NBA Daily Links: 2.3.16

February 3, 2016 by Pete Newmann

PHILOSOPHICAL QUOTE OF THE DAY:

“I would rather die of passion than of boredom.”

-Vincent van Gogh

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

NBA:

DeRozan, Lowry, Durant named Kia players of the month

http://www.nba.com/2016/news/02/02/raptors-demar-derozan-and-kyle-lowry-and-thunders-kevin-durant-named-players-of-month-for-january/

Porzingis, Towns named January Kia rookies of the month

http://www.nba.com/2016/news/02/02/knicks-kristaps-porzingis-and-timberwolves-karl-anthony-towns-named-rookies-of-month-for-january/index.html

Enough MVP votes to go around

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2016/02/02/stephen-curry-lebron-james-kawhi-leonard-kevin-durant-russell-westbrook-demarcus-cousins-draymond-green-jimmy-butler/79710114/

Where will hottest names on the block land?

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2612982-predicting-final-destinations-for-the-hottest-names-on-the-2016-nba-trade-market

‘Worst of the worst’ NBA awards at midseason

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2612876-handing-out-our-worst-of-the-worst-nba-awards-at-midseason

Life is good for Silver now, but a lockout looms

http://www.sbnation.com/nba/2016/2/2/10893468/adam-silver-nba-commissioner-challenges-lockout-dap

A look at the NBA’s most suspended players

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2016/02/02/nba-most-suspended-players-jeff-taylor-hedo-turkoglu/79406298/

By the numbers: Spurs, Cavaliers keep winning, Raptors struggle inside

http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post/_/id/114265/by-the-numbers-spurs-cavaliers-keep-winning-raptors-struggle-inside

NBA DRAFT:

Draft prospects blowing expectations out of the water

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2612818-2016-nba-draft-prospects-blowing-expectations-out-of-the-water

Meet the 6-foot-7 Turkish prospect on NBA draft boards

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/european-dispatch–getting-to-know-furkan-korkmaz-195232103.html

76ERS:

Hinkie doesn’t see Colangelo as boss

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20160203_Hinkie_sees_Colangelo_as_co-worker__not_boss.html

Brand, 76ers content with role

http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/sports/sixers/Brand-Sixers-content-with-his-role.html

Colangelo: 76ers may stay put at deadline

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20160203_Sixers__Colangelo__Evaluation_is_paramount.html

Philly hoops legend Jim Lynam still everyone’s favorite teacher

http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/sixers/20160203_Philly_hoops_legend_Jim_Lynam_still_everyone_s_favorite_teacher.html

BUCKS:

Bucks falter in fourth quarter again

http://www.jsonline.com/sports/bucks/bucks-vs-trail-blazers-b99663125z1-367433281.html

BULLS:

Mirotic now without timetable

http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/nikola-mirotic-undergoes-hematoma-removal-after-appendectomy

Bulls feeling emotionally drained after ninth loss in 13 games

http://www.csnchicago.com/bulls/bulls-feeling-emotionally-drained-after-ninth-loss-13-games

Time for Bulls GM Gar Forman to be accountable

http://chicago.suntimes.com/basketball/7/71/1296413/time-bulls-gm-gar-forman-accountable-instead-worrying-self-preservation

Stacey King predicts Rose will return to All-Star form next year

http://chicago.suntimes.com/basketball/7/71/1296551/stacey-king-predicts-rose-will-return-star-form-next-year

Will Perdue says Doug McDermott exhibits difference between college basketball and NBA

http://chicago.suntimes.com/basketball/7/71/1297067/will-perdue-says-doug-mcdermott-exhibits-difference-college-basketball-nba

Chicago blues

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25469905/the-fred-hoiberg-led-bulls-are-still-struggling-to-find-an-identity

CAVALIERS:

A Phil Jackson tactic helps Tyronn Lue keep the Cavs winning

http://espn.go.com/blog/cleveland-cavaliers/post/_/id/2028/a-phil-jackson-tactic-helps-ty-lue-keep-the-cavs-winning-with-ot-victory-in-indy

