One Thing Every Team Should Be Thankful For
While we don’t have any basketball to watch on Thanksgiving, it’s still the season of thanks. That means it’s time for a delightful tradition, naming one thing every team should be thankful for so far this season. Plus, some happenings from last night in the NBA.
Portland Trail Blazers (125-121 L)
We seriously just lost to the Kings. The Blazers shut down in the 4th quarter, allowing the Kings backups to overpower them. Fox, Barnes, and Holmes didn’t even play major roles in the 2nd half of this game, and yet, we still lost.
The 4th quarter was one of the ugliest things I’ve ever seen. There was no passing, no movement, and a lot of standing around. We went away from giving the ball to Jusuf Nurkic, even though he had been bullying the Kings down low all night.
Dame and CJ continually settled for jump shots instead of getting to the rim. That goes to Dame especially, who just didn’t make it especially hard for rookie Davion Mitchell to guard him.
The defense, against the Kings’ backups, was horrible. We couldn’t stay inf front of them and allowed them to shoot 34 free throws. Just awful, awful defense. It’s a step back for the defense, which was looking passable during the winning streak.
Portland’s road struggles continue, as they are just 1-9 on the road this season. In a game we had to win, we played some of our worst basketball of the season. There are always games you look back on say, ‘we should have won this one.’ This game will end up being one of those games.
Juan Toscano-Anderson Is Fun
After a slow start, the Warriors thrashed Philly in the 2nd half to come away with yet another win. A big reason for that was Juan Toscano-Anderson.
JTA, the Oakland native, carved out a role for himself last season with his incredible hustle and energy. He earned his spot on the roster in 2022 and played, in my opinion, the best game of his career last night against Philly. Let’s break it down.
While nobody expects much from Anderson scoring the ball, he was surprisingly effective in this game. He made great, timely decisions that allowed him to get easy scores.
Anderson scored in transition, off of well-time cuts, and even off an inbounds pass. He was everywhere. One basket of his, in particular, stood out to me.
Overall, JTA was 6/6 in the 2nd half and finished with 13 points. When you have a +23 plus/minus in 19 minutes of action, you know you’re doing something right.
In addition to his tenacious scoring, Anderson impacted the game with his passing. He had 6 assists on the night and 5 in the 2nd half alone.
Of his five assists in the 2nd half, there were two absolute dimes that I want to talk about.
The Warriors have a transition opportunity and JTA gets the ball in the middle of the floor. He immediately knows where the ball is going and fires a bullet to GP-2 for the easy slam.
Those break-neck decisions aren’t easy to make, especially when you’re not naturally a guard. However, JTA knew where he was going with that ball the entire time.
I like this one a lot too. Draymond gets the ball to Anderson in the post with a mismatch against the smaller Tyrese Maxey.
The 76ers are focused on Jordan Poole, who gets a screen from Draymond. Draymond, knowing this, slips to the rim. Anderson gives him a perfect pass, leading to a rare Donkey dunk.
*Chefs kisses*
While you might not think of Juan Toscano-Anderson when you think of the Warriors, he’s a great player. He’s tough, physical, and plays his heart out every single night. His value might not be visible on a box score, but I like him as a player.
He has upside as a passer and a slasher, so I hope that Steve Kerr gives him more minutes. Pretty please?
One Thing Every Team Should Be Thankful For
Ok, the moment you’ve all been waiting for. Here is one thing that every team should be thankful for this season.
(Disclaimer: Watch out for sarcasm)
Atlanta Hawks: The End of Boredom
The Atlanta Hawks started their season with a 4-9 record. They weren’t scoring, their defense was terrible, and Trae Young was saying stuff like this;
“I think guys are learning that. We’re no longer the hunters,” Young said, via Chris Kirshner of The Athletic. “It’s regular season. I’m not going to lie, it’s a lot more boring than the playoffs. You got to find that motivation to play like the playoffs.”
Fortunately, for both Young and the Hawks, they have turned things around. They have won their last 6 games and clawed their way back to a 10-9 record. In that time, they have been one of the best teams in basketball.
The Atlanta Hawks In The Last 6 Games
121.5 ORtg (1st)
106.3 DRtg (14th)
15.2 Net Rating (2nd)
118.5 PPG (1st)
51% FG (1st)
41% 3-PT (1st)
43 Opp FG% (9th)
31 Opp FG% (7th)
I guess Trae and the Hawks are no longer bored, especially on offense.
