NBA Daily Links: 12.3.15

PHILOSOPHICAL QUOTE OF THE DAY:

“Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do.”

-Dr. Benjamin Spock

 

================================

NBA:

2015 rookie class could rival 2003 draft

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2595146-2015-nba-rookie-class-has-chance-to-be-better-than-storied-2003-draft

 

LeBron James’ ‘Uninterrupted’ gets $15.8M investment from Warner Bros, Turner Sports

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/12/lebron_james_uninterrupted_get.html#incart_river_index

http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/lebron-james-scores-15m-warner-844787

 

JIM LOSCUTOFF:

Jim Loscutoff dies at age 85

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/former-celtic-jim-loscutoff-dies-age-85-183949370–nba.html

 

‘Jungle Jim’ was fearsome but fun-loving

https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/12/03/jungle-jim-loscutoff-was-fearsome-but-fun-loving/NVV7Pl7WXKVD8LST8242ON/story.html

 

Heinsohn remembers Loscutoff

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics/celtics_insider/2015/12/heinsohn_remembers_loscutoff_the_arm_wrestling_promoter_0

 

KOBE BRYANT:

Kobe embracing the good, the bad and, yes, even the ugly

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/kobe-bryant-embraces-the-good–bad-and–yes–even-the-ugly-of-his-farewell-tour-080732139.html

 

Kobe Bryant’s company files for trademarks linked to his final season

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14275791/kobe-bryant-company-kobe-inc-files-trademarks-linked-last-season-los-angeles-lakers

 

Jalen Rose explains why we may never see another player like Kobe Bryant

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/espn-analyst-former-nba-player-202400660.html

 

Kobe the bard earns mostly positive reviews

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/03/sports/basketball/bryant-the-bard-earns-mostly-positive-reviews.html?ref=basketball&_r=0

 

Kobe meets with President Obama

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25398916/lakers-kobe-bryant-met-with-president-obama-to-talk-about-the-future

 

For one night in DC, a star’s greatness reappears

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/kobe-bryants-complicated-farewell-tour-makes-latest-awkward-stop-in-washington/2015/12/02/264b8e3e-9941-11e5-94f0-9eeaff906ef3_story.html

 

76ERS:

Sixers fall back into the tank

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20151203_Sixers_fall_to_Knicks_and_drop_back_in_the_tank.html

 

Sixers suspend Okafor for two games

http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/deep-sixer/Sixers-suspend-Okafor.html

 

Hinkie ducks Okafor questions

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20151203_Sixers_GM_Sam_Hinkie_ducks_questions_on_suspended_Okafor.html

 

Sixers clumsy in reaction to Okafor

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20151203_Sixers_ham-handed_in_reaction_to_Okafor.html

 

Teammates say they back Okafor

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20151203_Teammates_say_they_back_Sixers__Okafor.html

 

76ers admit jacking up prices

http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sports/sixers/Sixers-raise-prices-for-Lakers-game.html

 

BUCKS:

Spurs clamp down on Bucks, cruise to win

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/live-updates-bucks-at-spurs-b99626773z1-360198481.html

 

What if… Jason Kidd had played for the Spurs?

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/what-ifjason-kidd-had-played-for-the-spurs-b99626775z1-360271751.html

 

BULLS:

Nikola Mirotic suffers concussion in Bulls win over Nuggets

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/ct-nikola-mirotic-concussion-report-bulls-spt-1203-20151202-story.html

 

Mirotic out indefinitely

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/ct-bulls-mirotic-concussion-spt-20151202-story.html

 

Derrick Rose’s problems are a matter of form

http://chicago.suntimes.com/basketball/7/71/1146811/aw-shoot-derrick-roses-problems-matter-form

 

CAVALIERS:

Is the pressure too much for Timofey Mozgov?

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/12/is_the_pressure_too_much_for_c.html#incart_river_index

 

LeBron, Cavs take deep breath for a change after losing

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/12/lebron_james_david_blatt_caval_4.html#incart_river_index

 

CELTICS:

Celtics head to Mexico City, gear up for clash with Kings

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4721216/celtics-head-south-of-the-border-gear-up-for-kings-clash

 

Celtics set to face Rondo in Mexico City reunion

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

 

Celtics happy to expand footprint in trip to Mexico City

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

 

Isaiah Thomas has nothing but love for the Kings

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/12/02/isaiah-thomas-has-nothing-but-love-for-kings/bMlLtPEx4FWf16K2W6kF3J/story.html

 

CLIPPERS:

Chris Paul out multiple games, Redick sprains ankle

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14277511/chris-paul-los-angeles-clippers-vs-indiana-pacers-strained-rib-muscle

 

With Chris Paul out, Clippers still have lots of options on ball-handling front

http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/la-sp-clippers-report-20151203-story.html

 

Pacers snap Clippers win streak

http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/clippersnow/la-sp-cn-clippers-lose-pacers-20151202-story.html