Surging Cavs are winning with balanced attack

http://www.sportingnews.com/nba-news/4693449-nba-scores-analysis-cavs-starting-to-roll-under-tyronn-lue-kyrie-irving-lebron-james

Lue didn’t use a third-quarter timeout vs. the Pacers to teach his Cavs a lesson

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2016/02/how_tyronn_lues_timeout-gate.html#incart_river_index

The Cavaliers can still grind

http://www.sbnation.com/2016/2/2/10891698/2016-nba-scores-cavaliers-beat-pacers-irving-defense-tyronn-lue-lebron-james

Looking to get a favorable quote from LeBron on opposing players? Don’t hold your breath

http://www.cleveland.com/cavs/index.ssf/2016/02/lebron_james_isnt_answering_qu.html#incart_river_index

CELTICS:

Celtics push back, ride bench to win over Knicks

http://www.csnne.com/boston-celtics/celtics-push-back-ride-bench-win-over-knicks

Brad Stevens has no problem with Celtics’ long-distance approach

http://www.bostonherald.com/sports/celtics/2016/02/brad_stevens_has_no_problem_with_celtics_long_distance_approach

Celtics get help from unlikely source in taking down Knicks

https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2016/02/02/celtics/2UkppHbl2KubHX7OAuQW4K/story.html

Diminutive All-Star Isaiah Thomas finds shoulders to stand on

http://www.nytimes.com/2016/02/03/sports/basketball/diminutive-all-star-isaiah-thomas-finds-shoulders-to-stand-on.html?ref=basketball&_r=0

David Lee excited to join Warriors at White House

https://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2016/02/02/cnotes/eGBuonUJeThbN7r0JeA0dK/story.html

CLIPPERS:

Clippers waiting on results of NBA’s Griffin inquiry

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/2016/02/02/clippers-waiting-on-results-of-nbas-griffin-inquiry/79724874/

J.J. Redick gets a new forum with weekly podcast

http://www.latimes.com/sports/clippers/la-sp-clippers-report-20160203-story.html

Paul Pierce gets rest, but few baskets for Clippers

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20160201/paul-pierce-gets-rest-but-few-baskets-for-la-clippers

GRIZZLIES:

Jeff Green providing scoring and more for Griz

http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/jeff-greens-effort-goes-beyond-scoring-for-grizzlies-2acc5688-8953-5527-e053-0100007fde8d-367435671.html

Green on historic run for Grizzlies

http://www.commercialappeal.com/sports/grizzlies/Jeff-Green-on-historic-run-for-Grizzlies-367369891.html

HAWKS:

Blake Griffin to the Hawks?

http://espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/14691758/atlanta-hawks-top-trade-targets-assets-nba

Splitter to miss second straight game with hip injury

http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/splitter-to-miss-second-straight-game-with-hip-inj/nqHjq/

Opposition has adjusted to Hawks’ offense

http://www.myajc.com/news/sports/basketball/time-to-counter-punch-opposition-has-adjusted-to-h/nqHWh/

HEAT:

Harden’s 26 points leads Rockets over Heat 115-102

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/article58076783.html

Heat’s loss to Rockets shows tweaked offense still work in progress

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/ethan-j-skolnick/article58086188.html

Dwyane Wade Q&A: ‘I never thought I’d be Top 100 all-time’

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14695748/dwyane-wade-place-nba-history

Whiteside changing habits on social media

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/nba/miami-heat/article58068393.html

Spoelstra laments loss of Johnson, ‘It just has to be different’

http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/miami-heat/sfl-miami-heat-tyler-johnson-s020216-story.html

HORNETS:

MKG says he’s ready for next challenge: Cavs’ LeBron James

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nba/charlotte-hornets/article57996998.html

JAZZ:

Favors, Gobert are back; is Jazz’s defense?

