WHO’S HOT
Daniel: Chris Paul
Although the Clippers have stalled after a scorching start that took the league by storm, Chris Paul continues to show that he may be the single hungriest player in the league. Much maligned for his outward criticism of his… less savvy teammates, Paul has gained a reputation of striving for nothing less than basketball perfection. Last Saturday night, he came as close as any mortal could, scoring 20 while dishing out another 20 dimes without a single turnover. Chris Paul continues to add to his MVP résumé as he attempts to lead the Clippers to a championship (or at least the Western Conference Finals).
Marcus: The Houston Rockets
The Rockets have yet to lose in the month of December since knocking off Golden State on the 1st. Since then, they have won an additional nine games in convincing fashion, solidifying their rebirth under head coach Mike D’Antoni. They have shown that they can hang with the top teams in the West and are flourishing with James Harden’s incredible statistical season running the point. Don’t forget that the team has also twice broken the record for most 3’s made and attempted in a game this month. With a few tough matchups, against the likes of the Clippers and Spurs, before the year comes to a close, we will truly see if Houston can place itself among the elites and challenge the Warriors in the West.
John: Anyone that played the LA Lakers
The Los Angeles Lakers were a very pleasant surprise in the early NBA season, where they defied projections and started 10-10 with a likable group of young budding stars. However, the universe righted itself again, and the Lakers are in free fall. They had an 8-game loss streak that was broken just last night against the Sixers. The streak included losses against the bottom-dwelling Suns, Nets, Kings, and a 39-point pummeling by the red hot Houston Rockets. Granted, quite a few of those losses have come without their two biggest stars, Julius Randle and D’Angelo Russell, but both have now returned and things still aren’t really looking up. To make matters worse, Jordan Clarkson did not take advantage of the prime opportunity he had with Russell out, and really hasn’t shown much improvement after his great rookie campaign.
WHO’S NOT
John: Donatas Motiejūnas
Motiejūnas has had an interesting past couple of weeks, as his very extended contract negotiation with the Rockets came to an end after he received a 4yr/$37 million offer from the (hapless) Brooklyn Nets. He signed it without hesitation, but the Rockets were feeling clingy and used their restricted free agent powers to match the offer sheet. Motiejūnas really wanted out of Houston, so he decided that signing the offer and ducking on his team physical was the best course of action, which proved to be costly as he lost both of his offers completely. He then grudgingly signed a smaller deal with Houston, and actually showed up for his physical, but got into a disagreement with the staff and was promptly released. And he can no longer sign with the Nets. Best of luck to you, Donatas.
Daniel: The Spurs Defense (feat. The Kawhisland)
Putting the back to back DPOY is guaranteed to make any lineup a little bit tougher defensively, right? Enter the “Kawhisland” (credit to CBS’ Matt Moore). Rather than having their best player go toe-to-toe with Sugar K, teams have opted to shove Kawhi’s man in the weakside corner, effectively removing him from the play. Playing 4 on 4 is inherently easier on the offense thanks to the extra space freed up by the Kawhisland©. Forcing the laterally challenged Tony Parker and Pau Gasol into any sort of pick and roll will result in easy buckets for any competent offense.
Marcus: Demarcus “Boogie” Cousins
What else is new? As talented as a player he is, Boogie has never learned in his years in the NBA how to control his temper. Annoyed by a reporter’s inquiry about a pending lawsuit involving himself and teammate Matt Barnes, Cousins got into the reporter’s face then subsequently refused to talk to reporters in the postgame interview unless the aforementioned reporter leave. This is just another incident in a long line of problems Cousins has caused in his time in Sacramento. It’s also another blow to his ever-relevant trade value, as the Kings have been shopping him before he inevitably leaves in free agency this summer. Hopefully, Boogie can live up to his immense potential in another city.
*Links to all photos embedded. Credit to respective sites
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