NBA Daily Links: 1.6.16

January 6, 2016 by Pete Newmann

PHILOSOPHICAL QUOTE OF THE DAY:

“Start by doing what’s necessary; then do what’s possible; and suddenly you are doing the impossible.”

-Francis of Assisi

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NBA:

Updated Win-Loss projections for every NBA team in 2016

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2605190-updated-win-loss-projections-for-every-nba-team-in-2016

The top five free agents at the D-League Showcase

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/the-top-five-free-agents-at-the-d-league-showcase-005850324.html

Why are teams bored with boards?

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14505051/transition-defense-left-offensive-rebounds-cutting-room-floor

The best active NBA player wearing every number, from 0 to 99

http://www.sportingnews.com/list/4690179-nba-jersey-number-best-player-at-each-23-3-6

NBA says two officiating errors aided Heat in win vs. Pacers

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-nba-referees-s010516-story.html

NBA Draft:

Ranking the potential Ben Simmons destinations, from best to worst fit

http://espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/14501977/do-lakers-celtics-pelicans-fit-best-lsu-ben-simmons-nba-draft

Magic Johnson compares Ben Simmons to LeBron James

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2605375-magic-johnson-compares-lsu-freshman-ben-simmons-to-lebron-james

Ranking the best defenders available in 2016 NBA Draft

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2605186-ranking-the-best-defenders-available-in-2016-nba-draft

Oklahoma’s Buddy Hield is more than a shooter

http://www.sbnation.com/college-basketball/2015/12/29/10672640/buddy-hield-oklahoma-basketball-player-of-the-year-nba-draft-2016

76ERS:

Brown at controls down stretch

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/Brett_Brown_at_the_controls_late_in_Sixers_latest_victory.html

Ish Smith is making the 76ers look like a NBA team

http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2016/1/5/10715482/ish-smith-philadelphia-76ers-highlights-stats

Colangelo engineered Brand’s signing with Sixers

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20160105_Colangelo_engineered_Brand_s_signing_with_Sixers.html

Brand signing will help Sixers off court

http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sports/sixers/Brand-signing-will-help-Sixers-off-court.html

BUCKS:

Butler scores 32 to shoot down Bucks

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/bucks-vs-bulls-b99646241z1-364315591.html

Parker feels jitters as he makes on-court return at home

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/364312051.html

Even in seemingly lost season, Bucks’ future remains bright

http://www.nba.com/2016/news/features/ian_thomsen/01/05/milwaukee-bucks-bright-future-in-lost-season-giannis-antetokounmpo-michael-carter-williams-greg-monroe-john-henson/index.html

BULLS:

Bulls offense clicking on all cylinders in fifth straight victory

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/ct-butler-rose-bulls-bucks-report-spt-0106-20160105-story.html

Bobby Portis finally ‘earning stripes’ with Bulls during rookie season

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2605399-bobby-portis-finally-earning-stripes-with-chicago-bulls-in-rookie-season

Kirk Hinrich aging well, shooting a career-best from 3-point range

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/ct-kirk-hinrich-bits-bulls-bucks-spt-0106-20160105-story.html

Derrick Rose acknowledges that Jimmy Butler has reached elite status

http://chicago.suntimes.com/basketball/7/71/1229452/even-derrick-rose-acknowledging-jimmy-butler-reached-elite-status

Nikola Mirotic glad to see 2016, as he continues to be a work in progress

http://chicago.suntimes.com/basketball/7/71/1229116/nikola-mirotic-glad-see-2016-continues-work-progress

CAVALIERS:

Cavs guard Joe Harris to undergo surgery on his right foot; expected out 2-3 months

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2016/01/cleveland_cavaliers_guard_joe.html#incart_river_index

Cavs begin longest road trip of season riding four-game streak

http://www.ohio.com/sports/cavs/cavaliers-begin-longest-road-trip-of-season-riding-four-game-winning-streak-1.652281

Irving has no beef with John Wall saying ‘it’s a joke’ Irving’s second in All-Star game voting

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2016/01/kyrie_irving_john_wall_1.html#incart_river_index

Does LeBron think Kyrie Irving can be MVP one day?