Boston Celtics: Dennis Schroder
With Jaylen Brown out with injury, the Celtics desperately needed some offense. They couldn’t just rely on Jayson Tatum, so they needed someone to step up. That person has been Dennis Schroder.
The Celtics are 8-4 in their last 12 games and have turned their season around. Schroder has been playing great and he’s saved Boston in some of their wins.
Dennis Schroder In The Last 12 Games
19.6 points – 57% TS
Not bad for $5.9 million.
Brooklyn Nets: Kevin Durant
The Brooklyn Nets aren’t as good as we thought they’d be. From their poor bench to inconsistent defense, they don’t look like contenders. But even with all of their problems, they are the #1 seed in the seed. That’s all because of Kevin Durant.
Durant is off to one of the best starts of his career. The shooting, the efficiency, everything is dialed up to 100 right now. I mean, just look at this;
28.1 points – 7.6 rebounds – 5.3 assists – 66% TS
Even more than that, KD is shooting 79% from the restricted area. He’s shooting 57% from the mid-range. He’s shooting 40% from 3. He is taking perimeter player efficiency to a whole new level.
And hey’s pretty funny, if that counts for something.
Charlotte Hornets: Eric Collins
I could have said the emergence of Miles Bridges, Lamelo Ball, or any meaningful player on this roster. Instead, I went with the best and most energetic announcer in the NBA.
When you have a 10-minute compilation of your announcer calls on Youtube, made by House of Highlights, you’re doing something right. Collins had a great call from last night’s game when the Hornets played in Orlando.
Chicago Bulls: Gambling
While I wouldn’t advise gambling to kids, I think that the Bulls would say otherwise.
The Bulls gave $212 million dollars combined to Lonzo Ball, DeMar DeRozan, and Alex Caruso. They shelled out big money in the hopes that they would become contenders. It has worked out better than they hoped.
The Bulls are 12-7 and near the top of the Eastern Conference. Caruso and Ball have been the perfect point guards for the Bulls, offering elite perimeter defense and playmaking. However, DeMar DeRozan has easily been their best signing this season.
DeMar DeRozan In 2022
25.8 points – 5.2 rebounds – 58% TS
DeRozan is back to being a mid-range assassin. The combo of him and Lavine has been the best scoring duo this season. He’s playing great and so have all of the Bulls’ signings. The Bulls have transformed themselves thanks to smart spending.
Hey, maybe gambling isn’t so bad after all.
Cleveland Cavaliers: Evan Mobley
The Cleveland Cavaliers are having a weird season. While they are still rebuilding, they have found a franchise cornerstone down low. Mobley fell into their laps with the 3rd overall pick and he’s been everything they dreamed he’d be, and more.
Mobley is a unicorn and one of the most unique players in the NBA. From his ability to guard everyone on defense to his diverse offensive skill set, he’s been having a season for the ages.
14.6 points – 8.0 rebounds – 2.6 stocks – 56% TS
While he’s injured right now, Mobley has still been the best rookie thus far, and it’s not even close.
Dallas Mavericks: The Ineptitude Of The Kings
With their poor roster construction and Jason Kidd leading the way, there’s one sole reason as to why the Mavericks are 10-7 right now. While you’re all thinking the answer to that question is Luka Doncic, you should be thanking the Kings.
The Kings passed up on Doncic during the 2018 NBA Draft, taking Marvin Bagley instead. Now, Doncic is one of the best players in the NBA and currently carrying a bad Dallas roster to be near the top of the Western Conference.
25.0 points – 8.4 rebounds – 8.0 assists – 1.3 steals – 52% TS
Meanwhile, Marvin Bagley is struggling to get minutes. Epic.
Denver Nuggets: Felipe Eichenberger
The Denver Nuggets are cursed. Already without Jamal Murray to start the year, their two other stars, MPJ and Jokic, have both been injured. MPJ might miss the entire season with this unknown back injury of his.
Then, if that wasn’t bad enough, we learned that PJ Dozier also tore his ACL, as the injuries continue to pile up. With all of these injuries, it’s time that Denverites should learn the name Felipe Eichenberger.
While you probably haven’t heard of him before, he’s Denver’s Strength and Conditioning Coach. They’re going to have to rely on him for the rest of the season as they try and avoid any more injuries.
