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Re: Identity Crisis - Utah Jazz 30-Team MyLeague
All-Star Weekend Has Arrived
What an NBA season it has been thus far this year. The San Antonio Spurs are continuing their dominance from last year, as they are tied with the Oklahoma City Thunder for the best record in the NBA at 41-12. Both teams are thriving, albeit in very contrasting ways, as they are tied atop the Western Conference. In the East, the Bulls and Cavs are battling for the top seed, as well as the Central division, as Chicago is 39-15 and Cleveland is 38-17. Jimmy Butler has emerged as a star for the Bulls, while the Big Three of LeBron, Love, and Irving are all averaging 19 points a game or higher.
Midseason Recaps/Standings
30. Los Angeles Lakers (7-46): One of the most successful franchises in NBA history is hitting an all-time low. With Kobe Bryant and Steve Nash sidelined all season, the Lakers are putting up pitiful performances night in and night out. The Lakers have a league-worst point differential of -15.6, as they have the lowest scoring offense in the league and the 5th worst defense, as well. The lone bright spot? Rookie point guard Jordan Clarkson is looking like a second-round steal, as the 22-year-old is putting up 11.7 points a night, along with 6.7 assists, 3.2 rebounds per game, 1.1 steals per game, and 42% from the field.
MVP: Wesley Johnson, SF: 15.0 PPG, 3.5 RPG, 46.6% FG, 38.3% 3PT
29. Denver Nuggets (12-41): These Nuggets look nothing like the Nuggets of old. Brian Shaw's squad is only averaging 95 points per game, a far cry from their high-octane offenses of just a couple years ago. Ty Lawson, Wilson Chandler, and Danilo Gallinari seem to be the only Nuggets capable of scoring on a nightly basis, but that won't explain their atrocious defense, as the team is 24th in the league in team defense.
MVP: Ty Lawson, PG: 18.0 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 7.2 APG, 1.2 SPG, 42.7% FG, 36.8% 3PT
28. Philadelphia 76ers (13-40): The Sixers have a squad that is built purely for losing, yet they aren't at the bottom of the NBA? You can mark that up to a squad of guys that try to show what they're capable of as this could be the only shot they have at making an impression in the NBA. Tony Wroten, Henry Sims, and Isaiah Canaan have been impressive, but not nearly as much as the 34-year-old Jason Richardson, who has bounced back with 14 points per game after not playing a single minute last year.
MVP: Jason Richardson, SG: 14.0 PPG, 4.1 RPG, 2.0 APG, 43.0% FG, 35.4% 3PT
27. New York Knicks (13-41): One common theme among all of the bottom feeders in the NBA: awful defense. The Knicks have absolutely no rim protection, which contributes to giving up 109 points a game. Combine that with the fact that Carmelo Anthony is sitting this season out, and the Knicks are in a battle for a top 3 pick this summer. Second-year player Tim Hardaway Jr. has made strides toward being a legitimate scorer in this league.
MVP: Tim Hardaway Jr., SG: 15.6 PPG, 3.5 APG, 44.4% FG, 33.4% 3PT
26. Orlando Magic (14-42): The Magic's record won't tell you how much potential this group has, but this year, they're a very bad ballclub. Outside of All-Star Nik Vucevic, Vic Oladipo, and Tobias Harris, the offense has been dreadful, as they average just 94.9 points a game, good for 27th in the league. That's not all that they're bad at, though. Vucevic is a below-average defender at center, and starting power forward Channing Frye is a shooting specialist, so the Magic are very bad defensively as well. Maybe it's time for rookie Aaron Gordon to get some burn in the starting lineup?
MVP: Nikola Vucevic, C: 17.7 PPG, 10.6 RPG, 1.3 BPG, 50.2% FG
25. Washington Wizards (14-40): What happened? The Wizards had such a bright future with John Wall and Bradley Beal running the show, and now they're near the bottom of the weak East? Paul Pierce is showing his age, as he's shooting just 39% from the floor, while Marcin Gortat has been inefficient from the floor as well. The bench is dreadful, so while Wall and Beal average a combined 37 points, 9 rebounds, and 11 assists per game, these Wizards just can't muster any offense. Here's to hoping they solve this in the offseason before they ruin a Wall/Beal combo.
