In this weeks 13 Rules: Random NBA Thoughts Steve Purciello dives into random NBA thoughts from All Star Break – NBA Midseason Update: Wembanyama’s Impact, Pistons’ Dominance, and Durant’s Off-Court Drama. Make sure to listen and add the 13 Rules: NBA Random Thoughts podcast the Shot Clock Pod to your list!
NBA Midseason Update: Wembanyama Sets the Tone at the All-Star Game
I didn’t watch the NBA All-Star Game live, but after reading about its success, I watched it on Monday. Much of the credit for getting the players to play hard goes to Victor Wembanyama. His playing hard got everyone else to play that way. As things change and players age, it looks like Wembanyama is ready to lead the next generation of stars.
Eastern Conference Power Shift
If you accept that the Detroit Pistons, Boston Celtics, New York Knicks, and Cleveland Cavaliers are the four best teams in the Eastern Conference, and then look at their record when they play each other, you get Detroit 7-2, Boston 4-5, New York 4-4, and Cleveland 1-5. Though I believe the Knicks have the most talent in the conference, it seems the Pistons are presently the favorites—especially after their beatdown of the Knicks Thursday night at the Garden.
It’s hard to judge Cleveland because of their recent trade for James Harden and their recent winning streak. Keep in mind the Boston Celtics defeated the New York Knicks four straight in the regular season last year but lost to the Knicks in the playoffs.
Western Conference Contenders
In the Western Conference, let’s look at the Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs, Houston Rockets, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, and Minnesota Timberwolves. Their records when playing each other: Thunder 7-6, Spurs 10-5, Rockets 5-6, Nuggets 4-4, Lakers 4-6, Timberwolves 3-6. It’s a little more difficult to establish a clear-cut favorite because of the key injuries to these teams; however, looking at the records, it looks like San Antonio is the favorite—but it’s hard to go against the champions.
Rookie Plus-Minus Leaders
I don’t always place a high belief in all statistics, but take a look at the top rookies in terms of plus-minus. Hugo Gonzalez is plus-250. The second-best rookie in plus-minus is Dylan Harper, and he’s at plus-187. Make of it what you’d like, but it is quite interesting.
Golden State’s Decline
I’ve watched a few Golden State games when they played without Stephen Curry and Jimmy Butler. I realize the Warriors don’t have their two best players, but when I watch the players left, it makes me sad to see how far down the Warriors have gone.
Philadelphia’s Health Question
When I looked at the top teams in both conferences, I kept coming back to where the Philadelphia 76ers stood. A healthy Joel Embiid makes the 76ers dangerous, but he has only played 31 of 55 games this year. If he’s healthy, the 76ers can create havoc—but the question is his health.
Durant’s Burner Controversy
Kevin Durant and the rumors of his burner account are interesting. Whoever had the account criticized Kyrie Irving, Devin Booker, Alperen Şengün, and Jabari Smith. If he did this, it’s really sad. This is a guy who is possibly a top-fifteen all-time player. He’s got more money than he knows what to do with. Everybody has thoughts, both good and bad, about their teammates, but a superstar should just keep them to himself. If nothing else, Durant comes off petty and insecure. The worst part—even if he didn’t do it—many people will remember him for this, not his greatness as a player.