So if Denver avoids injuries for the rest of the season, instead of saying they had better luck, we can thank Felipe Eichenberger.
Detroit Pistons: Cade Cunningham
The Detroit Pistons aren’t very good. But Cade Cunningham is.
The #1 overall pick had a slow start to his career. He missed the first few games of the year with an ankle injury and wasn’t playing that well. But over the past few weeks, with more reps under his belt, he’s shown you his potential.
Cade is well above his years in everything he does. On the court, he’s a great passer and downhill driver. The shooting is getting there. Off the court, he seems down to earth and a great leader. While that sounds cliche, not a lot of rookies have those qualities.
And Cade has a running diary with The Undefeated. What’s not to like?
Golden State Warriors: Veterans
The Warriors relied on James Wiseman, Mychal Mulder, and Damion Lee last season for the bulk of their bench minutes. This season, they’re relying on Andre Iguodala, Otto Porter, and Nemanja Bjelica. Talk about an upgrade.
The Warriors have a band of scrappy, experienced veterans who do the dirty work. They have different skill sets that Steve Kerr can use at different moments. If you need defense, you want Iggy. Need a small-ball center that offers floor spacing? Try Nemanja Bjelica. If Andrew Wiggins gets in foul trouble? Otto Porter, you’re up.
The Warriors are currently 16-2. The sole reason for that, in my opinion, is because they got older.
Houston Rockets: Nothing
You guys suck. There’s no way around that.
Indiana Pacers: Rick Carlisle
While the Pacers should be better than 8-12 on the year, they should be grateful that Carlisle is their coach instead of Bjorkgren. Last season was a nightmare for the Pacers and while I think it’s time for them to rebuild, Carlisle is a good coach, certainly better than Bjorkgren.
If he stays on with the Pacers, even if they rebuild, that’s a great thing. He’s one of the best coaches in the NBA and I think he’s a big reason why Indiana isn’t worse than 8-12.
No, but seriously, could you guys just rebuild?
Los Angeles Clippers: Paul George
With Kawhi Leonard out for the majority of 2022, the Clippers were going to need PG-13 to lead them. Already with slim chances at another postseason run, the Clippers need Paul George to be magnificent. He has been.
Paul George is talented enough to lead a team. With his elite skills on both sides of the floor, he’s talented enough. That’s never been his problem. Could he handle the mental challenges that come with being a leader? So far, in 2022, the answer to that question has been yes.
26.4 points – 7.8 rebounds – 5.3 assists – 1.8 steals – 55% TS
Los Angeles Lakers: Carmelo Anthony
The Lakers have been, for lack of a better word, disastrous this season. They have dealt with major injuries, poor coaching decisions, and dysfunction all around. It hasn’t been pleasant to watch them play.
Of their new free-agent acquisitions, Carmelo Anthony has been the best. The seasoned veteran and future Hall of Famer still has a lot of gas in the tank. While the Lakers struggle with perimeter shooting, Anthony has been one of their few good shooters.
He’s been marvelous while playing at Crypto.com Arena and has kept the Lakers afloat off the bench this season.
15.0 points – 60% TS – 44% 3-PT
Memphis Grizzlies: Ja Morant
The Memphis Grizzlies have yet to take that leap in the Western Conference. While they haven’t been bad, they’ve been closer to average, which to me is disappointing. However, the only reason they’re average and not terrible is Ja Morant.
Morant, the best player from the 2019 Draft Class, has taken another leap in his 3rd season. He is attacking the rim with a ferocity that we haven’t seen before. He is still an elite playmaker and the floor general for the Grizzlies. On top of all that, he’s become a great shooter.
Morant is having the best season of his career and is one of the best young stars in the NBA. While I can’t say the Grizzlies are great, they are only good because of Morant.
25.3 points – 5.8 rebounds – 7.1 assists – 1.7 steals – 56% TS
Miami Heat: The New Big 3
The Heat’s offense was a cause for concern coming into the season. I didn’t love their depth and assumed that their offense would be average at best. Instead, it’s one of the best units in basketball because of their new Big 3.
That new Big 3 is Butler, Adebayo, and Tyler Herro. These 3 are doing the heavy lifting offensively, carrying a thin Heat roster. Herro, in particular, is having a great season off the bench. After a terrible sophomore season, Herro is back to playing as he was in the bubble, without a conscience.
