NBA Daily Links: 1.9.16

PHILOSOPHICAL QUOTE OF THE DAY:

“Whether you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”

-Henry Ford

 

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

NBA:

Predicting biggest movers and shakers before NBA trade deadline

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2606155-predicting-biggest-movers-and-shakers-before-nba-trade-deadline

 

NBA Rookie progress meter: Porzingis, Towns, Okafor better than advertised

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2606193-nba-rookie-progress-meter-porzingis-towns-okafor-better-than-advertised

 

Who should make a deal?

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-pm-who-should-make-a-deal-part-1/

 

Lamar Odom transferred to private Los Angeles rehab clinic

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14532696/lamar-odom-moved-hospital-rehab-reports-say

 

Former Cavs, Sonics player Johnson dies at 68

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14532907/john-johnson-former-player-cleveland-cavaliers-seattle-supersonics-dies-68

 

Meet the ‘Crash Davises’ of the NBA Development league

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/meet-the–crash-davises–of-the-nba-development-league-202533246.html

 

Jordan Crawford erupts for 72 in China league

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14532340/jordan-crawford-pours-72-points-china-basketball-association-game

 

76ERS:

Okafor and Noel need to step up and lead

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20160109_Brown_wants_more_leadership_from_Noel__Okafor.html

 

Brand steps up as Okafor’s mentor

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20160108_Elton_Brand_is_giving_back_to_the_game.html

 

Sixers guard defies the odds

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20160110_Sixers_guard_defies_the_odds_The_McConnell_Way.html

 

The 76ers’ Big Short

http://espn.go.com/blog/truehoop/post/_/id/73918/the-76ers-big-short

 

BUCKS:

Bucks fend off Mavs with late defensive stop

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/live-coverage-bucks-vs-mavericks-b99647622z1-364707171.html

 

Bucks use Twitter to apologize to Zaza for fan group’s chants

http://www.jsonline.com/blogs/sports/364726011.html

 

BULLS:

Now’s the time for that Bulls trade

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/rosenblog/ct-bulls-butler-bears-rosenbloom-20160108-column.html

 

After streak of wins, worries over Bulls’ chemistry seem a distant memory

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/09/sports/basketball/after-streak-of-wins-worries-over-bulls-chemistry-seem-a-distant-memory.html?ref=basketball&_r=0

 

Stars stump for NBA All-Stars – which celeb’s backing Jimmy Butler?

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/smackblog/ct-nba-all-star-voting-celebrity-jimmy-butler-bulls-20160108-story.html

 

Derrick Rose at peace with his game and his place on Bulls

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/basketball/bulls/ct-derrick-rose-progress-bulls-spt-0109-20160108-story.html

 

Bobby Portis has a trick to getting worked up before each game

http://chicago.suntimes.com/sports/7/71/1238774/bobby-portis-trick-getting-worked-game

 

Pau Gasol is enjoying the recent winning, but wants it to stick with his teammates

http://chicago.suntimes.com/basketball/7/71/1237536/pau-gasol-enjoying-recent-winning-wants-stick-teammates

 

Derrick Rose is shooting lights out

http://chicago.suntimes.com/basketball/7/71/1237025/derrick-rose-shooting-lights

 

Ben Gordon’s career with Bulls still something to savor

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/columnists/ct-bulls-ben-gordon-appreciation-spt-0110-20160109-column.html

 

CAVALIERS:

J.R. Smith’s 27 points in 19 minutes help Cavs rout Timberwolves

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2016/01/cleveland_cavaliers_minnesota_4.html#incart_river_index

 

Mo Williams says he has partially torn ligament in thumb, but will continue to play

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

 

Did Cavs win the Love-Wiggins trade?

http://espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/14516682/did-cleveland-cavaliers-minnesota-timberwolves-win-andrew-wiggins-kevin-love-trade-nba

 

Cavs are ready to lock in on their championship chase?

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2605938-cleveland-cavaliers-are-ready-to-lock-in-on-their-championship-chase

 

Fan grabs backside of Cavs’ Mozgov during game

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14533554/timofey-mozgov-cleveland-cavaliers-rear-grabbed-fan-game

 

CELTICS:

Isaiah Thomas wants to lead by example

https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2016/01/08/onhoop/YNzC241Ma9bQBuwl0sHQXJ/story.html

 

Need for C’s trade has never been more obvious

http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/blakely-need-cs-trade-has-never-been-more-obvious

 

Danny Ainge understands players’ frustration

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

 

No easy trade solutions to solve Celtics’ rotation issue

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

 

Brad Stevens puts family first as he visits ailing ex-player

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

 

CLIPPERS:

