The NBA trade deadline is a week away, and a number of high-profile players could be on the marke...

<p>The NBA trade deadline is a week away, and a number of high-profile players could be on the market. However, between an already completed <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3449302" href="https://thescore.com/news/3449302">Trae Young deal</a>, plus injuries to stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Anthony Davis, and Ja Morant, it's possible the Feb. 5 deadline will pass us by without a blockbuster.</p><p>Forget that anticlimactic possibility. Let's put our GM hats on and try to find new teams for the biggest names on the market regardless.</p><h3>Giannis to the Spurs</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Spurs receive</th>
<th>Bucks receive</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Giannis Antetokounmpo</td>
<td>Dylan Harper</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gary Harris</td>
<td>Harrison Barnes</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Keldon Johnson</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>2026 1st-rd pick (via ATL)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>2029 1st-rd pick</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>2031 1st-rd pick (Best of SAC/SAS)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>We've already discussed why it <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3463358" href="https://thescore.com/news/3463358">makes sense</a> for Milwaukee to punt its Giannis decision until the offseason, and why it's risky to bet top dollar on the Greek Freak's future. But for the sake of this feature, let's imagine a world in which Antetokounmpo is moved before next Thursday's deadline. That should eliminate prospective suitors whose in-season draft capital looks underwhelming (like the Knicks and Heat, as <a href="https://x.com/YossiGozlan/status/2016550370101645709">The Third Apron's Yossi Gozlan</a> notes).</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The most sensible trade partners for Milwaukee are teams that can check the following boxes: They can acquire Antetokounmpo without gutting their current squads, they can realistically compete for championships in 2026 and 2027 (the final year-and-a-half of team control), and they can afford to trade prospects and draft picks while still having plenty of young talent and picks left over. Clubs that fit those parameters include the Thunder, Pistons, Rockets, and Spurs.</p><p>The Thunder abstained from such transactions as they ascended the NBA mountain, so it doesn't feel like they'd consummate that kind of deal while comfortably at the summit. The East-leading Pistons would be a fascinating landing spot, but they seem more likely to stand pat or make a mid-tier move than acquire a superstar (see below). And I was tempted to send Antetokounmpo to Houston in exchange for Alperen Sengun and the injured Fred VanVleet (for salary-matching purposes), but I decided against it, so San Antonio won out despite reports the Spurs won't be in-season bidders.</p><p>Harper is a blue-chip prospect, so you could argue that the Spurs wouldn't need to include three first-round picks in the trade. That's fair. Perhaps Harper and a couple first-rounders are more than enough, with Barnes and Johnson acting as salary filler. In any event, only the 2029 pick I included is San Antonio's own. The 2026 pick will almost surely be the Hawks', while the 2031 pick - the most valuable of the three - is the more favorable first-rounder between the Kings' and Spurs' selections that year.</p><p>Harper and multiple firsts would give Milwaukee the foundation of a real rebuild, while the Spurs could complete this trade and still surround Antetokounmpo and Victor Wembanyama with De'Aaron Fox, Stephon Castle, Devin Vassell, Julian Champagnie, Luke Kornet, and Harris. Their depth would take an obvious hit, but their top five would arguably be better than anyone's. They'd also still have potential two-way stud Carter Bryant and plenty of draft equity.</p><h3>Pistons land MPJ (or Trey Murphy)</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Pistons receive</th>
<th>Nets receive</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Michael Porter Jr.</td>
<td>Tobias Harris</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Jaden Ivey</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>2028 1st-rd pick</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>2031 1st-rd swap (top-1 protected)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Detroit could make as big a splash as it wants to this week, or the Pistons could stand pat and cruise into the spring with likely home-court advantage throughout the East playoffs. This proposal finds the middle ground. It's a half measure, but it works.</p><p>As impressive as Porter has been in his debut season with the Nets, Brooklyn must be realistic. Unless the 13th-place Nets plan to compete as soon as next season (when Houston owns their first-round pick), Porter is more valuable as a trade chip than a building block, especially with just a year-and-a-half left on his contract. But that doesn't mean Brooklyn should hold out for a massive offer it's unlikely to receive.</p><p>If the Nets can land an intriguing young player and a first-rounder or two, they should gladly accept. In this proposal, Harris is the salary filler, with Ivey serving as a high-upside play for Brooklyn. The speedy guard has yet to find his rhythm since being sidelined by left leg and right knee injuries. It's a classic case of a dynamic young player needing a fresh start and a change of scenery. Ivey could find that - and a much bigger role - in Brooklyn, while Porter would help the Pistons plug their biggest hole.</p><p>Among teams that currently hold top-six seeds, only the Raptors and Spurs have shot worse from deep than Detroit's 35%, with the Pistons ranking 27th in 3-point attempt rate. The team's 11th-ranked offense is a fine complement to its second-ranked defense, but a dynamic scorer, shooter, and off-ball threat like Porter could really complete their two-way puzzle (even if it entails a slight defensive drop-off).</p><p>If Ivey and one or two picks is enough for the Nets, Detroit should pounce.</p><p>A player who could similarly address the Pistons' shooting issues while providing more of a defensive presence is Trey Murphy. The Pelicans forward is two years younger than Porter, makes roughly $13 million less per season, and his contract runs two years longer (at less than 17% of the cap). Detroit wouldn't need to include as much outgoing salary, but you could argue New Orleans should demand more draft compensation. How about Ivey, Caris LeVert, two picks (one of which is protected), and a swap?</p><h3>AD to the ... <em>Hornets?</em>
</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Hornets receive</th>
<th>Mavericks receive</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Anthony Davis</td>
<td>Miles Bridges</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>D'Angelo Russell</td>
<td>Collin Sexton</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Pat Connaughton</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Ryan Kalkbrenner</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>2027 1st-rd pick (DAL own)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>2029 1st-rd pick (worst of UTA/CLE/MIN)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Let's get weird.</p><p>I'm the last person who believes in a LaMelo Ball-led squad - I would've tried to move the mercurial guard in order to build around Kon Knueppel and Brandon Miller. But Ball has shown some growth around the edges this season, and the Hornets have looked legitimately good when their three cornerstones are in the lineup. Charlotte is 16-11 when Ball, Knueppel, and Miller suit up, and lineups featuring that trio are outscoring opponents by a whopping 11.6 points per 100 possessions.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">In January, the <a href="https://twitter.com/hornets?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@hornets</a> have won:<br><br>by 27 at OKC<br>by 55 at Uta<br>by 18 at LAL<br>by 23 at Den<br>by 27 at Orl<br>by 15 at Mem<br><br>The 6 road wins by 15+ points ties the 2001-02 Lakers (Jan) and the 2011-12 Heat (Feb) for the most in a month in NBA history.<br><br>Both of those teams won the title. <a href="https://t.co/MDxBq4VzbB">pic.twitter.com/MDxBq4VzbB</a></p>— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) <a href="https://twitter.com/OptaSTATS/status/2016713271135408511?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 29, 2026</a>
</blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><p>The trio's success is rooted in its offensive firepower. Among the 300 <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/lineups/advanced?CF=MIN*GE*301&amp;GroupQuantity=3&amp;dir=D&amp;slug=advanced&amp;sort=OFF_RATING">most used</a> three-man combinations this season, only Nikola Jokic-led lineups in Denver have scored more efficiently than the combo of Ball, Knueppel, and Miller. What would it look like if the three young stars had a defensive anchor like Davis behind them? And what if Charlotte could acquire a star of AD's caliber without mortgaging much of its future?</p><p>In my proposal, Kalkbrenner is the only intriguing youngster headed to Dallas. Bridges, Russell, and the expiring contracts of Connaughton and Sexton serve as salary filler, while neither of the first-rounders included are Charlotte's own.</p><p>Banking on Davis' health is always a dicey proposition, but the Hornets could talk themselves into Finals contention at full strength next season while still boasting Ball, Knueppel, Miller, and all their own first-rounders to build with post-Davis. Not bad for a team that hasn't made the playoffs since 2016 and a franchise that still hasn't made a conference finals appearance.</p><p>With Ball earning approximately 25% of the salary cap going forward and both Miller and Knueppel on rookie-scale deals for the next two-to-four years, the Hornets' young core is uniquely equipped to absorb Davis' cap hit ($54.1 million this season, $58.5 million next year, $62.8-million player option in 2027-28).</p><p>As for Dallas, the suddenly rebuilding Mavericks would regain control of their 2027 draft selection (originally dealt as a top-two protected pick for P.J. Washington). They'd also add a solid young big man in Kalkbrenner and an extra first-rounder in 2029 (the least favorable selection between the Jazz, Cavaliers, and Timberwolves). It's not exactly breathtaking, especially considering Davis was the centerpiece of the disastrous Luka Doncic trade just one year ago, but it's not a bad way for the Mavs to put the saga behind them.</p><h3>Kings gamble on Morant</h3><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Kings receive</th>
<th>Grizzlies receive</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Ja Morant</td>
<td>DeMar DeRozan</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Malik Monk</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Keon Ellis</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>2027 1st-rd swap</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>2029 1st-rd pick (top-4 protected)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>I wrote earlier in January about why Morant's trade value <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3454680" href="https://thescore.com/news/3454680">has tanked</a>. He's a non-shooting point guard who doesn't defend and doesn't get to the rim as often as he used to, and he comes with plenty of off-court concerns. Would I give up multiple first-rounders for him, including a 2027 swap that could come come back to bite me? Absolutely not, but I'm also not the Sacramento Kings, who are always liable to make a shortsighted maneuver.</p><p>In this proposal, Sacramento takes a flier on a two-time All-Star who's 26 and has two-and-a-half years of team control left. The Kings would also dump some bad long-term money (Monk), while only $10 million of DeRozan's outgoing contract is guaranteed. As a reward for taking on those contracts, the Grizzlies squeeze a second first-rounder out of the deal. They also land Ellis, a promising two-way guard who should've received a much bigger opportunity in Sacramento.</p><p>The Grizzlies might scoff at such an offer, deciding to retain Morant rather than trade him while his value is at its lowest. However - barring a miraculous return to form by a player who hasn't appeared in more than six consecutive games since the 2022-23 campaign - Morant's value won't surge any time soon. In fact, multiple first-round picks might be an overpay at this point.</p><p><em><a href="https://x.com/JosephCasciaro">Joseph Casciaro</a> is theScore's lead NBA reporter.</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34302893/related

Deal or no deal? Finding new homes for Giannis, MPJ, Morant, Davis

A tumultuous season in Milwaukee grew even worse Friday, with Giannis Antetokounmpo suffering a s...

<p>A tumultuous season in Milwaukee grew even worse Friday, with Giannis Antetokounmpo suffering a suspected calf injury that he <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3463011" href="https://thescore.com/news/3463011">expects</a> to sideline him for four-to-six weeks. The ripple effects of the Bucks superstar's latest setback will be felt around the Association.</p><h3>What it means for Giannis</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818882/cropped_GettyImages-2257888738.jpg?ts=1769283020" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818882/w220xh124_GettyImages-2257888738.jpg?ts=1769283020 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818882/w320xh180_GettyImages-2257888738.jpg?ts=1769283020 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818882/w640xh360_GettyImages-2257888738.jpg?ts=1769283020 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818882/w768xh432_GettyImages-2257888738.jpg?ts=1769283020 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818882/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2257888738.jpg?ts=1769283020 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Patrick McDermott / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Antetokounmpo has looked disengaged at times on the court and seems to be in some sort of <a href="https://youtu.be/JCrqA9Cjba0?si=LK94ZpFz8Fr3GDFI">unspoken standoff</a> with the team off the floor. Meanwhile, the Bucks are an uninspiring 11th-place mess. And yet, the Greek Freak is still dominant enough that he would've been in contention for a remarkable eighth straight All-NBA first-team selection had he met the games-played requirement.</p><p>Antetokounmpo is averaging 28 points, 10 rebounds, and 5.6 assists on a career-high 67.9% true shooting for a Bucks team that has performed like a top-five club when he's on the court (+6.1 points per 100 possessions) and the second-worst team without him (-9.9). Not bad for a "down year." However, with only three games worth of wiggle room remaining to reach the 65-game threshold, Antetokounmpo's award eligibility will soon evaporate.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>From a financial perspective, Antetokounmpo doesn't need to earn specific individual honors to qualify for a bigger contract the way players coming off their rookie deals do, but his earning power could still be affected. The 10-time All-Star is eligible to sign a four-year extension worth $275 million in October. As his incumbent small-market team with a future that's been completely mortgaged to appease him, Milwaukee has every reason to pay Antetokounmpo whatever it takes to keep him. That might not be the case for every franchise.</p><p>Antetokounmpo would be eligible to sign the same mammoth extension with another team - which would run from the 2027-28 season through the 2030-31 campaign - six months after being acquired via trade. But as great as the future Hall of Famer is, he's also a 31-year-old non-shooting giant who relies on athleticism and explosiveness. He has already lost a step defensively and missed at least 15 games in four of the last five seasons. Committing to pay him more than 35% of the salary cap in his age-33 to age-36 seasons isn't viable for most clubs. That doesn't seem like a winning strategy in the age of aprons.</p><p>If the combination of Giannis' age, calf issues, and waning durability spooks potential suitors from paying him top dollar, could it also cool his trade market with only one guaranteed year remaining on his current contract? And if Antetokounmpo's camp realizes that his only chance to earn the absolute max is to stay in Milwaukee, would that change his thinking?</p><p>Perhaps we're getting ahead of ourselves. It only takes one desperate team to bowl the Bucks over with a godfather offer and then write a $275-million check. But it's possible the only team willing to pay Antetokounmpo that much is the same squad he seemingly wants to divorce.</p><h3>What it means for the Bucks</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809143/cropped_GettyImages-2245167568.jpg?ts=1769283272" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809143/w220xh124_GettyImages-2245167568.jpg?ts=1769283272 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809143/w320xh180_GettyImages-2245167568.jpg?ts=1769283272 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809143/w640xh360_GettyImages-2245167568.jpg?ts=1769283272 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809143/w768xh432_GettyImages-2245167568.jpg?ts=1769283272 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809143/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2245167568.jpg?ts=1769283272 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Lance King / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Bucks have looked like a team that's dead on arrival in too many of their recent games <em>with</em> Giannis in the lineup. It's about to get a whole lot uglier without him, which should end Milwaukee's postseason chase given that the club entered Sunday 2.5 games behind 10th-place Atlanta.</p><p>That might be a blessing in disguise. The Bucks weren't competing for anything beyond a few home playoff dates, and a first- or second-round exit isn't going to be the swing factor in Antetokounmpo's plans. An organization devoid of young talent or anything even resembling a blue-chip prospect could use a lottery pick. Antetokounmpo's injury should secure one.</p><p>The Bucks will receive the least favorable of their own first-rounder and New Orleans' first-rounder this year, with both clubs seemingly destined for the lottery. Given the potential franchise-changing prospects atop the 2026 draft class, Milwaukee suddenly has a real opportunity to insure its future. The Bucks could land the type of talent that makes parting with Antetokounmpo easier - or the kind that convinces him to stick around.</p><p>The odds aren't in their favor, but it's still a more fruitful endeavor than the Eastern Conference play-in tournament.</p><h3>What it means for the trade market</h3><p>If the Bucks decide to entertain offers for Giannis, the two-time MVP would obviously be the biggest star available ahead of the Feb. 5 trade deadline. He could return before the postseason and still has a year of team control on his deal.</p><p>But it already felt like the two parties were going to kick the can down the road until the offseason, if not later, when those aforementioned extension talks occur. This injury only reinforces that likelihood.</p><h3>A big win for the Hawks</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818917/cropped_GettyImages-1228131687.jpg?ts=1769283398" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818917/w220xh124_GettyImages-1228131687.jpg?ts=1769283398 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818917/w320xh180_GettyImages-1228131687.jpg?ts=1769283398 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818917/w640xh360_GettyImages-1228131687.jpg?ts=1769283398 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818917/w768xh432_GettyImages-1228131687.jpg?ts=1769283398 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/818917/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1228131687.jpg?ts=1769283398 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Steven Freeman / NBA / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>In what's otherwise a depressing story, the Hawks should be ecstatic. Thanks to an incredibly foolish draft-night decision by the Pelicans last year, Atlanta will receive the most favorable first-rounder between New Orleans' and Milwaukee's selections this June.</p><p>The Pels have spent the entire season with or slightly ahead of the league's worst record, which would guarantee a top-five pick. But it's the combined odds of the two picks that should excite Atlanta. New Orleans and Milwaukee currently own the second- and eighth-worst records, respectively. That would give the Hawks a league-leading 20% chance of landing the No. 1 pick, a figure that should only increase as the Antetokounmpo-less Bucks slide further down the standings.</p><p><em><a href="https://x.com/JosephCasciaro">Joseph Casciaro</a> is theScore's lead NBA reporter.</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34260239/related

How Giannis' injury affects Bucks, trade market, plus 1 big winner

Welcome to From The Logo, a collection of opinions, analysis, and locker room insights from theSc...

