Around the NBA: Feb. 4
Zech Lambert, Logan Bourandas, Ben Serfass and Gabe Angieri take a look around the NBA.
As the all-star game which will feature various tributes to the late Kobe Bryant, as well as what seems to be an exciting trade deadline, approach, there are no shortage of headlines around the NBA.
All-Star Snubs
Bradley Beal
The fact that Bradley Beal is not an all-star is not only shocking, but ridiculous. Even though the Wizards have struggled this season, none of the blame for that falls on Beal.
The eighth year pro out of Florida is averaging 29.2 points per game and has a player efficiency rating (PER) of 23.1, which is better than all-stars Khris Middleton, Kyle Lowry and Ben Simmons.
Beal should not be penalized for his team not winning, since a player like Trae Young, whose Hawks are five games worse than the Wizards, is starting.
Devin Booker
Similar to Beal, Devin Booker is not an all-star because his team is bad. There is no other logical explanation.
All of his numbers point to Booker being an all star: 26.8 points per game, 50.6% shooting, 36.3% from 3, 91.7% from the free throw line, 6.3 assists per game.
While the Western Conference is loaded with star guards, Booker deserves to be discussed amongst the elite.
His numbers are much better than Chris Paul’s, who is averaging 10 fewer points, the same number of assists, and is shooting worse from the field and from 3.
Damian Lillard
Yes, Lillard is an all-star, however with the recent tear he’s been on, it could be argued he should be a starter.
While Lillard’s historical run of dominance started after starters were announced, he has played at an MVP level and is proving that he should have been voted a starter.
Year in and year out, Lillard seems to fly under the radar, and that happens to be the case again this year. Lillard’s recent success, coupled with James Harden’s recent struggles, warrant the question if Lillard should be starting over Harden.
With Luka Doncic currently out with an ankle injury, Lillard could slot in as a starter, and he absolutely should if that situation arises.
Trade Deadline News
Clint Capela
The Houston Rockets have not been able to get on track this season, and it seems GM Daryl Morey is prepared to make a move to try to figure things out.
ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the Rockets are talking to several Eastern Conference teams, specifically the Celtics and Hawks, about trading center Clint Capela.
In return the Rockets are seeking assets to flip for a wing like Robert Covington or Andre Iguodala.
Capela is currently sidelined with a heel injury, but is averaging 13.9 points and 13.8 rebounds per game, as well as 1.8 blocks.
D’Angelo Russell
Another big name on the trade market is Warriors guard D’Angelo Russell.
Russell is averaging a career high 23.8 points per game while shooting an elite 38.3% from deep on close to 10 attempts per game.
The two teams he has been rumored to go to the most are the New York Knicks and the Minnesota Timberwolves.
The Warriors have reportedly turned down two first round picks from the Wolves. Brandon Robinson reported that the Knicks offered a package centered around Kevin Knox and Frank Ntilikina, as well as a second round pick, but the Warriors want Mitchell Robinson and a first rounder.
The Warriors seem to have a pretty high asking price for D’Lo, and rightfully so as he is an all-star level talent.
If he is not traded, Russell would surely be able to contribute to a championship level Golden State team next year when they have Stephen Curry and Klay Thompson back, as well as a potential top five pick from the upcoming draft.
Andre Drummond and Luke Kennard
Andre Drummond had his name floated around a few weeks ago in rumors to the Hawks. However, the rumors have died down a little surrounding him, but there is still a chance he gets dealt before the deadline.
While the Drummond rumors have cooled down, another Piston, Luke Kennard, has had rumors about him heating up.
Kennard is rumored to be gaining interest from the Phoenix Suns.
The third year guard is averaging a career-high 15.8 points per game and shooting an astounding 40.2% from beyond the arc on six-and-a-half attempts per game this season.
Kobe’s Tribute in the All-Star Game
The NBA announced a new format to the NBA All-Star game this season which will honor the late Kobe Bryant.
The first three quarters will start at a score of 0-0, and whichever team wins that quarter will get $100,000 to donate to charity.
Each team’s total score through three quarters will be added together to start the fourth. 24 points, a tribute to Bryant, will be added to the higher of the two point totals and be set as the goal. The fourth quarter will then be played, with no time limit, until one of the teams reaches this point total.
Each player Team Lebron will also wear No. 2 to honor Gianna Bryant, Kobe’s daughter, and Team Giannis will all wear 24.
Zech Lambert is a sophomore majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email zbl5146@psu.edu.
