NBA Daily Links: 12.2.15

December 2, 2015 by Pete Newmann

PHILOSOPHICAL QUOTE OF THE DAY:

“It doesn’t matter where you are coming from. All that matters is where you are going.”

-Brian Tracy

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NBA:

NBA power rankings

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/nba/rankings/

Ranking the NBA’s Atlantic teams

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/ranking-the-nbas-atlantic-teams/

Almost trade season in the NBA

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-am-almost-trade-season-in-the-nba-2/

NBA blockbuster trades that should happen during 2015-16 season

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2594829-nba-blockbuster-trades-that-should-happen-during-2015-16-season

Predicting who will make 2016 NBA Eastern Conference All-Star team

http://www.sportingnews.com/list/4662498-2016-nba-eastern-conference-all-star-team-predictions-kristaps-porzingis

Was Kobe’s draft class better than MJ’s?

http://www.sbnation.com/2015/12/1/9826704/nba-draft-1996-1984-kobe-bryant-michael-jordan

Redoing the lottery part of 2014 NBA draft, with what we know now

http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/redoing-lottery-part-2014-nba-draft-what-we-know-n/npYgW/

The NBA is headed for financial problems

http://www.valuewalk.com/2015/12/nba-bankrupt/

Mexico City game shows NBA’s global vision

https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/12/03/onhoop/NviP364sMMfkESq2je4qVM/story.html

KOBE BRYANT:

In Philadelphia, a feel-good moment for Kobe Bryant, if a brief one

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/02/sports/basketball/a-strained-relationship-eases-between-kobe-bryant-and-philadelphia.html?ref=basketball&_r=0

Kobe takes bow as Philly, for once, shows him love

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20151202_Kobe_takes_bow_as_Philly__for_once__shows_him_love.html

Kobe Bryant always had great success in Philly

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20151202_Kobe_Bryant_always_had_treat_success_in_Philly.html

Kobe Bryant exits game as wise veteran

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20151202_Kobe_Bryant_exits_game_as_wise_veteran.html

LeBron James’ perfect eulogy for Kobe Bryant’s career

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/12/lebron_james_perfect_eulogy_fo.html – incart_river_index

LeBron James sad Kobe Bryant retiring, wishes they’d met in Finals

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14266468/lebron-james-truly-sad-kobe-bryant-retiring

Carmelo Anthony: I want one more chance to play with Kobe Bryant

http://nypost.com/2015/12/01/carmelo-anthony-i-want-one-more-chance-to-play-with-kobe/

Timing of Bryant’s announcement surprises Ginobili

http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Timing-of-Bryant-s-announcement-surprises-6667861.php

76ERS:

Sixers top Bryant, Lakers, 103-91, for first win of season

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20151202_Sixers_top_Bryant__Lakers__103-91__for_first_win_of_season.html

‘Finally!’ Noel says as Sixers end record losing streak

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20151202__Finally__quot__Noel_says_as_Sixers_end_record_losing_streak.html

Best and Worst awards: Sixers vs. Lakers

http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sports/sixers/Best-and-Worst-awards-Sixers-vs-Lakers-1201.html

Sixers’ dispiriting rebuilding effort a plan the NBA should nope never succeeds

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2594697-sixers-dispiriting-rebuilding-effort-a-plan-the-nba-should-hope-never-succeeds

BUCKS:

Preview: Bucks vs. Spurs

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/preview-bucks-vs-spurs-b99626052z1-359787071.html

BULLS:

Joakim Noah, Fred Hoiberg in delicate positions

http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/bulls-joakim-noah-fred-hoiberg-delicate-positions

How do Bulls balance Joakim Noah’s need to find rhythm in reduced role?

