Rubio was a wizard out on the court Tuesday night, finishing with 21 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists. He was all over the court, scoring, dishing out behind-the-back assists, and even crashing the boards. At one point, Ricky even brought out the rare, double behind-the-back dribble as he drove to the hoop.

Simply put, Ricky Rubio is awesome.

Allen used his off hand to push Barea away while Barea was guarding him. This upset Barea, who charged at Allen and knocked him hard to the ground.

Barea was assessed a flagrant 2 foul and ejected from the game.

Check out a .gif of the even below. (H/T to @cjzero)

March 30, 2011; New Orleans, LA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard Brandon Roy (7) against the New Orleans Hornets during the third quarter at the New Orleans Arena. The Hornets defeated the Trail Blazers 95-91. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

It has been almost two years since Brandon Roy last played a game for the Portland Trail Blazers. Continuing knee problems forced him to retire, and even though he has tried to make a comeback with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Roy has only been able to play 5 games, before reinjuring his knee.

Roy was, and still is, a beloved figure across the league, but especially in Portland. He was supposed to be part of the future in the Rose Garden, along with Greg Oden and LaMarcus Aldridge. Unfortunately, injuries derailed that plan.

Tonight, even though he’s out injured, Roy and the Timberwolves made their way to Portland. It was Roy’s first trip back as a member of another NBA team.

Early in the 1^st quarter, during a stop in the action, the crowd showed their appreciation for everything Roy did as a member of the Trail Blazers. Roy’s face immediately lit up with a huge smile.

Check out a video of the standing ovation below.

It was a great moment to see, and brings back all the memories of the great moments Roy had as a Trail Blazer. But sadly, it also makes you wonder what could have been if he was able to stay healthy.

Feb 28, 2013; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Lakers point guard Steve Nash (10) guards Minnesota Timberwolves point guard Ricky Rubio (9) during the first half of the game at the Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Everyone already loves Ricky Rubio. But just when you thought that having him back healthy and providing us with awesome highlights was enough, Rubio gave everyone another reason to love him even more.

Last night, the Timberwolves were on their way to a loss against the Lakers, and Alexy Shved was feeling a little down about his poor shooting performance. Then along came Rubio to offer some encouragement.

“Alexy. Change this face. Be happy. Enjoy it!”

Whether he’s amazing us with highlight reel passes, or making us grin with his sound bites, Ricky Rubio is the best.

So if you’re feeling sad today, or any other time, just remember Ricky’s advice:

Change your face. Be Happy. Enjoy it.

January 3, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Jose Barea (11) drives to the basket against Denver Nuggets forward Corey Brewer (right) during the first half at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome all stat geeks! “Box Score Bulletin’” is sifting through, analyzing and summarizing all of the NBA box scores from the previous day and night, so you don’t have to! So sip your coffee and enjoy the good, the bad and the ugly…

Spurs (26-9) 83 @ Knicks (22-10) 100

•  Leading scorers: SAN – Gary Neal 12, NYK – Carmelo Anthony 23.
•  Amar’e Stoudemire improved vastly in his second game. All the way up to 10 points and 2 rebounds. And yes, that was sarcasm.
•  Tyson Chandler has a double double with 10 points and 14 rebounds.
•  Steve Novak went 5 for 7 from behind the arc and finished with 15 points.
•  The Knicks outrebounded the Spurs 48-35.
•  There were no impressive games for the Spurs, as they shot only 36.4% and had a very un-Spur like 14 assists for the game.
•  The game featured only 9 total fast break points.

Timberwolves (15-14) 101 @ Nuggets (18-16) 97

•  Leading scorers: MIN – Alexey Shved, J.J. Barea 17, DEN – Ty Lawson, Kosta Koufos 16.
•  The Timberwolves improved to 6-10 on the road with an impressive win in Denver.
•  Kevin Love put up 12 points and 17 rebounds.
•  J.J. Barea and Alexey Shved both had exactly 17 points, 4 rebound and 5 assists.
•  The Wolves outrebounded the Nugs 52-39.
•  Andre Miller started for the Nuggets and had 12 points and 10 rebounds.
•  The other Andre, Iguodala, put up 14 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists.
•  Even in the loss, the Nuggets had 11 steals and 11 blocks as opposed to the Wolves 2 and 3.

Dec 20, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Nikola Pekovic (14) looks to get around Oklahoma City Thunder center Kendrick Perkins (5) in the first half at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome all stat geeks! “Box Score Bulletin’” is sifting through, analyzing and summarizing all of the NBA box scores from the previous day and night, so you don’t have to! So sip your coffee and enjoy the good, the bad and the ugly…

Thunder (21-5) 93 @ Timberwolves (13-11) 99

• Leading scorers: OKC – Kevin Durant 33, MIN – Kevin Love 28.
• The Timberwolves snapped the Thunder’s 12-game win streak, behind Kevin Love’s 28 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists and 2 blocks.
• Alexey Shved also flirted with a triple double with 12 points, 7 rebounds and 12 assists.
• Big Pek continued to bully opponents down low and finished with 24 points and 10 rebounds.
• Russell Westbrook was 1 assist shy of a triple double with 30 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists. But, he did shoot a very rough 9-28 from the floor.
• Serge Ibaka posted 14 points, 9 rebounds and 5 blocks.
• The Thunder bench only producted 7 points for the whole game.
• This was just the 6th time in 26 games that the Thunder scored under 100 points.

