NBA Daily Links: 12.4.15

December 4, 2015 by Pete Newmann

PHILOSOPHICAL QUOTE OF THE DAY:

“Successful people have fear, successful people have doubts, and successful people have worries. They just don’t let these feelings stop them.”

-T. Harv Eker

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NBA:

All-Star uniforms pay homage to first NBA game

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14279408/all-star-game-uniforms-pay-homage-1st-nba-game-toronto-huskies

Is pace the next strategic frontier?

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/slow-your-roll-dictating-pace-as-a-strategic-counter/

Introducing the NBA All-Unknown Team

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2015/12/03/all-unknown-team-will-barton-clint-capela-nemanja-bjelica/76723946/

Sportsbook: Kevin Garnett the favorite for next ‘Farewell Tour’

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

TNT’s Sager, Popovich share emotional return (video)

http://fansided.com/2015/12/03/craig-sager-and-gregg-popovich-reunite-with-one-another-in-emotional-scene-video/

Inside former NBA coach Jeff Van Gundy’s speech to ISU

http://amestrib.com/sports/men-s-basketball-inside-former-nba-coach-jeff-van-gundy-s-speech-isu

Former NBA star Antoine Carr loses home in fire

http://www.kake.com/home/headlines/Former-Shocker-NBA-star-Antoine-Carr-loses-home-in-fire-360483991.html

KOBE BRYANT:

Why both of Kobe’s jerseys should be retired

http://www.nba.com/2015/news/12/03/bridging-the-gap-should-lakers-retire-kobe-bryant-no-8-or-no-24/index.html

Kobe’s farewell tour is a surreal sight

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14278363/kobe-bryant-farewell-tour-surreal-sight

Kobe’s sunset in the hands of Colangelo

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2015/12/03/bickley-kobe-bryant-retirement-jerry-colangelo/76748778/

Why isn’t Bryant more beloved? It’s not complicated

http://espn.go.com/espnw/news-commentary/article/14281224/why-kobe-bryant-more-beloved-answer-not-complicated

Kyrie Irving on Kobe Bryant: I try to emulate him

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/12/kyrie_irving_on_kobe_bryant_i.html#incart_social_feature

Everything about Wade’s Kobe Bryant retirement story is perfect

http://www.sbnation.com/lookit/2015/12/3/9846662/dwyane-wade-kobe-bryant-retirement

In honor of Bryant, Zoo Atlanta to name black mamba ‘Kobe’

http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/in-honor-of-bryant-zoo-atlanta-to-name-black-mamba/npbj8/?icmp=ajc_internallink_referralbox_free-to-premium-referral

NBA DRAFT:

An early 2016 NBA mock draft

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-pm-an-early-2016-nba-mock-draft/

Next LeBron James? Ben Simmons looks ready to grow into the role

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/next-lebron-james–ben-simmons-looks-ready-to-grow-into-the-role-063847416.html

76ERS:

Will Sixers tank job be truly worth it?

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20151204_Will_Sixers__tank_job_truly_be_worth_it_.html

NBA exec: Okafor, Noel a bad fit

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20151204_NBA_exec__Jahlil_Okafor_and_Nerlens_Noel__can_t_play_together__.html

Coach K defends Okafor: He’s a great kid

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/14278266/duke-blue-devils-coach-mike-krzyzewski-defends-jahlil-okafor-philadelphia-76ers-one-greatest-kids-ever

Dario Saric will play next season for 76ers

http://www.si.com/nba/2015/12/03/philadelphia-76ers-dario-saric-will-play-next-season

BUCKS:

Greg Monroe returns to face his former Pistons teammates

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/bucks-greg-monroe-returns-to-face-his-former-pistons-teammates-b99627553z1-360525991.html

BULLS:

Doug McDermott’s defense is getting him crunch-time minutes

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/ct-doug-mcdermott-defense-bulls-spt-1204-20151203-story.html

Rose and Gasol on the pick-and-roll

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/ct-rose-gasol-bits-bulls-spt-1204-20151203-story.html

Pau Gasol will very likely opt out of his contract, test free agency

http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/gasol-will-very-likely-opt-out-bulls-contract-summer-test-free-agency

CAVALIERS:

Kyrie takes biggest step yet toward his return

http://espn.go.com/blog/cleveland-cavaliers/post/_/id/1585/kyrie-irving-takes-biggest-step-yet-toward-his-return

Kyrie Irving a full participant in practice

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

CELTICS:

Smart’s return remains indefinite

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

Celtics rout Kings in Mexico City

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/12/04/celtics-rout-kings-mexico-city/Zvhk1I26CyxPtFvvtNJF3N/story.html