<p><em>Welcome to From The Logo, a collection of opinions, analysis, and locker room insights from theScore's lead NBA reporter, Joseph Casciaro.</em></p><h3>James Harden, iron man?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817396/cropped_GettyImages-2256006300.jpg?ts=1769146009" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817396/w220xh124_GettyImages-2256006300.jpg?ts=1769146009 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817396/w320xh180_GettyImages-2256006300.jpg?ts=1769146009 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817396/w640xh360_GettyImages-2256006300.jpg?ts=1769146009 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817396/w768xh432_GettyImages-2256006300.jpg?ts=1769146009 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817396/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2256006300.jpg?ts=1769146009 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ronald Martinez / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>James Harden has to be among the most scrutinized of basketball's all-time greats.</p><p>Yes, Harden has endured his share of playoff stinkers, and his defensive identity has been one of indifference. Critics have labeled him a free-throw merchant, even though drawing fouls is an invaluable skill. At times, he's been the NBA's ultimate agent of chaos when he tires of one team and sets his sights on another. But he <em>is</em> an all-time great and one of the best offensive engines the league has ever seen.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Remarkably, the one-way superstar often chided for his frame and conditioning has quietly become one of the modern game's iron men. Eight years removed from his MVP-level prime, when Harden touched heights few ever have, he's still stuffing the stat sheet and driving offense in ways players of his age and history shouldn't be able to. At 36 years old, with roughly 48,000 minutes under his belt between the regular season and postseason, Harden remains a model of consistency.</p><p>Buried in the news rubble of the Clippers' disastrous start, Harden continued to carry his depleted team, refusing to let go of the rope. While Kawhi Leonard's return fueled <a href="https://x.com/KellanOlson/status/2014573613123522842">Los Angeles' surge</a> back into postseason contention, Harden's efforts shouldn't be forgotten. The 11-time All-Star is averaging 25.8 points and 8.1 assists on nearly 60% true shooting, allowing the Clippers to score at a top-10 rate (116.4 points per 100 possessions) in minutes with Harden on and Leonard off. Harden's most frequent teammates during those minutes have been Kris Dunn, Ivica Zubac, John Collins, Nicolas Batum, and Kobe Sanders. Not exactly a murderers' row.</p><p>"He's 36 and maybe not the same guy he was 10 years ago, but he's still finding ways to get 25 and 10 every night," Batum told theScore through chuckles of disbelief. "I think with great players, the public kind of takes them for granted, because we're so used to seeing them be that good. You kind of forget how they got there. It's work. It's not just talent."</p><p>Clippers head coach Ty Lue said that work ethic is a staple of Harden's identity. "Once you get him on your team and you see the work he puts in, you can understand it. You see the work he puts in every single day on his body. The weights, the on-court stuff - every single day, he's doing the same thing, the same routine," Lue said, praising Harden's determination to play through the various ailments that arise over the course of a long season.</p><p>"He plays a lot of minutes, but he wants to play more," Lue laughed. "Even at this age, he wants to play more. He just wants to play and compete every single night. You've got to love that about him. We know we can always count on him to be out there on the floor."</p><p>To Lue's point, Harden is on pace to log a 2,000-minute season for the 14th time in 17 years. Even during the lockout-shortened 2011-12 campaign, he fell just 54 minutes short of the mark. Harden is leading his team in minutes for the ninth time in the last 12 seasons that he's spent with just one club, and he's topped the league in total minutes twice. He's also missed more than 10 games in a season only three times and has appeared in 92% of contests over the last three years.</p><p>Harden's durability is made even more impressive by the fact that those 48,000 minutes have put grinding city miles on his body, not cruising highway clicks. His career has been one of high usage and high leverage. Among the 52 legends who've scored 20,000 points, Harden ranks 13th in usage rate. He owns the second-highest single-season usage rate ever, with three campaigns in the top 17 all-time.</p><p>And yet, as his peers and younger stars crumple around him or take time off to manage their loads, Harden continues to suit up, recording 2,000-minute seasons like they're nothing. He could become the <a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/basketball/player-season-finder.cgi?request=1&amp;match=player_season_count&amp;age_min=35&amp;award_id=all-nba-n">seventh</a> player ever to make multiple All-NBA teams after turning 35, and it still feels like he could sleepwalk to 20 points and 10 assists on above-average efficiency.</p><p>That's the other thing. Despite some grays popping up in Harden's trademark beard, Father Time has yet to sap his efficiency. The three-time scoring champion has posted above-average efficiency in each of his 17 seasons, according to Basketball Reference's league-adjusted data.</p><p>That's how you end up a top-10 all-time scorer, while the rest of the world dissects your game and debates the aesthetics of it.</p><p>"You've got to be in good condition and shape for that, right?" Harden asked rhetorically when questioned about his consistency and longevity, knowing full well the narrative about his fitness levels. "Availability is the only mindset that I have. I focus every day on being available. I take pride in being in shape and being productive on the court."</p><p>Some may snicker at those comments given pre-conceived notions about Harden's drive, but the proof is in the results. He's an NBA iron man, and there are too few of those these days.</p><h3>Quickley doesn't have to be Maxey</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810943/cropped_GettyImages-2246902921.jpg?ts=1769144935" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810943/w220xh124_GettyImages-2246902921.jpg?ts=1769144935 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810943/w320xh180_GettyImages-2246902921.jpg?ts=1769144935 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810943/w640xh360_GettyImages-2246902921.jpg?ts=1769144935 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810943/w768xh432_GettyImages-2246902921.jpg?ts=1769144935 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810943/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2246902921.jpg?ts=1769144935 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">David Dow / NBA / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>This topic was spurred by reader Trevor David, who emailed me to ask about Immanuel Quickley's game and how it compares - or doesn't - to Tyrese Maxey's. After all, Quickley was touted as a Maxey-like (or Maxey-<em>lite</em>) guard when the Raptors acquired him in the OG Anunoby trade.</p><p>In short, Quickley has thus far failed to live up to those lofty expectations, and he's never going to be the MVP candidate Maxey has turned into. Additionally, a lucrative contract that will see him earn $32.5 million per year through the 2028-29 campaign has soured many Raptors fans and led to the belief that Toronto would relish the opportunity to get out of the Quickley business. Still, that doesn't mean the speedy guard is unimportant - far from it.</p><p>Quickley was targeted as an ideal running mate for Scottie Barnes because of his combination of range, movement shooting, and speed. Those skills are still invaluable assets for Barnes' rising squad, which desperately needs Quickley's shooting and off-the-dribble creation. Although the consistency might not be there - and Toronto would benefit if he shot better than 35.9% from deep - his volume is critical, as is his ability to provide space and serve as a release valve for players like Barnes and leading scorer Brandon Ingram.</p><p>He's improved as a defender and looks more comfortable playing the role of lead guard, averaging a career-high 6.3 assists with a 3.7-to-1 assist-to-turnover ratio. Quickley's playmaking vision isn't elite, but he's making better decisions and hasn't forced things. Even in a <a href="https://x.com/keerthikau/status/2013849560733413734">historic</a> 40-point game this week, Quickley might've taken one bad shot, if that, and he added 10 dimes for good measure. The only other guards who've recorded a Game Score of 40-plus this season, as Quickley did Tuesday at Golden State, are Maxey, Harden, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Luka Doncic, Donovan Mitchell, Jamal Murray, and Austin Reaves.</p><p>It's a reminder of Quickley's shooting upside and the game-breaking potential it offers. Inspiring Raptors reserve Jamal Shead can't replicate that yet, and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3454680" href="https://thescore.com/news/3454680">neither</a> can two-time All-Star Ja Morant. Quickley may not be the Maxey-level star Raptors fans hoped for, but he isn't the throwaway trade chip some believe, either. His contract - worth 17%-20% of the salary cap over the next three years - will also increase in value over time.</p><h3>Player of the Week</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813731/cropped_GettyImages-2250989042.jpg?ts=1769146139" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813731/w220xh124_GettyImages-2250989042.jpg?ts=1769146139 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813731/w320xh180_GettyImages-2250989042.jpg?ts=1769146139 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813731/w640xh360_GettyImages-2250989042.jpg?ts=1769146139 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813731/w768xh432_GettyImages-2250989042.jpg?ts=1769146139 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813731/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2250989042.jpg?ts=1769146139 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jesse D. Garrabrant / NBA / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Joel Embiid</strong>: 31.7 PPG, 65.1% TS, 9.7 RPG, 5.7 APG, 1.0 STL + BLK, 2-1 record</p><p>I considered giving this award, which takes into account games played since last Friday, to reigning MVP Gilgeous-Alexander, who posted truly wild numbers (36.3 points on 69-56-96 shooting). But Embiid's dominant week must be documented.</p><p>The 2023 MVP appears to be getting his legs back and settling in on what has become Maxey's team. The minutes, numbers, and efficiency are all trending up, and Embiid's at least acting as a defensive rim-deterrent again, even if his overall impact on that end isn't quite what it once was.</p><p>During Philadelphia's overtime victory over Houston on Thursday, Embiid recorded a 32-point triple-double and logged more minutes (45:36) than he has in roughly <a href="https://x.com/TimBontemps/status/2014528915839082960">two years</a>. Prior to this week, it had also been exactly two years since Embiid posted three straight Game Scores of 25-plus. No one is expecting another MVP campaign or pristine health, but the Sixers can be a dangerous team in a wide-open East if Embiid stays anything close to this player more often than not.</p><h3>We want to hear from you!</h3><p>Perhaps you want my opinion or insight on a burning NBA question you've had. Or, let me know if there's something specific you'd like me to ask your favorite player the next time they're in Toronto, where I speak with people from around the league before and after they face the Raptors.</p><p>Whatever it is, you can submit your questions three ways.</p><ul>
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Harden's consistency, Quickley's value, Embiid is percolating

Just as the Golden State Warriors were finding their groove and playing their best basketball of ...

<p>Just as the Golden State Warriors were finding their groove and playing their best basketball of the season, the veteran team lost Jimmy Butler to a torn right ACL.</p><p>It's a devastating blow for Butler, who was quietly playing exceptional two-way ball for the surging Warriors. Averaging 20 points per game on nearly 65% true shooting, along with 5.6 rebounds, 4.9 assists, and 1.4 steals, Butler was enjoying one of the best and most efficient seasons of his decorated career. Already 36 years old, who knows what an eventual return from a significant knee injury will look like for the six-time All-Star?</p><p>The team-wide effects of Butler's injury will be even more consequential. His ability to get downhill, draw fouls, and guard opposing stars has been crucial for the Warriors. It also allowed them to survive treacherous minutes without Steph Curry. Butler not only leads Golden State in total minutes, but he also owns the highest on/off differential among its 12 most-used players.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Such a stat can sometimes be misleading, but in this case, it accurately captures Butler's value, as the Warriors become a fairly one-dimensional team without him.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Butler</th>
<th>Team rank</th>
<th>League</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>On/off net</td>
<td>1st</td>
<td>21st*</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VORP</td>
<td>1st</td>
<td>13th</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Win Shares</td>
<td>1st</td>
<td>3rd</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p><em>*21st among 278 players who've logged at least 500 minutes</em></p><p>Curry remains the Warriors' most important and indispensable player, but Butler's two-way work is the reason Golden State finds itself comfortably in the Western Conference's top eight and knocking on the door of a top-six seed, which would guarantee a playoff berth.</p><p>The Warriors are riding their longest winning streak of the season (four games) and have won 12 of their last 16 after a 13-15 start. Though the team has admittedly looked <a data-in-app-uri="" href="">mediocre</a> for a good chunk of the campaign, Butler's presence raised its ceiling and gave Curry's squad genuine hope for a long playoff run. That dream now appears dead, raising questions about how Golden State should proceed leading up to the Feb. 5 trade deadline and beyond.</p><p>Given that the Warriors own all but one of their future first-round draft picks (a top-20 protected 2030 pick), they looked like a team capable of one last seismic deal to push Curry, Butler, Draymond Green, and Co. over the top again. Even a lesser move for a borderline star like Michael Porter Jr. might've been enough considering the brilliance of Curry and Butler. Would the front office even entertain such an acquisition today?</p><p>On one hand, the Warriors owe it to Curry to field the best team possible for the remainder of his career. But with Butler sidelined, the chance Golden State makes a move that would result in legitimate championship contention is slim. Although the Warriors could attach picks to Butler's contract - which will see him earn $56.8 million next year - in an effort to acquire a star on a longer or worse deal (like Anthony Davis), I wouldn't bet on it. Even with Curry's career winding down, it doesn't make sense to mortgage the future or jeopardize 2027 cap space to go from play-in team to first- or second-round exit.</p><p>The Warriors' short-term goal of pseudo-contention appears over. The contracts of Curry, Butler, and Green expire after next season. The roster could remain in limbo until then, at which point Golden State can reload around Curry or completely reset.</p><p>One fascinating ripple effect of Butler's injury could be its impact on Jonathan Kuminga's future. Given how far gone the relationship between Kuminga and the organization appears to be, this may change nothing, and the Warriors will still ship the young forward to the highest bidder at some point between now and the offseason. But if ever there was a path back into head coach Steve Kerr's rotation and potentially into the club's future plans, this is it.</p><p>Kuminga could provide a much-needed jolt of energy and replace some of Butler's work inside the arc, which no other Warrior is capable of. What a story it would be if the disgruntled player Butler took <a href="https://x.com/DannyEmerman/status/2007700741360890166">under his wing</a> helped save the Butler-less Warriors' season.</p><p>That seems like wishful thinking. For everyone who believes it's time for the Warriors to find out exactly what Kuminga is, you can probably find someone in Golden State's front office convinced they already know who he is and who he isn't. A demoralizing injury elsewhere won't change that.</p><p>It's changed everything else for the Warriors, though. And it likely shut the door on contention once and for all.</p><p><em><a href="https://x.com/JosephCasciaro">Joseph Casciaro</a> is theScore's lead NBA reporter.</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34195581/related

Butler's injury changes everything for the Warriors

<p><em>Welcome to From The Logo, a collection of opinions, analysis, and locker room insights from theScore's lead NBA reporter, Joseph Casciaro.</em></p><h3>Giannis vs. Milwaukee</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817558/cropped_GettyImages-2256238204.jpg?ts=1768515945" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817558/w220xh124_GettyImages-2256238204.jpg?ts=1768515945 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817558/w320xh180_GettyImages-2256238204.jpg?ts=1768515945 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817558/w640xh360_GettyImages-2256238204.jpg?ts=1768515945 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817558/w768xh432_GettyImages-2256238204.jpg?ts=1768515945 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817558/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2256238204.jpg?ts=1768515945 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Patrick McDermott / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Giannis Antetokounmpo has gone out of his way to proclaim his loyalty to the Milwaukee Bucks, making <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3449692" href="https://thescore.com/news/3449692">clear</a> that he's not the type of superstar who'll force his way out of town. But actions speak louder than words, and it's starting to feel like the beginning of a potentially contentious final chapter of the partnership.</p><p>Antetokounmpo, who has made a habit of returning boos while competing on the road, raised eyebrows Tuesday when he booed his <em>home</em> fans in response during a humiliating loss. Those paying customers had every right to voice their displeasure, as the Bucks lost by 33 points (in a game they were favored) to the Anthony Edwards-less, Rudy Gobert-less Timberwolves.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Performances like that are why the Bucks sit outside the Eastern Conference's postseason picture halfway through the season. At 17-24, Milwaukee trails 10th-place Atlanta by two games for the final play-in spot. Between an uninspiring roster and injuries limiting Antetokounmpo to 27 games, no one expected the Bucks to contend for a title. But playing at a 34-win pace is unacceptable, and The Greek Freak knows it.</p><p>A couple years ago, Antetokounmpo had a very different - and more reasonable - reaction when the Bucks earned boos in their home arena. Here's how his tune has changed since then.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817782/Giannis-Quote-Image_00000.jpg?ts=1768574396" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817782/Giannis-Quote-Image_00000.jpg?ts=1768574396 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817782/Giannis-Quote-Image_00000.jpg?ts=1768574396 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817782/Giannis-Quote-Image_00000.jpg?ts=1768574396 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817782/Giannis-Quote-Image_00000.jpg?ts=1768574396 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817782/Giannis-Quote-Image_00000.jpg?ts=1768574396 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><p>Antetokounmpo knows damn well that the boos were fair. He's also smart enough to know the jeers weren't directed at him but rather his lackluster team as a whole. No one is buying that Bucks fans are against him. Perhaps that's just the story Antetokounmpo has to concoct to ensure that when this relationship comes to an end - and if he goes back on his word - he looks like the victim instead of the bad guy.</p><h3>Avdija's Blazers deserve praise</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817779/cropped_GettyImages-2252899597.jpg?ts=1768574120" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817779/w220xh124_GettyImages-2252899597.jpg?ts=1768574120 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817779/w320xh180_GettyImages-2252899597.jpg?ts=1768574120 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817779/w640xh360_GettyImages-2252899597.jpg?ts=1768574120 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817779/w768xh432_GettyImages-2252899597.jpg?ts=1768574120 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817779/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2252899597.jpg?ts=1768574120 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Rocky Widner / NBA / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>This blurb is for app user uofoduckfan, who wanted someone to acknowledge the surprising Trail Blazers, as Portland sits ninth in the West at 20-22.</p><p>Part of the reason that the Blazers find themselves in playoff contention is that the West's bottom half has completely fallen out, but they still deserve praise for how scrappy they've been. The young squad has absorbed a number of body blows over the first half of the season and lived to tell about it.</p><p>In October, head coach Chauncey Billups was arrested as part of a federal probe into rigged poker games, gambling, and the mafia, with Tiago Splitter taking over on an interim basis (and on short notice). The Blazers have lost the most man-games and the third-most value to injury, according to <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/nba/injured/_/year/2025/view/team">Spotrac</a>. They've played one of the league's toughest first-half schedules, with Portland's strength of schedule ranging from <a href="https://www.teamrankings.com/nba/ranking/schedule-strength-by-other">first</a> <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/stats/rpi/_/sort/SOS">to</a> <a href="https://craftednba.com/strength-of-schedule">third</a>, depending on the metric used. Finally, seven of the team's eight most frequently used players are 25 or younger.</p><p>That all should've been a recipe for disaster - or at least for tanking. Instead, the Blazers look intent to play for their postseason lives. The defensive work of franchise center Donovan Clingan and starter Toumani Camara has been commendable, while the continued maturation of Shaedon Sharpe, who's quietly averaging 21.5 points per game, has been encouraging. Jerami Grant has been a steady veteran presence, and Jrue Holiday recently returned to the lineup after a lengthy absence due to a calf strain. However, the biggest reason Portland is still playing for something this year is Deni Avdija.</p><p>The front-runner for Most Improved Player, Avdija has taken his game to another level. The 25-year-old is averaging roughly 26 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists on 61% true shooting, continuing a trend that has seen him accomplish the rare feat of increasing his usage rate and efficiency in almost every season of his six-year career. Rival teams and fans may hate watching it, but Avdija's ability to draw fouls - whether it be by tricking his opponents or the officials - is an elite skill that's driving an All-Star-caliber season.</p><p>Of course, Avdija is much more than just a foul-baiter. He's a crafty, still-developing <a href="https://x.com/tomhaberstroh/status/2009122732668276796">offensive star</a> who can create for himself and others, leveraging the defensive attention he now commands. His playmaking vision is rapidly expanding (though his turnovers are a concern), his defensive floor remains solid, and he's on pace to play in at least 72 games for the fifth consecutive year.</p><p>The Trail Blazers have quite clearly stumbled upon a foundational star, and they'll eventually need to pay up to keep him. Clearing the veteran salaries of Grant and Holiday would aid Portland's ability to renegotiate and extend Avdija when the time comes (part of the reason I didn't love the Holiday acquisition), but it's a good problem to have. For now, Avdija is a rising star on the league's biggest bargain contract, owed just $25 million over the final two years of his declining deal. For context, the likely All-Star will earn 7.9% and 6.8% of the salary cap in 2026-27 and 2027-28, respectively.</p><p>You know who could desperately use such a star? The perpetually rebuilding Wizards, who traded Avdija (and his extremely valuable contract) for Malcolm Brogdon, Bub Carrington, two second-round picks, and the second-most favorable 2029 first-rounder via Portland, Boston, or Milwaukee. There's a reason teams like Washington remain bad.</p><h3>Inside the locker room</h3><p><em>What I'm hearing from players and people around the Association.</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817448/cropped_GettyImages-2255474512.jpg?ts=1768516375" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817448/w220xh124_GettyImages-2255474512.jpg?ts=1768516375 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817448/w320xh180_GettyImages-2255474512.jpg?ts=1768516375 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817448/w640xh360_GettyImages-2255474512.jpg?ts=1768516375 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817448/w768xh432_GettyImages-2255474512.jpg?ts=1768516375 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817448/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2255474512.jpg?ts=1768516375 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Cole Burston / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Coach Kyle Lowry?</strong></p><p>Kyle Lowry returned to Toronto this week for what was likely the last time in his professional career. The future Hall of Famer received a hero's welcome - and send-off - north of the border. It was a touching moment for Lowry and a memorable one for his 76ers teammates, who value the wisdom he shares.</p><p>"Dating back to 2016 when we played (together) in the Olympics, he's always had that mentor, coach, older brother type of relationship with me," nine-time All-Star Paul George told theScore. "When you think of all the young guys we have on this team, he's just been a super valuable piece for us. He's an extension of the coaches. He's done a lot in this league, and he's got a lot to give to the next generation. It's special when you have someone with no agenda, whose only job here and only mentality and goal is to keep the young guys prepared and keep the locker room easy and locked in. He's thriving in this veteran leadership role."</p><p>George likened Lowry's role with the Sixers to the one former Heat big man Udonis Haslem held in Miami during a string of one-year deals despite his minimal on-court impact. "Those guys are the heart and soul of teams," George said. "A guy who just accepts his role, and his role is to be the fifth or sixth coach, but he's hands on with the guys. That's Kyle. Whether it's (about) coverages, whatever it is, he's talking just as much from the bench as the coaches are. It's refreshing to have someone on your side like that."</p><p>Rookie of the Year candidate VJ Edgecombe is trying to take advantage of the opportunity provided by Lowry's presence. "His IQ for the game is so high. I just try to pick his brain all the time and ask him questions," Edgecombe said. "I don't know what he's doing after this season, but he's been great for me, teaching me all the little things: how to take care of my body, little things he sees on the court. Nothing fazes him. He's been in bigger games than we've been playing. I was home watching him when (the Raptors) won the championship." (Edgecombe was 13 at the time.)</p><p>During his prime, Lowry was one of the league's smartest and most intense players but now sounds like a man at peace with his basketball mortality.</p><p>"As a competitive guy, of course you still want to play, but you understand the situation and your role," the 39-year-old told me. "We really do have great young individual players. We've got some really great guys in our locker room. My job is to pay it forward and give them all the information I have, that I received when I was young, and teach them things that I learned. I can talk to them about things I see that can make them better."</p><p>The natural question, then, is whether Lowry can see himself coaching upon his retirement. "Nope," Lowry shot back. "Simple answer for that one." When pressed for an explanation, the player who arrived in Toronto in 2012 labeled as a difficult youngster with a bad attitude was clear: "Because I know I'll probably run into somebody like me," Lowry laughed.</p><p>"I know I'm not easy to coach. I tip my hat to these coaches. They work hard, and I know the time they put in, and I just know you don't want to run into a guy like myself. It would be fun to do it, but when it's time to go home, at that point, I'm not coaching. I want to hang out with my kids and coach my kids."</p><p><strong>Different sport, different perspective</strong>: A day after the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles were eliminated from the NFL playoffs, 76ers players and staffers were discussing their gridiron counterparts like sports-talk radio hosts. The consensus was that heads need to roll, jobs should be terminated, and trades have to be made following the Eagles' loss to the San Francisco 49ers. As I've noted before, pro athletes seem perfectly fine with hot takes and a rush to judgement when it doesn't concern them or their own sport.</p><h3>Player of the week</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817720/cropped_GettyImages-2255750178.jpg?ts=1768516710" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817720/w220xh124_GettyImages-2255750178.jpg?ts=1768516710 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817720/w320xh180_GettyImages-2255750178.jpg?ts=1768516710 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817720/w640xh360_GettyImages-2255750178.jpg?ts=1768516710 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817720/w768xh432_GettyImages-2255750178.jpg?ts=1768516710 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/817720/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2255750178.jpg?ts=1768516710 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Glenn James / NBA / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Jamal Murray:</strong> 34.0 PPG, 69.2% TS, 7.0 APG, 2.0 RPG, 2.0 STL + BLK, 2-0 record</p><p>I considered Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Trey Murphy III, and last week's winner, Kawhi Leonard, for this award, which takes into account games played since last Friday, but Murray deserves it. The Canadian guard was already enjoying a career year in Nikola Jokic's shadow but has leveled up with the three-time MVP sidelined. I expected the depleted Nuggets to struggle. Instead, Denver has gone a shocking 6-3 since losing Jokic, with road wins over the Celtics, 76ers, and Raptors. Murray averaged roughly 29 points and 10 assists in the six contests he suited up for, all but cementing his first All-Star selection.</p><h3>We want to hear from you!</h3><p>Perhaps you want my opinion or insight on a burning NBA question you've had. Or, let me know if there's something specific you'd like me to ask your favorite player the next time they're in Toronto, where I speak with people from around the league before and after they face the Raptors.</p><p>Whatever it is, you can submit your questions three ways.</p><ul>
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Giannis vs. Milwaukee, Blazers earn their flowers, Coach Lowry?

A week after four-time All-Star Trae Young was unsurprisingly traded for pennies on the dollar, t...

