SR NBA – Most Improved Player Rankings 2021

by Jordan Scurry | Apr 28, 2021 | Featured

The 2021 NBA Season has been filled with some great storylines but few better than the select group of players making the case for most improved. The most improved player award in the NBA has generally been an award given to young players who show a tremendous jump in their play from one season to the next. Whether it’s just players getting more comfortable in a system or just finally getting a feel for the league most improved is usually an award given when a player starts to fulfill their potential. The most improved player award is pretty unforgiving, the prime candidates are usually players on their rookie contracts, and any player that doesn’t show an improvement within those first 3-4 years is looked at as an afterthought for this award. That’s what makes this year’s list so intriguing.

The top 2 candidates for this year’s most improved award (according to vegas odds) are both players on their second NBA contract and both have played for a minimum of 3 NBA teams. To find the last player in the NBA to win the Most improved player award that was not on their first NBA contract you have to go all the way back to Goran Dragic in 2014 with The Phoenix Suns in the 7th year of his career. To further emphasize, there have only been 3 players in the past 20 years of this award to win it after their 4th year in the NBA and that speaks volumes to the work ethic of the guys atop the 2021 MIP list.

Last year’s winner, Brandon Ingram of the New Orleans Pelicans showed why he was the #2 overall pick in 2016. He won the award after improving his stats dramatically from the year before and it earned him his first NBA All-star appearance. Ingram was the beneficiary of the trade that got Anthony Davis to the Lakers, and usually, there is nothing beneficial about moving from LA to NO other than the cost of the property but, Ingram earned his first all-star appearance and had the Pelicans in contention for the 8th seed before the shut down of last years season.

This year’s list of M.I.P candidates is one of the best in recent years to me because it actually shows more of how insane the talent level currently is in the NBA and why so many of these players have to work so hard just to fill their NBA Star Potential.

1. Julius Randle – New York Knicks

Year	MPG	PPG	APG	RPG	FG%	3PT%	Team Record
‘19-’20	32.5	19.5	3.1	9.7	46%	27%	21-45
‘20-’21	37.5	23.9	6.0	10.4	46%	42%	34-28

In his 7th season, the former 7th overall pick has found his way this season. With multiple 40 point performances, some game-winners, and most importantly leading the Knicks back into the playoff picture for the first time since 2013. The Knicks are currently sitting at the 4th seed in a top-heavy eastern conference. Although in the past team records have had very little to do with the result of this award this might be Randle’s most compelling case. Randle has never been a player that anyone particularly highlighted as a leader until this season. On his 3rd team and in his 7th season (I highlight again) Randle has found new life. He’s averaging career highs in all the major statistical categories and has the New York Knicks actually looking like a tough first-round matchup in the playoffs.

2. Jerami Grant – Detriot Pistons

Year	MPG	PPG	APG	RPG	FG%	3PT%	Team Record
‘19-’20	26.6	12	1.2	3.5	47.8	38.9	46-27 (DEN)
‘20-’21	34.1	22.5	2.8	4.6	42.8	35.4	19-43

In his 8th season in the league, Jerami Grant much like Randle is also averaging career highs in most of the major statistical categories. Grant hasn’t found new life this year as much as he’s just embraced a new role. Much of last year with the Denver Nuggets, we saw Grant’s ability to knock down shots from the perimeter while also displaying his ridiculous athletic ability, finishing in the lane. This year after getting a bag from Detroit, Grant has had to step into a new role where instead of being one of many, he is THE guy for Detroit. Although his team has not complimented his play very well this season, it can be argued that Grant has been the best player that was given more playing time in the whole League.

3. Michael Porter Jr. – Denver Nuggets

Year	MPG	PPG	APG	RPG	FG%	3PT%	Team Record
‘19-’20	16.4	9.3	0.8	4.7	50	42.2	46-27
‘20-’21	31.2	18.5	1	7.6	54	44.4	40-21

The departure of Jerami Grant from Denver left room for the opportunity that Miachel Porter Jr. has had this season and man has he taken advantage of it. Porter Jr. didn’t come on last season until late, he actually had his best performances last year in the NBA bubble for the Nuggets. It wasn’t until this year however that the young athletic forward really started to showcase his game. He’s had strings of double-doubles, as well as posting a career-high in points with 39 just this past month.

4. Zion Williamson – New Orleans Pelicans

Year	MPG	PPG	APG	RPG	FG%	3PT%	Team Record
‘19-’20	27.8	22.5	2.1	6.3	68.3	42.9	30-42
‘20-’21	32.9	26.9	3.6	7.2	61.8	32.3	27-34

Williamson’s improvements this year earned him his first all-star appearance. He is leading his team in scoring and usage rate and has been fairly efficient in doing so. He has tremendous touch and explosion which has lead to so many highlight plays from him this year. He has established himself as one of the most fun players to watch in the league this year and should be one of the primer players in the league for years to come.