If the Heat want to go far in the playoffs, they need to score. That means that Butler, Adebayo, and Herro will have to continue to be great.
Milwaukee Bucks: Giannis Antetokounmpo
The Bucks are another team that has been injured to hell and back this season. Brook Lopez, their starting center from last season, has played just one game this season. Jrue Holiday battled a foot injury. Khris Middleton had Covid. Donte DiVincenzo is still recovering from foot surgery.
While the Bucks are getting on the right track, Giannis Antetokounpo kept them upright for a few weeks. He’s having another utterly brilliant season that nobody cares about, but Bucks fans should appreciate him. Not just for this season or even his championship from last season, but be thankful that he’s loyal and he decided to stay in your city.
Minnesota Timberwolves: Defense
The Minnesota Timberwolves are turning things around. After a 3-7 start where their offense was horrible, they have turned their season around. While their offense still has its problems, their elite defense has helped them save their season. It’s the biggest season they’ve been 6-2 in their last 8 games.
The insertion of Patrick Beverley into the starting lineup has worked wonders. Already with great wing defenders like Vanderbilt and McDaniels, the T-Wolves have quietly built a great defense.
Minnesota’s Great Defense Over The Last 8 Games
99.6 Defensive Rating (1st)
41% Opp FG% (1st)
9.8 Opp 3-PM (T-1st)
27 Opp 3-PT% (1st)
17.6 Opp TO (1st)
The T-Wolves are forcing turnovers and creating havoc on that end of the floor. While we all thought their offense would be their driving force this season, their defense has helped them turn around their season.
New Orleans Pelicans: Treadmills
The New Orleans Pelicans are awful. They haven’t had Zion all year long and they are one of the worst teams in the league. Pelicans fans just have to hope that their treadmills can slim Williamson down enough to return soon.
New York Knicks: Bench (Bing-Bong)
The New York Knicks have been very disappointing this season. While they added a new set of offensive weapons this offseason, their starting lineup has been awful.
Their bench, however, has been superb. Rose, Quickley, Burks, Toppin, and Taj Gibson. Those 5 have been saving the Knicks this season, believe it or not. The starters always seem to put the Knicks in a hole and the bench saves them time after time.
Da Knicks Bench In 2022
40.7 points (3rd)
37.7% 3-PT (3rd)
4.4 Plus/Minus (2nd)
But who cares about the bench when you have Bing Bong?
Oklahoma City Thunder: Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
The Oklahoma City Thunder are the NBA’s daycare. They are the youngest team in the NBA by a mile. Their roster features unproven rookies, guys who are rawer than grocery store meat, and a lot of uncertainty. The only certain thing about this team is SGA.
While SGA is having a “down” year, he is just about the only thing I know about this team. I know I can rely on him and he can give me elite scoring.
So while Bleacher Report thinks that Kevin Huerter, Talen Horton-Tucker, and Tyrese Maxey are better than him, we all know that SGA is that guy.
Orlando Magic: Cole Anthony
Take my argument from the Thunder and copy + paste it here. The Magic are awful, even worse than the Thunder. Cole Anthony is the only reason they don’t rival the Rockets in shittiness.
Anthony, after an inconsistent rookie season, is having a great sophomore leap. The UNC product is shooting more 3’s, playmaking more, and even rebounding the ball very well. He has improved in all facets of the game and is one of the few reasons why Orlando is watchable.
19.6 points – 6.8 rebounds – 5.9 assists – 1.1 steals – 55% TS
Anthony might also have a future as being a hypeman.
Philadelphia 76ers: Tyrese Maxey
The 76ers have dealt with Ben Simmons, drama, and a slew of injuries to start 2022. Embiid and Harris have both had Covid and the 76ers have been sliding in the standings. Tyrese Maxey has been one of the team’s few bright spots over that time.
After sparing minutes as a rookie, the talented scorer has blossomed. Maxey’s quick burst to the rim makes him a lethal scorer. He has a pretty floater in the lane, but his shooting has surprised me. He is making defenses pay for leaving him alone from distance.
This has all culminated with a breakout season for Maxey, who is a big reason why some think he’s the future point guard for the 76ers going forward. As of right now, I agree with that sentiment.