Blake Griffin’s quadriceps injury is improving but a return to Clippers could be weeks away

http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/la-sp-clippers-report-20160109-story.html

 

Cole Aldrich can’t dance but Clippers know he can play

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20160108/cole-aldrich-cant-dance-but-clippers-know-he-can-play

 

GRIZZLIES:

Griz earn 91-84 win over Nuggets

http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/griz-earn-91-84-win-over-nuggets-28c74194-b01f-065e-e053-0100007f535e-364717281.html

 

Just like old times at FedEx Forum

http://www.commercialappeal.com/columnists/geoff-calkins/just-like-old-times-at-fedexforum-28db7fe2-8bc4-4e10-e053-0100007f7db6-364725691.html

 

Jordan Adams to undergo knee surgery; Jarell Martin injured

http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/Jordan-Adams-to-undergo-knee-surgery-Martin-injured-364686231.html

 

The results of Grizzlies’ small-ball experiment, so far

http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/The-results-of-Grizzlies-small-ball-experiment-so-far-364674431.html

 

Elliot Williams ready to fit in with Grizzlies

http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/Elliot-Williams-ready-to-fit-in-with-Grizzlies-364673231.html

 

HAWKS:

Hawks ready to run vs. bigger Bulls

http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/hawks-ready-to-run-vs-bigger-bulls/npz73/

 

HEAT:

Ex-Suns Goran Dragic, Gerald Green help Heat start road trip with victory

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article53869195.html

 

Heat guard Goran Dragic receives lukewarm applause from Suns crowd

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article53855530.html

 

Dragic returns to Phoenix with no ill will

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-goran-dragic-s010816-story.html

 

McRoberts opens up on knee injury, shedding ‘man bun’

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-josh-mcroberts-s010816-story.html

 

Whiteside plays through pain, braces for Gobert

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-hassan-whiteside-s010816-story.html

 

JAZZ:

Five takeaways from a 103-94 loss to Houston Rockets

http://www.sltrib.com/blogs/jazznotes/3395381-155/utah-jazz-five-takeaways-from-a

 

Rudy Gobert says minutes could be doubled vs. Heat.

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3394035-155/utah-jazz-rudy-gobert-says-minutes

 

Chris Johnson is the latest Jazz reserve getting a chance to play

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865645147/Chris-Johnson-is-the-latest-Jazz-reserve-getting-a-chance-to-play.html

 

Jazz have an open roster spot, here’s what they could do with it

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865645098/Utah-Jazz-have-an-open-roster-spot-heres-what-they-could-do-with-it.html

 

As injuries mount, young Jazz squad keeps moving forward

http://www.nba.com/2016/news/features/fran_blinebury/01/08/jazz-keeps-head-up-as-injuries-pile-up/index.html

 

KINGS:

Sharpshooter Seth Curry tries to impact Kings with defense

http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-blog/article53842690.html

 

Roller coaster season continues for Kings and George Karl

http://www.sacbee.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/andy-furillo/article53811640.html

 

Omri Casspi continues to inspire Israel as he represents his homeland in NBA

http://www.si.com/nba/2016/01/08/omri-casspi-sacramento-kings-israel-maccabi-tel-aviv-demarcus-cousins

 

KNICKS:

Knick come oh-so close to pulling stunner over Spurs

http://nypost.com/2016/01/08/knicks-comes-oh-so-close-to-pulling-stunner-over-spurs/

 

Popovich complimentary of Porzingis

http://nypost.com/2016/01/09/how-kristaps-porzingis-forced-a-gregg-popovich-about-face/

 

What Carmelo, Fisher’s Spurs stance signals for Knicks rebirth

http://nypost.com/2016/01/08/what-carmelo-anthonys-spurs-stance-signals-for-knicks-rebirth/

 

When time is right, Anthony will be happy to pass torch to Porzingis

http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/knicks/knicks-carmelo-anthony-will-be-happy-to-pass-torch-to-kristaps-porzingis-when-time-is-right-1.11306956

 

Porzingis shows his best work, but Knicks go unrewarded

http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/113387/kristaps-porzingis-shows-his-best-work-but-knicks-go-unrewarded

 

Knicks have a great role model in Spurs

http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/knicks/knicks-want-to-match-spurs-long-term-contracts-for-excellence-1.11305723

 

Is Melo missing out on ‘superstar calls’?