5. Christian Wood – Houston Rockets

Year	MPG	PPG	APG	RPG	FG%	3PT%	Team Record
‘19-’20	21.4	13.1	1	6.3	56.7	38.6	20-46 (DET)
‘20-’21	32.2	21.1	1.6	9.8	52.4	37.7	15-47

Although he only has only played a grand total of 38 games this year Christina Wood was on pace to make one of the more impressive 1-year come-ups that we have ever seen. Wood went down in early February with a gruesome ankle injury and hasn’t been back since, largely in part because the Rockets are one of the worst teams in the league, and bringing him back this season wouldn’t be worth it. In his 38 games however wood was putting up monster numbers. He was averaging a double-double and even was averaging close to 2 black a game.

ODDS TO WIN 2021 NBA MOST IMPROVED PLAYER (6/1/21)

Team	American	Fractional
Julius Randle (New York)	-625	4/25
Jerami Grant (Detroit)	+475	19/4
Michael Porter, Jr. (Denver)	+2000	20/1
Zion Williamson (New Orleans)	+2500	25/1
Christian Wood (Houston)	+2500	25/1
Nikola Jokic (Denver)	+6600	66/1
Zach LaVine (Chicago)	+6600	66/1
Chris Boucher (Toronto)	+8000	80/1
Jaylen Brown (Boston)	+8000	80/1
Collin Sexton (Cleveland)	+15000	150/1

Odds Provided by PointsBet – Subject to Change

Apr 28, 2021 No Comments

Disney Released Full Trailer For Pixar’s New Adventure Film LUCA

Celebs

by Akeem Ivory | Apr 28, 2021 | Celebs, Featured

Disney has released a full trailer for Pixar’s new animated adventure film Luca, this film an coming-of-age comedy fantasy set in a beautiful seaside town on the Italian Riviera about one young boy experiencing an unforgettable summer filled with gelato, pasta and endless scooter rides. Luca shares these adventures with his newfound best friend, but all the fun is threatened by a deeply-held secret: he is a sea monster from another world just below the water’s surface.

Image: Pixar Animation Studios

As Enrico Casarosa directorial debut the use a mythology sea monsters Luca (voiced by “Wonder” star Jacob Tremblay) and Alberto (voiced by “Shazam’s” Jack Dylan Grazer) who appear as human on land to address issues of inclusion and respect, is a wonderful metaphor for feeling different. Casarosa explained that he expanded on the 2D look of “La Luna,” with a vibrant depiction of the coastal fishing village that resembles an illustrated book. And the characters are reminiscent of stop-motion.

“The other side of being a kid is that you always feel like you’re the outsider,” Casarosa said. “Me and my friend felt like such losers when would hang out. And I love how the sea monster is a wonderful metaphor for feeling different.”
“We tried to bring some warmth to the computer animation,” he said, “so we really worked hard to make it more stylized and bring textures that are handmade.”

The movie was specifically inspired by Casarosa’s own summers growing up, particularly the close friendship he had with his friend Alberto, whom he named the character after. Both the real Alberto and the character he inspired are big, bright, larger-than-life personalities who pushed their shy friends out of their shells.

while Alberto inspires Luca, Alberto also gets much-needed validation from Luca. Their bond is deeply emotional and transformative. All three of the kids at the core of Luca find something in one another at this pivotal moment of their lives, when they step out from the comfort of their family bubble for the first time.

Image: Pixar Animation Studios

“I was born in Genoa, and my summers were spent on beaches. I met my best friend when I was 11. I was really shy and I found this troublemaker of a kid who had a completely different life. I wanted to make a movie about those kinds of friendships that help you grow up.
“This is a deeply personal story for me, not only because it’s set on the Italian Riviera where I grew up, but because at the core of this film is a celebration of friendship. Childhood friendships often set the course of who we want to become and it is those bonds that are at the heart of our story in Luca,” Casarosa said in a statement when the film was first announced last year. “So in addition to the beauty and charm of the Italian seaside, our film will feature an unforgettable summer adventure that will fundamentally change Luca.”

Originally set to be theatrically released in the United States on June 18, 2021, Luca is scheduled to stream on Disney+ in response to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Check out the film’s newest trailer below.

Apr 28, 2021 No Comments

SR – NBA Power Rankings: Week 18

Featured

by Marcus Van Diver | Apr 27, 2021 | Featured, NBA

We laugh at prognosticators who say things like “if the season ended today…” and then reveal anything surprising. Well, we’re approaching the point that “if the season ended today” is becoming a possibility, with everyone keeping a closer eye on the standings with only three full weeks left in the 2020-2021 regular season. The play-in games are less than a month away, and nearly every playoff spot is up for grabs.