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/ct-main-bulls-spt-1202-20151201-story.html

Frustrated Joakim Noah continues to play good soldier — for now

http://chicago.suntimes.com/basketball/7/71/1144303/frustrated-joakim-noah-continues-playing-good-soldier-now

Derrick Rose says double vision not to blame for his struggles

http://chicago.suntimes.com/basketball/7/71/1145362/derrick-rose-says-double-vision-blame-struggles

CAVALIERS:

John Wall, Wizards end Cavaliers’ perfect mark at home with 97-85 victory

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/12/washington_wizards_cleveland_c.html – incart_social_feature

Cavs have no answer for Washington’s small-ball attack and starting slow proves a problem

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/12/cleveland_cavaliers_have_no_an_1.html – incart_river_index

Cavaliers can’t take nights off against improving East

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2594926-tuesday-nba-roundup-cavaliers-cant-take-nights-off-against-improving-east

It’s time for LeBron James’ pregame experiment to end after that clunker of a loss

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/12/lebron_james_washington_wizard_3.html – incart_river_index

LeBron’s Time: Cavaliers star feeling the urgency to bring title to Cleveland

http://www.si.com/nba/2015/12/01/lebron-james-cleveland-cavaliers-kobe-bryant-stephen-curry-dwyane-wade

Cavaliers coach David Blatt awarded Eastern Conference Coach of the Month

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/12/cleveland_cavaliers_coach_davi_11.html – incart_river_index

CELTICS:

Ainge lines up behind Stevens

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics/2015/12/celtics_notebook_ainge_lines_up_behind_stevens

Rendezvous with Rajon Rondo holds intrigue for Celtics

https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/basketball?p1=BGHeader_MainNavhttps://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/12/02/reunion-with-rajon-rondo-holds-intrigue-for-celtics/RdOwkJn6bVcoDzX5zAkVOJ/story.html

Lee, Hunter click easily on Celtics

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-pm-lee-hunter-click-easily-on-celtics/

CLIPPERS:

Clippers’ Blake Griffin, Pacers’ Paul George can pretty much do it all on the court

http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/la-sp-clippers-report-20151202-story.html

Clippers to be tested by Paul George, Indiana Pacers

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20151201/la-clippers-to-be-tested-by-paul-george-indiana-pacers

GRIZZLIES:

Gasol’s career-high 38 points guide Griz past Pelicans, 113-104

http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/Griz-scorch-pelicans–359813591.html

HAWKS:

Splitter practices some, likely to miss sixth straight game

http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/splitter-practices-some-likely-to-miss-sixth-strai/npZWT/

Some Hawks ready to welcome Carroll back to Atlanta

http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/some-hawks-not-all-ready-to-welcome-carroll-back-t/npZWC/

HEAT:

Dwyane Wade still trying to take over, largely because Heat still needs it

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/ethan-j-skolnick/article47468310.html

Power of two not best math for Heat

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-chris-bosh-s120115-column.html

Do Heat have enough of a motor to compete?

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-askira-story.html

Record, not favorable schedule, has Heat’s attention

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-erik-spoelstra-s120115-story.html

HORNETS:

8 numbers to know as Curry, Warriors try to get to 20-0 vs. Hornets

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/scott-fowler/article47449145.html

Kemba Walker’s improved 3-point shooting a game-changer for Hornets

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article47355520.html

JAZZ:

In muddled West, .500 fine for now

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3251228-155/utah-jazz-notes-in-muddled-west

Jazz on national TV? Once in a blue moon

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3250634-155/scott-d-pierce-jazz-on-national

Jazz must master one last thing to make the playoffs

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3250894-155/monson-utah-jazz-must-master-one

KINGS:

Cousins, Rondo have ‘powerful’ recent meeting with Kings coach George Karl

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/demarcus-cousins–rajon-rondo-have-positive–“powerful”-meeting-with-kings-coach-george-karl-223318996.html

KNICKS:

Carmelo Anthony: Knicks not good enough to ‘overlook’ 76ers

http://nypost.com/2015/12/02/carmelo-anthony-knicks-not-good-enough-to-overlook-76ers/

Kristaps Porzingis’ best move was to deny private workout with Sixers

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/knicks-insider-kristaps-porzingis-scored-76ers-passed-article-1.2452364

LAKERS:

Kobe Bryant gets the cheers, but 76ers get their first win against Lakers

http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-kobe-lakers-76ers-20151202-story.html

76ers end streak of futility at Lakers’ expense

http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-report-20151202-story.html