MVP: John Wall, PG - 19.9 PPG, 5.4 RPG, 7.9 APG, 2.1 SPG, 43.2% FG, 32.8% 3PT
24. Minnesota Timberwolves (14-39): Not much was expected of this bunch, as Andrew Wiggins is super young, Kevin Garnett is super old, and everyone else in between is a mix of inexperienced or ineffective players. However, Andrew Wiggins has been fantastic for Minnesota, as his rookie campaign has him scoring 18.3 a night, along with 5.3 rebounds a game. You can't help but feel that these Wolves have a very bright future ahead of them, regardless of how this season turns out for them.
MVP: Andrew Wiggins, SF: 18.3 PPG, 5.3 RPG, 1.2 SPG, 43.7% FG, 32.9% 3PT
23. Phoenix Suns (19-35): Pretty disappointing season thus far from Phoenix. After dealing Goran Dragic and bringing in Brandon Knight, the Suns find themselves in mediocrity on offense, and in poverity on defense. Phoenix is shooting just 33.5% from three-point land, which has been one of their strengths the past few years. The Knight/Bledsoe combo is combining for 37.4 points per game and 13.6 assists per game, but outside of those two, not one Phoenix player is averaging more than 2 assists a game. That's trouble.
MVP: Brandon Knight, SG: 20.7 PPG, 3.7 RPG, 6.6 APG, 1.1 SPG, 41.8% FG, 34.2% 3PT
22.Milwaukee Bucks (21-32): After shipping out Brandon Knight and bringing in Michael Carter-Williams, it was made clear what the Bucks vision is: defense, length, and athleticism. However, we didn't think that Milwaukee would be THIS bad on offense. Only two Bucks (Middleton, Carter-Williams) are putting up double-digit points a night, and those two are only combining for 27 a night. Giannis Antetokounmpo has shown flashes of greatness, but is also reminding us that he's only 20 years old by being a turnover machine and displaying poor shooting from range. Still, with no Jabari Parker this season, it's pretty impressive to see this Milwaukee team go from last in the NBA to a slightly below .500 record this season.
MVP: Giannis Antetokounmpo, SF: 9.7 PPG, 6.4 RPG, 2.8 APG, 1.0 BPG, 47.6% FG, 32.5% 3PT
21. Sacramento Kings (23-30): You really have to wonder if George Karl was the right fit here for Sacramento. Budding superstar center DeMarcus Cousins went from averaging 23 and 12 a night last year to just 17 and 9 this year. He's not shooting much worse from the field. The big man is struggling to stay on the floor due to Karl's defensive system, which causes Cousins to wind up on the bench more often than not due to fouls. He's tied with Derrick Favors in total fouls this year at 239, which is good for 4.5 a game. Not a good sign if you're a Kings fan. Cousins needs to be on the floor more than 28 minutes a game.
MVP: DeMarcus Cousins, C: 16.6 PPG, 8.9 RPG, 1.1 SPG, 1.4 BPG, 48.1% FG
20. Brooklyn Nets (24-29): The Nets offense is struggling, as their highest scorer, Brook Lopez, is averaging just under 14 points an night. But their middle-of-the-pack defense is keeping them in the playoff hunt in the East. The trio of Brook Lopez, Thad Young, and Mason Plumlee have been a solid defensive frontcourt rotation for Brooklyn. But still, you have to wonder if Brooklyn would have liked to have shipped off Lopez, Deron Williams, or Joe Johnson to get their contracts off the books.
MVP: Brook Lopez, C: 13.9 PPG, 7.2 RPG, 1.6 BPG, 50.7% FG
19. Boston Celtics (25-26): The Celtics find themselves just outside of the Eastern Conference playoffs at the All-Star Break, and three men deserve credit: GM Danny Ainge, head coach Brad Stevens, and point guard Isaiah Thomas. Ainge shipped off Rajon Rondo to Dallas this season, and brought in the 5'9" Thomas to lead the team in the immediate future. Thomas has retaliated by averaging 20.8 points per game, along with 7.2 assists and almost 2 steals. Brad Stevens has managed to get the most out of Avery Bradley, Tyler Zeller, and company, while rookie Marcus Smart is looking steady as the starting two-guard in Stevens' lineup.
