ORL @ DET: Gustavo Ayon (19 PTS, 10 REB) was the main bright spot as the Magic rested nearly everyone else. Their makeshift (and short) rotation was full of names you do NOT need to know. DeQuan Jones played 44 minutes and scored 22 points, yet he isn’t even guaranteed backup minutes two weeks from now.
The Pistons got 19 from Rodney Stuckey and 15 from Greg Monroe in a ridiculously easy win. They used 15 players, but it doesn’t look as if rookies Kim English, Khris Middleton and Viacheslav Kravtsov will see much “real” action for a while. Kyle Singler is another story; his year of European experience may have helped prepare him for the NBA. The best Detroit rookie to own is probably Andre Drummond. It’s truly amazing that he’s barely 19; last night he blocked four shots and was +24 in only 17 minutes. Just be aware that his FT% at Connecticut was 29.5%, absolutely pitiful.
MIL @ CHI: Likely backup Nate Robinson got the start at PG and scored 24 points (plus 13 assists) in 37 minutes; even with Kirk Hinrich sitting out, the Bulls have no confidence in rookie Marquis Teague. In his best effort so far, Richard Hamilton hit 9-of-14 shots for 23 points, while Joakim Noah (16 PTS, 12 REB) was a beast up front.
The Bucks didn’t take this game quite as seriously, using Larry Sanders as the starting C. Hey now! Samuel Dalembert came off the bench for his 13 PTS, 10 REB & 3 BLK. Once again, sophomore Tobias Harris started at SF, with veteran Mike Dunleavy coming off the bench. That may continue all season. Without much fanfare, Marquis Daniels is carving out a role as the backup SG.
CHA @ OKC: Big Cole Aldrich, starting again at C for the injured Kendrick Perkins, went scoreless. Perk is giving his sore groin and wrist plenty of time, aiming to return by opening night. Serge Ibaka was energetic in 28 minutes (16 PTS, 10 REB, 2 BLK) and Kevin Durant played point forward, handing out 7 assists. Rookie Perry Jones III was brilliant again off the bench, scoring 17 points in 30 minutes. We cautioned yesterday about drafting Jones too high based on preseason numbers; he is a 7th or 8th man on this talented team. With James Harden rested, Andy Rautins scored 20 points in 24 minutes, hitting 4-of-7 from deep.
Kemba Walker sat out for Charlotte, so Ramon Sessions was their best player, with 18 PTS and 7 AST. Ben Gordon added 21 off the bench, and Byron Mullens continued to be the poor man’s Ryan Anderson, knocking down four more triples. So far, rookie Michael Kidd-Gilchrist looks more like a long-term project than someone who will make an immediate fantasy impact.
HAIFA @ MIN: Sometimes my hunches are completely wrong. The Timberwolves went with their starters against an overmatched team from Israel, and except for a rusty Luke Ridnour, they dominated. Those of you waiting for Brandon Roy to break down are missing a great story, as he scored 19 points in 25 minutes. Where to draft him is a very difficult question to answer. You could end up with third-round value from a seventh-round pick, but you don’t want the risk of him being your #1 SG.
UTA @ LAL: The Lakers just don’t care. Steve Nash is in no hurry to be ready; he scored two points in 12 minutes. Kobe Bryant was going through the motions early, then finished with 31 points. Pau Gasol took the night off, and Antawn Jamison shot 2-11 in his place. Not surprisingly, the Jazz ran them out of the gym by a 34-point margin.
Mo Williams rested, so Jamaal Tinsley got the start at PG, otherwise Utah started its regulars. There may be no second-unit frontcourt in the NBA as good as Derrick Favors and Enes Kanter, but playing time may be hard to come by, as Paul Millsap and Al Jefferson are even better. If the backup SG position matters in your league, Alec Burks played well again, but Randy Foye finally hit a couple of threes and coaches do love veterans.
October 17 Games
WAS @ TOR: Except in Toronto and the entire country of Lithuania, fans have no idea of the hype surrounding Jonas Valanciunas. The rookie is fast for his size (or huge for his speed) and excellent at rolling to the hoop, making new PG Kyle Lowry excited. Lowry, expected to make his debut this evening, will use JV as a decoy to drive and score, and opponents won’t be able to double Andrea Bargnani on the perimeter. Like any freshman, Valanciunas will get in foul trouble (call it a referee initiation) and have quiet nights, but his future is bright.
I feel sorry for the Wizards.