<p>A week after four-time All-Star Trae Young was <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3447482" href="https://thescore.com/news/3447482">unsurprisingly</a> <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3449302" href="https://thescore.com/news/3449302">traded</a> for pennies on the dollar, two-time All-Star Ja Morant finds himself on the precipice of a similar transaction.</p><p>Like Young, Morant is a diminished asset whose game has been picked apart ad nauseam. At 26 years old, the Grizzlies guard still comes with upside, but his floor is even lower than Young's.</p><p>Morant appeared destined for greatness early in his career, when his entertaining blend of explosiveness and audacity propelled Memphis to relevance. Morant's ability to consistently make the Grizzlies better than the sum of their parts was impressive, while his style of play and bravado made him a natural candidate to represent brands and to be marketed as a future face of the league.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Then a string of off-court issues, injuries, and individual stagnancy derailed things. A coaching change, a couple of offensive overhauls, and a Desmond Bane trade later, the Grizzlies no longer appear married to a Morant-led future. Memphis has the flexibility, young talent, and draft capital to go a number of different ways. The franchise can retool around former Defensive Player of the Year Jaren Jackson Jr., or it can move both Jackson's mammoth contract and Morant's in an attempt to completely reset.</p><p>Morant doesn't fit either plan, but how many teams, if any, are willing to part with valuable assets to pry him out of Memphis? It should be a short list.</p><p>As a <a href="https://x.com/kirkgoldsberry/status/2009686838668111909">non-shooting</a> point guard who rarely defends, Morant's value is entirely dependent on his ability to get to the rim. However, his rim frequency has declined for a fourth straight season and he's finished there at a 45th-percentile rate among point guards, according to Cleaning The Glass.</p><p>Morant is still a fine playmaker who can get into the paint, and there are bursts where he looks like his old self. There are NBA decision-makers out there somewhere who believe Morant can be revitalized by a simple change of scenery. But this isn't a random, short-term issue. The numbers have been trending down for years:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Morant</th>
<th>Drives/game</th>
<th>Drives/touch</th>
<th>Drives Pts%</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>2021-22</td>
<td>20.9</td>
<td>0.27</td>
<td>70.8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2022-23</td>
<td>20.3</td>
<td>0.26</td>
<td>70.8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2023-24</td>
<td>21.2</td>
<td>0.27</td>
<td>66.0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2024-25</td>
<td>16.6</td>
<td>0.25</td>
<td>63.7</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2025-26</td>
<td>15.4</td>
<td>0.22</td>
<td>62.1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>Those hoping for a Morant resurgence are waiting on the return of a player Ja simply hasn't been in three or four years (and not coincidentally, he hasn't made an All-NBA team since 2021-22).</p><p>Morant is a year younger than Young, much more athletic, and comes with more team control. But he's almost as bad defensively, his shooting is such a liability that opponents feel comfortable guarding him with <a href="https://x.com/GrizzliesFilm/status/2009096934020247993">centers</a>, and he comes with off-court baggage Young's suitors didn't have to worry about. He's also missed 47% of Memphis' games over the last five seasons and hasn't appeared in more than six consecutive games since the 2022-23 campaign.</p><p>It's tough to recall an equivalent star's value ever being so low. Morant is a 26-year-old two-time All-Star under team control for another two-and-a-half years at approximately 25% of the annual salary cap. Players fitting those descriptors would usually command a haul on the trade market. In Morant's case, the Grizzlies might have to take on a bad contract just to convince a rival team to take a flier on him.</p><p>Even that might not get a suitor to commit.</p><p>Take the Raptors, for example. Toronto might relish the opportunity to get off of Immanuel Quickley's contract - it runs one year longer than Morant's, whose ceiling is unquestionably higher. But Quickley's deal is significantly cheaper per year (by $7 million-$12 million). In addition, the Scottie Barnes-led Raptors need the type of pull-up and movement shooting Quickley provides (and Morant cannot), and betting on Morant's ceiling is an unnecessary risk given the money still owed to him. Flipping one bad contract for another one tied to a more volatile player doesn't make sense.</p><p>The Heat have often been linked to Morant, but does Pat Riley's team and everything Heat Culture stands for seem like a good fit for a player who doesn't respond well to being held accountable?</p><p>Two teams that might be more realistic options are Brooklyn and Sacramento. The Nets are expected to go star-hunting eventually. They own one of the league's most enviable collections of draft capital and still would even if they included a first-rounder in a package for Morant. The Nets could also make an in-season play for Morant and remain bad enough to land a top prospect in the loaded 2026 draft. Ditto for the Kings, who deserve mention simply because Vivek Ranadive's franchise is prone to this kind of shortsighted transaction.</p><p>In any event, if you thought Young's market was almost nonexistent, you ain't seen nothing yet. Whoever acquires Morant will be making a much riskier bet than the wager the Wizards made on Young.</p><p><em><a href="https://x.com/JosephCasciaro">Joseph Casciaro</a> is theScore's lead NBA reporter.</em></p>

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Morant is the latest star available for cheap. Is he even worth it?

<p><em>Welcome to From The Logo, a collection of opinions, analysis, and locker room insights from theScore's lead NBA reporter, Joseph Casciaro.</em></p><h3>What's wrong with the Thunder?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816856/cropped_GettyImages-2253226373.jpg?ts=1767925133" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816856/w220xh124_GettyImages-2253226373.jpg?ts=1767925133 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816856/w320xh180_GettyImages-2253226373.jpg?ts=1767925133 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816856/w640xh360_GettyImages-2253226373.jpg?ts=1767925133 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816856/w768xh432_GettyImages-2253226373.jpg?ts=1767925133 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816856/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2253226373.jpg?ts=1767925133 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Joshua Gateley / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The Oklahoma City Thunder's record-setting start has given way to a mediocre stretch of basketball that has some wondering whether the defending champions have lost their edge or their mojo. The Thunder have gone 7-6 over their last 13 games. Their most recent victory was an overtime win over Utah in a game OKC was favored to win by 19.5 points. That nail-biter came 48 hours after a humiliating home loss to Charlotte that the Thunder entered as 15.5-point favorites.</p><p>How can a team that looked like the most dominant squad ever through a third of the season suddenly appear so pedestrian?</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Thunder</th>
<th>First 25 games</th>
<th>Last 13</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Record</td>
<td>24-1</td>
<td>7-6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ORtg</td>
<td>120.5 (5th)</td>
<td> 113.3 (18th)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DRtg</td>
<td>103.3 (1st)</td>
<td>108.4 (4th)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Net</td>
<td>+17.2 (1st)</td>
<td>+4.9 (6th)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>I wouldn't sweat it. OKC's recent struggles can mostly be attributed to a lagging offense being weighed down by wretched shooting. As many coaches are keen to remind us, it's a make-or-miss league, and the Thunder are simply working through a shooting slump.</p><p>The Thunder shot 38.1% from deep as a team through the first 25 games of the season, a fifth-ranked mark that was more or less in line with their 2024-25 success rate (37.4%). However, that's plummeted to 31.8% since Dec. 13, with 27th-ranked OKC getting outscored by 10.2 points from behind the arc during this 13-game stretch. In those aforementioned stinkers versus Charlotte and Utah, the Thunder combined to shoot 18-of-77 (23.4%) from long range.</p><p>Dig into their offensive process and you'll find that not much else has changed. Their 2-point efficiency has barely dipped (from 58.7% to 56.6%), their league-best turnover rate has actually shrunk, and their poor offensive rebounding numbers have slightly improved. As a whole, the expected efficiency of Oklahoma City's shot profile during this 7-6 stretch (54.4% eFG) is virtually identical to its location-based effective field goal percentage during its 24-1 start (54.7%), according to <a href="https://cleaningtheglass.com/stats/league/shots?season=2025&amp;seasontype=regseason&amp;start=12/13/2025&amp;end=01/9/2026#tab-offense_shooting_frequency">Cleaning The Glass</a>.</p><p>I've seen some questions about whether Jalen Williams' return might have negatively affected a well-oiled machine, but that doesn't seem to be the case, even if J-Dub has yet to find his groove. I'm sure there are some residual effects, but Williams is one of many players struggling with his shot right now. The numbers and percentages will stabilize soon enough for the 2025 All-Star and All-NBAer - he's simply too good a player and shooter.</p><p>On the whole, the Thunder are still playing at a 67-win pace while boasting the best point differential of all time and a dominant defense. The gap between OKC's top-ranked D and second-ranked Detroit (5.0 points per 100 possessions) is bigger than the gap between the Pistons and 16th-ranked Hawks (4.9).</p><p>The Thunder haven't been their sharpest, and that 27-point loss to the Hornets was especially jarring, but five of their last six losses came against winning West teams, and three of those defeats were to one opponent: Victor Wembanyama's Spurs. Perhaps San Antonio is a playoff matchup OKC should hope to avoid, but in the grand scheme of things, this stretch can likely be chalked up as, "It happens."</p><p>In short, nothing's wrong with the Thunder. I know that's not the answer fans outside of Oklahoma City want to hear, but I'd bank on the defending champs getting back to their dominant ways sooner than later.</p><h3>The Hawks are Jalen Johnson's team ... for now</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816850/cropped_GettyImages-2254543709.jpg?ts=1767923910" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816850/w220xh124_GettyImages-2254543709.jpg?ts=1767923910 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816850/w320xh180_GettyImages-2254543709.jpg?ts=1767923910 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816850/w640xh360_GettyImages-2254543709.jpg?ts=1767923910 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816850/w768xh432_GettyImages-2254543709.jpg?ts=1767923910 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816850/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2254543709.jpg?ts=1767923910 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Adam Hagy / NBA / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3449302" href="https://thescore.com/news/3449302">Trae Young trade</a> officially turned the Hawks over to Jalen Johnson, but Atlanta had already become the rising star's team.</p><p>Johnson is a terrific young player whose only knock entering the season was that he couldn't stay healthy. Well, he's appeared in 35 of 39 games, averaging 23.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 8.3 assists on 61% true shooting. The 24-year-old's team-friendly contract - he'll earn 16%-18% of the annual salary cap through 2030 - gives the Hawks a tremendous roster-building advantage.</p><p>However, the spotlight is squarely on Johnson as a franchise player now, meaning blind adoration will soon give way to more critical evaluation. And more eyes will be on Johnson's defense, which has quietly been abysmal all season - it just got lost in the haze of Young's murky future and the point guard's even worse defense.</p><p>Johnson was never exactly a defensive star, but earlier in his career, he was solid enough and always put forth an honest effort. It's one thing for a young player's effort and focus at that end of the floor to wane as he takes on a greater offensive burden, which Johnson clearly has. But his defensive impact hasn't just slipped from average to slightly below that - it's become virtually nonexistent. At least Johnson's head coach believes he's making strides.</p><p>"When we're asking about his game and the things he needs to improve on, usually we're talking about offense," Quin Snyder told theScore before a recent Hawks loss in Toronto. "But defensively, you look at how he defensive rebounds and his ability to guard in space with his athleticism. I think continuing to be alert when he's in help-side situations and to make plays off the ball are things good defensive teams spend time working on.</p><p>"It's not just, you say you're going to do it and then you do it. It takes focus and concentration, and the will to do it has to be there. I think that's continuing to develop for (Johnson). He's becoming more and more aware of those situations."</p><p>I wouldn't go so far as to say Johnson's defense is a critical concern, but it's something to monitor. Remember, the Hawks own the more favorable of New Orleans' or Milwaukee's first-round picks and could add another franchise-level star via the 2026 draft. Johnson's contract means he doesn't necessarily have to be <em>the </em>guy as Atlanta moves forward, but if he wants to be, this level of defense won't cut it.</p><h3>Is Dillon Brooks a short-term solution?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814036/cropped_GettyImages-2251938929.jpg?ts=1767925219" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814036/w220xh124_GettyImages-2251938929.jpg?ts=1767925219 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814036/w320xh180_GettyImages-2251938929.jpg?ts=1767925219 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814036/w640xh360_GettyImages-2251938929.jpg?ts=1767925219 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814036/w768xh432_GettyImages-2251938929.jpg?ts=1767925219 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/814036/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2251938929.jpg?ts=1767925219 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mike Christy / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>App user ks48973 wanted to read about Dillon Brooks, whose two-way play has helped the feisty Suns scrap their way to a stunning 22-15 record.</p><p>I've always been torn when it comes to the Canadian swingman's game. On one hand, there's a reason his teams win and almost always improve when he arrives. Brooks brings a toughness, swagger, no-nonsense approach, and defensive identity that is contagious. He deserves credit for that, and his teammates usually <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/suns/comments/1q2p319/sga_on_being_teammates_with_dillon_brooks/">rave</a> about him. Brooks is also averaging a career-high 21.2 points per game, buoyed largely by an uptick in his midrange efficiency.</p><p>However, his <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3430367" href="https://thescore.com/news/3430367">shtick</a> can get old after a while, even if it is entertaining to watch without a dog in the fight. His pest-like approach against opponents - which can lead to ill-timed fouls and technicals that <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3428273" href="https://thescore.com/news/3428273">cost</a> his team - is one thing, but Brooks' offensive decision-making and shot-selection are far more concerning. Under no circumstances should Brooks be shooting almost as often as Devin Booker or sabotaging crunch-time possessions with heat-check jumpers.</p><p>Everything's fine and dandy when Brooks is boosting an overachieving team, but he needs to refine his game on some level if he wants to eventually contribute for a contender. I wonder if he's the player equivalent of the stereotypical hard-ass coach (in any sport) who gets immediate results but whose shelf life often expires before his team gets over the hump.</p><h3>Player of the Week</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816448/cropped_GettyImages-2254256976.jpg?ts=1767925280" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816448/w220xh124_GettyImages-2254256976.jpg?ts=1767925280 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816448/w320xh180_GettyImages-2254256976.jpg?ts=1767925280 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816448/w640xh360_GettyImages-2254256976.jpg?ts=1767925280 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816448/w768xh432_GettyImages-2254256976.jpg?ts=1767925280 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816448/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2254256976.jpg?ts=1767925280 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Adam Pantozzi / NBA / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Kawhi Leonard</strong>: 33.1 PPG, 63.6% TS, 7.0 RPG, 4.0 APG, 4.3 STL + BLK, 5-2 record</p><p>The holiday break gave us a two-week sample, and no one was better during that time than Leonard, who turned back the clock to breathe life into the moribund Clippers.</p><p>Leonard's been unstoppable on offense, where he's once again ruthlessly efficient in getting to his spots and finishing. This seven-game stretch included a 55-point performance on 65% shooting and a 45-point outing on 55% shooting, and he recorded between three and eight stocks (steals plus blocks) in each contest.</p><p>Recent history suggests the next obstacle, ailment, or scandal is just around the corner, but it's worth noting that Leonard has suited up for 20 straight games, including two sets of back-to-backs.</p><h3>We want to hear from you!</h3><p>Perhaps you want my opinion or insight on a burning NBA question you've had. Or, let me know if there's something specific you'd like me to ask your favorite player the next time they're in Toronto, where I speak with people from around the league before and after they face the Raptors.</p><p>Whatever it is, you can submit your questions three ways.</p><ul>
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Thunder struggling, Jalen Johnson needs to play D, Brooks keeps winning

Trae Young's eight-year run in Atlanta came to an end Wednesday night with a trade to the divisio...

<p><a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///nba/players/60633" href="https://thescore.com/nba/players/60633">Trae Young</a>'s eight-year run in Atlanta came to an end Wednesday night with a trade to the division-rival Wizards, but don't be fooled by reports that Washington was Young's preferred destination.</p><p>For a variety of reasons we've <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3447482" href="https://thescore.com/news/3447482">already covered</a>, it's more likely that the Wizards were one of Young's only serious suitors. Hence why a 27-year-old four-time All-Star was traded for CJ McCollum's expiring salary and Corey Kispert, with no draft picks headed Atlanta's way.</p><p>That doesn't mean Young can't find success in D.C. or elevate a rebuilding Wizards club that hasn't sniffed relevance in a decade. Young remains an incredibly gifted playmaker who puts pressure on opposing defenses. The NBA's reigning assists champion will create the best looks Washington's young players have ever had. Alex Sarr, Tre Johnson, Kyshawn George, and Bilal Coulibaly should be celebrating this acquisition, for now.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>At his best, Young is an unquestionable offensive star. Though knee and quad injuries have sapped his production this season (and limited him to just 10 games), Young averaged 26.5 points and 10.2 assists over the previous six years. However, he's spent his entire career challenging for the title of the NBA's worst defensive player. Young's an undersized guard who isn't athletic enough or laterally quick enough to make up for it, and his effort on that end of the floor is inconsistent, at best.</p><p>There are also warts to be found in the more dominant part of his game. Young can get into the paint at will and he has improved as an off-ball player, but he's still an extremely ball-dominant star who doesn't score efficiently enough to justify it. When his jumper is falling from as far as the logo and he's throwing darts to teammates, there aren't many players more entertaining to watch. And the mere threat of Young's jumper will keep opponents honest. But he's a career 35% 3-point shooter who's only shot 50% or better inside the arc three out of eight seasons.</p><p>As a prospect at Oklahoma and early in his pro career, Young's range and style of play drew comparisons to Steph Curry. In reality, he's more like a poor man's James Harden. The Beard drove winning at an elite level in his MVP prime, but consider all the criticisms of Harden's game, then imagine if he was smaller, weaker, even worse defensively, and nowhere near as efficient.</p><p>Curry sports a career true shooting percentage of 62.6. Harden's combination of shooting and foul-drawing has helped him post a 60-plus true shooting percentage in 12 of his 17 seasons. Young has done it once in eight years and has actually scored on below-average efficiency in half of his seasons, according to Basketball Reference's adjusted shooting metric.</p><p>Simply put, Young's offensive play hasn't been as flawless as it needs to be to overcome his devastating defensive issues. That's why the Hawks have been the poster boys for mediocrity with or without him since Young led Atlanta to the 2021 Eastern Conference finals.</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Hawks</th>
<th>With Trae</th>
<th>Without Trae</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>2021-2025</td>
<td>.487 (+0.5 per 100 poss.)</td>
<td>.490 (-1.7)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2025-26</td>
<td>2-8 (-6.8)</td>
<td>16-13 (-0.4)</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Hawks will now turn the franchise over to 24-year-old forward Jalen Johnson, who has emerged as a rising star on a bargain contract (15%-19% of the cap) that runs through 2030. Atlanta also has two-way guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker, defensive menace Dyson Daniels, rookie Asa Newell, the sweet-shooting Kispert (under team control through 2029), and 2024 No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher, among other youngsters. Most importantly, the Hawks could be on the verge of acquiring a franchise cornerstone via the draft, as Atlanta will receive the more favorable of New Orleans' or Milwaukee's first-round pick this year.</p><p>All of that helps explain why the Hawks never offered Young an extension last summer, and why the team was so content to sell low on its former franchise star. You can't build a sustainable contender in the age of aprons if a flawed one-way star like Young is taking up 30% of your cap space. The Hawks know it, just as almost every team around the league does.</p><p>That reality will make extension talks between Young and the Wizards fascinating, with the 2022 All-NBAer armed with a roughly $49-million player option for next season.</p><p>For now, Young can help Washington's youngsters on the offensive end while being insulated somewhat by sophomore big man Sarr, whose defensive upside is tantalizing. It's also unlikely Young will boost the Wizards' short-term fortunes enough to derail their best laid tanking plans. The 10-26 Wizards, whose 2026 first-rounder is top-eight protected, are already 6.5 games out of a play-in spot and own the league's fourth-worst record.</p><p>The Wizards could slow-play Young's return from a quad injury and start planning for next season, when Young, Sarr, and the rest of Washington's youngsters could get a jolt from a blue-chip prospect and smart use of their whopping cap space.</p><p>There are parallels to Toronto's 2025 acquisition of Brandon Ingram, a former All-Star with some warts in his game who was available for cheap. Like Young, Ingram was injured (ankle) when the Raptors acquired him, and he was held out for the remainder of the campaign while the team prioritized lottery odds. The difference is that Ingram and the Raptors reached an extension agreement within days, whereas Young and the Wizards reportedly aren't expected to have immediate extension talks.</p><p>If Washington can get Young to settle for something in the range of Ingram's three-year, $120-million extension (worth roughly 24% of the cap), this deal will prove to be a home run. I wouldn't bet on Young agreeing to such terms any time soon, but it's also possible the Wizards rehabilitate Young's image and flip him for surplus value over the next year and a half.</p><p>In any event, it's a completely justifiable low-risk, high-reward bet for the rebuilding Wizards, who haven't won 50 games or advanced to the conference finals since 1979. What does it say about Young, though, that it's arguably even more sensible Atlanta let him go for pennies on the dollar?</p><p><em><a href="https://x.com/JosephCasciaro">Joseph Casciaro</a> is theScore's lead NBA reporter.</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34031829/related

Trae might be damaged goods, but he's a worthwhile bet for Wizards

Trae Young has already spent years on the theoretical trade market, but this time it really feels...

