over the Raptors. In that loss, RJ Barrett managed 30 points with 7 rebounds and 3 assists. And for those of you out there who have been waiting for Mikal Bridges to arrive, it might be happening right now. In his last five games, he’s put up 21/3/4 on 56% FG percentage and 45% at the three.

Jay is a longtime Razzball everything who consumes an egregious amount of Makers Mark as a vehicle to gain wisdom and augment his natural glow. Living in the D.C. area, he also likes spending time visiting the local parks and feeding lettuce to any turtles he encounters, including Mitch McConnell.