People are obsessed with power rankings. So naturally, we have one of our own but it’s not about how good sports teams are. Every Monday, we look at 10 things in the NBA (or not) and rank them in order of how much we liked each thing. Don’t agree with them? Make your own rankings!
1) Dwane Casey Revenge Game
Pistons coach Dwane Casey returned to Toronto since he was fired by the Raptors. He got a nice ovation during the introductions because of what he did for the team. But we all knew what Casey wanted.
He drew up a perfect play with 1.2 seconds and Reggie Bullock made the buzzer-beater. Casey looked elated after the win. He’d be lying to me if he said this was “just another game.” He showed it was more than just another game.
And that’s okay. Of course, you want to show your former employer what they’re missing.
(VIDEO CREDIT: House of Highlights.)
2) Jimmy Butler’s First Week With the Sixers
It didn’t get off to a great start; Orlando Magic came back to beat the Sixers in his debut game. But he made a clutch lay-up against the Jazz then made the block and the game-winning shot against the Hornets. That’s why the Sixers traded for Butler.
Close to a perfect debut week but now the Sixers have a legit closer. And also, he didn’t exactly forget his former team, either.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images.)
3) Kemba Walker Scored 60 Points
They didn’t win the game (see Jimmy Butler) but dude. This guy scored 60 points in an NBA game.
(PHOTO CREDIT: NBA.)
4) Nuggets Hire WNBA Legend Sue Bird for the Front Office
I like that this is becoming a trend where NBA teams hire WNBA players to either their coaching or management staff. Sue Bird is a living legend and a three-time WNBA champion and is one of the greatest women basketball players ever. Why NOT hire her for your basketball staff? It’s a lay-up in most cases, really.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Joe RondoneThe Commercial Appeal.)
5) The Grizzlies Are Awake
Not the perfect week but they’re suddenly tied for third in the West (10-5). They’re the slowest team in the league (95.3 possessions per 48 minutes). They’re also fourth in defensive rating (105.0 points allowed per 100 possessions) and first in points allowed (100.8 points allowed per game). It’s nice to have Mike Conley and Marc Gasol healthy but Jaren Jackson, Jr. is having a very good rookie year and Garrett Temple has been a revelation.
It may not be your big sibling’s grit-and-grind but the spirit is certainly there.
(VIDEO CREDIT: Bleacher Report.)
6) Zach LaVine Keeps Putting on a Show
LaVine is an air show every game and he’s averaging 25.3 points per game. Definitely a candidate for Most Improved Player.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Bill Baptist/NBAE.)
7) Carmelo Anthony Will Be On The Move
The Rockets decided that Melo’s tenure is done. They’ll keep him in the team; they’re just looking for takers.
I mean, it’s fine. It’s sad the way his NBA career is going but for all intents and purposes, Anthony will be fine. He’s made a lot of money over his career and there were no signs of Anthony moping or depressed.
On a related note, the Rockets have won four straight…
8) The Utah Jazz Lost By 50 Points
They only scored 22 points in the second half. And they lost to the Dallas Mavericks, who are not exactly title contenders.
The NBA is weird.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images.)
9) The Warriors Are Struggling
Well, there was that argument between Draymond Green and Kevin Durant. Green dared Durant to leave because they have won without him. Draymond was then suspended for “conduct detrimental to the team.” Of course, we know the Warriors want to keep Durant happy.
Not to mention Stephen Curry is hurt. If Curry was there, would this have been prevented?
Also, the Warriors lost three straight. When was the last time the Warriors lost three straight?
(PHOTO CREDIT: Hannah Folsien/AP.)
10) Caris LeVert Got Hurt
He was having a breakout year with the Nets (the main reason why I paid attention to them on League Pass). Then his injury happened and that was that.
There’s a chance he could come back this season but the fact is that he got hurt. It’s even worse since he’s having an excellent year for Brooklyn.
Speedy recovery, Caris.
Rey-Rey is on Twitter at @TheNoLookPass.
His podcast is at Rey-Rey Is Fundamental.