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3490925-155/utah-jazz-favors-gobert-are-back

Quin Snyder has made adversity his friend

http://www.sltrib.com/sports/3490029-155/monson-utah-jazzs-quin-snyder-has

Hayward’s ‘made a believer’ out of Jazz coach Quin Snyder

http://www.deseretnews.com/article/865646799/Gordon-Haywards-made-a-believer-out-of-Jazz-coach-Quin-Snyder.html

Jazz’s Hood outshining his peers

http://www.si.com/nba/2016/02/02/rodney-hood-utah-jazz-james-harden-quin-snyder-rudy-gobert

Hayward still means everything to the Jazz

http://www.sbnation.com/2016/2/2/10893702/gordon-hayward-utah-jazz-highlights-stats

KINGS:

While Cousins looks healthy, Kings may miss another key

http://www.csnbayarea.com/kings/while-cousins-looks-healthy-kings-may-miss-another-key

Kings nix T-shirt giveaway after Cousins calls foul

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14695362/sacramento-kings-scrap-planned-t-shirt-giveaway-demarcus-cousins-takes-issue

Kings’ Marco Belinelli plans to shoot his way out of slump

http://www.sacbee.com/sports/nba/sacramento-kings/kings-blog/article58018488.html

KNICKS:

Slumping Knicks toppled by Celtics as playoff hopes fade

http://nypost.com/2016/02/02/slumping-knicks-toppled-by-celtics-as-playoff-hopes-fade/

Fisher: Knicks need to stay focused

http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/knicks/knicks-players-suffering-from-over-confidence-1.11421836

Afflalo has good start, bad finish

http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/knicks/knicks-aaron-afflalo-has-good-start-poor-finish-1.11422326

LAKERS:

Lakers barely avoid ending on wrong side of history with 119-115 win over T-Wolves

http://www.dailynews.com/sports/20160202/lakers-barely-avoid-ending-on-wrong-side-of-history-with-119-115-win-over-minnesota

How Lakers can gain even more salary cap space, with hat-tip to Gilbert Arenas

http://www.sportingnews.com/nba-news/4693504-lakers-salary-cap-jordan-clarkson-restricted-free-agency-gilbert-arenas-provision

Julius Randle has long way to go to reach potential

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2613092-lakers-julius-randle-has-long-way-to-go-to-reach-potential

Report: Byron Scott on 2.5 month trial to save job

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2613294-byron-scott-latest-news-rumors-and-speculation-on-lakers-head-coach

Lakers have ‘little, if any’ chance to sign Durant

http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2016/2/2/10898032/la-lakers-rumor-kevin-durant-free-agency?_ga=1.87888344.179434336.1454459492

MAGIC:

Magic have options for trade deadline

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/sports/orlando-magic/os-magic-trade-deadline-0203-20160202-story.html

Magic players reflect back on thriller vs. Thunder from earlier this season

http://www.nba.com/magic/news/magic-players-reflect-back-thriller-vs.-thunder-earlier-season-0

MAVERICKS:

Frustrated with Mavs’ defense, Wes Matthews says Dallas needs to prioritize

http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-mavericks/mavericks/2016/02/02/sefko-frustrated-mavs-defense-wesley-matthews-says-dallas-needs-prioritize-becoming-stops-team?f=r

With injuries mounting, Mavs will rely on backcourt depth

http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nba/dallas-mavericks/article58067993.html

Deron Williams out with hip contusion

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/deron-williams-out-with-hip-contusion/

What Justin Anderson needs to be successful for the Mavs

http://sportsday.dallasnews.com/dallas-mavericks/mavericks/2016/02/02/scruggs-justin-anderson-needs-successful-mavs?f=r

NETS:

Lopez outplays Pistons’ Drummond, but Nets lose

http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/pistons-surge-past-nets-wasting-27-points-by-brook-lopez-1.11417890

Johnson won’t ask Nets to trade him

http://www.newsday.com/sports/basketball/nets/joe-johnson-won-t-ask-nets-to-trade-him-1.11420579

Report: Calipari fading, Ferry out in Nets GM search

http://nba.nbcsports.com/2016/02/02/report-calipari-fading-ferry-out-in-nets-gm-search/

Brook Lopez going into this business with his brother, Robin

http://nypost.com/2016/02/02/brook-lopez-going-into-this-business-with-his-brother-robin/

NUGGETS:

Sean Kilpatrick to be released by Nuggets

http://www.denverstiffs.com/2016/2/2/10897942/sean-kilpatrick-released-by-denver-nuggets?_ga=1.189095531.179434336.1454459492

Malone says he wouldn’t trade Nikola Jokic for anybody

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25469919/michael-malone-says-he-wouldnt-trade-nikola-jokic-for-anybody

Malone hopes to ‘steal’ some wins

http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_29462351/nuggets-coach-michael-malone-hopes-steal-some-wins

PACERS:

Paul George searching for ways to succeed in Pacers’ big lineup

http://www.indystar.com/story/sports/nba/pacers/2016/02/02/paul-george-searching-ways-succeed-pacers-big-lineup/79714354/

Turner could solve Pacers’ ongoing small-ball dilemma

http://www.si.com/nba/2016/02/02/myles-turner-pacers-texas-larry-bird-paul-george-frank-vogel

PELICANS:

Alvin Gentry says Spurs are due to lose a home game after 26-0

http://www.nola.com/pelicans/index.ssf/2016/02/alvin_gentry_says_spurs_are_du.html#incart_river_index

PISTONS:

Injury bug bites Pistons, forcing Van Gundy to adjust

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2016/02/02/detroit-pistons-injury-report/79712488/

Pistons players, executives join Gores’ Flint effort

http://www.freep.com/story/sports/nba/pistons/2016/02/02/detroit-pistons-flint-water-crisis/79709402/

For Drummond, fourth time is the charm

http://www.basketballinsiders.com/nba-pm-andre-drummond-on-all-star-berth/

Isiah Thomas underrated among all-time greats?

http://espn.go.com/nba/insider/story/_/id/14696299/is-detroit-pistons-isiah-thomas-underrated-overrated-nba

RAPTORS:

Raptors start next streak with win over Suns

http://www.thestar.com/sports/raptors/2016/02/02/raptors-start-next-streak-with-win-over-suns.html

ROCKETS:

Short-handed Rockets pull out the stops against Heat

http://www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/rockets/article/Short-handeded-Rockets-pull-out-the-stops-against-6802721.php

Foul on Rockets’ Corey Brewer ruled flagrant upon review

http://www.chron.com/sports/rockets/article/Foul-on-Rockets-Corey-Brewer-ruled-flagrant-upon-6802375.php

Dwight Howard suspended one game for contacting referee

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2613204-dwight-howard-suspended-latest-details-comments-and-reaction

Rockets can go a lot of ways from here, starting at the trade deadline

http://www.cbssports.com/nba/eye-on-basketball/25470007/rockets-can-go-a-lot-of-ways-from-here-starting-at-the-trade-deadline

Rockets give Nets permission to interview Gersson Rosas

http://www.chron.com/sports/rockets/article/Rockets-give-Nets-permission-to-interview-Gersson-6802398.php

Shorthanded Rockets choose to keep Donatas Motiejunas on recovery path

http://www.chron.com/sports/rockets/article/Although-shorthanded-Rockets-choose-to-keep-6802365.php

Rockets turn to Trevor Ariza to fill in for injuries

http://www.chron.com/sports/rockets/article/Rockets-turn-to-Trevor-Ariza-to-fill-in-for-6802373.php

SPURS:

Parker may miss Olympics for wife’s pregnancy

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14696709/tony-parker-miss-olympics-wife-pregnancy

Past few weeks a proving ground for Spurs’ Anderson, Simmons

http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Past-few-weeks-a-proving-ground-for-Spurs-6801384.php

A look at what awaits the Spurs this summer

http://www.expressnews.com/sports/spurs/article/Looking-ahead-to-Spurs-free-agency-6799424.php

SUNS:

Suns GM: Team wasn’t responding to Hornacek

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14699853/phoenix-suns-gm-ryan-mcdonough-says-team-responding-jeff-hornacek

Report: Suns’ T.J. Warren out for season with broken foot

http://www.si.com/nba/2016/02/02/phoenix-suns-tj-warren-injury-update

Hot-mess Suns need a better plan

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2016/02/02/bickley-hot-mess-phoenix-suns-need-better-plan/79718728/