Kobe Bryant would be honored to be part of Lakers organization after retirement

http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-kobe-lakers-owner-20151202-story.html

Lakers hitting new low in Kobe Bryant’s final season

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2594967-los-angeles-lakers-hitting-new-low-in-kobe-bryants-final-season

Magic Johnson criticizes Lakers’ Jim Buss, says he needs help to be great owner

http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-report-20151202-story.html

MAGIC:

Magic withstand late Timberwolves rally, win 96-93

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-magic-timberwolves-game-1202-20151201-story.html

Postgame report: Magic vs. Timberwolves (12/1/15)

http://www.nba.com/magic/news/postgame-report-magic-vs.-timberwolves-12/1/15

Magic close to reaching Skiles’ defensive benchmarks

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-orlando-magic-news-1202-20151201-story.html

Oladipo recalls dinner he had with Flip Saunders in 2013

http://www.nba.com/magic/news/oladipo-recalls-dinner-he-had-flip-saunders-2013

MAVERICKS:

Mavericks rally, subdue Blazers in OT to split two-game road trip

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article47491110.html

Deron Williams scores 30 as Dallas Mavericks force overtime, beat Trail Blazers

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article47485775.html

The grit of Wesley Matthews pushed the Mavericks to a victory over his former team

http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/dallas-mavericks/20151201-sefko-the-grit-of-wesley-matthews-pushed-the-mavericks-to-a-victory-over-his-former-team.ece

Former-Maverick Aminu and McCollum put Dirk Nowitzki through the spin cycle

http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/dallas-mavericks/20151201-former-maverick-al-farouq-aminu-and-c.j.-mccollum-put-dirk-nowitzki-through-the-spin-cycle.ece

Barea’s ankle, Parsons’ minutes limit hold them off the court vs. Portland

http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/dallas-mavericks/20151201-barea-s-ankle-parsons-minutes-limit-hold-them-off-the-court-vs.-portland.ece

Carlisle: Mistake for NBA to change ‘Hack-a-Shaq’ rules because some can’t shoot FTs

http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/dallas-mavericks/20151201-carlisle-mistake-for-nba-to-change-hack-a-shaq-rules-because-some-players-can-t-shoot-free-throws.ece

NETS:

Nets edge Suns to win fourth in a row at home

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/02/sports/basketball/nets-edge-suns-to-win-fourth-in-a-row-at-home.html?ref=basketball

Brook Lopez’s 23 points lead Nets over Suns

http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/brook-lopez-s-23-points-lead-nets-over-suns-1.11182764

Former Knick Shane Larkin starting to provide spark for Nets

http://nypost.com/2015/12/01/former-knick-shane-larkin-starting-to-provide-spark-for-nets/

UA product Hollis-Jefferson impacting Nets

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2015/12/02/ua-product-rondae-hollis-jefferson-impacting-nets-quickly/76646114/

NUGGETS:

Nuggets search for way to halt seven-game skid

http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29189917/nuggets-search-way-halt-seven-game-skid

PACERS:

Want to hack off Ian Mahinmi? Bring up ‘f-word’ (foul)

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2015/12/01/want-hack-off-ian-mahinmi-bring-up-f-word-foul/76624196/

PELICANS:

Tyreke Evans scores 20 in debut game, Pelicans still lose, 113-104

http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/12/new_orleans_pelicans_29.html – incart_river_index

Pelicans sputter in fourth quarter, despite Tyreke Evans’ impressive debut

http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/12/new_orleans_pelicans_sputter_i.html – incart_river_index

Fourth quarter shooting percentages among key stats in Pelicans’ loss to Grizzlies

http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/12/fourth_quarter_shooting_percen.html – incart_river_index

Alvin Gentry switches it up as Marc Gasol has career night for Memphis: Pelicans’ 3-pointers

http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/12/alvin_gentry_switches_it_up_as.html – incart_river_index

PISTONS:

Van Gundy will take Pistons’ .500 record so far

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/12/01/detroit-pistons-stan-van-gundy/76602246/

Pistons’ Jackson fined $25K for outburst vs. OKC fan

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/12/01/reggie-jackson-detroit-pistons/76617114/