 

GRIZZLIES:

Joerger torn about how to manage vets’ minutes

http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/griz-coach-dave-joerger-torn-about-using-spurs-like-rest-strategy-25f23fed-458b-3ebc-e053-0100007f5c-360217611.html

 

Big Spain planned Big Easy takeover

http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/Big-Spain-planned-Big-Easy-takeover-360028081.html

 

HAWKS:

Raptors-Hawks report card

http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/raptors-hawks-report-card/npbWJ/?icmp=ajc_internallink_referralbox_free-to-premium-referral

 

Observations from Hawks loss to Raptors

http://www.ajc.com/news/sports/basketball/five-observations-from-the-hawks-96-86-loss-to-the/npbRd/

 

Sefolosha to remain in starting lineup

http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/sefolosha-to-remain-in-hawks-starting-lineup/npbCb/?icmp=ajc_internallink_referralbox_free-to-premium-referral

 

HEAT:

Winslow locked in for Durant, LeBron tasks

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/miamiheat/post/_/id/21426/miami-heat-rookie-winslow-locked-in-for-durant-lebron-tasks

 

Whiteside’s ascent to stardom

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-pm-hassan-whitesides-ascent-to-stardom-miami-heat/

 

HORNETS:

Stephen Curry’s 28 third-quarter points help sink the Hornets

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article47663665.html

 

JAZZ:

Rudy Gobert out indefinitely with a sprained MCL

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3257328-155/utah-jazz-center-rudy-gobert-out

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865642899/Updated-Jazz-center-Rudy-Gobert-out-indefinitely-with-knee-sprain.html

 

Jazz to face an upstart Magic team on Thursday night

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3257621-155/utah-jazz-jazz-to-face-an

 

Favors adapts to the new world of NBA big men

http://www.si.com/nba/2015/12/02/derrick-favors-utah-jazz-small-ball-quin-snyder

 

KINGS:

Rondo on rise again with Kings

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/12/03/rajon-rondo-rise-again-with-kings/zQJv7gha5wCWz2EEQjtBpI/story.html

 

Rondo: Celtics fans the best fans I ever played for

http://www.csnbayarea.com/kings/kings-rondo-celtics-fans-best-fans-i-ever-played

 

Kings help spread NBA brand in Mexico City

http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-blog/article47677575.html

 

KNICKS:

Porzingis propels Knicks to easy win

http://nypost.com/2015/12/02/kristaps-porzingis-propels-knicks-to-easy-win-over-hapless-76ers/

 

Porzingis dominating Okafor in maturity battle

http://nypost.com/2015/12/03/kristaps-porzingis-dominating-jahlil-okafor-in-maturity-battle/

 

Phil Jackson breaks silence to explain Porzingis magic

http://nypost.com/2015/12/02/phil-jackson-breaks-silence-to-explain-kristaps-porzingis-magic/

 

LAKERS:

Lakers can be great after Kobe

http://espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/14260165/nba-how-los-angeles-lakers-rebuild-kobe-bryant

 

Kobe scores 31 as Lakers beat Wizards

http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-1203-lakers-wizards-20151203-story.html

 

Hibbert: San Bernardino shootings even worse than the Lakers

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/roy-hibbert-san-bernardino-shooting-worse-lakers-article-1.2453143

 

Despite rough start, Lakers have no plans to make changes

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/lakers/2015/12/02/kobe-bryant-byron-scott-lakers-no-changes/76657400/

 

MAGIC:

Elfrid Payton looks to keep his energy up

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-magic-elfrid-payton-1203-20151202-story.html

 

Magic will seek to win 5 straight since early 2012

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-orlando-magic-news-1203-20151202-story.html

 

Nicholson emerging as key reserve for Magic

http://www.nba.com/magic/news/nicholson-emerging-key-reserve-magic

 

MAVERICKS:

A dominant Deron Williams? Why not

http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas/mavericks/post/_/id/4705865/a-dominant-deron-williams-why-not

 

How Zaza Pachulia changed the fates of 2 NBA teams

http://www.sbnation.com/2015/12/2/9837458/zaza-pachulia-mavericks-bucks-breakdown-stats

 

You can’t fake good chemistry and it’s clear this team has it

http://www.dallasnews.com/sports/dallas-mavericks/headlines/20151202-sefko-you-can-t-fake-good-chemistry-and-it-s-clear-this-mavs-team-has-it.ece

 

Dirk Nowitzki’s still got game, as Mavericks foes discover

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article47658180.html

 

Surviving adversity

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-am-mavericks-defy-odds-and-remain-relevant/

 

NETS:

Prokhorov nears full control of Nets, arena

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14275670/mikhail-prokhorov-close-acquiring-100-percent-brooklyn-nets-barclays-center

 

