In this weeks 13 Rules: Random NBA Thoughts Steve Purciello dives shares more random NBA thoughts. Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Talk, Luka–Redick Drama, Rookie of the Year Race and more. Make sure to listen and add the 13 Rules: NBA Random Thoughts podcast the Shot Clock Pod to your list!
Charlotte Hornets Hot Streak Ends vs. Miami Heat
Before last night’s loss to the Miami Heat, the Charlotte Hornets were on fire. The Hornets began the season 16–28, and at present they are 32–32. This means they have gone 16–4 since that bad start. They had won six in a row prior to the Heat loss last night, but what really stands out is that the closest game in that six-game win streak was a 16-point win over the Portland Trail Blazers. The other five wins were by greater than 16 points.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Talk: Milwaukee Bucks’ Dilemma
After the Milwaukee Bucks were soundly defeated by Boston and Atlanta this week, my question is: why is Giannis Antetokounmpo playing? It’s highly doubtful that Giannis wants to stay in Milwaukee, though he won’t say it. It’s also best for the franchise to trade him and begin the rebuild. Keeping Giannis on the court could only lead to injury, and if it’s a short-term injury, the Bucks will get less value for him. If he were to get hurt more seriously, it would be catastrophic for the franchise as his value would sharply decrease. Nobody wants Giannis to get injured, but that’s the risk the Bucks take playing him.
The JJ Redick–Luka Dončić, shall we say, discussion was quite interesting. Luka just signed an extension and is signed through the 2027–28 season. It’s Luka’s show. In today’s NBA, it’s imperative the coach gets along with his best player. I’m hoping it was an isolated incident because Redick has great potential as a coach.
Oklahoma City Thunder Prove Their Depth at Madison Square Garden
The Oklahoma City Thunder’s win over the New York Knicks in Madison Square Garden Wednesday night was significant. Keep in mind the Thunder didn’t have Jalen Williams in that game. Williams was All-NBA Third Team, an All-Star, and All-Defensive Second Team. Every time the Thunder appear vulnerable, they show the depth they have. They still should be regarded as the favorite to repeat.
Jayson Tatum’s Return Fuels Boston Celtics vs. Mavericks
Jayson Tatum returned last night against the Dallas Mavericks in the Celtics’ 120–100 win. Tatum started off slowly, missing his first six shots, but after a dunk follow-up on a missed shot in the second quarter, Tatum looked like his old self. He finished the game with 15 points, 12 rebounds, and seven assists. If Tatum can play like this on a consistent basis, the Celtics are a very dangerous team.
Orlando Magic Underperform After Desmond Bane Trade
The Orlando Magic have not played well this year. Presently they are 33–28. This after trading for Desmond Bane. People, including myself, were predicting big things this year for the Magic. Jamahl Mosley, their coach, has been rumored to be in trouble. It didn’t help when Paolo Banchero, the Magic’s best player, made this comment: “Teams adjust at halftime; we don’t really adjust to their adjustments.” Mosley responded, “The one adjustment Detroit made is they played harder.” Like with Luka and JJ Redick, it can’t help your job status if you aren’t getting along with your best player.
One of the most interesting discussions in the NBA is who is the Rookie of the Year. Kon Knueppel and Cooper Flagg are the two contenders. Flagg has missed twelve more games than Knueppel, but his stats are slightly better. I think it comes down to whether you’re voting for who will be the better player in their career—it’s Flagg. If you’re voting for who impacted their team and has been more effective this year, it’s Knueppel. For me, I like Cooper Flagg, but I can see Knueppel winning the award.