MVP: Isaiah Thomas, PG: 20.8 PPG, 7.2 APG, 1.7 SPG, 44.3% FG, 36.9% 3PT
18. Atlanta Hawks (27-27): After a rough offseason, the Hawks find themselves playing .500 ball this year and are looking at yet another playoff appearance. Jeff Teague is having a career-year, but Al Horford looks to be shaking off some rust after missing the majority of last year. Paul Millsap has taken a step back offensively, as he's averaging just 14.3 points per game and is shooting a career-low 42.7% from the field.
MVP: Jeff Teague, PG: 19.1 PPG, 7.1 APG, 1.4 SPG, 45.6% FG, 34.5% 3PT
17. New Orleans Pelicans (28-25): Anthony Davis is putting up similar numbers to last year, which is stellar, but you can't help but feel that something - or someone - is holding him back from becoming a true superstar. Someone with his talent should be above 25 points a night, right? Maybe it's head coach Monty Williams to blame, as Davis has taken a step back on defense; he's averaging just 1.8 blocks per game this season. Regardless, the Pels are going to have to pick up some slack if they hope to make the playoffs this season, as they are sitting at 10th in the West.
MVP: Anthony Davis, PF: 20.5 PPG, 9.0 RPG, 1.9 SPG, 1.8 BPG, 51.0% FG
16. Detroit Pistons (28-26): Ever since shipping off Josh Smith, the Pistons have looked like contenders in the East. However, Brandon Jennings' season-ending injury could prove to be costly, as new point guard Reggie Jackson has been inefficient and has no depth behind him. Still, the frontcourt duo of Andre Drummond and Greg Monroe is looking to be a duo for the future.
MVP: Andre Drummond, C: 16.6 PPG, 11.5 RPG, 1.5 SPG, 1.9 BPG, 52.4% FG
15. Charlotte Hornets (30-22): Charlotte has been a good team this season, as they play a slow-tempo, grind-it-out style of game that seems to submit their opponents slowly as the game progresses. They are second in the league in opponent points per game at just 89.4 a night. They don't get a ton of blocks, but they do force quite a few turnovers and bad shots with their stifling wings. Al Jefferson is averaging his lowest points per game (16.7) since 2006-2007.MVP: Kemba Walker, PG: 16.9 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 6.9 APG, 1.8 SPG, 43.4% FG, 36.4% 3PT
14. Indiana Pacers (31-23): No Paul George, no problem. The Pacers continue with their strong defensive play (5th in the NBA), and George Hill seems to be picking up the slack offensively. Hill is having a career-year at 28-years-old, averaging 18.2 points per game, 3.9 rebounds per game, and 5.4 assists per game. With PG13 slated to return in March, this Pacers team could make a deep run in the playoffs if they stay healthy.
MVP: George Hill, PG: 18.2 PPG, 3.9 RPG, 5.4 APG, 1.6 SPG, 44.9% FG, 38.7% 3PT
13. Dallas Mavericks (32-23): The Mavs haven't been as dominant as they'd have liked to be with Rajon Rondo in the mix, but they've still been a good team this season. Dirk hasn't aged a bit, Chandler Parsons has been an excellent addition, and Tyson Chandler is looking right at home in his return to Dallas. Amar'e Stoudemire is making his case for sixth-man of the year, as he's averaging nearly 10 and 7 off the bench.
MVP: Dirk Nowitzki, PF: 18.6 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 1.7 APG, 44.6% FG, 33.0% 3PT
12. Portland Trail Blazers (32-22): Portland has been a lot better defensively than anyone could have imagined, really. They're holding opponents to 96 points a night, good for 8th in the league. Damian Lillard and LaMarcus Aldridge continue to be arguably the best duo in the league, while Arron Afflalo and Nic Batum are contributing nicely. The loss of Wes Matthews will make things difficult come playoff time, as they have almost no depth at the wings now that Afflalo is starting.
MVP: Damian Lillard, PG: 20.5 PPG, 4.0 RPG, 8.2 APG, 1.0 SPG, 47.0% FG, 36.5% 3PT
11. Toronto Raptors (32-21): The Raptors could be a lot better than a 32-win team at this point in the season, but they've struggled against Eastern Conference teams not in their division. Their defense has been solid (7th in the league), but offensively they've been disappointing. They shooting just 33.5% from three-point-land this season, and Lowry and DeRozan are both averaging around just 15 points a night.