The Los Angeles Clippers continued their strong play to take the lead in this week’s Power Rankings, but the Brooklyn Nets are closing in on them thanks to Kevin Durant’s return. Meanwhile, the New York Knicks are also climbing, even if they couldn’t extend their winning streak to ten games with a Monday night loss to the Suns. However, they are within striking distance of the top five.

Even with facing Trae Young’s injury, the Atlanta Hawks rose four spots in this week’s rankings, and the Washington Wizards jumped a few spots as a long winning streak pushed them into play-in contention. The Boston Celtics, on the other hand, seemed to have worked things out last week, only to drop a few positions in this week’s version of the Power Rankings.

Let’s get into finding out where everyone else landed during this week’s Power Rankings.

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1. Los Angeles Clippers (43-20, Last Week’s Ranking: 5)

The Clippers have won all three games this week without Kawhi Leonard, including one against the Grizzlies with a starting lineup of Luke Kennard, Terance Mann, Marcus Morris, Amir Coffey, and Ivica Zubac — things are definitely on-par for L.A. Paul George continued his strong play this week, averaging 33 points and 12.5 rebounds in two games, while Morris has stepped up in Leonard’s absence, averaging 20.5 points on 43 percent 3-point shooting in two games this week. The Clippers have won 11 of their last 12 games and are two-and-a-half games behind the Suns for second in the West’s top seeding race.

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2. Phoenix Suns (43-18, Last Week’s Ranking: 3)

The Suns went 2-2 in the first four games of their grueling five-game road trip, winning against the Bucks and Sixers before losing to the Celtics and Nets. Chris Paul averaged 21.5 points and 9.3 assists per game this week and starting out his 18th week of the year scoring every clutch bucket down the stretch to down the Knicks and end the longest winning streak in the NBA, while Devin Booker put up 23.5 points per game on 50 percent 3-point shooting. Jae Crowder was unable to play in both of the team’s defeats this week, highlighting his significance to the team on both ends of the floor.

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3. Brooklyn Nets (41-20, Last Week’s Ranking: 4)

Kevin Durant is back from his hamstring problems, and he led the Nets to a major win over the Suns on Sunday, scoring 33 points in 28 minutes to top off a 3-1 week for Brooklyn. Though James Harden is still out, Kyrie Irving scored 27.3 points, 9.8 assists, and seven rebounds per game this week while shooting 40% from 3-point range, and Joe Harris added 17 points per game on 57 percent 3-point shooting. Brooklyn is back in the driver’s seat for No. 1 in the East, but injury concerns are arising as James Harden’s hamstring condition issued more setbacks that will further inhibit his return.

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4. Utah Jazz (44-17, Last Week’s Ranking: 2)

Thanks to a head-scratching loss to the Timberwolves, the Jazz were unable to complete a 3-0 week after defeating the Lakers and Rockets without the services of Donovan Mitchell, who is still recovering from an ankle injury. Bojan Bogdanovic’s hot shooting continued this week, as he made 44 percent of his 3-pointers while scoring 21 points per game.

Moreover, Jordan Clarkson has taken on more scoring responsibilities, averaging nearly 20 points per game this week on 39 percent 3-point shooting.

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5. New York Knicks (34-28, Last Week’s Ranking: 14)

The Knicks won three more games this past week but lost their bid at 10 straight wins games with a heart-searing loss to the Phoenix Suns down the fourth-quarter stretch, ending their winning streak at nine games. During the string, while the league’s No. 1 defense continues to stifle opposing offenses, the Knicks’ offense was remarkably dominant, scoring 118.7 points through 100 possessions.

Julius Randle, who averaged 29 points, 10.3 rebounds, and 4.7 assists on 57 (!) percent 3-point shooting this week, has played a key role, as have RJ Barrett, Derrick Rose, and Reggie Bullock. Game after game, the Knicks continue to look the part of an arduous playoff contender.

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6. Milwaukee Bucks (37-23, Last Week’s Ranking: 7)

The Milwaukee Bucks lost in overtime to the Suns before winning back-to-back games against the 76ers and losing to the Hawks on Sunday. Milwaukee comfortably led by double digits in the fourth quarter against Atlanta, but the game was lost due to a late Hawks run.

On 61 percent shooting, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 28.8 points and 13 rebounds per game, while Khris Middleton contributed 19.3 points on 39 percent 3-point shooting.