<p>Trae Young has already spent years on the theoretical trade market, but this time it really feels like his Hawks tenure is nearing its end.</p><p>Young's representatives are <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3447818" href="https://thescore.com/news/3447818">reportedly</a> working with the Hawks to find a deal, which signals to me that Atlanta has accepted it'll have to sell low on the four-time All-Star rather than lose him for nothing in free agency.</p><p>The Hawks have seemingly determined that there's no longer room for Young in their long-term plans, and they're self-aware enough to realize there won't be a bidding war for the mercurial guard's services.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>That may sound inconceivable given Young is a 27-year-old All-Star and the NBA's reigning assists champion, but it's actually quite sensible. There's more to the story than Young's gaudy numbers, with too many complicating factors working against him.</p><p>First and foremost, Young has consistently been one of the league's worst defensive players since being drafted fifth overall in 2018. While his small (6-foot-2, 164-pound) frame is limiting enough, Young also lacks the strength, athleticism, and lateral quickness needed to mitigate those size concerns. And his effort on the defensive end has been inconsistent, at best.</p><p>Opponents can construct entire game plans around targeting Young, which torpedoes the Hawks' team defense and significantly shrinks Atlanta's margin for error. That helps explain why the Hawks are 2-8 with Young in the lineup but 15-13 when he sits - something he's done quite often this season due to knee and quad injuries. Young also hasn't made an All-NBA team since 2022, and for as gifted an offensive player as he is, his shooting efficiency is below average for a second straight year.</p><p>Those numbers aren't entirely fair to a hobbled Young, who can still collapse and carve up opposing defenses. At his best, he's elevated the Hawks to improbable heights, most memorably leading Atlanta to the 2021 Eastern Conference finals in just his third season as a pro. However, the Hawks have averaged 40 wins in the four seasons since then despite repeated efforts to shore up the defensive infrastructure around Young.</p><p>The star guard has averaged roughly 26 points and 11 assists during that time. The result: Atlanta has four straight play-in appearances and zero playoff series wins to show for it, with the team winning Young's minutes by 0.5 points per 100 possessions. Mediocrity has defined the partnership.</p><p>In the meantime, the Hawks have assembled a young core featuring Jalen Johnson, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Dyson Daniels, rookie Asa Newell, and embattled 2024 No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher. There's also an incoming first-round draft pick via New Orleans or Milwaukee that could see Atlanta land a top pick in a star-studded 2026 class.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816531/cropped_GettyImages-2250990633.jpg?ts=1767732956" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816531/w220xh124_GettyImages-2250990633.jpg?ts=1767732956 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816531/w320xh180_GettyImages-2250990633.jpg?ts=1767732956 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816531/w640xh360_GettyImages-2250990633.jpg?ts=1767732956 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816531/w768xh432_GettyImages-2250990633.jpg?ts=1767732956 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/816531/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2250990633.jpg?ts=1767732956 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brian Sevald / National Basketball Association / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>You can understand why the Hawks weren't in a rush to extend Young last summer, and why rival teams won't be lining up to overpay Young in free agency. The punitive luxury-tax aprons have changed the calculus for roster construction. It used to be that even flawed stars like Young were obvious candidates for max contracts and/or max extensions when eligible. Now, teams are showing more restraint, knowing full well they can't afford to pay secondary or tertiary stars top-tier money.</p><p>Can you build a perennial contender in the age of aprons if Young is earning 30% of the annual cap? Never say never, but barring the emergence of another Victor Wembanyama-like defensive difference-maker somewhere to protect Young, the chances are slim. That's why I thought San Antonio was Young's best chance to both win and get paid until the Spurs traded for and extended De'Aaron Fox instead.</p><p>Young's future - and his appeal on the trade market - is also clouded by his murky contract status. If he wants to test the market as soon as this summer, prospective trade partners could find themselves bidding for a flawed star who might only be a three-month rental. Young could also pick up his roughly $49-million player option for next season, delaying free agency until 2027.</p><p>Even at a reduced price, Young doesn't make sense as an in-season trade target for contenders. He could fit Milwaukee's desperate plan to appease Giannis Antetokounmpo, but the Hawks likely want at least one first-rounder in any deal. Unless Antetokounmpo signals that a trade for Young would keep him around, the Bucks shouldn't rush to move their 2031 pick with so many questions still lingering about their own future.</p><p>Where he likely fits is in a less glamorous market that doesn't usually factor into free-agent sweepstakes, is desperate for relevance, and could use a jolt to energize its fan base. Young still has the natural talent, name recognition, and marketability to sell tickets while winning <em>some</em> games.</p><p>That's why Washington's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3446919" href="https://thescore.com/news/3446919">reported</a> interest makes so much sense. Laugh at Atlanta's Young-led mediocrity all you want, but the division-rival Wizards haven't reached 40 wins in a season in eight years, haven't won a playoff series in nine years, and haven't advanced to the conference finals since 1979.</p><p>The 10-25 Wizards would still be bad enough with Young in the lineup to compete for a top pick in the aforementioned 2026 draft, though it's worth noting that Washington only keeps its 2026 pick if it lands in the top eight. The Wizards also boast an exciting young defensive prospect in sophomore big man Alex Sarr. If they can turn salary filler and a pick into taking a flier on Young when his value is at its lowest, they should act swiftly.</p><p>It may not be the riveting scenario fans hope for when an All-Star hits the trade market, but it's the reality for Young. Good on Atlanta for realizing that.</p><p><em><a href="https://x.com/JosephCasciaro">Joseph Casciaro</a> is theScore's lead NBA reporter.</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/34020543/related

Why Trae Young's trade market will be almost nonexistent

Although Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets avoided catastrophe, a hyperextended left knee will ...

<p>Although Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets avoided catastrophe, a hyperextended left knee will keep the three-time MVP out of action for at least four weeks. It's jarring for NBA fans to consider life without the big man, who's been remarkably durable and virtually inevitable over his 11-year career.</p><p>Jokic has never missed more than 13 games in a season and has never been sidelined for more than seven consecutive contests. So let's look at the potential ripple effects and big questions that arise as the best player in the world faces his first significant absence.</p><h3>Can the Nuggets survive this?</h3><p>The arrival of Jonas Valanciunas - Denver's best backup center of the Jokic era - plus a deeper roster were supposed to help the team keep its head above water when Jokic rested this season. The Nuggets got off to a promising start in that regard, but that feels like a lifetime ago, as they're back to losing non-Jokic minutes by a wide margin. Injuries to Aaron Gordon (hamstring), Christian Braun (ankle), and Cam Johnson (knee) haven't helped, but Denver has been outscored by 6.3 points per 100 possessions with Jokic on the bench, which is equivalent to how the 26th-place Jazz perform on a nightly basis.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Jokic once again leads the league in <a href="https://cleaningtheglass.com/stats/players?stat_category=onoff_efficiency">on/off</a> differential among the 313 players who've logged at least 300 minutes, leading to some uncomfortable questions in the Mile High City. If Jokic returns exactly four weeks from Tuesday (Jan. 27), he would miss 15 games. Ten of those are on the road, though the Nuggets will face a team that currently boasts a winning record in just five of them. I'd expect Denver to be favored in about six or seven.</p><p>Four weeks is also the best-case scenario. If Jokic misses a fifth week, he'd be sidelined for games against the East-leading Pistons, league-leading Thunder, and suddenly surging Clippers.</p><p>Jamal Murray is playing some of the best basketball of his career, and he's helped Jokic pace a record-setting offense, but the Canadian guard can only do so much. Gordon and Braun should be back relatively soon, but for the time being, the Nuggets will roll out a rotation of Murray, Valanciunas, Spencer Jones, Peyton Watson, Tim Hardaway Jr., Bruce Brown, Julian Strawther, and DaRon Holmes II.</p><p>That's not scaring (or beating) anyone, especially in the West.</p><h3>Keep an eye on the West playoff race</h3><p>The Western Conference has been more forgiving than usual thanks to its bottom half completely imploding. That means Denver won't have to worry about falling out of the postseason picture, as the Nuggets are already 9.5 games ahead of the 11th-place Jazz.</p><p>But only 2.5 games separate the Spurs, Nuggets, Rockets, Lakers, and Timberwolves in the race for Nos. 2-6 behind Oklahoma City. And though the Warriors have been one of the league's most disappointing teams, Golden State has won four of its last five. If the star-studded Warriors get their act together, Denver could find itself in a dogfight just to avoid the play-in tournament.</p><p>If Jokic can return for the last couple months of the season, my money is still on Denver holding onto a top-six seed, but his absence likely means the Nuggets will find themselves in the bottom half of the conference's eight-team playoff picture. That would throw quite a wrench into what's already shaping up as a wildly entertaining West bracket.</p><h3>Jokic's MVP case, All-NBA status on life support</h3><p>The 65-game minimum for major award eligibility means Jokic's quest for a fourth MVP selection is likely over after finishing first or second in voting five years in a row (and top nine for seven straight years). Jokic would have to return in exactly four weeks and then not miss more than two games the rest of the season. If he misses four-and-a-half weeks and returns Feb. 1, he'll be ineligible.</p><p>That's a shame, as the race between Jokic and reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was shaping up to be an all-timer. The Thunder's recent slide and Jokic's continued brilliance - including a 56-point triple-double on Christmas Day - had made The Joker the betting favorite. Now he's off the board and Gilgeous-Alexander is a -500 favorite, according to theScore Bet.</p><p>If this is the end of Jokic's candidacy and Gilgeous-Alexander stays healthy, the only mystery left is whether downballot candidates like Luka Doncic, Victor Wembanyama, Cade Cunningham, or Jalen Brunson can give SGA a run for his money.</p><p>The MVP award is one thing, and I understand why the NBA wanted to incentivize star availability. But how ludicrous will it look if Jokic misses out on an All-NBA selection after averaging a 30-point triple-double, leading the league in rebounds and assists per game, and breaking every single-season record in advanced metrics while making 60-64 appearances? As I argued when the new eligibility rules were announced, the league should let the media it's entrusted to vote on such awards use its judgment rather than disqualifying players prematurely.</p><h3>All-Star ramifications</h3><p>Finally, it's worth considering how Jokic's absence will affect this year's All-Star selections.</p><p>He could return a couple weeks before the event in Los Angeles, and he should still be a safe bet to earn his eighth straight All-Star selection. But it seems unlikely that Jokic would take part in the festivities coming off a knee injury - if he's even back in the Nuggets' lineup by then. This year's format will select 24 positionless All-Stars from both conferences (12 each), but the final tally needs to include at least 16 American players and eight internationals. His injury likely boosts the stock of an international player who was on the bubble.</p><p>Murray looks poised to finally earn his first All-Star nod, especially as Denver's lone representative. Trail Blazers forward Deni Avdija must also be feeling better about his chances. And if the league already has enough international players in the mix, Jokic's absence could open up a spot for another Western Conference American like Austin Reaves, Chet Holmgren, Julius Randle, or one of the Clippers' veteran stars (Kawhi Leonard or James Harden).</p><p><em><a href="https://x.com/JosephCasciaro">Joseph Casciaro</a> is theScore's lead NBA reporter.</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33919112/related

Jokic out: What it means for the Nuggets, the West, and awards

<p><em>Welcome to From The Logo, a collection of opinions, analysis, and locker room insights from theScore's lead NBA reporter, Joseph Casciaro.</em></p><h3>The Celtics never say die</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807775/cropped_GettyImages-2244065350.jpg?ts=1766513784" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807775/w220xh124_GettyImages-2244065350.jpg?ts=1766513784 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807775/w320xh180_GettyImages-2244065350.jpg?ts=1766513784 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807775/w640xh360_GettyImages-2244065350.jpg?ts=1766513784 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807775/w768xh432_GettyImages-2244065350.jpg?ts=1766513784 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/807775/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2244065350.jpg?ts=1766513784 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brian Fluharty / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Everyone who expected a gap year in Boston has egg on their face a third of the way through the season.</p><p>The same Celtics team whom many of us assumed would tank in the wake of Jayson Tatum's Achilles injury - plus the departures of Jrue Holiday, Kristaps Porzingis, and Al Horford - finds itself in third place in the Eastern Conference with a top-six overall point differential.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Boston enters most games at a size disadvantage, but head coach Joe Mazzulla and the remnants of the 2024 championship team have found an identity that works for them. The small-ball Celtics compete enough on the defensive end to maintain a league-average standard, but it's their shockingly effective offense that has propelled them up the standings.</p><p>The formula is simple: Boston shoots a ton of 3-pointers, crashes the offensive glass, and rarely turns the ball over. It helps that the team's only non-big who's taken more twos than threes - Jaylen Brown - can't miss from mid-range. Brown has leveled up with Tatum sidelined, averaging 29.4 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 4.9 assists while shooting roughly 55% on shots inside the arc.</p><p>With Brown playing the best basketball of his career and shooters spread out around him, opponents are constantly left scrambling, leaving them susceptible to long rebounds and momentary lapses that allow Boston multiple cracks at the basket. Ten of the Celtics' 11 most frequent rotation players - all but starting center Neemias Queta - average at least one 3-point attempt per game, converting between 33% and 45% of those tries. The result is a fourth-ranked offense that's scored more efficiently than last year's Tatum-led attack (and is only slightly off last year's pace relative to league average).</p><p>"Their roster is built in such fashion where pretty much everyone can shoot from behind the 3-point line, and they're all very efficient in doing that," Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic told theScore before Boston beat Toronto on Saturday despite Brown sitting out. "When you're creating a lot of (opponent) closeouts, and your (expected points per possession) is about 1.37 on those closeouts, you're gonna score a lot of points. At the same time, they're a team that plays hard."</p><p>Rajakovic also called Celtics guard Derrick White the most underrated player in the league.</p><p>Meanwhile, Raptors star Brandon Ingram marveled at Boston's unflinching commitment to its game plan. "They do what they do, no matter if the ball is going in or not" Ingram told theScore postgame. "You see them shoot 40 or 50 threes in a game. They'll continue to do it whether the ball is going in or not. They're going to live by it."</p><p>While players like Brown, White, Sixth Man of the Year-turned-starter Payton Pritchard, and the rest of the Celtics deserve their share of credit, Boston's relentless consistency is rooted in Mazzulla's maniacal dedication to it. Considering his intensely physical training camp, day-to-day demeanor, and no-nonsense approach to every possession, it feels foolish that we ever expected a drop-off in Boston. During the team's win over Indiana on Monday, a fed-up Mazzulla made a full hockey-style line change, removing his starters 2:28 into the second half as the Celtics dug a 20-point hole at home.</p><p>For Mazzulla, the expectations didn't change with Tatum sidelined, because big-picture projections don't fit his group's ethos. "Our expectation is just, create an identity and have a process of winning," Mazzula said. "We don't really talk about anything other than making sure we come in every day and stick to our process of winning and what that looks like. We try to keep it to that, and it's that simple. I haven't really thought about it any other way."</p><p>That may sound like cliche coach-talk, but when Mazzulla says it, I tend to believe it. You genuinely get the sense that he can't comprehend why expectations or results would change when a superstar is removed from the lineup. The Celtics have taken on that same belief, and it's fueling the NBA's most inspiring team.</p><h3>What's wrong with Garland and the Cavs?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809465/cropped_GettyImages-2246095624.jpg?ts=1766514743" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809465/w220xh124_GettyImages-2246095624.jpg?ts=1766514743 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809465/w320xh180_GettyImages-2246095624.jpg?ts=1766514743 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809465/w640xh360_GettyImages-2246095624.jpg?ts=1766514743 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809465/w768xh432_GettyImages-2246095624.jpg?ts=1766514743 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809465/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2246095624.jpg?ts=1766514743 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Megan Briggs / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Languishing a couple games behind Boston in the standings is the league's most expensive roster. The Cavaliers entered the year with Finals-or-bust expectations but have spent most of the season just trying to keep their heads above water.</p><p>This dovetails nicely with a question from app user glegaree16307, who wanted to read about Darius Garland's regression. The two-time All-Star is averaging his lowest scoring numbers in five years while shooting worse than ever from virtually every area of the floor.</p><p>In many ways, Garland's woes mimic the team's as a whole. The 25-year-old missed the first seven games of the season while recovering from toe surgery, later suffered a contusion on the same troublesome left big toe, and is now dealing with a quad contusion. Like the Cavs themselves - who've lost the seventh-most value to injury, according to <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/nba/injured/_/year/2025/view/team">Spotrac</a> - Garland's ineffectiveness can be at least partially explained by rotten injury luck.</p><p>But at some point, that's not an excuse. At least three of Garland, Donovan Mitchell, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen have been in the lineup for 24 of the Cavs' first 31 games. They own a pedestrian 13-11 record in those games despite Mitchell playing out of his mind (31 points per game on 64% true shooting). They've been favored in 28 of 31 contests yet sit 17-14 overall with the league's worst record against the spread. The constant lineup changes are surely taking a toll, but it's impossible to ignore the fact that Cleveland just isn't playing with the same verve it did last year, when it won an East-best 64 games.</p><p>Mitchell is doing his part to keep a top-10 offense humming, but the team's defensive decline can't solely be attributed to Mobley's absence. Cleveland simply needs to play better and stop acting like an accomplished veteran squad that's already bored with the regular season. Frankly, this talented group hasn't accomplished a damn thing together in the postseason, during which it has gone 2-3 in playoff series over the last three years despite being favored in four of five.</p><p>The Cavs need to get their act together.</p><h3>Are new anti-tanking measures coming?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815087/cropped_GettyImages-2245536164.jpg?ts=1766514883" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815087/w220xh124_GettyImages-2245536164.jpg?ts=1766514883 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815087/w320xh180_GettyImages-2245536164.jpg?ts=1766514883 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815087/w640xh360_GettyImages-2245536164.jpg?ts=1766514883 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815087/w768xh432_GettyImages-2245536164.jpg?ts=1766514883 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815087/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2245536164.jpg?ts=1766514883 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Erick W. Rasco / Sports Illustrated / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The NBA has begun to discuss new anti-tanking measures, according to <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/47398198/sources-nba-looking-new-ways-prevent-teams-tanking">ESPN's Shams Charania</a>. One potential tweak could see teams barred from receiving a top-four pick two years in a row. That's a positive step in the right direction, as is the reported idea to limit mid-lottery pick protections that lead to mediocre teams masquerading as terrible ones by resting players.</p><p>As long as the lottery exists in some form and draft picks remain tethered to team performance, tanking will always exist. That's mostly fine. What the league should be doing is finding ways to curb the most egregious examples of it, especially when legalized gambling means the integrity of games has never been more scrutinized or imperative.</p><p>In addition to preventing teams from winning the lottery in consecutive years, I maintain that the league should further flatten the lottery odds and use the lottery to determine all 14 picks rather than just the top four. That would eliminate the floor, which currently guarantees that teams can't fall more than four draft slots from their place in the reverse standings. As I <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3247527" href="https://thescore.com/news/3247527">wrote</a> in March: Imagine if the league's worst team had a 10% shot at the No. 1 pick with the potential for its selection to fall anywhere in the top 14 rather than a 14% chance of picking first and a top-five guarantee.</p><p>Would teams still be eager to punt entire seasons in pursuit of those odds?</p><h3>Inside the locker room</h3><p><em>What I'm hearing from players and people around the Association.</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785043/cropped_GettyImages-2214408189.jpg?ts=1766514799" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785043/w220xh124_GettyImages-2214408189.jpg?ts=1766514799 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785043/w320xh180_GettyImages-2214408189.jpg?ts=1766514799 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785043/w640xh360_GettyImages-2214408189.jpg?ts=1766514799 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785043/w768xh432_GettyImages-2214408189.jpg?ts=1766514799 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/785043/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2214408189.jpg?ts=1766514799 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Al Bello / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Mazzulla is a psycho</strong>: Many have wondered whether Mazzulla's intensity and media <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66iVLXxWubA">interactions</a> are part of some comedic shtick. This is a man who once claimed to watch "The Town" four times per week. He removed the stage that separated him from Boston's media members after his coaching staff walloped them 57-4 in a pick-up game meant to <a href="https://x.com/NoaDalzell/status/1978581520957813183">humanize</a> their working relationship. He recently <a href="https://x.com/CourtsideBuzzX/status/2002492201486725499/video/2">said</a> that he looked into getting a wolf for outdoor security at his home. An interaction with a child reporter that began with "It's Kids Day at The Garden ..." ended with Mazzulla <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/nba/comments/1oz1dn2/kid_reporter_asks_to_joe_mazzula_its_kids_day_at/">telling</a> the kid that having fun is a cop-out.</p><p>Ask those who've played for him and they'll <a href="https://x.com/SleeperCeltics/status/1997135252712509603">tell</a> you, Mazzulla isn't role-playing or committing to a bit.</p><p>"It's definitely not a game. That's just Joe," Celtics forward Josh Minott told me. "He's a unique person. He's really big into martial arts. There was one time he was helping me up off the floor, and he gave me a jab instead. Basically, it was a defense lesson. He told me, 'That's the most vulnerable you can ever be is when someone helps you up off the floor.' So, now we have an ongoing joke that we won't help each other up."</p><p>What other NBA head coach would welcome hand-to-hand combat with his players?</p><p>"I've wrestled him before," Celtics wing Jordan Walsh said. "One day, I just came up behind him and put him in a chokehold. He fought back. And he won. It's alright. I'll get him back."</p><p>The opportunity to defend against another ambush likely excites Mazzulla. "He doesn't fake anything. What you see in the media is his authentic self, and it shows every day," Walsh said. There's a reason <a href="https://x.com/DanielleHobeika/status/1802913089098240404">multiple</a> <a href="https://x.com/NoaDalzell/status/1839721651228770564">players</a> have lovingly referred to Mazzulla as a "psycho" over the years.</p><p><strong>A $92-million question</strong>: Before we got to talking about Mazzulla, the hot topic in Boston's locker room was Anthony Joshua's knockout of Jake Paul. A few Celtics players were discussing whether Paul's broken jaw was worth his reported $92 million payday. The prevailing sentiment was that they would all accept the beatdown - jaw injuries included - for such an outrageous sum of money. Even players already making more than $20 million per year agreed.</p><h3>Player of the Week</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815012/cropped_GettyImages-2253207030.jpg?ts=1766554952" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815012/w220xh124_GettyImages-2253207030.jpg?ts=1766554952 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815012/w320xh180_GettyImages-2253207030.jpg?ts=1766554952 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815012/w640xh360_GettyImages-2253207030.jpg?ts=1766554952 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815012/w768xh432_GettyImages-2253207030.jpg?ts=1766554952 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/815012/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2253207030.jpg?ts=1766554952 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Brian Fluharty / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Jaylen Brown</strong>: 31.7 PPG, 57.6% TS, 8.7 RPG, 5.3 APG, 2.7 STL + BLK, 2-1 record</p><p>This week's award actually counts games played dating back to the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3423304" href="https://thescore.com/news/3423304">last</a> edition of From The Logo on Dec. 12, but it was one of the easier times I've had picking a winner. Brown has been that good.</p><p>Brown is carrying a tremendous load on the offensive end, where only Luka Doncic and Giannis Antetokounmpo own higher usage rates. Rather than wilting under the weight of those responsibilities, Brown is putting together the most efficient season of his career and still bringing it on the defensive end. The four-time All-Star is cruising toward his second career All-NBA selection and some down-ballot MVP votes if he stays healthy.</p><h3>We want to hear from you!</h3><p>Perhaps you want my opinion or insight on a burning NBA question you've had. Or, let me know if there's something specific you'd like me to ask your favorite player the next time they're in Toronto, where I speak with people from around the league before and after they face the Raptors.</p><p>Whatever it is, you can submit your questions three ways.</p><ul>
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Tatum-less Celtics are inspiring, Cavs are not, new anti-tanking measures

Welcome to Deal or no deal?, our annual trade-season series ahead of the NBA's Feb. 5 deadline. I...