18.7 points – 59% TS – Great Hair
Phoenix Suns: Determination
After a 1-3 start, the Suns have been lighting the world on fire, no pun intended. It seemed like they were bored to start the year, a trend that all NBA Finalists seem to have.
But after that slow start, the Suns have been one of the best teams in basketball. They have won 14 straight games and are still a title contender in the Western Conference. All of their pieces from last season are clicking. They are playing aesthetically pleasing basketball and right now, nobody can stop them.
The Suns In The Last 14 Games
111.9 ORtg (7th)
101.0 DRtg (2nd)
10.9 Net Rating (2nd)
48.4 FG% (2nd)
36.6 3-PT% (5th)
26.9 Ast (3rd)
42.2 Opp FG% (3rd)
31.5 Opp 3-PT% (5th)
15.9 Opp TOV (6th)
The Suns have simply been outclassing their opponents. Their defense is back to being smothering, shutting down teams with their great, versatile defenders. The offense continues to hum, powered by Booker and CP-3 in the backcourt.
If not for the fantastic play of Golden State, the Suns would easily be the title favorites in the NBA.
Portland Trail Blazers: Moda Center
The Portland Trail Blazers are 9-1 at home. They are 1-8 on the road. If not for their elite play at Moda Center, they wouldn’t be the same team. It’s uncanny how much better we are at home than we are on the road.
| Home | 117.2 ORtg (2nd) | 105.6 DRtg (14th) | 11.7 Net Rating (3rd) |
| Road | 106.3 ORtg (17th) | 117.0 DRtg (29th) | -10.7 Net Rating (26th) |
“There’s no place like home.” – that one wizard’s movie
Sacramento Kings: High-End Talent
While the Kings are a supremely talented team, they just don’t fit together well. They have made numerous mistakes in the draft, taking fit over talent. And now it’s hurting them.
Similar to Apollo 13, they are trying to make a square peg fit into a round hole. Unlike that movie, I think that the Kings are going to burn on re-entry.
All they can be thankful for is that at the very least, they have some semblance of talent on their roster.
San Antonio Spurs: Dejounte Murray
The Spurs are bland. Dejounte Murray is about the only thing there that adds some spice to their life. Murray is a dynamic player on both sides of the ball and is having another great season in the makings.
His combination of athleticism and burst allows him to be a fun player to watch. The jump shot is coming along nicely and while the Spurs are bad, he is keeping them on the fringes of being mediocre.
18.4 points – 8.2 rebounds – 8.2 assists – 2.1 steals – 49% TS
Toronto Raptors: Scottie Barnes
The Raptors took a big risk in the draft. Instead of taking the “safer” Jalen Suggs with the 4th pick, they took Scottie Barnes. Barnes was an incredibly versatile player at Florida State, but he would need a lot of development to unlock his potential.
It was a risky move for Toronto, but so far, the pick has worked out perfectly. Barnes has been better than expected, being one of the more productive rookies this season. He’s been a great defender, but his offense has been surprisingly good. Even with his lack of a jump shot, he has been very creative in how he’s been scoring.
14.8 points – 8.4 rebounds – 1.0 steals – 53% TS
While Barnes still has a long way to go in his development, it looks like Toronto made the right selection in the draft. Barnes will be a key piece for the Raptors in the long-term, somebody they can help shape their rebuild around.
Utah Jazz: Nobody Cares In The Regular Season
As soon as the playoffs happen, I will be jumping for joy when this team gets exposed.
Washington Wizards: Russell Westbrook
The Wizards traded Russell Westbrook and in return, they got an entire franchise, literally;
- Kyle Kuzma: 13.1 points – 9.2 rebounds – Thneed looking sweater
- Montrezl Harrell: 17.1 points – 9.0 rebounds – lots of energy
- Aaron Holiday (via IND): 36% 3-PT shooting – brother of Jrue
- Kentavious Caldwell-Pope: 9.9 points – 1.4 steals – 36% 3-PT
- Spencer Dinwiddie: 14.9 points – 5.1 rebounds – 5.6 assists – 36% 3-PT shooting
All 5 of these guys were acquired in return for Westbrook. They are all good players who have been productive for an overachieving Wizards team. Whenever you see these guys on the floor, remember to say thank you to Russell Westbrook.
What Is One Thing Every Team Should Be Thankful For? Leave A Comment Down Below!
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