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7. Denver Nuggets (40-21, Last Week’s Ranking: 8)

After Jamal Murray’s devastating injury, the Nuggets have won six of their last seven games, including three of four this past week. Out of necessity, Nikola Jokic has become more aggressive in the pursuit of his own shot, scoring 28.8 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 7.8 assists this week, while Michael Porter Jr. has impressively assumed the position of their second scorer, averaging 25.8 points while impressively knocking down 55 percent of his averaged 10 threes attempted per game.

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8. Atlanta Hawks (34-28, Last Week’s Ranking: 12)

Atlanta jumps up four spots in this week’s rankings, and many who believe the Hawks are legit will point to their back-to-back victories over the Heat and Bucks without Trae Young. Young left the game early with an ankle injury, and the team’s only loss this week came in overtime to the blazing-hot Knicks. Bogdan Bogdanovic continues to play a key role in the offense, scoring and facilitating, while Kevin Huerter has moved into a playmaking role in Young’s absence. Atlanta is now tied with the Knicks, who they’d meet in the 4-5 matchup if the season ended today.

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9. Philadelphia 76ers (40-21, Last Week’s Ranking: 1)

What a turn of events…

Last week, the 76ers seemed to be in good shape for the No. 1 spot in the Eastern Conference. Now, not so much. With the Bucks quietly climbing in the East, they’re in danger of dropping to No. 3 after four consecutive defeats.

Philly faced a red-hot Steph Curry in their first game without Ben Simmons, then faced two of the league’s best teams in the Suns and Bucks. Tobias Harris also missed two games, and Joel Embiid was kept out of the team’s loss to Milwaukee on Saturday. Despite this, teams have had to find ways to win this season without having a full roster, and the 76ers are not exempt from that.

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10. Golden State Warriors (31-30, Last Week’s Ranking: 16)

Steph Curry has finally cooled off — for one night only, that is. A rough 2-14 off-night against the Wizards was sandwiched between outstanding games against the 76ers, Nuggets, and Kings in which the two-time MVP shot 21 for 40 from beyond the arc in the other three games, averaging nearly 40 points per game.

Due to health and safety policies, Kent Bazemore and Damion Lee are out, which means Kelly Oubre Jr., who averaged 18.8 points and six rebounds this week, will have more chances to stand out.

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11. Dallas Mavericks (33-27, Last Week’s Ranking: 11)

After losing four of their previous five games, the Mavericks rebounded this week by defeating the Pistons and then sweeping the Lakers in a two-game series. Luka Doncic averaged 26 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds over the course of the week, including a game-winning step-back 3-pointer against the Lakers on Saturday. Dallas is now just one game behind the Los Angeles Lakers for the Western Conference’s fifth seed, and with the Lakers slipping through the cracks, they could very well leapfrog them in the Western Conference standings.

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12. Boston Celtics (32-29, Last Week’s Ranking: 10)

After a recent hot streak, the Celtics have lost to the Bulls, Nets, and Hornets this week, despite a strong victory over the Suns. Boston was without Jaylen Brown for two of the games, but Evan Fournier returned after a two-game absence in which he struggled to make a field goal and scored only two points in 42 minutes. Jayson Tatum cooled off a lot, shooting just 34% from the field last week. Entering the final three weeks of the season, Boston is experiencing injury woes at the most inconvenient time.

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13. Miami Heat (32-30, Last Week’s Ranking: 13)

The Heat won three games against weaker teams this week but fell to the Hawks without Trae Young in a game that could determine the Eastern Conference playoff picture. This week, Kendrick Nunn led the team in scoring, averaging 20.5 points on 47 percent 3-point shooting, while Bam Adebayo and Jimmy Butler continued to make consistent contributions.

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14. Washington Wizards (27-34, Last Week’s Ranking: 22)

The Wizards have enchanted the NBA, winning four more games this week to extend their winning streak to eight games, and 11 games in a row with Bradley Beal in the lineup. The offense is obviously clicking, but the defense has been impressive for a team that came close to setting an NBA record for a horrendous defensive effort last season. They allowed just 104.3 points per 100 possessions this week, and if Bradley Beal and Russell Westbrook can keep this up heading into the Play-In Tournament…watch out.

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15. Los Angeles Lakers (36-25, Last Week’s Ranking: 6)

The defending champions drop even lower in this week’s rankings, and even with Anthony Davis returning to the lineup this past week, the rust on him is inconspicuous.

In his first two games back, the big man scored 10.5 points in 22.5 minutes, and he was understandably rusty. With Davis easing back into the lineup and LeBron James still out, Dennis Schroder has continued to be the offensive driver, carrying the load as Frank Vogel’s No. 1 scoring option, averaging 18.7 points and 9.7 assists on 43 percent 3-point shooting in three games this week.