MVP: Kyle Lowry, PG: 15.0 PPG, 5.8 RPG, 8.6 APG, 1.8 SPG, 38.8%, 32.6% 3PT
10. Memphis Grizzlies (32-21): The Grizz haven't been nearly as good defensively as we're used to them being. The addition of Jeff Green might have hurt them at that end, but he's proving to be a valuable player offensively. Marc Gasol is just as good as ever, Mike Conley is still his steady self, but Zach Randolph has fallen off a bit at age 33. He's at just 15 a night, but is still hauling down 9 boards a game.
MVP: Marc Gasol, C: 18.6 PPG, 10.0 RPG, 1.8 APG, 1.9 BPG, 45.9% FG
9. Los Angeles Clippers (33-21): The Clippers are getting it done offensively, as they're scoring 104 a night and shooting at a 46% clip, but they've been struggling defensively. This could be the effect of very little frontcourt depth behind Blake Griffin and Deandre Jordan, as Spencer Hawes isn't exactly a defensive anchor and Glen Davis is Glen Davis. It will still be interesting to see how this Clipper team handles the playoffs this year, as they've been struggling in the playoffs ever since CP3 arrived.
MVP: Chris Paul, PG: 21.3 PPG, 4.4 RPG, 9.9 APG, 2.5 SPG, 45.2% FG, 34.1% 3PT
8. Miami Heat (32-20): How about the emergence of Hassan Whiteside? The 25-year-old journeyman has finally found a home in Miami alongside Dwyane Wade, Goran Dragic, and Chris Bosh, and he seems to be the real deal defensively. Though he's averaging just 5.1 points per game, his impact on the defensive end cannot be denied. He's enabling this Miami team to take chances defensively and cause turnovers. Could Whiteside be the most improved player of the year?
MVP: Goran Dragic, PG: 18.6 PPG, 4.2 RPG, 6.5 APG, 1.6 SPG, 43.0% FG, 37.5% 3PT
7. Utah Jazz (33-20): Outside of some (then) delusional Utah fans, who saw this coming? The Jazz are 4th in the Western Conference with a 33-20 record and have done so after trading away Enes Kanter for a first round draft pick. The Jazz have the 4th best defense in the league after being the worst defense last season, and you have to give credit to Quin Snyder for the turnaround, as well as new starting center Rudy Gobert. The frontcourt duo of Gobert and Derrick Favors, along with small forward and All-Star Gordon Hayward, seem to be the real deal. Can this Jazz team keep up this play in the West?
MVP: Gordon Hayward, SF: 19.5 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.6 SPG, 43.2% FG, 29.8% 3PT
6. Houston Rockets (36-17): The James Harden MVP campaign is happening. Harden is leading the league in scoring at 26.6 points per game, he's averaging 7 rebounds, 7 assists, 1.6 steals, and a block each night, and he's getting to the line at will. He's also leading the league with a 28.7 PER. Add Dwight Howard's defensive impact and the Rockets become an immediate contender for a title barring injuries.
MVP: James Harden, SG: 26.6 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 7.2 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 48.8% FG, 39.3% 3PT
5. Cleveland Cavaliers (38-17): Cleveland is at war with Chicago for the #1 seed in the East and the Central division title. LeBron James is still arguably the greatest player in the world, but Kyrie Irving and Kevin Love have been great for the Cavs. The trade for Timofey Mozgov might have been the best trade this season, as he's been absolutely fantastic on the defensive end for Cleveland. The Cavs have the 3rd best offense in the league, just behind Golden State and Oklahoma City.
MVP: LeBron James, SF: 24.2 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 4.9 APG, 1.6 SPG, 1.0 BPG, 50.4% FG, 33.8% 3PT
4. Golden State Warriors (36-15): How great has Stephen Curry been? The 26-year-old sharpshooter is averaging 23 points a night, along with 9 assists, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals. And this is technically a poor shooting season for him, as he's shooting 36% from behind the arc and 43% from the field. Could you imagine his numbers if he was shooting his averages from last year (47% FG, 42% 3PT)? Man...