CLIPPERS:

Treading water is growing old for the Clippers

http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/la-sp-clippers-problems-20151204-story.html

Clippers need everything from Blake Griffin

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2595358-with-and-without-chris-paul-clippers-need-everything-from-blake-griffin

GRIZZLIES:

Kawhi Leonard propels Spurs by Griz

http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/Kawhi-Leonards-hot-hand-propels-Spurs-by-Griz-103-83-360533431.html

HAWKS:

Hawks assign Hardaway, Tavares to D-League

http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/hawks-assign-hardaway-jr-tavares-to-d-league/npbzD/?icmp=ajc_internallink_referralbox_free-to-premium-referral

Hawks release ownership roster

http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/atlanta-hawks-release-ownership-roster/npbzh/?icmp=ajc_internallink_referralbox_free-to-premium-referral

HEAT:

Heat ready for primetime

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/ethan-j-skolnick/article47902485.html

Wade’s fantastic finish leads Heat past Thunder

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article47889235.html

Wade prefers home run as Heat work toward cohesion

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-dwyane-wade-s120315-story.html

JAZZ:

Jazz endure sloppy second half, fall to the Magic

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3262457-155/utah-jazz-jazz-endure-sloppy-second

Life goes on for Jazz without Rudy Gobert

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/life-goes-jazz-without-rudy-gobert-203654564–nba.html

Can the Jazz stay afloat without Rudy Gobert?

http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3261795-155/shootaround-can-the-jazz-stay-afloat

KINGS:

DeMarcus Cousins, George Karl and the state of the Kings dysfunction

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14279853/everybody-tim-duncan

Is Rajon Rondo actually good again?

http://espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/14273841/is-sacramento-kings-rajon-rondo-actually-good-again-nba

No bueno

http://www.csnbayarea.com/kings/instant-replay-thomas-goes-big-vs-kings-who-fall-mexico

Kings are still trying to find a winning way

http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-blog/article47911470.html

KNICKS:

Porzingis exceeding expectations

http://espn.go.com/blog/new-york/knicks/post/_/id/63645/porzingis-exceeding-everyones-expectations

Are the Knicks to be taken seriously? Now is the time to prove it

http://nypost.com/2015/12/03/are-the-knicks-to-be-taken-seriously-now-is-time-to-prove-it/

Porzingis: Our fans are better than Brooklyn’s

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/kristaps-porzingis-fans-better-brooklyn-article-1.2454269

LAKERS:

Lakers youngsters are soaking in Kobe’s retirement tour

http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-report-20151204-story.html

D’Angelo Russell continues to learn

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

Are Lakers a more appealing FA destination without Kobe?

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2595202-will-kobe-bryants-exit-make-la-lakers-a-more-appealing-free-agent-destination

MAGIC:

Magic beat Jazz to win 5^th straight

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-magic-jazz-game-1204-20151203-story.html

Another goal for the Magic: Doing a better job of maintaining leads

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-orlando-magic-news-1204-20151203-story.html

Magic’s confidence is starting to grow

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/magic-basketblog/os-mbb-orlando-magic-utah-jazz-preview-20151203-post.html

MAVERICKS:

Deron Williams proving he was not made for New York

http://nypost.com/2015/12/03/nets-not-shocked-deron-williams-is-thriving-in-dallas/

How a significant contrast between Cuban, Rockets GM Morey will soon be displayed

http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-mavericks/mavericksheadlines/2015/12/03/patience-stability-significant-contrast-cuban-rockets-gm-morey-soon-will-displayed?f=r

What if vs What is when Dwight Howard, Zaza Pachulia meet

http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-mavericks/mavericksheadlines/2015/12/03/scouting-rockets-mavericks-vs-dwight-howard-zaza-pachulia-meet

Pachulia becomes NBA double-double machine

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article47841400.html

NUGGETS:

Nuggets snap 8-game losing streak with win over Raptors

http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29200306/nuggets-snap-eight-game-losing-streak-win-over

Joffrey Lauvergne finds his form in Toronto

http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29201187/joffrey-lauvergne-finds-his-form-toronto

Michael Malone’s family ties to Raptors run deep

http://blogs.denverpost.com/nuggets/2015/12/03/michael-malone-raptors-nuggets/13511/

PACERS:

Paul George named Eastern Conference player of the month

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2015/12/03/paul-george-named-eastern-conference-player-month/76735898/

Pacers, George are all wet in Portland

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2015/12/04/pacers-george-all-wet-portland/76762328/

PELICANS:

Anthony Davis acknowledges inability to put forth a complete game is frustrating

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

PISTONS:

How Monroe’s deal with Bucks can benefit Pistons

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/12/03/detroit-pistons-greg-monroe/76755372/

Defensive workload may be hurting KCP’s shooting

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/12/03/detroit-pistons-kentavious-caldwell-pope/76748312/

Baynes undergoes nose surgery

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/12/03/aron-baynes-detroit-pistons/76726310/

RAPTORS:

Raptors late surge not enough vs Nuggets

http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2015/12/03/raptors-late-surge-not-enough-vs-nuggets.html

Nogueira taking Bebe steps

http://www.torontosun.com/2015/12/03/raptors-nogueira-taking-bebe-steps

Kyle Lowry has been the best guard in the East

http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/12/3/9841712/kyle-lowry-highlights-raptors-hawks

ROCKETS:

Motiejunas could be nice Christmas surprise for Rockets

http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/12/donatas-motiejunas-could-be-nice-christmas-surprise-for-rockets/

Rockets looking for ways to ease burden on James Harden

http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/12/rockets-looking-for-ways-to-ease-burden-on-james-harden/

JB Bickerstaff losing his voice but not his humor

http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/12/j-b-bickerstaff-losing-his-voice-but-not-his-humor/

SPURS:

Spurs strong start fueled by NBA’s best defense

http://espn.go.com/blog/san-antonio-spurs/post/_/id/183/spurs-warriors-in-march-should-be-interesting

Leonard’s long-distance shooting sinks Grizzlies

http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Leonard-s-long-distance-shooting-sinks-Grizzlies-6674695.php

Pop wants Leonard to speak up more

http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Popovich-wants-Leonard-to-talk-more-on-the-6674371.php

SUNS:

Hornacek lauds bench, slaps starters

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2015/12/03/phoenix-suns-jeff-hornacek-lauds-bench-slaps-starters/76732154/

Knight shining

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25399193/brandon-knight-making-the-suns-look-a-lot-smarter-than-the-bucks

THUNDER:

What is Kevin Durant’s value to OKC?

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14281166/nba-how-much-kevin-durant-worth-oklahoma-city-thunder

Thunder blow another late lead, fall to Heat

http://newsok.com/thunder-blow-another-late-lead-fall-to-heat-in-miami-to-close-out-winless-road-trip/article/5464655

Billy Donovan makes second and final trip to Florida this season

http://newsok.com/thunder-journal-billy-donovan-makes-second-and-final-trip-to-florida-during-first-nba-season-discusses-his-adjustment/article/5464580

TIMBERWOLVES:

Karl-Anthony Towns playing enough, Sam Mitchell says

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_29199054/timberwolves-karl-anthony-towns-playing-enough-sam-mitchell

TRAIL BLAZERS:

Blazers hold on to 4^th quarter lead, beat Pacers

http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2015/12/trail_blazers_indiana_pacers_game_rewind_1.html#incart_river_index

WARRIORS:

Stephen Curry is the revolution

http://fivethirtyeight.com/features/stephen-curry-is-the-revolution/

In his homecoming, Stephen Curry is king

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/04/sports/basketball/stephen-curry-takes-his-road-show-home-to-raves.html?ref=basketball&_r=0

As Kobe Bryant fades, Stephen Curry rises

http://www.sfgate.com/sports/jenkins/article/As-Kobe-Bryant-fades-Stephen-Curry-rises-6674206.php

Davidson won’t make graduation exception to honor Steph Curry

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-basketball/story/_/id/14284259/stephen-curry-jersey-retired-davidson-college-graduates

Panthers LB Thomas Davis adds game-worn Stephen Curry jersey to collection

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article47762850.html

Curry named West’s player of the month

http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/steph-curry-named-wests-player-month

Andrew Bogut on the Warriors critics: There are a lot of dumb people out there

http://www.rollingstone.com/sports/features/andrew-bogut-on-the-warriors-critics-there-are-a-lot-of-dumb-people-out-there-20151202

WIZARDS:

Carmelo Anthony wouldn’t be a huge upgrade for Wizards over Otto Porter

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fancy-stats/wp/2015/12/03/carmelo-anthony-wouldnt-be-a-huge-upgrade-for-wizards-over-otto-porter-jr/

Gortat to miss at least two games due to family emergency

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wizards-insider/wp/2015/12/03/marcin-gortat-to-miss-at-least-two-games-due-to-family-emergency/

Wizards small-ball leads to unease

http://www.si.com/nba/2015/12/03/fundamentals-wizards-john-wall-bradley-beal-randy-wittman-small-ball

What’s wrong with the Wizards?

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-am-whats-wrong-with-the-wizards/

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.