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16. San Antonio Spurs (31-29, Last Week’s Ranking: 18)

The Spurs have had an ease-filled 3-1 week after a difficult schedule following the All-Star break. DeMar DeRozan’s late jumpers gave the Spurs a crucial victory over the Pelicans on Saturday and Washington on Monday, giving them some breathing space in the battle for a Western Conference play-in spot. In three games this week, DeRozan averaged 21.7 points and six assists, while Derrick White averaged 21.5 points on 40 percent 3-point shooting.

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17. Memphis Grizzlies (31-29, Last Week’s Ranking: 15)

Following a heartbreaking overtime defeat to the Nuggets on Monday, the Grizzlies lost to the Clippers before winning back-to-back games over the Blazers to tie them in losses. Jaren Jackson Jr. made his much-anticipated return to the court, which some feared would have to wait until next season. The franchise big man and former top-3 selection showed Grizzlies fans what they’d been missing since last August, as the Michigan State product averaged 19 points and 2.5 blocks in 21 minutes in two games this past week.

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18. Charlotte Hornets (30-30, Last Week’s Ranking: 17)

Charlotte drops a spot in the rankings after losing six of its previous seven games, but they ended the week on a high note, defeating both the Cavaliers and Celtics. In a balanced offensive effort against Boston, four Hornets scored 20 points or more as Miles Bridges, PJ Washington, and Terry Rozier all averaged over 18 points per game last week. They continue to hold down the fort in anticipation of Gordon Hayward and LaMelo Ball’s return.

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19. Portland Trail Blazers (32-28, Last Week’s Ranking: 9)

Portland had a difficult week, losing three games by a combined four points before losing to the Grizzlies on Sunday, extending their losing streak to five games. It’s been a difficult run for the Blazers, who are now tied for eighth place in the West with the No. 8 Grizzlies in terms of losses and are just a game and a half ahead of the No. 10 Warriors. Also, the battery in the proverbial Dame Time watch might be out of juice, considering the Weber State product shot under30 percent from 3-point range in three games this week after returning from a hamstring injury. Upon returning from his own injury, Jusuf Nurkic has continued to play well, putting up 16.7 points, 14.3 rebounds, and 5.3 assists in three games.

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20. Indiana Pacers (29-31, Last Week’s Ranking: 19)

The Pacers have won three straight games despite having no healthy centers on the roster. Oshae Brissett, who recently signed a long-term contract with Indiana, took advantage of the extra chance this week, scoring 15 points and 9.3 rebounds while shooting 41 percent from 3-point range. The offensive attack was led by Malcolm Brogdon (24.3 points per game) and Caris LeVert (22.3), with Edmond Sumner scoring 15 points per game off 54 percent shooting from deep.

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21. New Orleans Pelicans (27-34, Last Week’s Ranking: 20)

This week, the Pelicans lost to the Spurs and the Nets, with their only win coming against the Magic, making a play-in place look increasingly unlikely. This week, Zion Williamson was a beast (because of course, he was), averaging nearly 30 points and 9.3 rebounds on 67 percent shooting, while Brandon Ingram added 26.7 points and 5.7 assists.

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22. Toronto Raptors (26-35, Last Week’s Ranking: 21)

The Raptors only played two games this week, beating the Nets with a full roster for the first time before falling to the Knicks. In the two games, Pascal Siakam, OG Anunoby, and Fred VanVleet each scored 22 points and went 27 for 34 from 3-point range. Kyle Lowry returned to the lineup after missing Toronto’s previous ten games, averaging nine points, seven assists, and seven rebounds per game this past week.

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23. Chicago Bulls (26-35, Last Week’s Ranking: 23)

The Bulls began the week with a major road win over the Celtics, led by Nikola Vucevic’s 29 points and nine rebounds, and later beat the Hornets after losses to the Cavs and Heat. With Zach LaVine out of the lineup, the Bulls have won three of their last five games, which is a step in the right direction.

Additionally, Coby White is finding his bearings about himself during a Sophmore Slump of a second year for the UNC product. White averaged 20.5 points and 5.3 assists on 43 percent 3-point shooting for the week – a noteworthy and commendable improvement.

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24. Sacramento Kings (25-36, Last Week’s Ranking: 24)

The Kings split with the Wolves before falling to the Warriors on Sunday, and they learned that De’Aaron Fox would be out for at least 10 days due to health and safety regulations. His absence would likely put an end to the Kings’ slim playoff hopes, but it will give Tyrese Haliburton more offensive confidence, as he averaged 15.7 points and 7.7 assists on 42 percent shooting from downtown last week.

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25. Cleveland Cavaliers (21-40, Last Week’s Ranking: 25)

With a win over the Bulls and defeats to the Pistons, Hornets, and the Wizards, the Cavs went 1-3 this week. Before sitting out Sunday’s loss to Washington, Collin Sexton averaged 28.7 points on 50 percent 3-point shooting in three games, while Darius Garland averaged 25.8 points and 6.3 assists on 48 percent 3-point shooting. Jarrett Allen also surpassed his previous high of 27 points and snatched 12 rebounds in a contest against the Wizards.