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2016/01/lebron_james_kyrie_irving_2.html#incart_river_index

When it comes to activism, LeBron has started to be like Mike

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14505919/lebron-james-social-activism-found-new-outlet

CELTICS:

Celtics listening to leadership message

https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2016/01/06/celtics-listening-leadership-message/kbzU4cnsvaeQInfsU8nc9L/story.html

Avery Bradley likely to miss next two Celtics games

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics/celtics_insider/2016/01/avery_bradley_likely_to_miss_next_two_celtics_games

Jae Crowder’s hot shots fire up Celtics

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics/2016/01/celtics_notebook_jae_crowders_hot_shots_fire_up_celtics

Smart is trending in the right direction

http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/blakely-smart-trending-right-direction

Thomas misses practice with ‘light’ thumb sprain

http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/thomas-misses-practice-light-thumb-sprain

CLIPPERS:

After a victory, some Clipper must bust a move – and it’s not always pretty

http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/la-sp-clippers-report-20160106-story.html

Chris Paul trade may be the best path for Clippers’ future

http://www.sportingnews.com/nba-news/4690218-chris-paul-clippers-trade-los-angeles-lakers-blake-griffin-deandre-jordan

GRIZZLIES:

Grizzlies’ Mike Conley playing through pain again

http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/grizzlies-mike-conley-playing-through-pain-again-289e84ec-0dc3-1e11-e053-0100007f7a07-364298971.html

Barnes talks about his suspension, image and Instagram post

http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/Grizzlies-Matt-Barnes-talks-about-his-suspension-image-and-Instagram-post-364275851.html

Grind of contending puts Memphis at a crossroads

http://www.nba.com/2016/news/features/shaun_powell/01/05/memphis-grizzlies-reaching-a-crossroads-marc-gasol-tony-allen-mike-conley-zach-randolph-dave-joerger-vince-carter/

HAWKS:

Five observations from Hawks’ 107-101 loss to the Knicks

http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/hawks-rally-falls-short-against-knicks/npyG4/

Revenge may help Hawks find sharper edge

http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/revenge-may-help-hawks-search-for-sharper-edge/npxtc/

HEAT:

Justise Winslow showing signs of being a franchise cornerstone

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/ethan-j-skolnick/article53214885.html

Hassan Whiteside questionable with ‘a lot of soreness’ in knee

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article53163200.html

Heat in holding pattern as Whiteside deals with knee issue

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-hassan-whiteside-s010516-story.html

Life after LeBron improving for Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh

http://www.sportingnews.com/nba-news/4690165-dwyane–wade-chris-bosh-miami-heat-lebron-james-big-three-nba

HORNETS:

Amid the struggles, Hornets are on a stable path under Steve Clifford

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/writer/ken-berger/25439060/amid-the-struggles-hornets-are-on-a-stable-path-under-steve-clifford

Injuries throwing the Hornets off their games

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article53216050.html

JAZZ:

Jazz cut Elijah Millsap, trim roster to 14 players

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3382765-155/utah-jazz-cut-elijah-millsap-trim

Jazz thinking deep thoughts with big men out

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3382574-155/utah-jazz-thinking-deep-thoughts-with

Jazz won’t wallow after refs miss crucial late foul

http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3380822-155/jazz-wont-wallow-after-refs-miss

Jazz fan ejected, banned for one year for shining flashlight at James Harden

http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3379882-155/jazz-fan-ejected-banned-for-one

Utah hoping for a much better effort this time in San Antonio

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865644900/Jazz-hoping-for-a-much-better-effort-this-time-in-San-Antonio.html

KINGS:

Kings blow late lead in second OT, lose to Mavs 117-116

http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-blog/article53246460.html

DeMarcus Cousins grabs some history in Kings’ loss to Mavs

http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/article53252040.html

Rondo misses game in return to Dallas

http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-blog/article53153635.html

Rondo: ‘I have nothing but love’ for Mavs

http://espn.go.com/blog/dallas-mavericks/post/_/id/4705961/rajon-rondo-i-have-nothing-but-love-for-mavericks

Back problems have been a pain for Sacramento on this trip

http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-blog/article53236370.html

Nancy Lieberman can still be a proud mom while breaking ground as NBA assistant coach

http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-mavericks/mavericks/2016/01/05/nancy-lieberman-can-still-proud-mom-breaking-ground-nba-assistant-coach

KNICKS:

Knicks topple Hawks again – and tie last season’s win total

http://nypost.com/2016/01/05/knicks-topple-hawks-again-and-tie-last-seasons-win-total/