Markieff Morris steps up for Suns in loss to Raptors

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2016/02/02/markieff-morris-steps-up-suns-loss-raptors/79644060/

Suns seek more effort, structure with Earl Watson

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nba/suns/2016/02/02/phoenix-suns-seek-more-effort-structure-earl-watson/79710254/

Dan Majerle doesn’t expect Suns to reach out

http://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/college/gcu/2016/02/02/gcu-coach-dan-majerle-doesnt-expect-suns-reach-out/79711680/

THUNDER:

Lowe: Don’t count out the Thunder

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14694045/the-thunder-youth-talent-take-western-conference-elite

Serge Ibaka striving for consistency during strange 7^th season

http://newsok.com/serge-ibaka-striving-for-consistency-during-strange-7th-season/article/5476398

Thunder schedule about to get much tougher

http://newsok.com/tramel-thunder-schedule-about-to-get-much-tougher/article/5476273

TIMBERWOLVES:

Just like old times: Kobe knocks down Wolves

http://espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=400828621

Garnett backs ex-teammate, Wolves coach Mitchell

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/14700244/kevin-garnett-offers-support-minnesota-timberwolves-interim-coach-sam-mitchell

The Wolves need to get a lot more from Wiggins

http://www.canishoopus.com/2016/2/1/10880850/the-timberwolves-need-to-start-getting-a-lot-more-from-andrew-wiggins?_ga=1.186003945.179434336.1454459492

TRAIL BLAZERS:

CJ McCollum has 30, Gerald Henderson a big fourth as Trail Blazers beat Bucks 107-95

http://www.csnnw.com/blazers/cj-mccollum-has-30-gerald-henderson-big-fourth-trail-blazers-beat-bucks-107-95

Vonleh rolls ankle, leaves game

http://www.csnnw.com/blazers/noah-vonleh-leaves-game-ankle-injury

Blazers see familiar faces all over league

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nba/blazers/2016/02/02/damian-lillard-lamarcus-aldridge-thomas-robinson-wesley-matthews-robin-lopez-trail-blazers/79687772/

Lillard’s Adidas line expands apparel offering; customizable D Lillard 2’s

http://www.oregonlive.com/sports-uniforms/index.ssf/2016/02/damian_lillards_adidas_line_ex.html#incart_river_index

WARRIORS:

Sources: Warriors serious threat to sign Kevin Durant

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/sources–warriors-serious-threat-to-sign-kevin-durant-182559375.html

How the Warriors can afford to sign Kevin Durant

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/how-the-warriors-can-afford-to-sign-kevin-durant-043710075.html

Barnes responds to Durant-Warriors report: ‘Still get to play’

http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/barnes-responds-durant-warriors-report-still-get-play

Lee, Holiday to join Warriors for Thursday’s White House visit

http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/lee-holiday-join-warriors-thursdays-white-house-visit

Curry hopes Panthers ‘let me storm field’ after Super Bowl win

http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/curry-hopes-panthers-let-me-storm-field-after-super-bowl-win

Warriors recall Looney from Santa Cruz

http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/warriors-recall-looney-santa-cruz

Warriors practice at St. John’s, leave some players ‘in awe’

http://www.csnbayarea.com/warriors/warriors-practice-st-johns-leave-some-players-awe

WIZARDS:

Wizards’ Durant dreams dimming in mediocre season

http://www.nba.com/2016/news/features/shaun_powell/02/02/kevin-durant-to-washington-wizards-may-not-look-as-plausible-now-oklahoma-city-thunder/index.html

As the Wizards turn, rotations remain a step slow

http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/basketball-washington-wizards/talk/morning-tip-wizards-turn-rotations-remain-step-slow

Wizards’ struggling defense faces red-hot Warriors next

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/wizards-struggling-defense-faces-red-hot-warriors-next/2016/02/02/803a8ee2-c9ff-11e5-ae11-57b6aeab993f_story.html

Black History Month: Garrett Temple’s father a trail blazer at LSU

http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/basketball-washington-wizards/talk/black-history-month-garrett-temples-father-trail-blazer-lsu

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 daily NBA content service at www.allball365.com.