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26. Oklahoma City Thunder (20-41, Last Week’s Ranking: 26)

Three more games, three more defeats for OKC, which has now lost 13 in a row with no sign of stopping the tank. Fans must keep reminding themselves that this is the right course of action for the future, but it’s becoming increasingly difficult to watch. Darius Bazley has stepped up his game this week, scoring 24 points per game despite his low productivity.

LuGuentz Dort scored 18 points in the only game he was allowed to suit up for this week while rising rookie Theo Maledon averaged 14.3 points on 53 percent 3-point shooting in three games.

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27. Minnesota Timberwolves (18-44, Last Week’s Ranking: 29)

The Wolves had somewhat of a successful week, splitting two games with the Kings before claiming a convincing victory in Utah on Saturday. With Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell in the lineup, Minnesota now has a winning record, something to build on for next season now that they’ve been formally eliminated from this year’s playoffs. Towns, Russell, and Anthony Edwards all scored at least 22 points per game and shot a combined 38 percent from three-point range this week.

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28. Detroit Pistons (19-43, Last Week’s Ranking: 28)

The Mavs, Spurs, and Pacers were Detroit’s only victories this week, and they were followed by defeats to the Mavs, Spurs, and Pacers. The Pistons have been resting a large portion of their roster almost every other game, so there will be plenty of opportunities as the season finishes up. Despite playing in just two games this week, Jerami Grant averaged 25.5 points on 45 percent shooting.

Isiah Stewart seems like a piece to keep around, as the rookie has impressed Dwayne Casey and the rest of the coaching staff once he steps onto the court and Mason Plumlee rests, averaging 13 points, 14.5 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks in two starts this week.

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29. Orlando Magic (18-43, Last Week’s Ranking: 27)

The Magic were blown out by the Hawks, Pelicans, and Pacers this past week, and at one point where it looked like their five-game losing streak was going to end in upset fashion entering the fourth quarter with a slim lead over the defending champion Lakers, they succumbed to the league’s 21st most-efficient offense, extending their losing streak to six games and 10 in a row.

Not all was sour this week, however, as six Orlando players averaged double figures in scoring, with Cole Anthony leading the way with 15 points per game. It’ll only be a matter of time before the Magic are knocked out of the playoffs and can start planning for next season.

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30. Houston Rockets (15-46, Last Week’s Ranking: 30)

Houston had a tough week of games and, predictably, lost all four, effectively eliminating the team from playoff contention. For most of the season, the Rockets have used a MASH machine to garner different makeshift starting fives throughout the year, and with John Wall recently sidelined for the rest of the season, it seems just a matter of time until other players like Christian Wood are also benched for the season.

Photo Cred: Fox Sports 1430

Apr 27, 2021 No Comments

Ranking Kobe’s 11 Nike Signature Sneakers

Featured

by Brendon Schunck | Apr 27, 2021 | Featured, NBA, Sneakers

The sneaker world was hit with a bombshell last week as it was announced that Nike would not be extending the late Kobe Bryant’s contract amidst the deal ending earlier in the month. Vanessa Bryant had been growing increasingly frustrated with the brand and how they have been releasing her husband’s products over the past year plus. It not only seems, but is in fact nearly impossible, to get your hands on any Kobe Protro release these days. Vanessa wanted her husband’s sneaker line to be more accessible for the masses and to see the Nike Kobe line everywhere, both on adults and kids. No one can just walk into a Foot Locker anymore and buy a Kobe 4, 5, or 6 right off the shelf like they could back in 2009, 2010, 2011, etc. Nike has given all-time greats Michael Jordan and LeBron James lifetime contracts and that is something that Vanessa and the Kobe Bryant Estate also sought. For some reason Nike just didn’t extend that offer and that is when Vanessa Bryant figured the two parties would be better off if they parted ways. There has been numerous speculations that the Kobe Bryant Estate will go off and explore other ventures, including starting their own “Mamba” sports brand. One thing’s for sure, the basketball world without any Nike Kobe models in it just won’t be the same.

Similar to what we did last year with ranking LeBron’s 17 signature sneakers, we will now do with the Nike Kobe line and his 11 signature shoes with the brand. As everyone knows, Kobe’s NBA career first started out with being an Adidas endorser and he even had a few signature shoes with The Three Stripes. The Black Mamba signed with The Swoosh in the early/mid-2000’s and would get his own signature sneaker with the brand for the 2005-06 season. Kobe’s sneaker line would really pop off with the release of his Kobe 4’s for the 2008-09 campaign. It was the first Kobe shoe to feature flywire as well as a low top design. Although NBA players had been playing in low tops long before this model came out, it is this iteration that gets credit for the mass of players gravitating towards a lower cut on-court sneaker.

