NBA Courtside Chronicles

By: Joe Cardoso

We are a quarter or so into this current NBA season and heading towards the end of the NBA Cup. This weekly column will go through 3 storylines that have caught my eye. One major theme unfortunately is the rash of injuries and I’m not talking about dings and aches we are seeing guys out for MONTHS and throwing off any type of groove a squad could get. If you read my article before the season I had questions that needed to be answered next week we will dive into some of those. This week I show some love to players and teams who are playing good hoops even if not at full strength or not expected to by the “experts” This week is great for teams to reset, rest, and get in the gym to work on things.

Ok, I See You:

The play of the Warriors, Knicks and Rockets has been much improved. For the Warriors rumors of them NOT being at least a playoff team are sadly mistaken. The young kids are finding their way and Steph and Draymond when on the floor have delivered for the Dubs. If they can get a solid effort from Jonathan Kuminga watch out. Even with the losing streak that just ended, I see serious upside.

The Knicks are so much fun when they matter, and this season has been a mixed bag that is starting to take shape. Trae Young in MSG for a trip to Vegas on the line sign me up. Karl Anthony Towns has found his place on the team and just when you think he can’t play any better Jalen Brunson has been MVP level NO TYPO. Fun fact the top-rated offense in the league belongs to the Knicks. Will they pull the trigger and the trade deadline and really give Boston a run for it’s money time will tell.

The young Rockets will drive you crazy. One moment a great play on defense or offense, the next it is a horrible shot or game killing turnover. But you can’t look away because you see how good they could be. On defense then blitz ball handlers force turnovers and have dudes who are walking Sport Center top 10 highlights. The NBA Cup game against the Warriors is a shot on a national stage to show the league and each other they are ready to make a leap to another level. I am here for it.

The Struggle Is Real:

A few teams are just plain BAD no signs of hope, lineups make zero sense and so much more. Other teams are stuck in the wrong gear so far this season. I know that injuries play a big part but really. What are we doing in Portland, Sac-Town, and Philly?

I think it is time to move on from the process I get it big man with his skill set do not grow on trees. He is never on the floor and don’t get me started on his playoff performances. Maybe a change is what both parties need?

Is Mike Brown the right man for the Kings job? Look at that roster it is not bad but are the players being put in position to showcase what they can do on a high level? I wonder.

The darlings of the league last year the Pacers are stumbling along and look nothing like the guys who sent the Knicks home and made the NBA Cup finals last year. Fully expect them to be on the phone on deadline day as they look to fix this thing and get back on track.

Milwaukee Bucks, Is That You?:

The recent play of the Bucks has been what I expected from this team. Now before you come for me in the comments, I am aware of who they are playing, but did you see how they played to start the year? Giannis is on another planet with his play and dragged this team back to the pack. Upcoming games this week and into the new year will show how good or bad this team is.

One thing is for sure you won’t say that the reason they struggle is Giannis Antetokounmpo nice to see Khris Middleton working his way back hope he stays on the floor.