<p>Welcome to <em>Deal or no deal?</em>, our annual trade-season series ahead of the NBA's Feb. 5 deadline. Its purpose is to find sensible trade partners. While some of the proposals you'll read about over the next two months stem from previous reports and speculation, these are mostly our own creations in an effort to satisfy all parties involved.</p><p>The first entry in this year's series explores a potential move north for Anthony Davis.</p><p>Whether Davis is even up for grabs might be a point of contention in Dallas. The 10-time All-Star can still sleepwalk to 20 points, 10 rebounds, and two blocks when healthy. He also served as the centerpiece of the Luka Doncic trade less than a year ago, still has at least another year and a half of team control left, and the 11-17 Mavericks can talk themselves into fielding a respectable squad by the time the postseason rolls around.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Dallas is 7-5 with Davis in the lineup and currently sit just a half-game out of the 10th and final play-in seed in the West. Add the eventual return of Kyrie Irving to help the struggling offense, and none of this lends itself to the Mavs trading Davis for less than top dollar.</p><p>However, even if Davis stays healthy, Irving returns, and the Mavs hit their stride, they're unlikely to contend. Meanwhile, the 2026 draft represents Dallas' last chance to control its own first-round pick until 2031. If the club wants to surround teenage rookie Cooper Flagg with talent that better fits his timeline, there's one clear path: Trade Davis to the highest bidder and prioritize lottery odds between now and April.</p><p>Then there's the complicating factor of Davis, himself. The 32-year-old has missed 16 of 28 games this season, 43% of contests over the last two campaigns, and roughly a quarter of his team's games over the course of his career. The injury-prone big man is owed roughly $58.5 million next season (35.2% of the salary cap), with a $62.8-million player option in 2027-28 (36%).</p><p>It's tough to construct a winner in the age of aprons when allocating such resources to players a notch or two below the league's biggest difference-makers, let alone a secondary star who's always hurt. And we haven't even considered the delicate negotiations required for a potential Davis extension.</p><p>No team should be mortgaging its future for this version of Davis or rushing to break the bank on an extension next year. But there's clearly still value in his 6-foot-10 frame. If the Mavs can accept that a lesser package centered around Flagg's timeline is better than nothing, and the team acquiring Davis focuses on what he can provide for the duration of his current contract, there's still a deal to be struck.</p><p>The Raptors, Hawks, and Pistons have been the teams most frequently <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3423068" href="https://thescore.com/news/3423068">linked</a> to Davis, but Atlanta has its own Trae Young-sized conundrum to figure out and Detroit already has a rapidly improving franchise center in Jalen Duren. That leaves Toronto as the most logical landing spot of the three.</p><p>The Raptors have a dearth of solid, yet unspectacular, young wings, all of their picks, and enough medium-to-large salaries to cobble something together without completely selling the farm.</p><p>Here's the framework of a deal I'd consider:</p><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Raps receive</th>
<th>Mavs receive</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Anthony Davis</td>
<td>RJ Barrett</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dante Exum</td>
<td>Jakob Poeltl*</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Gradey Dick</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Future 1st-Rd Pick</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td></td>
<td>Future 1st-Rd Swap</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>*<em>Poeltl becomes trade-eligible Jan. 7</em></p><p>Toronto's offense has struggled to find the same flow without Barrett's scoring, cutting and downhill pressure since the Canadian swingman suffered a knee injury, so there's some temptation to use Immanuel Quickley's contract instead. That would also open up a starting spot for sophomore point guard Jamal Shead. However, Quickley's shot-creation and 3-point volume would be too valuable on a team starting Davis, Scottie Barnes, and Brandon Ingram. Barrett is likely more appealing to the Mavs, anyway.</p><p>Meanwhile, Poeltl's screen-setting, rebounding, and sound defensive play have long been underrated. His veteran know-how would be a welcome addition as Flagg continues to mature, even if Poeltl's not a modern shooting big. The issue is that Poeltl's dealing with a bad back that has sapped his lift and effectiveness, which is quite concerning for a 30-year-old center under contract through 2030. Consider the extra draft pick as sweetener to help Dallas stomach Poeltl's contract.</p><p>Finally, Dick seems to be running out of rope if the Raptors are interested in contending. The Kansas product was drafted as a sharpshooter with some size, but he's been a below-average shooter over the course of his three-year career, and recent improvements to his all-around game aren't enough to mask that. Barrett's injury should've been a golden opportunity for Dick to show he's leveled up as a scorer. Instead, he's lost minutes to Ja'Kobe Walter, Ochai Agbaji, and Jamison Battle at times.</p><p>Dick seems like an ideal candidate for a fresh start, and the Mavs could use the 22-year-old's shooting upside as they look to build a young core around Flagg.</p><p>For the Raptors, there would be spacing issues to figure out and questions to answer on the offensive end, but this deal would give them a chance to field the league's best defense outside of Oklahoma City. They could also punish teams inside, with a No. 1 scorer (Ingram) capable of creating and making shots from the low-percentage areas postseason defenses concede.</p><p>Would that formula see Toronto usurp New York as the East favorite? Probably not, but a Finals berth wouldn't be out of reach. And they'd still have Barnes, promising rookie Collin Murray-Boyles, Walter, Shead, and most of their draft picks when planning for the future.</p><p>The counter-argument is that the third-place Raptors are already in fine shape and still consider themselves a <a href="https://youtu.be/k7jDRu6jfEw?si=fYbn5EVs2HhfJpvV&amp;t=38">rebuilding</a> club. If that's the case, the best course of action would simply be to add a depth center like Davis' teammate, Daniel Gafford, or an even cheaper one, like Brooklyn's Day'Ron Sharpe. In that more prudent scenario, the Raptors could keep their powder dry for a genuine superstar trade rather than a rushed deal for a fading star.</p><p><em><a href="https://x.com/JosephCasciaro">Joseph Casciaro</a> is theScore's lead NBA reporter.</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33802874/related

Deal or no deal: Does Anthony Davis make sense for the Raptors?

<p><em>Welcome to From The Logo, a collection of opinions, analysis, and locker room insights from theScore's lead NBA reporter, Joseph Casciaro.</em></p><h3>The Spurs have arrived</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813560/cropped_GettyImages-2249067094.jpg?ts=1765493104" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813560/w220xh124_GettyImages-2249067094.jpg?ts=1765493104 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813560/w320xh180_GettyImages-2249067094.jpg?ts=1765493104 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813560/w640xh360_GettyImages-2249067094.jpg?ts=1765493104 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813560/w768xh432_GettyImages-2249067094.jpg?ts=1765493104 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813560/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2249067094.jpg?ts=1765493104 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Ronald Cortes / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The NBA couldn't have asked for a better prime-time TV matchup than Spurs-Thunder on Saturday night in Las Vegas, with the winner headed to the NBA Cup final. Likewise, there's no team I'm more interested in seeing try to stop the OKC machine than San Antonio, especially if Victor Wembanyama returns to the lineup.</p><p>Given that Wembanyama was playing like an MVP candidate when he went down with a calf injury four weeks ago, most of us just hoped the Spurs could keep their heads above water. But San Antonio hasn't simply survived without Wembanyama, the team has thrived.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><figure class="article-segment--table"><div class="table-responsive"><table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Spurs</th>
<th>With Wemby</th>
<th>Without</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Record</td>
<td>8-4</td>
<td>9-3</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ORtg</td>
<td>10th</td>
<td>6th</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DRtg</td>
<td>6th</td>
<td>20th</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Net</td>
<td>6th</td>
<td>12th</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table></div></figure><p>The Spurs are more balanced and vastly superior defensively with Wembanyama. Luke Kornet has held his own in the middle, but San Antonio has, predictably, given up more rim-attempts in the 12 games since Wembanyama was sidelined. And the team's defense <em>with</em> Wembanyama was probably even better than advertised, as the Spurs were quite unlucky when it came to opponents' 3-point percentage (39.1%) in the first 12 games of the season.</p><p>The offensive end is where the Wemby-less Spurs have made hay. The return of De'Aaron Fox from a hamstring injury just a week before Wembanyama's ailment couldn't have come at a better time. Fox has carried the load with the big man shelved. The 2023 All-Star is sporting a 29.2% usage rate, averaging 25.2 points and 6.5 assists on a career-high 61% true shooting, and his pull-up shooting, in particular, has been stunning. More than half of Fox's field-goal attempts have been of the pull-up variety, and he's shooting nearly 41% on pull-up threes.</p><p>That's a big development for a team that starts the non-shooting Stephon Castle in the same backcourt, but the collective rim-pressure created by the guard trio of Fox, Castle, and rookie Dylan Harper has fueled a relentless offense.</p><p>Fox's contract extension, which will see him earn roughly 30%-32% of the salary cap from 2026 through 2030, still seems steep, especially for a non-superstar in the age of aprons. But if he can keep this up, Spurs fans won't worry about the price tag. It will also help make one of the team's younger guards - be it Castle, Harper, or preferably Devin Vassell - more expendable in a trade for another All-Star.</p><p>Of course, this 9-3 stretch has been about more than just Fox's return. Harrison Barnes has provided timely shooting and veteran stability. Castle is a two-way menace. Harper's a future star. Vassell is a dead-eye shooter. Forwards Julian Champagnie and Keldon Johnson have been solid, no-frills role players. And head coach Mitch Johnson has command of things.</p><p>One possession during the Spurs' recent road victory over the Lakers encapsulated how this team has grown up over the last month. The Lakers had just trimmed what was once a 24-point Spurs lead down to eight with about four minutes to play, and the crowd in Los Angeles was rocking. It seemed like an obvious moment for a timeout, but Johnson trusted his team, and the Spurs rewarded him with a flawless possession. There was no panic as they attacked, whipped the ball around, forced the Lakers into rotation, and eventually silenced the crowd with a corner-three from Fox, who had smartly relocated on the play. The Lakers never got so close again.</p><p>None of what the Spurs have accomplished sans Wembanyama seems like the work of pixie dust. They may slow down slightly with their franchise big man back in the lineup, but even that recently increased pace has more to do with Fox's return than Wembanyama's absence. If San Antonio can just plug the best defensive player on the planet into its current setup, they have the makings of a top-five team.</p><p>There are still big-picture plans to figure out and long-term questions to answer as they continue to build around Wembanyama, but the Spurs' outlook is even brighter today than it was when Wemby went down a month ago.</p><h3>What's up with Keegan Murray?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805738/cropped_GettyImages-2240781683.jpg?ts=1765493154" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805738/w220xh124_GettyImages-2240781683.jpg?ts=1765493154 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805738/w320xh180_GettyImages-2240781683.jpg?ts=1765493154 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805738/w640xh360_GettyImages-2240781683.jpg?ts=1765493154 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805738/w768xh432_GettyImages-2240781683.jpg?ts=1765493154 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/805738/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2240781683.jpg?ts=1765493154 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Rocky Widner / NBA / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>App user glegaree16307 wanted to know if Keegan Murray's improved defense and rebounding are sustainable, which gives us a chance to discuss the Kings forward in general.</p><p>Murray's length and basketball IQ have always given him a path to becoming a defensive difference-maker, so I don't see his increased production on that end (3.2 steals plus blocks per game and 3.3 deflections per game) suddenly falling off a cliff. As for his uptick in rebounding, that's mostly a product of his increased playing time, as his rebound rate (percentage of available rebounds grabbed) has been steady year over year.</p><p>Shockingly, the other end of the court is where Murray has disappointed. He looked great in his first few games after returning from a thumb injury, but has since regressed. Murray has been timid at times, and his woeful shooting is one of the league's biggest mysteries. The same guy who shot 41% from deep as a rookie after canning 40% of his 3-point attempts in his final year of college has seen his long-range efficiency dip to 35.8% as a sophomore, 34.3% last season, and a shocking 25.9% through nine games this season.</p><p>Nine games isn't worth panicking over, but we now have a multi-year sample suggesting Murray is a below-average shooter. That's concerning on some level, but I'm still buying Murray stock, and the Kings shouldn't be selling it.</p><p>Between his size (6-foot-8), age (25), defensive upside, and improved self-creation inside the arc, Murray still has the makings of a valuable player on a contract that will only pay him 15% of the cap annually through 2031. The Kings' goal should be to rid themselves of one-way veterans like Zach LaVine, DeMar DeRozan, and Russell Westbrook, while squeezing what they can out of a Domantas Sabonis trade, then building around players like Murray, Keon Ellis, and whatever draft picks their continued futility produces.</p><p>Sacramento is a mess, but I don't think Murray is. Then again, perhaps the only way we'll see Murray develop into the type of star he's capable of being is if he lands elsewhere.</p><h3>Inside the locker room</h3><p><em>What I'm hearing from players and people around the Association.</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813392/cropped_GettyImages-2249863935.jpg?ts=1765400638" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813392/w220xh124_GettyImages-2249863935.jpg?ts=1765400638 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813392/w320xh180_GettyImages-2249863935.jpg?ts=1765400638 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813392/w640xh360_GettyImages-2249863935.jpg?ts=1765400638 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813392/w768xh432_GettyImages-2249863935.jpg?ts=1765400638 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813392/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2249863935.jpg?ts=1765400638 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Kenneth Richmond / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>The Cup matters</strong> (to coaches): Players still seem split on how much of the NBA Cup hype they buy into, but most coaches are in agreement that higher-stakes games early in the season are good for playoff-bound teams. "Any time you can manufacture any type of pressure throughout the course of the regular season, you try to do it," Knicks head coach Mike Brown told reporters before a quarterfinal victory in Toronto.</p><p>"I really dove in yesterday," Raptors coach Darko Rajakovic said before his shorthanded Raptors lost to Brown's Knicks. "My wife tried to talk to me a couple of times and it didn't work out. It felt a little bit like a playoff prep. That's what I like about games like this with big stakes."</p><p>Brown agreed: "It's as close to the playoffs as you can get during the regular season. It's a one-game elimination, which comes with pressure. You look forward to those challenges, especially if you're a competitor. If you're in position to feel any type of pressure at all, that's a privilege. You embrace it."</p><p>As I've said over the last three seasons, the in-season tournament has proven to be a win for the league in that it has added life to a formerly dead part of the schedule without taking away from the regular season, since every game except the final still counts in the traditional standings. The financial incentives motivate players - even highly-paid stars who want to put a few extra dollars in their less-accomplished teammates' pockets - and push coaches, while the packaged product is now a staple of the NBA's lucrative new media rights deal.</p><p>For what it's worth, the NBA said group play viewership rose <em>90%</em> year over year.</p><h3>Player of the week</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813298/cropped_GettyImages-2250380940.jpg?ts=1765493211" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813298/w220xh124_GettyImages-2250380940.jpg?ts=1765493211 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813298/w320xh180_GettyImages-2250380940.jpg?ts=1765493211 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813298/w640xh360_GettyImages-2250380940.jpg?ts=1765493211 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813298/w768xh432_GettyImages-2250380940.jpg?ts=1765493211 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813298/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2250380940.jpg?ts=1765493211 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Vaughn Ridley / NBA / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Jalen Brunson</strong>: 32.7 PPG, 69.6% TS, 2.3 RPG, 5.7 APG, 3-0 Record</p><p>Jaylen Brown, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Luka Doncic were also in contention for theScore's award (which takes into account games played since last Friday). Those guys all had more complete stat lines, but Brunson basically averaged 33 points and six assists on 70% true shooting during a perfect week for the <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3424142" href="https://thescore.com/news/3424142">surging</a> Knicks. His ability to consistently create for himself and finish the way he does at his size never ceases to amaze me. Tough as nails.</p><figure class="article-segment--embed"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Are the Knicks the team to beat in the East? 🗽 <a href="https://twitter.com/JosephCasciaro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JosephCasciaro</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ScottCampsall?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ScottCampsall</a> <br><br>Latest From The Logo FULL episode HERE: <a href="https://t.co/FDCMPI7FWZ">https://t.co/FDCMPI7FWZ</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/clips_league_nba?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#clips_league_nba</a> <a href="https://t.co/SwssbRutMa">pic.twitter.com/SwssbRutMa</a></p>— theScore (@theScore) <a href="https://twitter.com/theScore/status/1999598888093925781?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 12, 2025</a>
</blockquote> <script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></figure><h3>We want to hear from you!</h3><p>Perhaps you want my opinion or insight on a burning NBA question you've had. Or, let me know if there's something specific you'd like me to ask your favorite player the next time they're in Toronto, where I speak with people from around the league before and after they play against the Raptors.</p><p>Whatever it is, you can submit your questions three ways:</p><ul>
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The Spurs are growing up, Keegan Murray is stuck, NBA Cup matters

The consensus heading into the NBA's 2025-26 campaign was that the New York Knicks and Cleveland ...

<p>The consensus heading into the NBA's 2025-26 campaign was that the New York Knicks and Cleveland Cavaliers were in a class of their own atop the Eastern Conference. After slow starts for both Finals hopefuls, one team is finally holding up its end of the bargain.</p><p>The Knicks are coalescing into the East juggernaut many envisioned, and that should strike fear into the hearts of New York's intraconference rivals.</p><p>Perhaps it was the emotional hangover of season-opening wins over the rival Cavs and Boston Celtics, but when the Knicks followed those victories with three straight losses - and four straight on the road to begin the year - it felt like the sky was falling. Was <em>this</em> squad really New York's best hope in decades of ending its 53-year title drought?</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>The answer remains an astounding yes, and we're now seeing why. The Knicks have won 15 of 19 games since falling to 2-3, sit second in the East, and take a top-four point differential into the NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas.</p><p>Head coach Mike Brown has quickly modernized an offensive approach that had grown stale, predictable, and a little archaic under Tom Thibodeau. The team is still 26th in pace, but its movement is more purposeful, with a noticeable infusion of off-ball activity. Brown may not have a Domantas Sabonis-sized playmaking hub like he did in Sacramento, but he's upped the Knicks' dribble-handoff frequency, and New York is creating more spot-up opportunities. Most of those catch-and-shoots are coming from the analytically friendly corners, where the Knicks lead the league in frequency of attempts, according to Cleaning The Glass.</p><p>The result is an offense that's rocketed from 27th to fifth in 3-point frequency year over year while decreasing its share of mid-range attempts from 12th-most last season to 24th this campaign. New York's overall jump from fifth to third in offensive efficiency may not seem like much, but if the process is to be trusted more than a small sample of results, this year's attack looks more sustainable and playoff-proof.</p><p>"We had a lot of injuries during the preseason, so I didn't have a good feel for this team or as good a feel as I needed to have," Brown told theScore after Tuesday's NBA Cup quarterfinal win over the Toronto Raptors. "That's a lot of the reason why we struggled on the road. Once I started getting comfortable, it helped the group get more comfortable."</p><p>Brown's offense has also proven to be more adaptable during games, with the victory in Toronto being a perfect example. The Raptors' pressure defense gave the Knicks issues early in the contest, leading to turnovers and confusion. Brown processed what he was seeing and simplified things for his players.</p><p>The coach explained: "We just said, 'Forget what we were supposed to be doing offensively. If they get up in you, just attack. Drive. If you can finish, go ahead and finish. If you draw two, go ahead and kick it. If we can set a high brush screen and look to attack their pressure, let's do that as well.'"</p><p>Of course, trusting your players is easier to do with a star like Jalen Brunson leading the way. He's averaging 28.3 points and 6.3 assists on 60% true shooting, and some encouraging underlying <a href="https://x.com/ALLCITY_NBA/status/1988406696495157721">numbers</a> suggest that Brown's offense should take less of a toll on the undersized guard.</p><p>Brunson's presence - and his two-man game with Karl-Anthony Towns - means the Knicks should always be capable of generating a makeable shot, even when postseason defenses bog Brown's system down.</p><p>The balance provided by Towns' spacing plus the two-way exploits of OG Anunoby and a revitalized Mikal Bridges give Brunson plenty of help. But it's do-it-all wing Josh Hart who's sparked New York's early-season turnaround.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813390/cropped_GettyImages-2245408028.jpg?ts=1765400230" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813390/w220xh124_GettyImages-2245408028.jpg?ts=1765400230 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813390/w320xh180_GettyImages-2245408028.jpg?ts=1765400230 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813390/w640xh360_GettyImages-2245408028.jpg?ts=1765400230 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813390/w768xh432_GettyImages-2245408028.jpg?ts=1765400230 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/813390/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2245408028.jpg?ts=1765400230 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Nathaniel S. Butler / NBA / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Hart, who missed most of the preseason and the team's season opener with a back injury, was inserted into the starting lineup Nov. 24 in Brooklyn. Since then, the Knicks have won eight of nine, and the quintet of Hart, Brunson, Bridges, Anunoby, and Towns has been the league's <a href="https://www.nba.com/stats/lineups/advanced?CF=MIN*GE*31&amp;DateFrom=11/24/2025&amp;TeamID=0&amp;dir=D&amp;slug=advanced&amp;sort=NET_RATING">best</a> big-minute lineup.</p><p>Hart is averaging 16.4 points, 9.6 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and two steals as a starter. His shooting, in particular, has unlocked things for himself and his team. A 32% 3-point shooter over his first two seasons in New York, Hart is up to 39.8% on four attempts per game this season. That may not hold all year, but there's internal optimism that Hart's work with new Knicks shooting coach Peter Patton can make this more than just a hot streak.</p><p>"It's something vital to me to have a shooting coach here on staff that can work with me every single day," Hart told reporters in Toronto's visiting locker room. "Obviously, I had one before, but he lived in L.A., and then, I was playing 38 minutes a game, so it was tough to really focus on the mechanics. Now, with Pete, I'm able to work on the mechanics every day, even if it's just a little bit. It's a feeling of repetition."</p><p>The starting lineup looks terrific, and the team's bench should stabilize once sidelined shooters Miles McBride (ankle) and Landry Shamet (shoulder) return.</p><p>Unless your favorite team resides in Oklahoma City, there will always be flaws to nitpick. Towns is still prone to head-scratching decisions in big moments. Center Mitchell Robinson, whose rebounding and defense are valuable additions to the group, can be played off the floor when opposing coaches expose his unfathomably wretched free-throw shooting. Meanwhile, offseason additions Jordan Clarkson and Guerschon Yabusele haven't added to the team's depth the way they were expected to.</p><p>Still, the Knicks are now living up to their lofty preseason projections. This team is elite with plenty more to offer, according to its coach.</p><p>"I know it sounds crazy, but we still have a lot of room to grow on both sides of the floor," Brown said of his 17-7 team, which owns top-10 marks in offensive and defensive efficiency. "It will be interesting when we get there."</p><p>"Interesting" might not be the word opponents would use. "Scary" is more like it.</p><p><em><a href="https://x.com/JosephCasciaro">Joseph Casciaro</a> is theScore's lead NBA reporter.</em></p>

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The Knicks are figuring things out, and that should scare East rivals

TORONTO — A postgame media crowd gathered around LeBron James' locker for about the 2,000th time....