Our 11-sneaker list has a few criteria that went into it. Each sneaker on the list has to be a signature Kobe model that he himself wore on-court. In addition to that, each selection has to either be a GR colorway or at least released to the public in some form. If Kobe didn’t wear it on-court and if they didn’t at one point release to the public, then you won’t see it featured in this list. With that being said, here is the ranking of Kobe Bryant’s 11 signature sneakers with Nike.

1. Nike Kobe 6 (2010-11)

2. Nike Kobe 8 (2012-13)

3. Nike Kobe 9 (2013-14)

4. Nike Kobe 5 (2009-10)

5. Nike Kobe 4 (2008-09)

6. Nike Kobe 1 (2005-06)

7. Nike Kobe 10 (2014-15)

8. Nike Kobe 11 (2015-16)

9. Nike Kobe 7 (2011-12)

10. Nike Kobe 3 (2007-08)

11. Nike Kobe 2 (2006-07)

Apr 27, 2021 No Comments

How the Boston Celtics have turned things around in April

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by Jordan Scurry | Apr 22, 2021 | Featured, NBA

April has been a great month for the Boston Celtics. After getting off to a rough start to the season, the Celtics have finally found a rhythm. The Boston Celtics are 12-10 since the All-Star Break in March. They finished the month of March going only 1-4 but, losing starting Center Daniel Thies to the trade with the Chicago Bulls and acquiring G Eric Fournier from Orlando, the Celtics were bound to go through an adjustment period. Luckily that adjustment period was pretty quick, as the Celtics have one of the best records in the league in the month of April. The Celtics have gone 11-7 over the course of the month and have a winning streak as long as 7 games. The Celtics’ success can be attributed to many key factors but the most compelling piece has to be the play of their star Jayson Tatum. Tatum is averaging about 28 points per game in the month of April. On top of that, the 23-year-old star recorded his first triple-double on Tuesday night at home against the Chicago Bulls. Tatum finished with 14pts, 13rebs, and 10ast, and if his first triple-double even though his team ended up falling short of a victory.

The triple-double wasn’t even Tatums most impressive performance of the month either, as he also outdueled 2 time MVP Stephen Curry in overtime this past Saturday. Steph put on an absolutely ridiculous performance hitting 11 three-pointers and finishing the game with 47 points. However, the seemingly unfazed Tatum finished the game with 44points and 10 rebounds and scoring the go-ahead layup with .49 seconds left in OT that ultimately gave the Celtics the win.

THE CROWD JUST WENT CRAZY FOR THIS PLAY! pic.twitter.com/lbmgvaHUZT
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 18, 2021

Tatum has shown tremendous poise and ability to be a clutch player over the course of this season and it has only been amplified as of late. The emergence of first-year all-star Jaylen Brown, specifically on the offensive end, has really opened up even more for Tatum. He doesn’t have to force much anymore and it is evident, he’s been very decisive about when and how he attacks the basket and has come a long way with his playmaking ability once he gets into the paint. Tatum is really solidifying himself as one of the primer players in the league and a lot of it has to do with his play late in games. Jayson Tatum is the best player in the clutch in the whole NBA this season. He averages a league-best 2.8 points when the game is on the line while shooting 43%. To put this into context for those who are not familiar with advanced NBA stats this stat is highlighting the fact that when the game is on the line Jayson Tatum has about a 43% chance of scoring 3 points which is even more impressive considering he’s taken the second most amount of game-tying or go-ahead shots in the whole league. His ability to get to his spots is unmatched and it’s evident when watching him play as of late. He has done an excellent job this season of not settling as much and attacking the basket especially when teams don’t have an adequate rim protector. He’s done a great job of balancing when to attack in transition and when to get a post touch every so often. He looks a lot more comfortable getting to his elbow jump shots and using his body around the basket to finish plays, particularly around the basket.

In addition to the impressive play from Tatum, the Celtics have also gotten improved play from key players like Kemba Walker and Marcus Smart. Both Walker and Smart have been pretty inconsistent for the C’s this year mainly having to do with injuries that kept them out for periods of time. Neither player had really been able to find their groove until recently but that could just be due to the fact that neither was 100% until now.