Fisher says Jerian Grant has ‘tools necessary’ to be ‘really good’

http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/basketball/knicks/knicks-insider-fisher-jerian-grant-tools-article-1.2486504

How LeBron is trying to push Carmelo to All-Star game

http://nypost.com/2016/01/05/how-lebron-is-trying-to-push-carmelo-to-all-star-game/

LAKERS:

Lakers’ win streak ends with a thud against the Warriors

http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/lakersnow/la-sp-ln-lakers-warriors-win-streak-ends-20160105-story.html

3 players with nonguaranteed contracts probably will remain with Lakers after waive deadline

http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-report-20160106-story.html

Lakers coach Byron Scott says Julius Randle has ‘got to grow up’

http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-randle-warriors-20160105-story.html

Lakers’ Byron Scott argued Larry Nance Jr. should have been a lottery pick

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20160104/lakers-byron-scott-argued-larry-nance-jr-should-have-been-a-lottery-pick

MAGIC:

Magic no longer take losing lightly

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-magic-losing-streak-brian-schmitz-0106-20160105-column.html

Statistics show the slippage of the Magic’s defense

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-orlando-magic-news-0106-20160105-story.html

Frye: ‘Accept responsibility that winning isn’t easy’

http://www.nba.com/magic/news/frye-accept-responsibility-winning-isnt-easy

MAVERICKS:

Roller coaster ride ends with Deron Williams buzzer beater to beat Kings in double overtime

http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-mavericks/mavericks/2016/01/05/townsend-roller-coaster-ride-ends-deron-williams-buzzer-beater-beat-sacramento-double-overtime?f=r

No matter what they think in Utah or Brooklyn, Deron Williams is earning his keep in Dallas

http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-mavericks/mavericks/2016/01/06/matter-think-utah-brooklyn-deron-williams-earning-keep-dallas?f=r

Parsons hurts his hip in win

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2605408-chandler-parsons-injury-updates-on-mavericks-stars-hip-and-return

Mavs to monitor playing time during hectic January

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article53239355.html

Chatting with Zaza: Mavs center says ‘I wouldn’t change anything’ during fascinating career

http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-mavericks/mavericks/2016/01/05/chatting-zaza-mavericks-center-says-change-anything-fascinating-career

Dwight Powell interested in being a part of All-Star weekend in his hometown of Toronto

http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-mavericks/mavericks/2016/01/05/dwight-powell-interested-part-star-weekend-hometown-toronto

Anthony Davis still a matchup nightmare for Dallas

http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-mavericks/mavericks/2016/01/05/scouting-mavs-pelicans-anthony-davis-still-matchup-nightmare-dallas?f=r

Cuban says legalized sports betting in the U.S. is ‘inevitable’

http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-mavericks/mavericks/2016/01/06/mark-cuban-says-legalized-sports-betting-us-inevitable?f=r

NETS:

Shane Larkin hoping to stake his own claim to fame

http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/shane-larkin-trying-to-make-his-own-claim-to-fame-1.11294620

NUGGETS:

After nearly a month, Emmanuel Mudiay set to return to Nuggets’ lineup

http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29347688/after-nearly-month-mudiay-set-return-nuggets-lineup

PACERS:

Solomon Hill: Playing more, thinking too much

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2016/01/05/solomon-hill-playing-more-thinking-too-much/78231262/

PELICANS:

Anthony Davis: ‘I don’t want a coach who plays favoritism’

http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2016/01/anthony_davis_i_dont_want_a_co.html#incart_river_index

Tyreke Evans still having difficulty adapting to Alvin Gentry’s offensive system

http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2016/01/tyreke_evans_1.html#incart_river_index

PISTONS:

Pistons inclined to keep Jennings, not trade him

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2016/01/05/detroit-pistons-brandon-jennings/78323640/

RAPTORS:

Raptors turn to defense as they struggle to get back on winning track

http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2016/01/05/raptors-turn-to-defence-as-they-struggle-to-get-back-on-winning-track.html

ROCKETS:

Rockets’ skid-busting win illustrates the difference defense makes

http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/rockets/article/Rockets-still-trying-to-play-defense-from-the-6738600.php

SPURS:

Spurs’ beautiful game, though modified, still turning heads

http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Spurs-beautiful-game-though-modified-still-6738464.php

Spurs’ Duncan remains a winner

http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Spurs-Duncan-remains-a-winner-6738495.php

