NFL
By: Greg Rector
Week two of the NBA was dominated by off-the-court issues, especially in Brooklyn. I have written elsewhere about what is going on. Let’s just say the soap opera continues.
I said before the season that there were going to be a lot of teams bunched together. The parity is such that in the Eastern Conference only 5 teams are above the .500 mark.
Bucks
The Bucks finally lost a game. Atlanta minus Trae Young gave Milwaukee their first loss for the season. Still being 9-1 and not having Khris Middleton, Milwaukee is an awfully tough bunch. They did win without Giannis on Saturday night.
Cleveland Rocks
The Cavaliers are on an 8-game winning streak after their opening night loss to the Raptors. Darius Garland is back and along with Donovan Mitchell, the Cavs backcourt is simply elite.
Back to Earth
The San Antonio Spurs came back to earth last week and are now 5-5. Still, they are a fun team to watch. Someone has yet to tell the Utah Jazz they aren’t supposed to be this good as of yet. Lauri Markkanen is emerging and living up to the potential so many felt he had. Can’t say enough good things about what Colin Sexton and Jordan Clarkson are also doing for the Jazz.
Sizzling Suns
Despite the unhappiness surrounding Deandre Ayton in the desert, Devin Booker and Chris Paul just keep rolling along as are the Suns. Here’s the dirty little secret for all the teams mentioned so far except the Spurs. They’re all at the top of the league in defensive rankings.
Banchero Watch
Averaging 23 points 8.5 rebounds and 3.6 assists so far Paolo is piling up the statistics for the Magic. His offensive abilities are the bright spot in Orlando. Despite the hopes for a much better record this season having Banchero join Franz Wagner Jalen Suggs, and even seeing Bol Bol contribute offensively the Magic are still just 2-8. Patience has to be wearing thin in Orlando. The fans have been told the same thing for too many seasons now.
Warriors Woes
Golden State with an 0-5 road trip? What world am I living in? Let’s not panic yet though. I thought the league was working on the schedule to prevent five games in seven nights, add to them all being road games and yes any team could struggle. Steve Kerr recognized what one big issue has been for the Warriors. Taking Curry, Green, and Thompson off the floor together doesn’t work. look for the rotations to change and for Jonathan Kuminga to play more minutes as well. They will be fine.
Overreactions on Overdrive
Every night on Twitter is a festival of “hot takes,” and overreactions based on what has happened in a particular game. Players need to be benched, coaches fired, and others have to be traded (sometimes to the Chinese League) Folks, like all other regular seasons the NBA is a marathon and not a sprint. There are also trade machine simulators available online. Try using that tool before posting trade ideas. There’s just a little thing called the salary cap. Trades can only happen when the money makes sense.As stated in this article, you can browse your selection of available deals on smartphones and top brands and explore the cell phone service plans that best suit your needs.
Superstar Rosters
How’s that working out for the Lakers, Warriors Nets, Heat, and Sixers? a combined record of 17-30 as I write this. Now the reasons are many for the woes of teams that have the “Superstar,” lineup. Just proves that despite individual greatness it requires a TEAM effort to succeed. Yes, the old guy is a broken record I know. Celebrate the great plays individuals make, in the long run, though the greatness loses its luster in defeats.