K3MBA!!! pic.twitter.com/Qj7XDl7OBU
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 18, 2021

Whatever the case may have been they picked a good time to get back to themselves because they need every bit of Kembas shot-making ability and Marcus Smart’s tenacity on both ends of the court if they hope to win AT LEAST their first playoff matchup. Smart and Walker who both hit HUGE shots in the Win against Golden State are going to really need to maintain their level of play for the end of the season for the Celtics to improve their standing to have a more favorable first-round matchup. With the play of Jayson Tatum only improving by the day it seems the supporting cast is going to have to be at their best as teams to relieve some of the offensive pressure off Tatum.

I LOVE AND TRUST MARCUS SMART pic.twitter.com/FgzdQCoUuF
— Taylor Snow (@taylorcsnow) April 18, 2021

The late addition of Jabari Parker for the Celtics is also something worth keeping an eye on. The former #2 overall pick has had his shares of up and downs since entering the League in 2014 but Boston could end up being the perfect fit for Parker. He reached the point in his career that no one is expecting him to perform like a top pick anymore so whatever positive contributions he can make at his position will help. When you think about what Jabari Parker does best it’s obviously his scoring ability. Just some of the moves he can make at his size are impressive and it actually might end up being just what the Celtics needed. The Celtics’ biggest problem this year has been bench scoring, and whether that has been mainly to do with injuries doesn’t even matter at this point they just needed to fix that somehow. Jabari Parker does that and might just find his niche with the Celtics because of it. The pressure is off for Parker which sounds odd to say about a player that is only signing a two-year deal but it’s the expectation. Up until this point, the teams Parker had been with were expecting him to at least show flashes of why he was the #2 pick and show that he could be a piece to build around. The expectation with Boston is a lot different, the core group is solidified but the problem has always been what surrounds that. Jabari Parker seems to be exactly what the Celtics need in just a solid piece that can positively contribute offensively and in his first two games has even shown impressive rebounding and defensive ability which is an added bonus. It will be fun to see how he plays as he gets even more integrated into the lineup but just a great underrated pickup for the Celtics.

#Celtics Jabari Parker putting the Warriors team in a blender! pic.twitter.com/Gp5JmtdMl0
— Celtics News (@CelticsNewsNBA) April 18, 2021

Jabari Parker came in the clutch pic.twitter.com/Ld7dPdEjAr
— Boston Celtics (@celtics) April 18, 2021

I think this Jabari Parker thing might be good for the Celtics..
— Jordan Scurry (@Jordan_S09) April 18, 2021

The Boston Celtics currently sit at 6th Place in the Eastern Conference. The team is 5 games above .500 with a 31-27 overall record. They actually only 4 games behind the 3rd seed Milwaukee Bucks and 1 game behind the 4th seed New York Knicks. The Celtics are 8-2 in their last 10 games and seem to be hitting their stride at the right time. With only 14 games left in the regular season, they are going to have to keep up their play as of late to keep from potentially matching up with the 76ers or Brooklyn Nets in the first round. If the season ended today the Celtics would be in a first-round matchup with the Bucks and that is not a fun first-round matchup for anybody. The Celtics’ focus has to be on trying to pass the Atlanta Hawks and NY Knicks in these last 14 games to have a much more favorable first-round matchup to at least give this team the confidence of getting past the first round for the playoffs. The best case for these Celtics is that this play they were able to display in the month of April propels them into the playoffs and they can enter the playoffs as one of the hottest teams in the NBA posied to make a run in the playoffs regardless of how the season went before the All-Star Break. Much like the Miami Heat of last year, the Celtics are just going to have to rely on getting hot at the right time, chemistry and connectivity.

Apr 22, 2021 No Comments

Kicks Through the Lens (Week 17)

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by Brendon Schunck | Apr 21, 2021 | Featured, NBA, Sneakers

Have we been spoiled with the plethora of Nike Kobe Protros that have released over the last handful of years? Is this final slew of Kobe 6 Protros the last we will see from the Kobe line? Amidst hearing the news that Kobe’s Nike contract ended effective April 13th, many questions are currently up in the air as far as the future of the Nike Kobe line. As for the time being, Kobe Bryant’s wife, Vanessa (along with the Kobe Bryant Estate), have chosen to not renew Bryant’s contract with the Swoosh. Vanessa Bryant is now free to explore other opportunities for the “Mamba” brand, with rumors that this is the route that her late husband wanted to explore prior to his passing. Only time will tell to see what will in fact happen to the Kobe line and its sneakers.

From now on we will cherish each Kicks Through the Lens week because we truly don’t know how much longer Nike Kobe sneakers will be in the market. The Nike Kobe line has been a staple for NBA players on court for over ten years now. It’s hard to fathom a basketball world in which the Swoosh and Kobe aren’t connected on a sneaker endorsement. Six out of the ten shoes that made the countdown this week were Kobes alone. That right there goes to show you just how popular his Nike models are. Scroll below to see what rounded out week 17’s Kicks Through the Lens list.