NBA Daily Links: 12.21.15

PHILOSOPHICAL QUOTE OF THE DAY:

“If you are insecure, guess what? The rest of the world is too. Do not overestimate the competition and underestimate yourself. You are better than you think.”

-T. Harv Eker

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

NBA:

Who is the NBA’s most improved player?

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/head-to-head-most-improved-player/

 

NBPA files countersuit against Billy Hunter, seeking millions

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/writer/ken-berger/25420807/nbpa-files-countersuit-against-billy-hunter-seeking-millions

 

Lamar Odom takes big steps in his recovery, condition improving

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25420671/report-lamar-odoms-condition-improving-walking-without-assistance

 

Adrian Griffin still grateful for Rick Pitino’s faith

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

 

NBA DRAFT:

Jacob Poeltl’s NBA dreams began in an unlikely place: Austria

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/21/sports/ncaabasketball/jakob-poeltls-nba-dreams-began-in-an-unlikely-place-austria.html

 

76ERS:

Sixers lose 10^th straight as Cavs romp

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20151221_Sixers_lost_10th_straight_as_Cavs_romp.html

 

Lately, 76ers effort is lacking

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20151221_Lately__Sixers__effort_is_lacking.html

 

Wroten backs recent Sixers moves

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20151221_Wroten_backs_recent_Sixers_moves.html

 

BUCKS:

Jason Kidd to undergo hip surgery, out indefinitely

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/bucks-coach-jason-kidd-to-have-hip-surgery-b99636494z1-363090421.html

 

Bucks end Western trip with victory

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/bucks-vs-phoenix-suns-b99636492z1-363077681.html

 

BULLS:

After Jimmy Butler’s comments, what’s next?

http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago/bulls/post/_/id/22675/jimmy-butler-sets-tone-for-uncertain-future-with-fred-hoiberg-teammates

 

Calling out Fred Hoiberg is a bad look for Jimmy Butler

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/ct-bulls-jimmy-butler-fred-hoiberg-spt-1221-20151220-column.html

 

Jimmy Butler wants everyone on the same page – coach and Rose included

http://chicago.suntimes.com/basketball/7/71/1195228/jimmy-butler-wants-everyone-page-coach-derrick-rose-included

 

Bobby Portis trying to play his way into rotation

http://espn.go.com/blog/chicago-bulls/post/_/id/22687/portis-trying-to-play-his-way-into-rotation

 

CAVALIERS:

Kyrie Irving fueled by Kendall Marshall’s challenge in debut

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14410602/kyrie-irving-cleveland-cavaliers-sparked-kendall-marshall-test

 

Irving scores 12 points as Cavaliers crush Sixers

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2015/12/cleveland_cavaliers_philadelph_10.html#incart_social_feature

 

Kyrie’s return gives Cavs more to celebrate than a blowout win

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

 

Irving’s return helps Cavs regain ideal form

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14411089/nba-kyrie-irving-return-puts-cavs-motion

 

CELTICS:

Amir Johnson (foot) uncertain vs Timberwolves; Brad Stevens may tinker with lineup

http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/celtics/post/_/id/4721423/amir-johnson-foot-uncertain-vs-timberwolves-brad-stevens-still-mulling-other-changes

 

Amir Johnson dealing with plantar fasciitis

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

 

Sullinger: I have to be more assertive

http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/sullinger-i-have-be-more-assertive

 

The Celtics are good except when they’re not

http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2015/12/20/10629334/boston-celtics-feature-isaiah-thomas-brad-stevens-sunday-shootaround

 

KG’s legacy lives on in Celtics locker room

http://www.nba.com/celtics/news/sidebar/prac-122015-Kevin-Garnett-Legacy-Lives-Celtics-Locker-Room

 

CLIPPERS:

Clippers are underachieving and they know it, but can they do something about it?

http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/la-sp-clippers-20151221-story.html

 

GRIZZLIES:

Record aside, Joerger pleased with small ball

http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/record-aside-griz-coach-joerger-pleased-with-small-ball-results-275d2a41-328c-671c-e053-0100007f6850-363088881.html

 

HAWKS:

Hawks-Magic report card

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

 

Observations from Hawks win over Magic

http://www.ajc.com/news/sports/basketball/five-observations-from-hawks-103-100-win-over-the-/nppCk/

 