Shane Larkin plenty motivated to play against Knicks

http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/nets-shane-larkin-plenty-motivated-to-play-against-knicks-1.11186715

 

NUGGETS:

Nuggets lose 8^th straight game

http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29195665/nuggets-lose-at-chicago-eighth-consecutive-defeat

 

Losing Gary Harris is a two-way path to trouble

http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29195703/losing-gary-harris-is-two-way-path-trouble

 

PACERS:

Pacers win 6^th straight game

http://www.nba.com/pacers/rewind-pacers-clippers-151202

 

PELICANS:

Pelicans sputter again with execution flaws in fourth quarter

http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/12/new_orleans_pelicans_sputter_a.html#incart_river_index

 

Pelicans lose 4^th straight game

http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2015/12/new_orleans_pelicans_30.html#incart_river_index

 

Anthony Davis has golden opportunity ahead

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2594527-wednesday-nba-roundup-anthony-davis-has-golden-opportunity-ahead

 

PISTONS:

Pistons complete comeback over Suns

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/12/02/detroit-pistons-phoenix-suns/76652034/

 

Drummond turns into Pistons’ key piece

http://www.si.com/nba/2015/12/02/andre-drummond-detroit-pistons-stan-van-gundy-dwight-howard

 

RAPTORS:

Raptors rebound to stun Hawks

http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2015/12/02/raptors-rebound-to-stun-hawks.html

 

ROCKETS:

The James Harden minutes issue

http://espn.go.com/blog/houston-rockets/post/_/id/1541/the-james-harden-issue

 

Rockets get big boost from bench to beat Pelicans

http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/12/rockets-bench-helps-overcome-slow-start-to-take-down-pelicans/

 

Despite trade rumors, Ty Lawson looks to be improving

http://espn.go.com/blog/houston-rockets/post/_/id/1552/ty-lawson-despite-rumors-keeps-improving

 

SPURS:

Pop says Spurs offense rickety, but wins keep coming

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/360062571.html

 

Spurs get defensive – again – to beat Bucks

http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Spurs-get-defensive-again-to-batter-Bucks-6671946.php

 

Kidd a part of Pop’s first major swing at free agency

http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Kidd-a-part-of-Popovich-s-first-major-swing-in-6671473.php

 

SUNS:

Suns blow late lead, fall in OT

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2015/12/02/short-handed-suns-blow-late-lead-fall-pistons-ot/76695582/

 

THUNDER:

Billy Donovan prepares to face Heat, says NBA move has helped his growth

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article47682700.html

 

Breaking down the defensive strengths and weaknesses of OKC’s small-ball lineup

http://newsok.com/thunder-film-room-breaking-down-the-defensive-strengths-and-weakness-of-okcs-small-ball-lineup/article/5464282

 

McGary wants to shoot the 3, shows range with Blue

http://newsok.com/mitch-mcgary-wants-to-shoot-the-3-shows-range-with-blue/article/5464233

 

Annual toy drive set for Sunday’s game vs Kings

http://newsok.com/annual-toy-drive-set-for-sundays-game-vs.-kings/article/5464262

 

TIMBERWOLVES:

Towns trying to find way back to early-season success

http://www.nba.com/2015/news/features/scott_howard_cooper/12/02/2015-16-rookie-ladder-week-6/index.html

 

TRAIL BLAZERS:

Adam Silver: I appreciate the Blazers are rebuilding where they are not bottoming out

http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2015/12/adam_silver_i_appreciate_that_the_trail_blazers_ar.html#incart_most-readblazers

 

WARRIORS:

Draymond Green is the best center in the NBA

http://espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/14269077/golden-state-warriors-draymond-green-best-center-nba

 

How Stephen Curry wrecks defenses without the ball

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14269158/how-stephen-curry-wrecks-defenses-touching-ball

 

Fans pour on support while Curry pours on points

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/tom-sorensen/article47676560.html

 

Curry scores 40; Warriors streak hits 20

http://www.sfgate.com/warriors/article/Stephen-Curry-and-dad-right-at-home-in-Charlotte-6671475.php

 

Steph’s nice little flurry caps special night for the Currys

http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/rewind-stephs-nice-little-flurry-caps-special-night-currys

 

20 reasons why the Warriors are 20-0

http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/112107/20-reasons-why-the-warriors-are-20-0

 

The many reasons Draymond Green must be an All-Star

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25398230/the-many-reasons-why-warriors-draymond-green-must-be-an-all-star

 

WIZARDS:

Kobe scores 31 as Lakers beat Wizards

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/vintage-kobe-bryant-scores-31-as-the-lakers-overcome-john-wall-wizards/2015/12/02/cd21a482-9941-11e5-94f0-9eeaff906ef3_story.html

 

Turnovers doom Wizards in letdown loss

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wizards-insider/wp/2015/12/02/turnovers-doom-wizards-in-letdown-loss-to-lakers/

 

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.