RAPTORS:

DeMarre Carroll has soared since leaving the Hawks

http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2015/12/01/demarre-carroll-has-soared-since-leaving-the-hawks.html

New Raptor DeMarre Carroll downplays return to Atlanta

http://www.torontosun.com/2015/12/01/new-raptor-demarre-carroll-downplays-return-to-atlanta

Raptors vet Luis Scola staying relevant by pumping out threes

http://www.torontosun.com/2015/12/01/raptors-vet-luis-scola-staying-relevant-by-pumping-out-threes

ROCKETS:

Setbacks require a renewed sense of urgency

http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/rockets/article/Rockets-No-panic-but-a-sense-of-urgency-6668147.php

Motiejunas gets green light to start practicing

http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/rockets/article/Rockets-report-Motiejunas-gets-green-light-to-6668747.php

Rockets getting bad breaks on their missed shots

http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/12/rockets-getting-bad-breaks-on-their-missed-shots/

Terrence Jones looks to be more aggressive off the bench

http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/12/terrence-jones-looks-to-be-more-aggressive-off-the-bench/

Scouting report: Rockets vs. Pelicans

http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/12/scouting-report-rockets-vs-new-orleans-pelicans-3/

SPURS:

Popovich puts Spurs’ offense on the clock

http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Popovich-puts-Spurs-offense-on-the-clock-6668902.php

Why Kawhi Leonard could be the heir to Kobe Bryant’s throne

http://www.si.com/nba/2015/12/01/kobe-bryant-kawhi-leonard-lebron-james-michael-jordan-open-floor

SUNS:

Suns stumble in road loss to lowly Brooklyn Nets

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2015/12/01/suns-stumble-road-loss-lowly-brooklyn-nets/76631452/

THUNDER:

Mitch McGary shows off conditioning in stint with Blue

http://newsok.com/mitch-mcgary-shows-off-conditioning-in-stint-with-blue/article/5464092

TIMBERWOLVES:

Timberwolves: Andrew Wiggins scores 27, but misses are costly

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_29190402/timberwolves-andrew-wiggins-scores-27-but-misses-are

TRAIL BLAZERS:

Trail Blazers suffer another 4th-quarter collapse, lose to Wesley Matthews and Mavericks

http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2015/12/trail_blazers_suffer_another_4th-quarter_collapse.html – incart_river_index

Mavericks mount late comeback, beat Trail Blazers 115-112 in overtime

http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2015/12/dallas_mavericks_portland_trail_blazers.html – incart_river_index

WARRIORS:

Making the case for Stephen Curry as NBA’s most improved player

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2594756-making-the-case-for-stephen-curry-as-nbas-most-improved-player

Steve Kerr praises team’s start, Luke Walton leadership

http://www.sfchronicle.com/warriors/article/Warriors-Kerr-praises-team-s-start-Walton-s-6668403.php

Luke Walton, with 0-0 record, is named an NBA Coach of the Month

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/02/sports/basketball/nba-says-warriors-wins-are-steve-kerrs-luke-walton-is-0-0.html?ref=basketball

WIZARDS:

Wizards unveil a small — really small — lineup in win over Cavaliers

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wizards-insider/wp/2015/12/02/wizards-unveil-a-small-really-small-lineup-in-win-over-cavaliers/

John Wall returns to form as Wizards end skid against LeBron James, Cavaliers

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/john-wall-returns-to-form-as-wizards-end-skid-against-lebron-james-cavaliers/2015/12/01/f029fab2-987c-11e5-b499-76cbec161973_story.html

Wizards’ Alan Anderson to begin on-court activities Wednesday

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wizards-insider/wp/2015/12/01/wizards-alan-anderson-to-begin-on-court-activities-wednesday/

Peter Newmann is an analyst and writer who spent 10 years at ESPN, 8 as the NBA senior researcher working 24/7 on the league. He wrote game notes for crews, articles for ESPN.com, analysis for studio shows, and regularly assisted reporters and writers. Follow him on Twitter, and check out his Web site, www.peternewmann.com.