<p>TORONTO — A postgame media crowd gathered around LeBron James' locker for about the 2,000th time. A veteran of an NBA-record 23 regular seasons, 22 preseasons, and 18 postseasons, James played off Thursday's buzzer-beating road victory over the Raptors as any other contest in his historic career.</p><p>Of course, it wasn't. The Los Angeles Lakers' win in Toronto marked the first time since Jan. 5, 2007 that James failed to score 10 points in a game, ending an unfathomable streak of 1,297 consecutive double-digit performances. To put that number in perspective, only 23 other <a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/basketball/player-season-finder.cgi?request=1&amp;match=player_season_combined&amp;ccomp%5B1%5D=gt&amp;cval%5B1%5D=1297&amp;cstat%5B1%5D=games">players</a> have even appeared in that many NBA games.</p><p>It was completely fair to wonder how the league's all-time leading scorer felt about that run ending as part of an eight-point, 4-of-17 performance. James wouldn't entertain the thought.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>"None," James responded tersely when asked if he had any feelings at all about the streak ending. "We won," he added with a laugh of near-disbelief that reporters would think he was focused on something else.</p><p>James was burying the lede.</p><p>The reason the Lakers beat the Raptors (other than Austin Reaves' excellence) was because James <a href="https://x.com/NBA/status/1996777754738688216">found</a> Rui Hachimura in the corner for a wide-open look at the game-winning triple. It was James' 11th assist of the game on a night he didn't turn the ball over. His 11 dimes also accounted for 30 points.</p><p>The most cynical of James' doubters will insist he was being disingenuous - that he would've preferred to keep an individual streak alive rather than record another random win in the 23rd December of his career. But that would be missing the entire point of that career.</p><p>If there's one thing you can't take away from James, it's that he always makes the best basketball decision available.</p><p>On a night James looked as vulnerable as we've ever seen him on an NBA court, he had the ball in his hands and the chance to keep the streak going if he made the game-winner himself. But the basketball supercomputer in James' head refused to process anything other than the highest-percentage outcome.</p><p>"Once they doubled (Reaves) and the ball got swung to me, I knew it was a numbers game. We had a four-on-three advantage," James told reporters. "I looked over at (the Raptors') bench, and I saw their coach telling Scottie Barnes to possibly double, so I wanted to keep Rui on the same side as me to be my payoff spot."</p><p>James hit Hachimura's shooting pocket as perfectly as any playmaker in the game's history could have, and the Lakers handed the Raptors their first home loss in nine games.</p><p>It's ironic that James' streak ended on a team-first play because it's the kind of decision he was once <a href="https://ca.sports.yahoo.com/news/given-chance-win-nbas-2012-085000951--nba.html">constantly</a> <a href="https://www.espn.com/espn/commentary/story/_/page/jackson-120308/lebron-james-passing-last-second-shots-earns-long-lasting-stigma">criticized</a> <a href="https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/19581496/lebron-james-cleveland-cavaliers-defends-passing-kyle-korver-late-game-3-nba-finals">for</a> making.</p><p>"I remember everything that's been negatively said about me and my game throughout my career," James said. "That aspect was always one of the most foolish things I've ever heard, as far as me making the right pass, making the right play. We are in the business of winning basketball games, and my whole life, I've just played the game that way. I've taught the game that way. And I've won at every single level I've played at by playing the game that way."</p><p>How many more wins, or even games, James has left will remain a hot topic until he clears the air. The pending free agent has looked uncharacteristically weary since returning from a back issue that wiped out his training-camp and preseason availability just months after a knee injury delayed the start of his usual offseason regimen.</p><p>We've always assumed James wouldn't retire without announcing it before his final season so he could get the league-wide retirement tour he deserves. But watching him these last few weeks, it feels like his calculus might've changed.</p><p>On Thursday in Toronto, James was a shell of the inevitable force fans once feared. His burst came and went. He labored to get up for rebounds. He couldn't finish at the rim. He looked gassed and defeated. His jumper was flat. Even the turnaround that once birthed "<a href="https://youtu.be/4umRHTpWLsg?si=OEoZIBtbmIk1e1-A">LeBronto</a>" was easily <a href="https://x.com/OmerOsman200/status/1996776883099447426">stuffed</a> at one point by Barnes, a rising star 17 years James' junior.</p><p>James failed to get to the free-throw line for only the 37th time in 1,568 games, three nights after he failed to record a rebound, steal, or block for the <a href="https://x.com/keerthikau/status/1996733483662929950">first</a> time in his career. James assured us that he's just getting his rhythm and legs back after missing camp, preseason, and the first month of the regular season. But even on a night that ended so triumphantly, the end is clearly closer than James or his fans care to admit.</p><p>And yet, he affected the game in ways no near-41-year-old should be able to. James' body may finally be failing him, but the sharpest basketball mind we've ever come across is still firing. And its message will always be clear: Make the right play. The winning play.</p><p><em><a href="https://x.com/JosephCasciaro">Joseph Casciaro</a> is theScore's lead NBA reporter.</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33601940/related

A walk-off dime was the perfect way for LeBron's streak to end

<p><em>Welcome to From The Logo, a collection of opinions, analysis, and locker room insights from theScore's lead NBA reporter, Joseph Casciaro.</em></p><h3>The Giannis sweepstakes</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812547/cropped_GettyImages-2193244868.jpg?ts=1764876382" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812547/w220xh124_GettyImages-2193244868.jpg?ts=1764876382 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812547/w320xh180_GettyImages-2193244868.jpg?ts=1764876382 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812547/w640xh360_GettyImages-2193244868.jpg?ts=1764876382 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812547/w768xh432_GettyImages-2193244868.jpg?ts=1764876382 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812547/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2193244868.jpg?ts=1764876382 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jesse D. Garrabrant / NBA / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>For more, check out this week's episode of From The Logo on <a href="https://youtu.be/UR-FVNFOexE?si=zArAwkCeHi8SIiOe">YouTube</a>.</em></p><p>Giannis Antetokounmpo's <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3417789" href="https://thescore.com/news/3417789">future</a> could get complicated. On one hand, the Greek Freak would be one of the best players to ever hit the trade market: an MVP-caliber superstar averaging roughly 29 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, a steal, and a block. With all due respect to the 2022 version of Kevin Durant, you'd have to go back to Moses Malone in the early '80s (coming off an MVP award), Kareem Abdul-Jabbar in the mid-'70s, or Wilt Chamberlain in the mid-'60s to find a comparable player on the trade block (Luka Doncic was never really on the market - thanks, Nico Harrison).</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>On the other hand, Antetokounmpo is about to turn 31 years old, is currently sidelined by a calf injury, and has missed an average of 15 games per season over the last four years, and his next team will likely give him a $275-million extension that covers his age 33-36 seasons.<strong> </strong>Banners hang forever, but gutting your team and mortgaging your future for that player - whose game relies on athleticism and explosiveness - isn't so straightforward.</p><p>Then there's Antetokounmpo's current employer. If the Bucks work with Giannis to find a mutually beneficial resolution, one could talk themselves into a Knicks package of Karl-Anthony Towns, one of OG Anunoby or Mikal Bridges, and whatever draft filler New York has left.</p><p>But Milwaukee, like Antetokounmpo, needs to worry about itself. The Bucks are asset-starved after spending years building teams that successfully convinced him to sign multiple extensions. They can't afford to settle for anything less than top dollar in these negotiations. Doing right by a franchise icon counts for something, but they can't do it at the expense of their own long-term viability. Plus, it's not like Milwaukee is a free-agent destination that might miss out on the next available star by rankling some players and agents.</p><p>Therefore, the trade partners that make the most sense are teams that can afford to send picks and a young star or blue-chip prospect to Milwaukee while still employing a star teammate for Antetokounmpo and preserving additional draft capital.</p><p>The Pistons could offer two of Jalen Duren, Ausar Thompson, and Jaden Ivey, plus salary filler and multiple draft selections, and still be able to pair Antetokounmpo with Cade Cunningham while keeping a few picks in the holster. Houston could build a deal around one of Alperen Sengun or Amen Thompson and use surplus picks from Brooklyn and Phoenix. That would leave the Rockets with Antetokounmpo, Durant, one of Thompson or Sengun, and most of their own picks.</p><p>The Spurs could move one of Stephon Castle or Dylan Harper, along with salary filler and picks, and still have one dynamic young guard to pair with Antetokounmpo, Victor Wembanyama, and De'Aaron Fox. Finally, the Hawks own New Orleans' unprotected pick this year, which is actually the most favorable of the Pelicans' or Bucks' selections. Atlanta can afford to flip that pick, along with Trae Young and 2024 No. 1 pick Zaccharie Risacher or Dyson Daniels. Even if the Hawks bit the bullet and moved rising star Jalen Johnson instead of Young, that would leave Atlanta with Antetokounmpo, Young, a solid supporting cast, and picks.</p><p>Right now, I'd lean toward Houston or San Antonio if New York doesn't have enough to get a deal done.</p><h3>Are Thunder the best team ever?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812485/cropped_GettyImages-2248367615.jpg?ts=1764876405" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812485/w220xh124_GettyImages-2248367615.jpg?ts=1764876405 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812485/w320xh180_GettyImages-2248367615.jpg?ts=1764876405 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812485/w640xh360_GettyImages-2248367615.jpg?ts=1764876405 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812485/w768xh432_GettyImages-2248367615.jpg?ts=1764876405 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812485/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2248367615.jpg?ts=1764876405 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">William Purnell / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>If we really want to get nuts, I could point out that no team is capable of beating Oklahoma City's best offer in a theoretical Giannis sweepstakes. The Thunder could move Jalen Williams and the Clippers' 2026 first-rounder and add Antetokounmpo, and they'd still have reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Chet Holmgren, a solid two-way core, and the league's deepest collection of picks.</p><p>It's outrageous how well the defending champions are set up for the present and future. But I wouldn't bet on OKC joining the list of Antetokounmpo suitors. Thunder general manager Sam Presti resisted calls to turn picks into another superstar as the Thunder slowly ascended the NBA mountain. I can't see him pulling the trigger on that kind of deal now that they're at the summit.</p><p>The 2025-26 Thunder might not be the most talented team ever assembled (the 2016-17 Warriors would like a word), but relative to their opposition in a given season, we're watching the most dominant team in league history. Oklahoma City is off to the second-best start of all time and owns the greatest point differential ever despite the fact that Williams - the team's second-best player and an All-NBA superstar - missed 19 of the first 22 games.</p><p>Here's how the Thunder's historic start compares to some of the league's other all-time teams:</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812571/Best_Team_3_00000.jpg?ts=1764885733" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812571/Best_Team_3_00000.jpg?ts=1764885733 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812571/Best_Team_3_00000.jpg?ts=1764885733 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812571/Best_Team_3_00000.jpg?ts=1764885733 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812571/Best_Team_3_00000.jpg?ts=1764885733 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812571/Best_Team_3_00000.jpg?ts=1764885733 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution"></span></figcaption></figure><p>Seventy-four wins is definitely within reach.</p><h3>Any love for the Trae-less Hawks?</h3><p>Reader Mac Welch wanted my take on the Hawks, who are 13-10 overall and 11-7 without Trae Young (out since late October with a knee injury).</p><p>As <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3332736" href="https://thescore.com/news/3332736">expected</a>, the Hawks have been one of the league's most fascinating teams, due largely to Young's cloudy future. He's a four-time All-Star who could test free agency as soon as this summer, but between his own deficiencies and Atlanta's long-term outlook, the Hawks don't need to panic. Johnson is a bonafide two-way star on one of the league's biggest <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3327852" href="https://thescore.com/news/3327852">bargain</a> contracts, the Hawks control what is currently the most valuable 2026 draft pick (via New Orleans), and the team has looked better with Young sidelined.</p><p>Although Young is an offensive wizard, he doesn't do enough off the ball, and he's one of the league's biggest defensive liabilities. Atlanta's best-case scenario is Young returning as a changed man who's willing to be more effective when the ball isn't in his hands, but that might be wishful thinking. The best long-term play would be to accept the best offer for Young - even if it constitutes selling low on the 27-year-old - and continue building around Johnson.</p><p>Over nearly a quarter of a season without Young, Atlanta has managed an average (15th-ranked) offense to complement a vastly improved (seventh-ranked) defense. The Hawks' ceiling is limited in the short term without Young's scoring and playmaking potential, but their path to sustainable contention might be clearer without him.</p><p>For all of those reasons, Young's potential trade and/or free-agency market would be a fascinating case study. I long felt Wembanyama would be an ideal partner for him, but that ship sailed when the Spurs acquired Fox last season.</p><h3>Inside the locker room</h3><p><em>What I'm hearing from players and people around the Association.</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808838/cropped_GettyImages-2244760528.jpg?ts=1764875598" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808838/w220xh124_GettyImages-2244760528.jpg?ts=1764875598 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808838/w320xh180_GettyImages-2244760528.jpg?ts=1764875598 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808838/w640xh360_GettyImages-2244760528.jpg?ts=1764875598 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808838/w768xh432_GettyImages-2244760528.jpg?ts=1764875598 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808838/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2244760528.jpg?ts=1764875598 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Barry Gossage / NBA / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>It's not grifting</strong>: Trail Blazers star Deni Avdija is well aware of how he and other so-called free-throw merchants or grifters are perceived, but the Most Improved Player candidate sees foul-drawing - and foul-baiting - as part of the game. "I understand people's frustration, because it slows the game down. But at the end of the day, if I'm aggressive and people foul me, I can't control it," Avdija told me after a recent loss in Toronto. "If people are trying to be over-aggressive with me, they need to get punished. I can't just let people be over-aggressive with me without any punishment. A lot of teams are coming super aggressive trying to defend me, and I'm going to take advantage."</p><p>Avdija, who ranks fourth in free-throw attempts per game and second among non-bigs in free-throw attempts per field-goal attempt, has a point. But he's missing the bigger one, and it's that foul-drawing is a basketball skill, whether critics want to accept it or not. That doesn't mean it's entertaining, and you might not think it's ethical, but parading to the line leads to efficient offense, slowly warps opposing defenses, and helps a team set its own defense.</p><p>I've always found it comical that people assume players who rack up free throws must be getting the benefit of the whistle, as if NBA officials got together one day and decided that guys like Avdija, Gilgeous-Alexander, Jimmy Butler, and Austin Reaves randomly deserve more freebies than their peers.</p><p><strong>LeBron will always make the right play</strong>: "I've always made the right play," James <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3419150" href="https://thescore.com/news/3419150">said</a> after dishing out a walk-off assist on the night his double-digit scoring streak came to an end. "That's all that matters. Win, lose, or draw, if you make the right play, the game - the (basketball) gods - will always give back to me."</p><h3>Player of the Week</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812082/cropped_GettyImages-2248689094.jpg?ts=1764919231" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812082/w220xh124_GettyImages-2248689094.jpg?ts=1764919231 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812082/w320xh180_GettyImages-2248689094.jpg?ts=1764919231 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812082/w640xh360_GettyImages-2248689094.jpg?ts=1764919231 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812082/w768xh432_GettyImages-2248689094.jpg?ts=1764919231 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/812082/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2248689094.jpg?ts=1764919231 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jesse D. Garrabrant / NBA / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Jalen Johnson</strong>: 33.0 PPG, 63.7% TS, 13.0 RPG, 8.7 APG, 1.3 STL + BLK, 2-1 record</p><p>Jaylen Brown, Doncic, Anthony Edwards, and Gilgeous-Alexander were also in contention for the award (which takes into account games played since last Friday), but I had to reward Johnson's stellar two-way play.</p><p>The only thing keeping the 23-year-old from full-blown superstardom is consistent health. Johnson, who missed 72 games over the last two seasons due to shoulder, wrist, and ankle injuries, missed Atlanta's last game due to a calf injury.</p><h3>We want to hear from you!</h3><p>Perhaps you want my opinion or insight on a burning NBA question you've had. Or, let me know if there's something specific you'd like me to ask your favorite player the next time they're in Toronto, where I speak with people from around the league before and after they play against the Raptors.</p><p>Whatever it is, you can submit your questions three ways:</p><ul>
<li>Comment on this story in theScore app</li>
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Giannis sweepstakes, OKC's quest for 74, the Trae-less Hawks

The Los Angeles Clippers' disastrous season took its most unexpected turn Wednesday, when the tea...