Hawks contingent tours visiting arena for renovation ideas

http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/hawks-contingent-tours-visiting-arena-for-renovati/npn82/?icmp=ajc_internallink_referralbox_free-to-premium-referral

 

Tavares finishes with 17 points in D-League assignment

http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/tavares-finished-with-17-points-in-d-league-assign/npn9F/?icmp=ajc_internallink_referralbox_free-to-premium-referral

 

Paul Millsap: The Magic’s free agency pitch in July was great

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-orlando-magic-news-1221-20151220-story.html

 

HEAT:

Whiteside discovers how to finish what he starts

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14409792/hassan-whiteside-finds-finishing-touch

 

Whiteside sees more time in fourth quarter

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article50826950.html

 

Bosh, Whiteside lead Heat in comeback over Blazers

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article50788575.html

 

“What?” That’s what Dragic would like to know about his first NBA ejection

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-goran-dragic-s122015-story.html

 

Hassan Whiteside rises

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-sunday-hassan-whiteside-rises/

 

HORNETS:

Hornets gameday at the Rockets

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article50800770.html

 

Jeremy Lin returns to Toyota Center as a Hornet

http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/12/jeremy-lin-returns-to-toyota-center-as-a-hornet/

 

JAZZ:

Jazz think long-term when playing in December

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3332458-155/utah-jazz-notes-jazz-think-long-term

 

After 30 years on the road, Jazz are finally home for a Dec. 21 game

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865644138/After-30-years-on-the-road-Jazz-are-finally-at-home-for-Dec-21-game.html

 

KINGS:

George Karl enjoys verbal wrestling with Rajon Rondo

http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-blog/article50848765.html

 

Balanced attack propels Kings past Raptors

http://www.csnbayarea.com/kings/balanced-attack-propels-kings-past-raptors

 

Number crunch: Kings get wire-to-wire win on the road

http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/article50850230.html

 

KNICKS:

How Lance Thomas’ grueling summer made him Knicks weapon

http://nypost.com/2015/12/20/how-lance-thomas-grueling-summer-made-him-knicks-weapon/

 

Afflalo cranks up heat as Knicks face East playoff reality

http://nypost.com/2015/12/20/arron-afflalo-cranks-up-heat-as-knicks-face-east-playoff-reality/

 

Women rob Derrick Williams of $750K worth of jewelry after night of partying

http://nypost.com/2015/12/20/two-women-steal-750000-in-jewelry-from-a-new-york-knick/

 

Three things to like and dislike about Knicks season so far

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/dislike-knicks-season-article-1.2472198

 

LAKERS:

Lakers lottery-draft position has some variables

http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-report-20151221-story.html

 

MAGIC:

Magic fall to Hawks 103-100

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-magic-hawks-game-1221-20151220-story.html

 

Skiles knows game’s ups and downs

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-magic-scott-skiles-brian-schmitz-1221-20151220-column.html

 

MAVERICKS:

There’s one thing Mavs fans can be happy about concerning Parsons’ injury recovery

http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-mavericks/mavericks/2015/12/20/sefko-one-thing-mavs-fans-can-happy-concerning-parsons-injury-recovery?f=r

 

Mavericks take in Dirk Nowitzki Christmas party; Deron Williams (sort of) gets dunked on

http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-mavericks/mavericks/2015/12/20/mavericks-take-dirk-nowitzki-christmas-party-deron-williams-sort-gets-dunked?f=r

 

What would constitute a successful season for the Mavs? Will Dallas make a trade?

http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-mavericks/mavericks/2015/12/20/sefko-constitute-successful-season-mavs-will-dallas-make-trade?f=r

 

NETS:

Nets can’t keep up with young Timberwolves

http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/nets-outhustled-in-loss-to-karl-anthony-towns-timberwolves-1.11249048

 

Brook Lopez: It was just energy and effort…. They outplayed us

http://espn.go.com/blog/brooklyn-nets/post/_/id/23319/brook-lopez-it-was-just-energy-and-effort-they-just-outplayed-us

 

NUGGETS:

Pelicans outlast Nuggets behind Anthony Davis

http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29290262/pelicans-outlast-nuggets-behind-anthony-davis-130-125

 

Alvin Gentry calls hiring of Michael Malone ‘great’

http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29290124/alvin-gentry-calls-nuggets-hiring-michael-malone-great

 

PACERS:

