NFL
By: Greg Rector
Kyrie
NBA fans are all digesting the Kyrie Irving trade to the Dallas Mavericks. Will it work for Dallas? We have no idea, but I will say that it could be a frightening backcourt of Irving and Doncic. I’d rather focus on the end result rather than what so many are wrapped up in that being the circumstances that brought about the trade. Pending his physical with the Dallas Mavericks it’s possible that Kyrie signs an extension and if so it can only be for 2 years as the extension is being done in season. If they wait until the off-season, they can do a 4-year extension at around $200 million. I believe this deal moves the Mavericks’ needle, but it will not make them instant favorites to win the NBA Western Conference.
Trade Deadline
Of course, the rest of the league is in full deal-making mode as the deadline approaches this Thursday. Plenty of big names are rumored to be involved in possible deals and it might be a very busy day or as often happens deals fall apart and not much happens. The Mavericks, Nets, Suns, Pacers, Lakers, Bucks, and Raptors all appear to be teams that could be making moves by the deadline. Being north of the border it appears as though they are willing to deal with both Fred Van Vleet and OG Anunoby being talked about. We’ll see if one or both are moved.
Warriors Woes
The news wasn’t good for Steph Curry and the Warriors as his left leg injury is expected to keep Curry out for a while. This will definitely impact the Golden State Warriors’ race to improve its position for the playoffs. NBA fans regardless of your liking or not liking Steph Curry injuries really suck and this one didn’t look good at all. It will be interesting to see if they can tread water while awaiting his return.
Altercations
As I have warned about more than once this season the physical altercations got out of hand not once but twice in games this week. Dillion Brooks had an altercation with Donovan Mitchell and then the Austin Rivers versus Mo Bamba incident also took place. Brooks in particular seems hellbent on being the “Dirtiest Player In The Game” and he has to tone it down. Dear Dillion time to stop watching old WCW tapes of Ric Flair…smh
Getting suspended hurts your team and the way the Grizzlies have suddenly struggled ever since the Shannon Sharpe incident a couple of weeks ago, not having Brooks available thanks to his inability to play the game rather than get into physical altercations. This isn’t the NHL or the WWE it’s the NBA and while emotions can run hot going over the line has to be punished. You can be an agitator in other ways and not hurt your team.
Nikola Jokic
Yes, the Denver Nuggets recently lost to the Sixers and Embid had a big game. The reason why I believe the MVP race is still led by Jokic remains as it has been the previous two seasons. Jokic is simply so efficient that even when you don’t see a huge scoring night you still end up seeing a triple-double from him. That’s what separates him from the rest of the candidates. It’s simply a clinic on a nightly basis. It won’t be decided for quite a while so while I am certainly open to saying Giannis, Jason, or Joel could surpass him, it will take more than just one head-to-head contest to change my mind. NBA fans should really just appreciate the greatness we are seeing from all of the MVP candidates.
The Record
Lebron James will break the NBA All-Time scoring record this week. Needing 36 points he could break that mark tomorrow against the Thunder or definitely against the Bucks later this week. It certainly has drawn big money to witness history happen. $92,000.00 for a ticket is an outrageous amount for any game, even if it is to see history take place. I’ll be just fine watching from my couch instead.
That’s all for now in the NBA world.
As always find me on Twitter @GregsCowboys