<p>The Los Angeles Clippers' disastrous season took its most unexpected turn Wednesday, when the team announced it will part ways with franchise legend Chris Paul.</p><p>Paul, a future Hall of Famer who recently announced that he'll retire at the end of the season, had signed with the Clippers to finish his career playing for the organization he once famously lifted off the mat of irrelevance. His second stint in L.A. lasted 16 games and ended with the 40-year-old point guard being <a href="https://x.com/joeylinn_/status/1996123664643993620">sent home</a> in the middle of the <a href="https://x.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/1996269879843000615">night</a>.</p><p>How the situation resolves itself - and where Paul ultimately lands - is partly dictated by the NBA's convoluted <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/news/_/id/3147/breaking-down-chris-paul-and-the-clippers-breakup">salary cap</a>. But that's a story for another day.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>Within hours of his departure, reports emerged that Paul had been vocal in holding everyone accountable during L.A.'s 5-16 start. That record has the Clippers sitting 14th in the Western Conference and bottom-five overall in a year in which the defending champion Oklahoma City Thunder own their first-round draft pick.</p><p>ESPN's Shams Charania <a href="https://x.com/ShamsCharania/status/1996263220948906403">reported</a> that the team felt Paul's leadership style had become disruptive, while Amazon Prime Video's Chris Haynes <a href="https://x.com/ChrisBHaynes/status/1996265474112279007">added</a> that head coach Ty Lue refused to meet with Paul when the point guard requested a sit-down to discuss allegations that he had become a negative presence.</p><p>It's no secret that Paul can be ornery. The 21-year veteran is ruthlessly competitive. He's also one of the sharpest basketball minds the league has ever seen, and he's not afraid to let you know it.</p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811006/cropped_GettyImages-2247815436.jpg?ts=1763829185" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811006/w220xh124_GettyImages-2247815436.jpg?ts=1763829185 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811006/w320xh180_GettyImages-2247815436.jpg?ts=1763829185 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811006/w640xh360_GettyImages-2247815436.jpg?ts=1763829185 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811006/w768xh432_GettyImages-2247815436.jpg?ts=1763829185 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811006/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2247815436.jpg?ts=1763829185 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mike Ehrmann / Getty Images Sport / Getty</span></figcaption></figure><p>Toronto Raptors head coach Darko Rajakovic recently relayed a story to me originally told by fellow Serbian Peja Stojakovic, who was reflecting on his time with Paul in New Orleans. Stojakovic was already a three-time All-Star and respected veteran when CP3 arrived on the scene as an overzealous rookie. "Chris Paul came in, and from day one, he was talking and acting like a leader," Rajakovic said. "Stojakovic was like, 'Who the hell is this rookie trying to tell us what to do and what not?' And then (Stojakovic) said that two weeks into training camp, he was like, 'I'm gonna listen to this guy. He knows what he's talking about.'"</p><p>Perhaps Paul's act simply wore thin now that he isn't nearly as effective and couldn't be on the court as often to back his words up. The 12-time All-Star is averaging 2.9 points and 3.3 assists on 32% shooting, while his 14.3 minutes per game are a career low; roughly half of what he averaged in San Antonio last year (28.0).</p><p>Still, he's one of the game's most revered leaders, and the Clippers, of all teams, knew exactly what they were signing up for.</p><p>Paul spent six season in Los Angeles from 2011-17. Current owner Steve Ballmer and team president Lawrence Frank were with the organization for the final three years of Paul's original tenure, while Lue served as an assistant coach during the 2013-14 campaign. James Harden spent two seasons with Paul in Houston, during which they came agonizingly close to toppling the mighty Golden State Warriors (had it not been for a hamstring injury Paul suffered in the 2018 Western Conference finals). Paul and Harden clashed as Houston Rockets teammates, but the point remains. There shouldn't have been any surprises when it came to Paul's direct manner.</p><p>Does this have anything to do with Kawhi Leonard, whom the Clippers have bent over backwards for since acquiring the two-time Finals MVP in 2019? Leonard barely plays and is at the center of an alleged cap-circumvention <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3338055" href="https://thescore.com/news/3338055">scandal</a>, but it wouldn't shock me if we learned that criticism of Leonard played a role in Paul's departure.</p><p>It's also quite possible that the only explanation here is simply the Clippers being the Clippers. Remember, this is the same franchise that traded Blake Griffin six months after calling him a <a href="https://x.com/ByLeeJenkins/status/958127071657644032">lifelong Clipper</a> in a free-agency pitch that included <a href="http://x.com/MarcJSpears/status/881202410907029504">likening</a> the six-time All-Star to Martin Luther King Jr., Abraham Lincoln, Nelson Mandela, Mahatma Gandhi, John F. Kennedy, Muhammad Ali, Albert Einstein, Barack Obama, and Michael Jackson. This is the franchise whose greatest accomplishment is a Leonard-less conference finals appearance five years ago.</p><p>We may never know the full story of this stunning and bizarre ending to Paul's relationship with L.A., but one part of it is all too familiar: The Clippers come away looking like a joke.</p><p><em><a href="https://x.com/JosephCasciaro">Joseph Casciaro</a> is theScore's lead NBA reporter.</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33578918/related

Paul's departure is another embarrassing chapter for Clippers

<p><em>Welcome to From The Logo, a collection of opinions, analysis, and locker room insights from theScore's lead NBA reporter, Joseph Casciaro.</em></p><h3>Ingram and the Raptors look legit</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811704/cropped_GettyImages-2248051718.jpg?ts=1764272582" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811704/w220xh124_GettyImages-2248051718.jpg?ts=1764272582 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811704/w320xh180_GettyImages-2248051718.jpg?ts=1764272582 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811704/w640xh360_GettyImages-2248051718.jpg?ts=1764272582 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811704/w768xh432_GettyImages-2248051718.jpg?ts=1764272582 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811704/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2248051718.jpg?ts=1764272582 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Steve Russell / Toronto Star / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>There's nothing quite like a plan coming together.</p><p>Toronto drew plenty of criticism for acquiring Brandon Ingram amid last year's rebuilding season, but the Raptors bought low on a former All-Star who still had plenty to offer if the organization could just get him healthy. Well, the 28-year-old looks healthy, and he's complemented this roster in all the ways the front office envisioned.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>First and foremost, Ingram's shot-creation skills, shot-making, and three-level scoring have cured Toronto's half-court woes, which helps in crunch time. The Raptors have rocketed from 25th in half-court efficiency last season to fifth this year, per <a href="https://cleaningtheglass.com/stats/league/context?season=2025&amp;seasontype=regseason&amp;start=10/1/2025&amp;end=10/15/2026#tab-offense_halfcourt_putbacks">Cleaning The Glass</a>. Not coincidentally, the team has won seven of nine clutch games (contests within five points in the final five minutes) after going 10-22 in the category last year, with Ingram's game-winning jumper against Indiana sealing Toronto's latest victory.</p><p>Ingram might force things occasionally, but he's bought in to the team-first system. In addition to creating open shots for teammates, the defensive attention Ingram commands has created gaps for the Raptors' cutters and movement-heavy system to expose. It's also thrust franchise star Scottie Barnes into his ideal role as an off-ball playmaker who can punish teams inside and in transition without needing to initiate. An offense that has been creating the right shots since head coach Darko Rajakovic's arrival now has the talent to capitalize on those looks. Toronto's overall efficiency has jumped from 26th to seventh year over year.</p><p>Elsewhere, starting point guard Immanuel Quickley has found his groove as a shooter, playmaker, and improved <a href="https://x.com/JosephCasciaro/status/1993856958407836128">defender</a>. Hometown hero RJ Barrett (currently <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3410641" href="https://thescore.com/news/3410641">sidelined</a>) has turned into an efficient and opportunistic scorer. Starting center Jakob Poeltl - whose screen-setting, defensive positioning, and rebounding are the glue that holds everything together on both ends - has mostly overcome an early-season back issue.</p><p>Off the bench, sophomore Jamal Shead and unheralded big man Sandro Mamukelashvili have formed one of the league's best reserve duos, while Ja'Kobe Walter and Gradey Dick are playing better all-around basketball (though Dick needs to start making shots). Walter is especially intriguing as a 3-and-D guard who possesses off-the-dribble upside. Even rookie Collin Murray-Boyles has <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3409339" href="https://thescore.com/news/3409339">impressed</a> as a rotation piece on a winning club.</p><p>Rajakovic's pressure-packed defense has also struck a better balance since a wretched start to the season. The Raptors are still pressuring the ball, bringing a healthy dose of help, and forcing turnovers, but no longer overexposing themselves.</p><p>After a multi-year teardown that never resulted in a full-scale tank or much lottery luck, Toronto has emerged with a deep two-way core around Barnes. The Raptors aren't quite ready to contend, and they've feasted recently on a cupcake schedule, but you can only beat who's in front of you. Teams don't win 14 of their first 19 games - while boasting top-seven marks on both ends - by accident.</p><p>The Raptors are legit, the Eastern Conference is wide open, and Toronto owns all of its first-round draft picks. The north may rise again.</p><h3>Is Jokic close to GOAT debate?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808833/cropped_GettyImages-2244751190.jpg?ts=1762489810" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808833/w220xh124_GettyImages-2244751190.jpg?ts=1762489810 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808833/w320xh180_GettyImages-2244751190.jpg?ts=1762489810 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808833/w640xh360_GettyImages-2244751190.jpg?ts=1762489810 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808833/w768xh432_GettyImages-2244751190.jpg?ts=1762489810 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/808833/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2244751190.jpg?ts=1762489810 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">C. Morgan Engel / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><em>For more on this, watch the latest episode of From The Logo on <a href="https://youtu.be/0uRagtpucF8?si=OSH49bxqt_bwLoJX">YouTube</a>.</em></p><p>This question came from app user TheBeat, who wanted to know when Nikola Jokic will enter the conversation for greatest of all time.</p><p>He may already be on the fringes of that debate. Jokic has been the best player on the planet for a good half-decade now. He already owns some of the best statistical seasons ever recorded - by traditional and advanced measures - and his on/off splits remain comical. Yet somehow, the three-time MVP and 2023 Finals MVP is still getting better.</p><p>Jokic is averaging nearly a 30-point triple-double on unfathomable efficiency this season, all while defending at an underrated level. He's shooting 70% inside the arc, 43% from deep, and 85% from the free-throw line. No other player has ever shot the ball so well over a 17-game span while averaging even 20 points, let alone 30 ... <a href="https://www.sports-reference.com/stathead/basketball/player-span-finder.cgi?request=1&amp;order_by=name_display_csk&amp;timeframe=seasons&amp;year_min=1968&amp;span_length=17&amp;single_season=1&amp;ccomp%5B1%5D=gt&amp;cval%5B1%5D=20&amp;cstat%5B1%5D=pts_per_g&amp;ccomp%5B2%5D=gt&amp;cval%5B2%5D=0.700&amp;cstat%5B2%5D=fg2_pct&amp;ccomp%5B3%5D=gt&amp;cval%5B3%5D=0.400&amp;cstat%5B3%5D=fg3_pct&amp;ccomp%5B4%5D=gt&amp;cval%5B4%5D=0.850&amp;cstat%5B4%5D=ft_pct">unless</a> you count Jokic himself. He's accomplished the feat nine other times over the last three years.</p><p>The parity-driven era Jokic is dominating won't allow him to stack championships the way past all-time greats did. And the Serbian center's casual demeanor won't inspire the type of obsessive fandom that bigger, more intense personalities received. Jokic faces an uphill battle to convince skeptics he's one of the three or four best ever. But the evidence is undeniable and mounting. Jokic is constantly rewriting what we thought possible, even by superstar standards.</p><p>He needs a few more years of this absurd productivity - and ideally, at least another title - to nudge his way into a conversation with Michael Jordan and LeBron James. But he's already knocking on the door of Tier 2 legends who comprise the rest of the top 10.</p><h3>How 'bout them Suns?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811705/cropped_GettyImages-2248649060.jpg?ts=1764272773" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811705/w220xh124_GettyImages-2248649060.jpg?ts=1764272773 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811705/w320xh180_GettyImages-2248649060.jpg?ts=1764272773 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811705/w640xh360_GettyImages-2248649060.jpg?ts=1764272773 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811705/w768xh432_GettyImages-2248649060.jpg?ts=1764272773 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811705/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2248649060.jpg?ts=1764272773 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Chris Coduto / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>App user cstatzer wanted to know if I have any love for the Suns and their newfound grit.</p><p>I have a ton of admiration for Phoenix right now. After years of assembling star-studded but ill-fitting and heartless squads, the Suns have surrounded Devin Booker with a feisty group of overachievers. This team plays hard, defends, cuts, and crashes the offensive glass. The result is a club no one wants to play against, and one that should be a tough out every time it takes the floor. This version of the Suns won't be contending for titles, but in a Western Conference where the bottom has <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3402182" href="https://thescore.com/news/3402182">fallen out</a>, Phoenix can certainly be in the postseason mix. That's no small feat given how bleak things looked a few months ago.</p><p>Plus, the Suns don't control their own first-rounder until 2032, so there's no point in the capped-out club tanking. The best Phoenix can hope for is to remain competitive.</p><p>I'm curious to see how Jalen Green eventually fits in, but head coach Jordan Ott deserves credit for pulling all the right strings so far. Don't discount the impact of Dillon Brooks, either, who's supplementing his usual snarling defense with the best offensive stretch of his career. The combination of Brooks, Grayson Allen, and Royce O'Neale is an absolute nightmare to play against, but they've also combined to shoot 41% from deep.</p><p>That trio, starting center Mark Williams, and unheralded players like Collin Gillespie, Jordan Goodwin, Ryan Dunn, and Oso Ighodaro have all exceeded expectations, but Booker remains the straw that stirs the drink. The four-time All-Star is averaging 26 points and seven assists on 58% true shooting despite being the only bonafide offensive weapon on the team, which comes with a mammoth amount of defensive pressure. Booker dragging this team to the West playoffs would be a significant achievement.</p><h3>Inside the locker room</h3><p><em>What I'm hearing from players and people around the Association.</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811728/cropped_GettyImages-2247965677.jpg?ts=1764285649" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811728/w220xh124_GettyImages-2247965677.jpg?ts=1764285649 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811728/w320xh180_GettyImages-2247965677.jpg?ts=1764285649 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811728/w640xh360_GettyImages-2247965677.jpg?ts=1764285649 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811728/w768xh432_GettyImages-2247965677.jpg?ts=1764285649 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811728/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2247965677.jpg?ts=1764285649 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Mark Blinch / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Rajakovic inspires Ingram</strong>: Brandon Ingram recently joked that his favorite part of playing for the Raptors has been Darko Rajakovic's <a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/QfZ_B6QBBgk">locker-room</a> <a href="https://x.com/MrBuckBuckNBA/status/1990704583056695614">outbursts</a> following victories. On a serious note, Ingram explained how much he appreciates his new head coach.</p><p>"He brings the energy every single day," Ingram told reporters after a recent victory. "He's the leader of our team. He makes sure that we bring it to practice, to games, to shootarounds. He makes sure that we have it every single time we step on a basketball floor. For me, the best part about being here is just, our coach is present every single day."</p><p>Ingram isn't the first Raptor to <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3204198" href="https://thescore.com/news/3204198">rave</a> about Rajakovic's coaching style. It's why I argued last season that, at the very least, Toronto's bench boss had earned a shot to coach this team once they were ready to compete. Rajakovic is running with that opportunity now.</p><h3>Player of the week</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811663/cropped_GettyImages-2248051881.jpg?ts=1764272236" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811663/w220xh124_GettyImages-2248051881.jpg?ts=1764272236 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811663/w320xh180_GettyImages-2248051881.jpg?ts=1764272236 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811663/w640xh360_GettyImages-2248051881.jpg?ts=1764272236 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811663/w768xh432_GettyImages-2248051881.jpg?ts=1764272236 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811663/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2248051881.jpg?ts=1764272236 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">William Purnell / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Shai Gilgeous-Alexander</strong>: 36.0 PPG, 79.7 TS%, 4.3 RPG, 7.0 APG, 2.3 STL + BLK, 3-0 record</p><p>I also considered Jokic, Luka Doncic, and De'Aaron Fox for this week's award (which takes into account games played since last Friday), but the reigning MVP earned the honor with a flawless two-way performance. Even Jokic couldn't match SGA's efficiency this week, as the reigning MVP averaged 36 points on 67-75-90 shooting splits to lead the Thunder to another perfect week. Imagine what he could do if the defending champions actually needed him to play fourth quarters.</p><h3>We want to hear from you!</h3><p>Perhaps you want my opinion or insight on a burning NBA question you've had. Or, let me know if there's something specific you'd like me to ask your favorite player the next time they're in Toronto, where I speak with people from around the league before and after they play against the Raptors.</p><p>Whatever it is, you can submit your questions via:</p><ul>
<li>Comment on this story in theScore app</li>
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https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33491699/related

Raptors are for real, Suns are feisty, Jokic nearing GOAT debate

The first month of the NBA season is in the books. Here's how every 2025 first-round pick has far...