Paul George misses the guidance of Uncle West

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2015/12/20/pacers-paul-george-misses-guidance-uncle-west/77665292/

 

PELICANS:

Anthony Davis forced out of Sunday’s game vs Nuggets with flu symptoms

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

 

Gentry: We have to some kind of way figure out how we can be consistent

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

 

PISTONS:

Brandon Jennings scores 11 in D-League as Pistons watch

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2015/12/19/detroit-pistons-brandon-jennings-d-league/77653828/

 

RAPTORS:

Anthony Bennett asks to go to the D-League

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/nba-ball-dont-lie/anthony-bennett–former-top-overall-pick–asks-to-go-the-d-league-191942208.html

 

Anthony Bennett does double-duty; goes to 905 for matinee

http://www.thestar.com/sports/basketball/2015/12/20/raptors-anthony-bennett-joins-905-for-some-playing-time.html

 

Rondo, Cousins too much for slow-starting Raptors

http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2015/12/20/rondo-cousins-too-much-for-slow-starting-raptors.html

 

Johnson stepping up in time of need

http://www.torontosun.com/2015/12/20/johnson-stepping-up-in-raptors-time-of-need

 

In Toronto, hometown hero Cory Joseph makes a name for himself

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25420670/in-toronto-hometown-hero-cory-joseph-makes-a-name-for-himself

 

ROCKETS:

Dwight Howard energized by big offensive night against Clippers

http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/12/dwight-howard-energized-by-big-offensive-night-against-clippers/

 

Rockets look to keep focus after reaching .500 for the second time

http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2015/12/rockets-look-to-keep-focus-after-reaching-500-for-the-second-time/

 

Ty Lawson pleads no contest to Los Angeles DUI

http://nba.nbcsports.com/2015/12/20/report-ty-lawson-pleads-no-contest-to-los-angeles-dui/

 

SPURS:

West’s vocal leadership a factor in Spurs top-ranked defense

http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/West-s-vocal-leadership-a-factor-in-Spurs-6711621.php

 

Mills showcases his love for the game on social media

http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Mills-showcases-his-love-for-the-game-on-social-6711624.php

 

Matt Bonner has no plans to retire – as long as he’s wanted

http://blog.mysanantonio.com/spursnation/2015/12/20/matt-bonner-has-no-plans-to-retire-as-long-as-hes-wanted/

 

SUNS:

Results in Phoenix mixed for Hornacek, as Suns prepare for Jazz

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3332605-155/nba-results-in-phoenix-mixed-for

 

Khris Middleton leads Bucks comeback to beat Suns

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2015/12/20/khris-middleton-leads-bucks-comeback-beat-suns/77101914/

 

TIMBERWOLVES:

Kevin Garnett playing role of mentor in Minnesota

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2015/12/21/kevin-garnett-playing-role-mentor-minn/iE7fjuzCZeZVzGG6M6T8sI/story.html

 

Karl-Anthony Towns swoops in to help grandma watch him play

http://nypost.com/2015/12/20/karl-anthony-towns-swoops-in-to-help-grandma-watch-him-play/

 

Timberwolves beat Nets as Towns has happy homecoming

http://www.twincities.com/timberwolves/ci_29288939/timberwolves-beat-nets-karl-anthony-towns-has-happy

 

Q&A with Karl-Anthony Towns

http://www.startribune.com/sunday-q-a-karl-anthony-towns-timberwolves-rookie/363060151/

 

TRAIL BLAZERS:

Lillard injures heel, Blazers lose to Heat on ominous Sunday

http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2015/12/trail_blazers_miami_heat_game_rewind_1.html#incart_river_index

 

WARRIORS:

Thompson says he is the best shooting guard in the NBA

http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/warriors-thompson-says-he-best-shooting-guard-nba

 

Is Klay really the best shooting guard?

http://espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/14406371/is-golden-state-warriors-klay-thompson-really-nba-best-shooting-guard

 

Ailing back could give Bogut some time off

http://www.sfgate.com/warriors/article/Ailing-back-could-give-Warriors-Bogut-some-6711633.php

 

WIZARDS:

Wizards healthy players must step up during spate of injuries

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards/wizards-healthy-players-must-step-up-during-spate-of-injuries/2015/12/20/f8cdb9e2-a740-11e5-bff5-905b92f5f94b_story.html

 

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.