Around the League - Preseason

[O_Gardino]

Welcome to Houston, MikeD
Through 3 preseason games, Houston is averaging 128 points, 40 3PA, and 29 assists. Well, those numbers are ok. Of course, D'Antoni is playing his star player more than anyone else. Harden is averaging 31 minutes and 12 assists. Ariza and Anderson are putting in about 30 minutes each, and from there the minutes get a lot more normal. Houston will be good, at least in the regular season.

Seems like a good fit
Oladipo is dropping an efficient 22 for OKC, which is second to Houston is scoring.
Durant and Thompson don't seem to be getting in each others way at all, each scoring about 20 in about 20 minutes.
"Our very own" Jordan McRae seems to have found a home in Cleveland, averaging 31 minutes, 17 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in 3 games played. Looks like he will get a rotation spot for them.

Growing up so big
Kanter is scoring big time for OKC. He has looked out of place in the preseason, like this level of competition is too easy.
Zach Lavine continues to be a very good player. It looks like he will take a step for the Wolves this season.
D Russel is actually scoring very efficiently this preseason, although he hasn't really been passing at all. Maybe that's the key with him - just don't ask him to pass the ball.
Buddy Hield can shoot. He is scoring well, and looks at home among NBA players. I mean, he's no Booker, but he's not bad.

Uh-Oh
Anthony Davis looks bad, shooting .385 in three games. I think he will sort it out and be fine, but it is worrisome coming back from an injury. Fingers crossed for him. I hope he gets/stays healthy.

* I got my stats from realgm. http://basketball.realgm.com/nba/team-s ... /Preseason

[ShelC]

Anthony Davis...how the mighty have fallen. I think the Pels are due for another long season. I was watching the Pels play last week and just noticed Davis working over his left shoulder, the one he had surgery on. Didn't think that was a good sign.

Houston will score in bunches but won't defend. Interesting that MikeD has Bzdelik on the bench as his defensive coordinator. Supposedly they spend 60% of practice on defense....also MikeD shaved his mustache.

Knicks are the Knicks. Noah and Rose have barely practiced or play any games - Noah because of an injury and Rose because of his trial. Stories are out about guys not getting the triangle and Hornacek looking to play faster and use the triangle off deadball situations. More of the same for that organization. Porzinigis looks good tho as does Melo and Jennings could be an x-factor for them, especially with Rose's injury history.

[Mori Chu]

A lot of people like the Knicks this year. I don't. I think they will never be good while Phil Jackson is looming over them, trying to force them to use the triangle, and messing with their roster with questionable transactions like acquiring the distraction of Derrick Rose. Hornacek is a smart guy and a good coach, but I think this team is a poor fit for him. I think he was hired because he's a passive personality willing to be subservient to Phil (or at least say that he will do so). They might be a low playoff team but won't get out of the 1st round, and I could even see them missing the playoffs.

[ShelC]

I liked the Knicks on paper but again, more of the same with that org. On paper...Rose, Lee, Melo, Porzingis, Noah with Jennings, Lance Thomas, O'Quinn, Hermangomez (very solid). They have talent, with a more traditional offense they'd be very dangerous.

[Mori Chu]

I hear you, but even with a normal offense, there are problems with that lineup. Rose and Noah aren't 100% and seem to have suffered Thibodeau/D'Antoni broken-down syndrome. Jennings is talented but hasn't won and hasn't shown that he can be part of a good team. Melo is great but getting older. Porzingis may not be ready yet.

[Shabazz]

Suns should have brought Troy Williams to camp. 15 and 22 points in his last two games for the Griz.

[SDC]

can anybody tell me why the triagle doesnt work anymore? is it because quasi zone defense is now allowed?

[Split T]

Suns should have brought Troy Williams to camp. 15 and 22 points in his last two games for the Griz.

Agreed, I really liked him on our summer league team. Did Grizz give him a guaranteed deal?

[Shabazz]

Partial guarantee, IINM.

[carey]

https://twitter.com/ESPNSteinLine/status/787500276403965952 MCW for Tony Snell? Can you believe the 76ers got that Lakers pick for him?

[Split T]

Why are the bulls loading up on guards that can't shoot?

[ShelC]

Yea was wondering the same thing. The last thing they need is another guard who needs the ball in his hands who can't shoot the 3. Unless there's a pick involved or something, doesn't make a lot of sense.

And the Bucks...I feel like the have 26 players on that roster and have been desperate for a SF/wing player, but don't see Giannis or Jabari in that role. I get the Giannis is their "PG" and Jabari is still a 2nd yr player but still. Giannis can play the 3 AND handle the ball.

[Ring_Wanted]

Why are the bulls loading up on guards that can't shoot?

Their second unit can use MCW. The shooting on their starting five is horrible, though.

[Ring_Wanted]

And the Bucks...I feel like the have 26 players on that roster and have been desperate for a SF/wing player, but don't see Giannis or Jabari in that role. I get the Giannis is their "PG" and Jabari is still a 2nd yr player but still. Giannis can play the 3 AND handle the ball.

Middleton getting injuried is a bit hit. They can use the depth.

[carey]

Middleton getting injuried is a bit hit. They can use the depth.

Yes. I like Middleton. I was disappointed to hear about his injury. He's super important to the success of that team and missing 6 months is a big deal. Tony Snell is not the answer there.

[Ring_Wanted]

Middleton getting injuried is a bit hit. They can use the depth.

Yes. I like Middleton. I was disappointed to hear about his injury. He's super important to the success of that team and missing 6 months is a big deal. Tony Snell is not the answer there.

Yeah, not the answer but Snell was useful at times as a spot up shooter, and Milwaukee really needs 3pt range. What really must stink for them (perhaps moreso than to us) is having let go the Lakers pick.

[Mori Chu]

Something Snells rotten about that trade.

[O_Gardino]

Sounds like Milwaukee might need PJ Tucker!

And Chicago could use Knight!

[Ring_Wanted]

Sounds like Milwaukee might need PJ Tucker!

And Chicago could use Knight!

We laugh, but surely there must be a fair market for them. 76rs and Sacto could really use Knight.

[In2ition]

Sounds like Milwaukee might need PJ Tucker!

And Chicago could use Knight!

What do you suggest they give back?