The Spurs’ brilliance should really make the Warriors sweat

http://www.sbnation.com/2016/1/5/10715080/san-antonio-spurs-kawhi-leonard-tim-duncan-golden-state-warriors

Discussing Kawhi Leonard’s MVP candidacy

http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Writer-s-roundtable-6733635.php

SUNS:

Jeff Hornacek takes Suns bowling to liven spirits

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2016/01/05/jeff-hornacek-takes-suns-bowling-liven-spirits/78326048/

Dragic tees off on Suns

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/heat-index/2016/01/05/goran-dragic-suns-theyre-not-like-miami-san-antonio/78320882/

Robert Sarver, Steve Nash purchase Spanish soccer team

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2016/01/05/robert-sarver-steve-nash-purchase-spanish-soccer-team/78313438/

THUNDER:

Durant likely out against Grizzlies

http://newsok.com/okc-thunder-journal-kevin-durant-likely-out-against-memphis-grizzlies/article/5470814

How the NBA in OKC reunited two ex-Providence point guards

http://newsok.com/okc-thunder-how-the-nba-in-okc-reunited-two-ex-providence-point-guards/article/5470809

Russell Westbrook opens 7^th ‘Russell’s Reading Room’ at OKC elementary school

http://newsok.com/russell-westbrook-opens-7th-russells-reading-room-at-okc-elementary-school/article/5470783

TIMBERWOLVES:

Pekovic could return Wednesday vs. Nuggets

http://www.twincities.com/timberwolves/ci_29347008/timberwolvess-nikola-pekovic-could-return-wednesday-vs-nuggets

Frank discussion at practice is first step for Wolves

http://www.startribune.com/frank-discussion-at-practice-is-first-step-for-wolves/364327361/

TRAIL BLAZERS:

McCollum on role, new challenges, and expanding his game

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/c-j-mccollum-on-role-new-challenges-and-expanding-his-game/

Memphis loss wasn’t as bad as it looked for unpredictable Blazers

http://www.csnnw.com/blazers/memphis-loss-wasnt-bad-it-looked-unpredictable-blazers

The Chris Kaman Adventure: Trail Blazers veteran hopes his next exploit is in Portland

http://www.csnnw.com/blazers/chris-kaman-adventure-trail-blazers-veteran-hopes-his-next-exploit-portland

WARRIORS:

Curry reinjures shin in Warriors’ win at L.A.

http://www.sfchronicle.com/warriors/article/Curry-reinjures-shin-in-Warriors-win-at-L-A-6739528.php

Curry on leg being kicked again in same spot: ‘It’s just a magnet’

http://nba.nbcsports.com/2016/01/06/stephen-curry-on-leg-being-kicked-again-in-same-spot-its-just-a-magnet/

Thompson proving he’s game’s best shooting guard

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2605370-klay-thompson-proving-hes-games-best-shooting-guard-and-tuesday-nba-takeaways

Why Warriors stayed in Santa Monica instead of coming home

http://www.sfchronicle.com/warriors/article/Why-Warriors-stayed-in-Santa-Monica-instead-of-6739458.php

Warriors’ Walton plays it cool in homecoming vs. Lakers

http://www.sfchronicle.com/warriors/article/Warriors-Walton-plays-it-cool-in-homecoming-6739004.php

Draymond Green matches 2 NBA legends in 1 night

http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/113141/draymond-green-matches-2-nba-legends-in-1-night

What Curry and the Warriors are teaching Jordan and the Hornets

http://espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/14500756/the-charlotte-hornets-showing-how-teams-learn-golden-state-warriors-nba

WIZARDS:

Wizards’ Nene and Gary Neal could return this week from injury

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wizards-insider/wp/2016/01/05/wizards-nene-and-gary-neal-could-return-this-week-from-injury/

Why two Wizards players were front and center when Obama talked about gun control

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wizards-insider/wp/2016/01/05/wizards-bradley-beal-alan-anderson-attend-president-obamas-address-on-gun-control/

The sad history of Wizards winning NBA player of the month

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dc-sports-bog/wp/2016/01/05/the-sad-history-of-wizards-winning-nba-player-of-the-month/

Maybe it’s time to bury the Wizards-Cavs rivalry

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/dc-sports-bog/wp/2016/01/05/maybe-its-time-to-bury-the-wizards-cavs-rivalry/

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.allball365.com.