NFL
By: Stephen Garner
As we close 2021, here’s my week 11 Five’s.
1.) “Monster of the Midrange”
Aptly dubbed by the league’s best color commentator, former Bull Stacey King, DeRozan is just that.
His handle to get to his spots, the savviness of said shots, the soft touch, they all add up to a prolific pull-up.
Since returning from his 3 game hiatus in health and safety protocols, he’s been on fire.
In this stretch, a 5-game win streak upon his insertion, he’s averaging 28.6 PPG, 6.6 APG and is shooting 53% from the field.
Then even registered a 19-point 4th quarter in his first game back to lead the Bulls to victory over the Lakers.
He’s averaging 11.2 PPG on pull-ups alone (4th in the NBA) on a league-best 51.6% from the field.
He’s currently 5th in scoring at 26.8 PPG.
Notice how well he picks his spots and executes, especially in the midrange.
He’s one of THE most professional scorers in the league, and the Bulls acquiring him will only continue to pay more dividends, especially as we inch closer to the playoffs.
2.) Consistently Consistent
Coming into play today, Cam Johnson is enjoying a torrid streak of high-level play in his role.
He’s enjoying 14 consecutive games in double figures and 17 consecutive with 2+ 3-point field goals made.
Looking at his numbers on the season entails even more regarding this jump in production.
As December ends, take a look at this leap Cam Johnson's been enjoying ⤵️
Before Dec. (20 gm's): 8.5 PPG (40.5/38.7/73.7), 3.2 RPG, +2.8
During Dec. (14 gm's): 14.6 PPG (48.6/46.8/85.2), 5.6 RPG, +3.6
He's also nearly green around the horn from deep 👀 via @nbastats pic.twitter.com/h00Bqwsweg
— Stephen PridGeon ☯️🏁 (@StayTrueSDot3) December 31, 2021
The North Carolina product is currently tied with Devin Booker for the team’s best 3P%. As he continues to ascend, he helps grow one of the league’s best collections of ancillary players.
3.) Another Cam’s Consistency
Speaking of Cams, there’s another one in Atlanta who’s beginning to show the potential that the Hawks saw from his time at Duke.
Cam Reddish, amid Covid and injury issues with the Hawks, has started their last 5 games.
Upon his insertion, he’s averaging 21.8 PPG on 43.2% from deep.
He also has 11 and 14-point 4th quarters in two games of this stretch.
The Hawks are waiting for one of their wings to emerge as the consistent producer in their Trae Young-centric offense. He’s showing that he may be ready for that role.
As they get players back from injury + health and safety protocols, it’ll be interesting seeing how and where he places in Nate McMillan’s rotation.
4.) Congrats to Becky Hammon
There’s still grey area in terms of how it all comes together with presumed coach, Bill Laimbeer in the mix, but Becky has inked a deal to become the next coach.
Her relationship with the likes of Kelsey Plum, as well as her reach in general to their roster is sure to help them improve.
Hammon was thought to be the successor to Spurs coach Gregg Popovich or, at the very least, be the first woman’s head coach in the NBA for another team’s franchise.
She coached the Spurs 2015 Summer League team to a championship and has served on the bench of Popovich for six seasons and has been at the front for Pop the last two.
5.) The NBA & NBPA Strike a New Agreement
As the matters grow more pressing and grey areas arise within the protocols, the league and players association both came to terms on a deal in favor of those that are asymptomatic and vaccinated after a positive test.
ESPN story on NBA/NBPA shortening timetable again for Covid-positive players to return to play: https://t.co/OkytZYnamT
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) December 31, 2021
This is a method rumored to be considered by surrounding leagues including the NFL.
With no clear cut way to navigate through these unprecedented times, this long paper trail of methods to somewhat combat the spread amongst the league see’s a new wrinkle come into the fold.