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2606013-by-the-numbers-does-carmelo-anthony-get-superstar-calls

 

LAKERS:

A sweet night for Lou Williams, but it goes sour for Lakers at end in loss to Thunder

http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-thunder-20160109-story.html

 

Russell (ankle) exits again; Lakers eye Sunday

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14533715/dangelo-russell-los-angeles-lakers-bothered-sprained-ankle

 

Metta World Peace proud to earn a minimum contract

http://www.latimes.com/sports/lakers/la-sp-lakers-report-20160109-story.html

 

What is this Lakers’ season all about?

http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-letters-20160109-story.html

 

Kobe reflects on Kings-Lakers battles

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14530501/nba-kobe-bryant-bids-adieu-battlefield-historic-kings-lakers-contests

 

Clarkson has proved his talent, but not price tag

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2606227-jordan-clarkson-has-proved-his-talent-but-not-his-free-agency-price-tag

 

Why Lakers rookie Nance Jr. almost quit basketball

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/page/presents_nance/truehoop-presents-why-lakers-larry-nance-jr-almost-quit-basketball

 

Kobe hits 33,000 point plateau

http://nba.nbcsports.com/2016/01/08/three-takeaways-from-nba-thursday-kobe-bryant-reaches-33000-point-plateau/

 

MAGIC:

Fueled by team meeting, Magic beat the Nets 83-77

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-magic-nets-game-0109-20160108-story.html

 

Nik Vucevic looks to reassert himself on the boards

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-orlando-magic-news-0109-20160108-story.html

 

Magic likely won’t have Elfrid Payton as they try to snap losing skid

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/magic-basketblog/os-mbb-magic-nets-preview-20160108-post.html

 

Elfrid Payton on his rapid rise and quality hair tips

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14530505/elfrid-payton-talks-rise-stardom-life-nba

 

Victor Oladipo wins monthly NBA community service award

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/magic-basketblog/os-mbb-victor-oladipo-wins-december-nba-cares-community-assist-award-20160108-post.html

 

Magic looking for more than a few good men to be mentors

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/features/change-the-world/os-orlando-magic-want-mentors-20160108-post.html

 

Tobias Harris gives group of kids a Merry Christmas

http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/tobias-harris-gives-group-of-kids-a-merry-christmas-1.11306997

 

MAVERICKS:

Dallas misses shot at buzzer, falls to Bucks

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article53858860.html

 

How the Mavericks are laying important groundwork ahead of 2016 free agency

http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-mavericks/mavericks/2016/01/07/sefko-mavericks-laying-important-groundwork-ahead-2016-free-agency?f=r

 

Mavs glad they signed former MU star Wesley Matthews

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/mavericks-glad-they-signed-former-mu-star-wesley-matthews-b99647628z1-364714611.html

 

On Chandler Parsons, Carlisle says Mavs are ‘seeing a lot more ups than downs’

http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-mavericks/mavericks/2016/01/08/chandler-parsons-rick-carlisle-says-mavs-seeing-lot-ups-downs?f=r

 

Mavs don’t expect Chandler Parsons back to full speed until All-Star break

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article53850660.html

 

Pachulia having fun with All-Star voting

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/full-court-press-blog/article53728385.html

 

Comparing Dirk Nowitzki to the NBA’s greatest power forwards

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2016/01/08/dirk-nowitzki-37-years-old-all-star-comparing-to-tim-duncan-kevin-garnett-karl-malone-elvin-hayes/78299250/

 

NETS:

Magic send the Nets to their ninth straight defeat at home

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/01/09/sports/basketball/nba-roundup.html?ref=basketball

 

NUGGETS:

Nuggets lose to Memphis as Randolph proves to be unstoppable down the stretch

http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29362121/nuggets-lose-memphis-zach-randolph-unstoppable

 

Kenneth Faried flies back to Denver from Memphis for baby’s arrival

http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29361690/kenneth-faried-flies-back-denver-memphis-baby

 

PACERS:

Pacers overcome slow start, turnovers to beat Pelicans

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2016/01/08/pacers-overcome-slow-start-turnovers-beat-pelicans/78231426/

 

Is bigger better for the Pacers? Not necessarily

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2016/01/07/bigger-better-pacers/78231392/

 

PELICANS:

Tyreke Evans scores 27, but Pelicans lose to Pacers 91-86

http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2016/01/new_orleans_pelicans_42.html#incart_river_index

 

Pelicans play with effort, still unable to overcome flaws vs. Pacers

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

 

Anthony Davis unable to return after injuring his lower back

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

 

PISTONS:

Jennings’ return gives Pistons a midseason boost

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2016/01/08/detroit-pistons-brandon-jennings/78546876/

 

Pistons’ Jennings wants focus on present, not future

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2016/01/08/detroit-pistons-brandon-jennings/78518632/

 

RAPTORS:

Raptors continue to school Wizards

http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2016/01/08/raptors-continue-to-school-wizards.html

 