<p><em>The first month of the NBA season is in the books. Here's how every 2025 first-round pick has fared so far.</em></p><h3>1. Cooper Flagg, F, Mavericks</h3><p><strong>Stats</strong>: 33.6 MPG, 15.9 PPG, 52.7 TS%, 6.4 RPG, 3.1 APG, 2.0 STL + BLK</p><p>Flagg hasn't quite set the league ablaze yet. His efficiency has suffered as he's been asked to run Dallas' wretched offense sans Kyrie Irving, but these reps will only help him down the road. It's tough to be too down on an 18-year-old who's still producing at this rate in an impossible situation.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><h3>
<strong>Grade</strong>: A-</h3><h3>2. Dylan Harper, G, Spurs</h3><p><strong>Stats</strong>: 23.3 MPG, 14.0 PPG, 58.4 TS%, 4.0 RPG, 3.8 APG, 0.7 STL + BLK</p><p>Before being sidelined by a calf injury, Harper looked every bit the dynamic guard San Antonio was excited to pair with Victor Wembanyama. He was getting to the rim, using his craftiness to finish once there, and nicely balancing his scoring and playmaking. Unfortunately, that aforementioned injury has limited him to just six games, suppressing his grade somewhat.</p><h3>
<strong>Grade</strong>: B+</h3><h3>3. VJ Edgecombe, G, 76ers</h3><p><strong>Stats</strong>: 37.3 MPG, 15.6 PPG, 50.3 TS%, 6.0 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.8 STL + BLK</p><p>Where would Philly be without Edgecombe? The Baylor product has invigorated the 76ers with an infusion of youth and athleticism they desperately needed on both ends of the court. His efficiency has lagged, but Edgecombe has produced solid two-way stretches while logging the second-most minutes per game league-wide.</p><h3>
<strong>Grade</strong>: A</h3><h3>4. Kon Knueppel, G/F, Hornets</h3><p><strong>Stats</strong>: 33.6 MPG, 19.4 PPG, 65.4 TS%, 5.8 RPG, 2.9 APG, 1.0 STL + BLK</p><p>Knueppel has been the best rookie among a stacked draft class over the first month. Full stop. An NBA freshman has no business scoring as efficiently as the 20-year-old has with limited talent around him in Charlotte. Knueppel is shooting roughly 58% inside the arc, 44% from deep, and 90% from the free-throw line, with his off-ball movement unlocking the Hornets' offense.</p><h3>
<strong>Grade</strong>: A+</h3><h3>5. Ace Bailey, F, Jazz</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809629/cropped_GettyImages-2246272451.jpg?ts=1764088067" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809629/w220xh124_GettyImages-2246272451.jpg?ts=1764088067 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809629/w320xh180_GettyImages-2246272451.jpg?ts=1764088067 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809629/w640xh360_GettyImages-2246272451.jpg?ts=1764088067 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809629/w768xh432_GettyImages-2246272451.jpg?ts=1764088067 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809629/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2246272451.jpg?ts=1764088067 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Alex Goodlett / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Stats</strong>: 21.5 MPG, 9.9 PPG, 54.8 TS%, 3.4 RPG, 1.7 APG, 1.0 STL + BLK</p><p>A promising preseason gave way to a rough first month for Bailey in which some of his weaknesses popped up. Still, flashes of a future star are there. His combination of size and shot-creation can't be denied, and his defensive effort has improved lately. The results have been a mixed bag thus far, but Bailey's not as one-dimensional a scorer or overall player as I thought.</p><h3>
<strong>Grade</strong>: C+</h3><h3>6. Tre Johnson, G, Wizards</h3><p><strong>Stats</strong>: 24.3 MPG, 11.5 PPG, 56.5 TS%, 3.0 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.9 STL + BLK</p><p>Johnson will miss some time with a strained left hip flexor (which he originally hurt in college), but he's already shown off his clear NBA skill: The kid can score. He's converting multiple 3-pointers per game at a nearly 40% clip and makes scoring inside the arc look effortless. The rest of his game is a work in progress, but his shooting has definitely translated to the pros.</p><h3>
<strong>Grade</strong>: B</h3><h3>7. Jeremiah Fears, G, Pelicans</h3><p><strong>Stats</strong>: 26.8 MPG, 15.4 PPG, 54.1 TS%, 3.3 RPG, 2.7 APG, 1.8 STL + BLK</p><p>The Pelicans are a disaster in more ways than one, but the team's rookies are a glaring reason for optimism, and Fears is the first on our list. The 19-year-old has displayed poise beyond his years in getting to his spots and scoring at a respectable level. His turnovers have been an issue at times, but Fears' defense is ahead of schedule, thanks to his incredibly active hands.</p><h3>
<strong>Grade</strong>: A-</h3><h3>8. Egor Demin, G, Nets</h3><p><strong>Stats</strong>: 22.2 MPG, 7.6 PPG, 50.7 TS%, 3.4 RPG, 3.4 APG, 1.0 STL + BLK</p><p>Demin's a big guard with range and awesome playmaking vision, but he hadn't shown much scoring versatility until recently when he started getting downhill more. His two-way ceiling is obvious, even if the early returns have been lukewarm.</p><h3>
<strong>Grade</strong>: B-</h3><h3>9. Collin Murray-Boyles, F, Raptors</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811430/cropped_GettyImages-2246698612.jpg?ts=1764091347" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811430/w220xh124_GettyImages-2246698612.jpg?ts=1764091347 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811430/w320xh180_GettyImages-2246698612.jpg?ts=1764091347 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811430/w640xh360_GettyImages-2246698612.jpg?ts=1764091347 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811430/w768xh432_GettyImages-2246698612.jpg?ts=1764091347 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811430/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2246698612.jpg?ts=1764091347 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Andrew Lahodynskyj / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Stats</strong>: 19.1 MPG, 7.6 PPG, 61.1% TS, 3.2 RPG, 1.2 APG, 1.0 STL + BLK</p><p>Murray-Boyles has earned regular rotation minutes for the second-place Raptors, thanks to his as-advertised defense and general activity around the rim. But the real stunner has been his shooting, albeit in a very small sample. Murray-Boyles has canned 9-of-18 threes in 13 games after going 9-of-39 from deep over two years at South Carolina.</p><h3>
<strong>Grade</strong>: B+</h3><h3>10. Khaman Maluach, C, Suns</h3><p><strong>Stats</strong>: 4.8 MPG, 1.6 PPG, 61.8 TS%, 0.8 RPG, 0.1 APG, 0.5 STL + BLK</p><p>Maluach is a long-term project who's already spent <a href="https://www.brightsideofthesun.com/suns-roster/92785/khaman-maluach-rasheer-fleming-g-league-progress-rookie-development-tempe-valley">time</a> in the G League. As the third- or fourth-string center on a surprisingly competitive Suns team, his limited NBA minutes have mostly come in garbage time, making it tough to evaluate him.</p><h3>
<strong>Grade</strong>: D</h3><h3>11. Cedric Coward, G/F, Grizzlies</h3><p><strong>Stats</strong>: 26.4 MPG, 13.8 PPG, 60.9 TS%, 5.8 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.0 STL + BLK</p><p>The losses and <a data-in-app-uri="thescore:///news/3390200" href="https://thescore.com/news/3390200">drama</a> have mounted in Memphis, but Coward has been an encouraging breath of fresh air. The 22-year-old is an "old" rookie, and he certainly looks more comfortable on an NBA court than most of his peers. He's shown off his three-level scoring ability and defensive upside, emerging as one of the Grizzlies' most important players already.</p><h3>
<strong>Grade</strong>: A</h3><h3>12. Noa Essengue, F, Bulls</h3><p>The versatile French forward has logged just six minutes across two games, as it <a href="https://x.com/StephNoh/status/1993136882029559865">appears</a> he'll be more of a G League player for the time being.</p><h3>
<strong>Grade</strong>: D-</h3><h3>13. Derik Queen, C, Pelicans</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811437/cropped_GettyImages-2247787812.jpg?ts=1764093561" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811437/w220xh124_GettyImages-2247787812.jpg?ts=1764093561 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811437/w320xh180_GettyImages-2247787812.jpg?ts=1764093561 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811437/w640xh360_GettyImages-2247787812.jpg?ts=1764093561 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811437/w768xh432_GettyImages-2247787812.jpg?ts=1764093561 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811437/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2247787812.jpg?ts=1764093561 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Jeff Haynes / NBA / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Stats</strong>: 23.8 MPG, 12.4 PPG, 54.9 TS%, 6.5 RPG, 3.3 APG, 1.9 STL + BLK</p><p>Queen would have to ascend to superstar status to make New Orleans' reckless bet on him worthwhile, but for the purpose of this report card, he should only be judged relative to his draft position. In that regard, this pick looks like a home run. Queen is an exceptionally talented big man with a soft touch and impressive playmaking skills. His defense remains a concern, and he'll eventually have to share a frontcourt with another big man who can space the floor, but so far, so good.</p><h3>
<strong>Grade</strong>: A</h3><h3>14. Carter Bryant, F, Spurs</h3><p><strong>Stats</strong>: 6.5 MPG, 2.5 PPG, 1.4 RPG, 0.3 STL + BLK</p><p>I thought Bryant's 3-and-D abilities would lead to immediate NBA minutes, but regular playing time hasn't been there for him yet. Still, he's had a couple <a href="https://x.com/PerSources/status/1988628254144508073">loud</a> moments that have teased the potential within.</p><h3>
<strong>Grade</strong>: D+</h3><h3>15. Thomas Sorber, F/C, Thunder</h3><p>Sorber will miss the entire season due to a torn ACL.</p><h3>
<strong>Grade</strong>: Incomplete</h3><h3>16. Yang Hansen, C, Trail Blazers</h3><p><strong>Stats</strong>: 7.8 MPG, 3.1 PPG, 40.6 TS%, 1.7 RPG, 0.8 APG, 0.4 STL + BLK</p><p>Hansen's welcome to the NBA has been a lot ruder than his preseason highlights suggested it would be, but the big man appeared more confident when he returned to the Blazers' lineup following a three-week hiatus and G League stint.</p><h3>
<strong>Grade</strong>: C-</h3><h3>17. Joan Beringer, F/C, Timberwolves</h3><p><strong>Stats</strong>: 4.1 MPG, 2.0 PPG, 73.1 TS%, 1.3 RPG, 0.3 STL + BLK</p><p>Beringer's sparse minutes have come in garbage time, but he hasn't needed much time to flash his intriguing combination of <a href="https://x.com/Huncho_Jman/status/1986997340507676772">length</a> and <a href="https://x.com/WolvesClips/status/1986267442494976357">athleticism</a>.</p><h3>
<strong>Grade</strong>: C+</h3><h3>18. Walter Clayton Jr., G, Jazz</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/793976/cropped_GettyImages-2224033290.jpg?ts=1764096832" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/793976/w220xh124_GettyImages-2224033290.jpg?ts=1764096832 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/793976/w320xh180_GettyImages-2224033290.jpg?ts=1764096832 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/793976/w640xh360_GettyImages-2224033290.jpg?ts=1764096832 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/793976/w768xh432_GettyImages-2224033290.jpg?ts=1764096832 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/793976/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2224033290.jpg?ts=1764096832 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Garrett Ellwood / NBA / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Stats</strong>: 15.9 MPG, 5.4 PPG, 52.1 TS%, 2.1 RPG, 3.2 APG, 0.8 STL + BLK</p><p>Clayton started strong but eventually lost his rotation spot once reserve guard Isaiah Collier returned from injury. His all-around game popped in his G League debut, just as it did in his first taste of NBA action.</p><h3>
<strong>Grade</strong>: B-</h3><h3>19. Nolan Traore, G, Nets</h3><p><strong>Stats</strong>: 8.8 MPG, 1.8 PPG, 35.4 TS%, 0.3 RPG, 1.3 APG, 0.5 STL + BLK</p><p>The 19-year-old got some run in the opening week of the season, but he was obviously overmatched and has since bounced between the G League and the big club. Traore's been <a href="https://stats.gleague.nba.com/player/1642849/">productive</a> for the Long Island Nets and carries obvious <a href="https://x.com/erikslater_/status/1992611765331632510">upside</a>, though he doesn't look like an NBA player yet.</p><h3>
<strong>Grade</strong>: D+</h3><h3>20. Kasparas Jakucionis, G, Heat</h3><p>Jakucionis has yet to see an NBA floor, as he was limited by a groin injury early and has since been assigned to the G League, where he's been filling the stat sheet and trying to find his jumper still.</p><h3>
<strong>Grade</strong>: Incomplete</h3><h3>21. Will Riley, F, Wizards</h3><p><strong>Stats</strong>: 6.9 MPG, 2.2 PPG, 46.8 TS%, 1.4 RPG, 0.9 APG, 0.3 STL + BLK</p><p>Although Riley hasn't had much time to showcase himself yet, he seems like a crafty player who can put the ball on the floor and create for himself. He fared well in a couple G League games, averaging 21 points, four rebounds, and four assists on 58% shooting.</p><h3>
<strong>Grade</strong>: C</h3><h3>22. Drake Powell, G, Nets</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811448/cropped_GettyImages-2247778271.jpg?ts=1764098231" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811448/w220xh124_GettyImages-2247778271.jpg?ts=1764098231 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811448/w320xh180_GettyImages-2247778271.jpg?ts=1764098231 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811448/w640xh360_GettyImages-2247778271.jpg?ts=1764098231 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811448/w768xh432_GettyImages-2247778271.jpg?ts=1764098231 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811448/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2247778271.jpg?ts=1764098231 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Nathaniel S. Butler / NBA / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Stats</strong>: 18.9 MPG, 6.9 PPG, 62.6 TS%, 2.0 RPG, 2.0 APG, 1.0 STL + BLK</p><p>The lowly Nets have provided an opportunity for Powell to play out of the gate, but he's earned it. The 20-year-old has been efficient in his limited offensive role and already looks like a plus-defender on the perimeter, which is no small feat for a rookie.</p><h3>
<strong>Grade</strong>: B+</h3><h3>23. Asa Newell, F/C, Hawks</h3><p><strong>Stats</strong>: 8.1 MPG, 4.3 PPG, 63.6 TS%, 1.6 RPG, 0.1 APG, 0.7 STL + BLK</p><p>Like many players on the latter half of this list, Newell hasn't played enough for his numbers to reveal much. However, during the only two games in which the big man logged more than 10 minutes, he recorded a double-double against the Thunder then had 17 points, five rebounds, and four steals in a win over the Lakers. Newell has the makings of an energetic stretch-big.</p><h3>
<strong>Grade</strong>: B</h3><h3>24. Nique Clifford, G/F, Kings</h3><p><strong>Stats</strong>: 17.2 MPG, 4.3 PPG, 46.9 TS%, 2.9 RPG, 1.9 APG, 0.7 STL + BLK</p><p>Clifford's minutes have tailed off lately after he received regular opportunities early in the season. He's a bouncy player who can defend and moves well off the ball, but things haven't fallen into place for him yet as a pro.</p><h3>
<strong>Grade</strong>: C+</h3><h3>25. Jase Richardson, G, Magic</h3><p><strong>Stats</strong>: 5.8 MPG, 2.4 PPG, 62.1 TS%, 0.7 RPG, 0.9 APG</p><p>Richardson hasn't played many meaningful minutes for a Magic team that's trying to win now, but he showed Orlando something in his first taste of rotation action Sunday against Boston, scoring 18 points in 21 minutes. The guy can shoot, and his playmaking chops are underrated. Don't be surprised if head coach Jamahl Mosley starts leaning on him more as the campaign progresses.</p><h3>
<strong>Grade</strong>: B</h3><h3>26. Ben Saraf, G, Nets</h3><p><strong>Stats</strong>: 13.9 MPG, 3.3 PPG, 37.7 TS%, 1.9 RPG, 2.4 APG, 0.3 STL + BLK</p><p>Saraf's playmaking vision is obvious, but he looked out of place on an NBA court and turned the ball over too often in the G League. Then, he suffered an ankle injury that's currently sidelining him.</p><h3>
<strong>Grade</strong>: C-</h3><h3>27. Danny Wolf, F/C, Nets</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811456/cropped_GettyImages-2245732319.jpg?ts=1764100736" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811456/w220xh124_GettyImages-2245732319.jpg?ts=1764100736 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811456/w320xh180_GettyImages-2245732319.jpg?ts=1764100736 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811456/w640xh360_GettyImages-2245732319.jpg?ts=1764100736 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811456/w768xh432_GettyImages-2245732319.jpg?ts=1764100736 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/811456/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2245732319.jpg?ts=1764100736 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Stephen Gosling / NBA / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>Although Wolf has played just eight minutes across three games, he's been absolutely tearing it up in the G League, where he's averaging 21 points and 11 rebounds on 63% true shooting. Wolf's scoring, rebounding, and court vision should be on display sooner than later at the NBA level.</p><h3>
<strong>Grade</strong>: B-</h3><h3>28. Hugo Gonzalez, G/F, Celtics</h3><p><strong>Stats</strong>: 11.6 MPG, 2.6 PPG, 51.0 TS%, 1.8 RPG, 0.7 APG, 1.0 STL + BLK</p><p>It's not easy for an international teenager to make the transition to the NBA, but the Spanish swingman has earned playing time in Boston, where head coach Joe Mazzulla has been impressed by Gonzalez's defensive instincts. That counts for something.</p><h3>
<strong>Grade</strong>: B-</h3><h3>29. Liam McNeeley, G/F, Hornets</h3><p><strong>Stats</strong>: 13.3 MPG, 4.2 PPG, 50.4 TS%, 2.3 RPG, 1.1 APG, 0.3 STL + BLK</p><p>McNeeley has struggled in nearly every facet of the game thus far and seems like an obvious candidate to benefit from some extended G League run.</p><h3>
<strong>Grade</strong>: D+</h3><h3>30. Yanic Konan Niederhauser, C, Clippers</h3><p><strong>Stats</strong>: 5.0 MPG, 3.1 PPG, 71.3 TS%, 1.5 RPG, 0.4 APG, 0.3 STL + BLK</p><p>Niederhauser probably won't factor into the Clippers' rotation this year, but between the preseason and his recent G League stint, the Swiss big man has shown me something. He's a great athlete for a 6-foot-11, 240-pounder. </p><h3>
<strong>Grade</strong>: C</h3><p><em><a href="https://x.com/JosephCasciaro">Joseph Casciaro</a> is theScore's lead NBA reporter.</em></p>

https://rich-content.thescore.com/content_cards/33466131/related

NBA rookie report card: Grading every 1st-rounder's debut month

<p><em>Welcome to From The Logo, a collection of opinions, analysis, and locker room insights from theScore's lead NBA reporter, Joseph Casciaro.</em></p><h3>Get serious, LaMelo</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810806/cropped_GettyImages-2247646451.jpg?ts=1763680608" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810806/w220xh124_GettyImages-2247646451.jpg?ts=1763680608 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810806/w320xh180_GettyImages-2247646451.jpg?ts=1763680608 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810806/w640xh360_GettyImages-2247646451.jpg?ts=1763680608 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810806/w768xh432_GettyImages-2247646451.jpg?ts=1763680608 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810806/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2247646451.jpg?ts=1763680608 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Dylan Buell / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>The irony of LaMelo Ball <a data-in-app-uri="" href="">reportedly</a> being open to a trade out of Charlotte is that it's the Hornets who should be frustrated with him, not the other way around. It's hilariously fitting that Ball's reported discontent - which he seemed to <a href="https://x.com/MELOD1P/status/1991644767235764597">deny</a> - leaked a day after he shot 5-of-21 from the field and recorded six turnovers in a loss to the reeling Pacers.</p><p>Though the standings don't reflect it, the Hornets have quietly stabilized over the last year or so and seem to have a clear rebuilding vision. Drafting Kon Knueppel (fourth overall) last June was a smart bet, adding to an encouraging crop of youngsters that also includes Brandon Miller, Moussa Diabate, Ryan Kalkbrenner, and Sion James. If the pingpong balls bounce Charlotte's way ahead of the loaded 2026 draft, the Hornets look well-positioned with a solid core of supporting cast members ready to surround a young franchise star.</p><div class="the-score-article-ad-unit"></div><p>That star could've (and should've) been Ball, a lengthy and supremely talented guard with tantalizing upside. Injuries - mostly to Ball's ankles - have slowed his progression, with the 24-year-old appearing in only <em>44%</em> of Charlotte's games over the last four seasons. That's frustrating enough for a perennial cellar-dweller trying to claw its way to relevance, but Ball can't be faulted for an unfortunate injury history. What he can be faulted for is his immaturity and unseriousness.</p><p>You don't have to be plugged in to see it. Watch Ball go through his pregame routine or walk into the Hornets' locker room after another loss, one likely marked by a handful of questionable decisions from him. You'll come across a care-free young man who's pleasant enough to talk to, but one who doesn't seem to grasp the responsibilities of a franchise star. All vibes, no substance.</p><p>Is it possible Ball might smarten up as he ages and matures with a fresh start in a new environment? I suppose. But the likelier outcome is that he'll continue to frustrate his biggest supporters while failing to take winning, losing, or anything else very seriously. Oh, and he's owed nearly $131 million over the next three seasons.</p><p>At roughly 25% of the salary cap through 2029, that deal could look like a bargain to franchises that squint and still see a superstar waiting to be unleashed. The question becomes, are those teams squinting or just plain blind?</p><p>For what it's worth, I could see a moribund club like Sacramento making the move. The Kings could turn multiple picks and some of their veteran money (Zach LaVine or DeMar DeRozan, for example) into the upside of Ball, while Charlotte would likely add draft capital, another adult in the room, and perhaps another solid youngster (like Keon Ellis).</p><blockquote><p>For more, watch the latest episode of <strong>From The Logo</strong> on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0r4sqAoGxJA&amp;t=2s">YouTube</a></p></blockquote><h3>Shorthanded Pistons rolling</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809057/cropped_GettyImages-2245030497.jpg?ts=1763703378" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809057/w220xh124_GettyImages-2245030497.jpg?ts=1763703378 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809057/w320xh180_GettyImages-2245030497.jpg?ts=1763703378 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809057/w640xh360_GettyImages-2245030497.jpg?ts=1763703378 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809057/w768xh432_GettyImages-2245030497.jpg?ts=1763703378 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/809057/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2245030497.jpg?ts=1763703378 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">David L. Nemec / NBA / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>One of the most frequent in-app comments and emailed questions I've received has been about how I'd evaluate the surging Pistons. In short, the first-place club is pretty damn impressive. Detroit has lost the sixth-most <a href="https://www.spotrac.com/nba/injured/_/year/2025/view/team">games</a> to injury this campaign, but that hasn't slowed its rapid ascent from being historically bad two years ago to a conference leader this season.</p><p>Cade Cunningham's efficiency has suffered at times with depleted, mishmash lineups around him, but he's done everything necessary to keep the Pistons afloat (even when that meant missing a record 31 shots in an overtime victory over Washington). Fourth-year center Jalen Duren has been a man possessed on both ends of the court, averaging nearly 21 points and 12 rebounds and anchoring the league's second-best defense. Isaiah Stewart and Ausar Thompson have also helped bolster that defense.</p><p>Veteran shooter Duncan Robinson has done his best to make up for the losses of Malik Beasley and Tim Hardaway Jr., while lesser-known players like Javonte Green have contributed. Then there's Daniss Jenkins, an undrafted guard on a two-way contract who's averaging 11.8 points, 4.4 assists, and 1.5 steals and shooting 52% inside the arc and 45% from deep. Although Detroit could use more shooting, perhaps that's coming in the form of speedy shooting guard Jaden Ivey, who's been sidelined most of the last year after suffering a broken left fibula and then a right knee setback.</p><p>No matter who head coach J.B. Bickerstaff has at his disposal on a given night, it's all been coming together for him. And in case you were thinking it's just smoke and mirrors, the 13-2 Pistons have played nine of their 15 games against squads with winning records. They also own the league's fifth-best point differential.</p><p>Since the NBA expanded to 30 teams in 2004, 22 teams have won 13 of their first 15 contests. Those clubs averaged 59 wins at the end of the season, with nine of them reaching the Finals. This Pistons team is for real, especially in what appears to be a wide-open Eastern Conference.</p><h3>Ja for Zion?</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/592234/cropped_GettyImages-1453785222.jpg?ts=1763703412" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/592234/w220xh124_GettyImages-1453785222.jpg?ts=1763703412 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/592234/w320xh180_GettyImages-1453785222.jpg?ts=1763703412 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/592234/w640xh360_GettyImages-1453785222.jpg?ts=1763703412 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/592234/w768xh432_GettyImages-1453785222.jpg?ts=1763703412 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/592234/w1080xh607_GettyImages-1453785222.jpg?ts=1763703412 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Justin Ford / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p>This trade proposal came from reader Kensun Nguyen, who wants to see a swap of the top two picks from 2019. My take is that the Grizzlies would hang up the phone.</p><p>Though I understand that all parties involved may be looking for a fresh start, my guess is that Memphis would prefer draft capital and a more bankable youngster if it decides to sell low on Morant rather than swapping one headache for another. If that's the best the Grizzlies can do, then they're better off keeping Ja.</p><p>For the Pelicans, such a deal might satisfy their goals. Plus, Morant and Williamson are on identical contracts over the next two and a half years (though Williamson must hit certain benchmarks for his to become fully guaranteed). Still, New Orleans doesn't have the organizational structure needed to bring out the best in Morant.</p><h3>Inside the locker room</h3><p><em>What I'm hearing from players and people around the Association.</em></p><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810865/cropped_GettyImages-2193549963.jpg?ts=1763703536" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810865/w220xh124_GettyImages-2193549963.jpg?ts=1763703536 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810865/w320xh180_GettyImages-2193549963.jpg?ts=1763703536 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810865/w640xh360_GettyImages-2193549963.jpg?ts=1763703536 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810865/w768xh432_GettyImages-2193549963.jpg?ts=1763703536 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810865/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2193549963.jpg?ts=1763703536 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Melissa Majchrzak / NBA / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>All-Star indifference</strong>: I wrote about the new All-Star format last week, but one former All-Star who didn't get the memo was the aforementioned Ball. The Hornets guard seemed genuinely stunned when asked for his thoughts, admitting he wasn't aware of the change to a USA-versus-the-World mini-tournament. As for what could make him care? "Put me in, boy, and I'll care about it. Other than that ... sheeeiit." Unfortunately for Ball, neither his play nor Charlotte's record will help his case.</p><p><strong>How to be a good vet</strong>: A few feet away from Ball, new Hornet Collin Sexton was engaged in a much more thoughtful conversation. Still just 26 years old, Sexton is a young veteran on a very green Charlotte team, and he's taking the job seriously. So, what actually makes an all-important good vet or a great locker-room guy? "It's being someone guys can lean on, not just on the court, but off the court," Sexton told me.</p><p>"Whether it's about life, family, or professional things like how to take care of your money, I would say being a good vet is just being someone guys can come to about anything, no matter the circumstances or situation. And I feel like that's me. I've had so many life experiences that allow me to have perspective I can give to the younger guys. I know what it feels like to have nothing and to have the highest of highs. I know what it's like to have season-ending injuries, to not play, to have teammates not like me. I can share all that and can show them that no matter what's going on around you, you have to continue to fight, push, and believe in yourself."</p><p>As Sexton can attest, being a trusted sounding board on off-court matters makes it easier to have critical, sometimes hard, basketball conversations with teammates on the court.</p><h3>Player of the Week</h3><figure class="article-segment--image"><img src="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810575/cropped_GettyImages-2246843689.jpg?ts=1763704884" srcset="https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810575/w220xh124_GettyImages-2246843689.jpg?ts=1763704884 220w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810575/w320xh180_GettyImages-2246843689.jpg?ts=1763704884 320w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810575/w640xh360_GettyImages-2246843689.jpg?ts=1763704884 640w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810575/w768xh432_GettyImages-2246843689.jpg?ts=1763704884 768w, https://assets-cms.thescore.com/uploads/image/file/810575/w1080xh607_GettyImages-2246843689.jpg?ts=1763704884 1080w"><figcaption class="article-segment--image-caption"> <span class="article-segment--image-attribution">Adam Pantozzi / NBA / Getty Images</span></figcaption></figure><p><strong>Luka Doncic</strong>: 34 PPG, 64.9 TS%, 7.0 RPG, 9.3 APG, 3.3 STL + BLK, 3-0 record</p><p>I considered Nikola Jokic, Alperen Sengun, Lauri Markkanen, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jaylen Brown, and Duren, but Doncic deserves theScore's honor, which takes into account games played since last Friday.</p><p>A slimmer Doncic is moving well and looks no worse for wear after missing time with a finger injury. He's been as dazzling as ever on the offensive end while flashing a defensive energy and activity that we've rarely seen from him before (at least in the regular season). Doncic logged 38 minutes per game in his three contests this week, with the Lakers outscoring the Pelicans, Bucks, and Jazz by 65 points when he was on the court. When he rested, they were outscored by 13.</p><h3>We want to hear from you!</h3><p>Perhaps you want my opinion or insight on a burning NBA question you've had. Or, let me know if there's something specific you'd like me to ask your favorite player the next time they're in Toronto, where I speak with people from around the league before and after they play against the Raptors.</p><p>Whatever it is, you can submit your questions via:</p><ul>
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LaMelo needs to get serious, Pistons are rolling, Ja for Zion?

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