MVP: Stephen Curry, PG: 23.5 PPG, 6.9 RPG, 9.1 APG, 2.0 SPG, 43.0% FG, 36.6% 3PT
3. Chicago Bulls (39-15): Chicago has been running roughshod through the Eastern Conference. They currently have the best defense in the league with just 88 points a night put up against them, and their offense isn't a slouch either, as they put up almost 99 points a game. Jimmy Butler is becoming a star in Chicago on both ends, as he's averaging a team-high 19 points as well as 8 rebounds and 5 assists a night. Derrick Rose is finally healthy and is putting up decent numbers, and Pau Gasol and Nik Mirotic have been fantastic additions down-low.
MVP: Jimmy Butler, SG: 19.4 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 4.9 APG, 2.0 SPG, 44.3% FG, 34.3% 3PT
2. San Antonio Spurs (41-12): So much for falling off. The Spurs are tied for a league best 41 wins at the All-Star Break, thanks to the consistent production from the entire roster. The leading scorer for San Antonio is Tim Duncan at just 13.2 points a game. That's it. Yet, San Antonio is putting up 100 points a night. That's how balanced this roster is. Not a single Spur is shooting less than 40% from the floor. Now that's impressive.
MVP: Tim Duncan, PF: 13.2 PPG, 9.2 RPG, 2.2 APG, 1.2 BPG, 50.7% FG, 31.6% 3PT
1. Oklahoma City Thunder (41-12): The Thunder have made some moves this season, acquiring Dion Waiters, Enes Kanter, and D.J. Augustin while shipping out Kendrick Perkins and Reggie Jackson. Not a bad haul at all. Durant and Westbrook remain the best duo in basketball, as they are putting up a combined 45 points a night, along with 15 rebounds, 14 assists, and 4 steals. Both men are in contention for the MVP award, and rightfully so. This Thunder team is downright scary.
MVP: Kevin Durant, SF: 24.9 PPG, 8.0 RPG, 4.5 APG, 1.8 SPG, 1.1 BPG, 48.1% FG, 40.5% 3PT
All-Star Participants
Eastern Conference All-Stars
PG - Kyle Lowry, TOR
SG - Dwyane Wade, MIA
SF - LeBron James, CLE
PF - Pau Gasol, CHI
C - Andre Drummond, DET
John Wall, PG - WAS
Kyrie Irving, PG - CLE
Jeff Teague, PG - ATL
Jimmy Butler, SG - CHI
Kevin Love, PF - CLE
Nikola Vucevic, C - ORL
Luol Deng, SF - MIA
Reggie Jackson, PG - DET
Western Conference All-Stars
PG - Stephen Curry, GSW
SG - James Harden, HOU
SF - Gordon Hayward, UTA
PF - Anthony Davis, NOP
C - Marc Gasol, MEM
Kevin Durant, SF - OKC
Russell Westbrook, PG - OKC
Chris Paul, PG - LAC
LaMarcus Aldridge, PF - POR
Blake Griffin, PF - LAC
Damian Lillard, PG - POR
Brandon Knight, SG - PHX
Eric Blesdoe, PG - PHX
Team Chuck
PG - Michael Carter-Williams, MIL
SG - Victor Oladipo, ORL
SF - Giannis Antetokounmpo, MIL
PF - Cody Zeller, CHA
C - Nerlens Noel, PHI
Andrew Wiggins, SF - MIN
Nikola Mirotic, PF - CHI
Jusuf Nurkic, C - DEN
Elfrid Payton, PG - ORL
Jordan Clarkson, PG - LAL
Team Shaq
PG - Dante Exum, UTA
SG - Tim Hardaway Jr., NYK
SF - Robert Covington, PHI
PF - Aaron Gordon, ORL
C - Rudy Gobert, UTA
Mason Plumlee, C - BKN
Marcus Smart, PG - BOS
Alex Len, C - PHX
Elijah Millsap, SG - UTA
Trey Burke, PG - UTA
Dunk Contest
Terrence Ross, TOR, SF
Zach LaVine, MIN, PG
Shabazz Muhammad, MIN, SG
Andre Drummond, DET, C
Three-Point Shootout
James Harden, SG, HOU - 39.3%
Kyle Korver, SG, ATL - 43.3%
Klay Thompson, SG, GSW - 42.0%
Damian Lillard, PG, POR - 36.5%
Stephen Curry, PG, GSW - 36.6%
Kyrie Irving, PG, CLE - 38.0%
__________________
Twitter: @TyroneisMaximus
PSN: JazzMan_OS
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Last edited by JazzMan; 03-07-2015 at 07:30 PM.
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