Stats show DeRozan’s offense getting more efficient

http://hangtime.blogs.nba.com/2016/01/08/toronto-raptors-demar-derozans-offense-gets-more-efficient/

 

Raptors week ahead: Planes, trains, and automobiles

http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2016/01/08/raptors-week-ahead-planes-trains-and-automobiles.html

 

ROCKETS:

Rockets try to fill void left by Howard

http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/rockets/article/Rockets-try-to-fill-void-left-by-Howard-6746731.php

 

Marcus Thornton gets back up to speed

http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2016/01/marcus-thornton-get-back-up-to-speed/

 

D-League pays off for Montrezl Harrell

http://blog.chron.com/ultimaterockets/2016/01/d-league-pays-off-for-montrezl-harrell/

 

SPURS:

Rare tight game ends well for Spurs

http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/31-and-counting-for-Spurs-6747165.php

 

Is Pop the frontrunner for All-Star coach?

http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Spurs-notebook-Is-Pop-the-frontrunner-for-6746815.php

 

Patty Mills has sights set on Olympic gold with Boomers

http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Patty-Mills-has-sights-set-on-Olympic-gold-with-6746531.php

 

SUNS:

Suns downed by former players, Heat

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2016/01/09/suns-downed-former-players-miami-heat/78528566/

 

Dan Majerle, Jeff Hornacek a contrast in fortune

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/2016/01/08/bickley-dan-majerle-jeff-hornacek-contrast-fortune/78532630/

 

Suns sign guard Lorenzo Brown to 10-day contract

http://www.nba.com/2016/news/01/08/suns-sign-lorenzo-brown.ap/

 

THUNDER:

Westbrook takes over late, leads Thunder past Lakers

http://newsok.com/russell-westbrook-takes-over-late-leads-thunder-past-lakers/article/5471615

 

Durant, Donovan reflect on Russell Westbrook Night at UCLA

http://newsok.com/kevin-durant-billy-donovan-reflect-on-russell-westbrook-night-at-ucla/article/5471512

 

Westbrook, Durant have never been better

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14528180/nba-kevin-durant-russell-westbrook-aflame-okc

 

Don’t expect Kevin Durant to follow in Kobe Bryant’s footsteps as a Laker

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2605570-dont-expect-kevin-durant-to-follow-in-kobe-bryants-footsteps-as-an-la-laker

 

TIMBERWOLVES:

Timberwolves routed by Cavs despite Andrew Wiggins’ 35 points

http://www.twincities.com/timberwolves/ci_29362126/timberwolves-routed-by-cavs-despite-andrew-wiggins-35

 

Timberwolves’ youth movements getting old fast

http://www.twincities.com/sports/ci_29362434/tom-powers-timberwolves-youth-movements-getting-old-fast

 

Kevin Love reminisces about Saunders

http://www.startribune.com/wolves-notes-kevin-love-reminisces-about-saunders/364718651/

 

Love comes back to a ‘more calmed down’ Target Center

http://www.startribune.com/k-love-cavaliers-tonight-visit-target-center-only-time-this-year/364663681/

 

TRAIL BLAZERS:

Curry, Warriors blow past Trail Blazers, 128-108

http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2016/01/trail_blazers_golden_state_warriors_game_rewind_3.html#incart_river_index

 

Lost in Trail Blazers’ lopsided loss to Warriors is return of old Damian Lillard

http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2016/01/lost_in_trail_blazers_lopsided_loss_to_golden_stat.html#incart_river_index

 

Trail Blazers can’t help but respect ‘fun to watch’ Warriors

http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/index.ssf/2016/01/trail_blazers_can_help_but_respect_fun_to_watch_go.html#incart_river_index

 

WARRIORS:

Warriors coast, beat Portland by 20 points

http://www.sfchronicle.com/warriors/article/Warriors-beat-Portland-by-20-points-6747207.php

 

Curry turns to soccer gear to protect shin

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14531309/stephen-curry-golden-state-warriors-attempting-play-shin-contusion

 

Mission Bay Alliance’s ‘frivolous lawsuit will fail’

http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/warriors-mission-bay-alliances-frivolous-lawsuit-will-fail

 

Looney expected to make Santa Cruz debut next week

http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/looney-expected-make-santa-cruz-warriors-debut-next-week

 

How much worse are the Warriors without Stephen Curry?

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14518937/how-much-worse-golden-state-warriors-stephen-curry

 

WIZARDS:

DeMar DeRozan lights up Wizards – again

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wizards-insider/wp/2016/01/09/torontos-demar-derozan-lights-up-wizards-again/

 

Wall’s turnover wager with Howard Eisley disallowed by NBA

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2606209-john-walls-turnover-wager-with-howard-eisley-disallowed-by-nba

 

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.