Heat (17-6) 110 @ Mavericks (12-14) 95

• Leading scorers: MIA – LeBron James 24, DAL – Jae Crowder 15.
• The game wasn’t even as close at the 15-point final score, as the Mavs outscored the Heat 34-19 in the final “garbage time” quarter.
• The only player of the 13 that played for Miami not to score was James Jones.
• The Heat starters combined for a +144 net point differential rating.
• The Big Three combined to shoot 24-40 (60%) from the field.
• O.J. Mayo had a rare off night with only 8 points on 3-14 shooting.
• Give it up for rookie Bernard James, who finished with 12 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks in 22 minutes.

Nuggets (14-13) 93 @ Trail Blazers (12-12) 101

• Leading scorers: DEN – Ty Lawson, Andre Iguodala, Corey Brewer 13, POR – Nicolas Batum 22.
• The Nuggest set a NEW NBA record in this game with the most 3-point attempts without a make. They went 0-22 from behind the arc. They just happened to break the Blazers record (0-20) that was set just last week. Terrible!
• J.J. Hickson continues his breakout season with 18 points, 18 rebounds and 3 blocks.
• Luke Babbitt is becoming a big part of the Blazers bench and finished with 14 points and 8 rebounds.
• The Nuggets best statistical game belonged to Andre Miller, who finished with 12 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists in 28 minutes off the bench.

Dec 14, 2012; Oklahoma City, OK, USA; The Oklahoma City Thunder and the Sacramento Kings observe a moment of silence before their game at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in honor of the victims of the shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

After a Week 6 hiatus, the Power Rankings are back in business. Keep in mind, since we last positioned these teams, there has been a 2-week period in between, with plenty of guaranteed shuffling.

The Thunder, Clippers have MAJOR win streaks (10 and 9 respectively), the Knicks are still on fire and the Bobcats and Hornets, well, they have streaks going in the opposite direction. The Warriors know how to take care of business on the road and the Jazz are still stingy at home. Rubio’s back to resume his Minnesota love affair and the Lakers, who knows?

So welcome back to The Skyhook’s NBA Power Rankings, where any given week, things can change faster than a James Harden trade.

Previous weeks: Preseason | Week 1 | Week 2 | Week 3 | Week 4 | Week 5

Week 7 – December 17, 2012

Biggest jump: Timberwolves (+7) | Biggest drop: Lakers (-7)

1. Oklahoma City Thunder | 19-4 | Last rank: 4

With 10 straight wins (by an average margin of 13.8 points), there’s zero debate that the Thunder are the league’s hottest team and easily take over the top spot in the rankings. Their battle with the Spurs Monday night will be slightly lacking with Ginobili on the shelf, but will still be testing.

2. New York Knicks | 18-5 | Last rank: 5

Just when you think the new “beast of the East” is ready to slow down with an injury to Carmelo, they string together 4 straight wins and 9 of their last 10. I still the most underrated element to this Knicks team isn’t the shooting, but their lack of turnovers (10.6 per game = 1st in the league).

3. San Antonio Spurs | 19-6 | Last rank: 1

We ain’t mad at cha Spurs, but a 2-2 week is enough to drop you down behind the league’s current scorchers. Not many teams could successfully weather an injury to a player of Ginobili’s caliber but the Spurs are deep. Don’t worry, Pop’s got this.

4. Los Angeles Clippers | 17-6 | Last rank: 6

The Clips are still undefeated in December (8-0) and are in the midst of a 9-game win streak themselves. With the Pistons, Hornets, Kings and Suns up next, they could (and should) get this thing to 13 games. Eric Bledsoe’s 24.1 PER in only 18.6 minutes is very impressive.

5. Miami Heat | 15-6 | Last rank: 2

Losing to the now-rival Knicks and Warriors at home carries more weight than them exacting their revenge on the lowly Wizards. Based on the numbers to date (19.4 pts, 3.7 rebs, 4.4 asts), I would not be voting for Dwyane Wade to be on the East All-Star squad.

6. Memphis Grizzlies | 15-6 | Last rank: 3

Knocking off the Jazz at home (9-2) can always be considered an accomplishment, especially after losing 3 straight games, but since their amazing 12-2 start, the Grizz are only 3-4 in December. Maybe a guy like John Hollinger in the front office can add value… er, wait.

7. Golden State Warriors | 16-8 | Last rank: 9

These aren’t your father’s Golden State Warriors. I love this team. What they just did on their 7-game road trip, going 6-1 with wins over the Heat, Nets and Hawks, is the most impressive run by any team at any point this season, especially given their history. And David Lee better make the damn All-Star team.

8. Atlanta Hawks | 14-7 | Last rank: 8

I have to admit, I’m still surprised by the start the Hawks have had with such an extreme roster turnover in the offseason. Perhaps it’s the boring, quiet defense that keeps them in most games? If the Hawks didn’t play the Heat or Warriors, they’d be sitting at 14-3.

9. Chicago Bulls | 13-9 | Last rank: 13

This Bulls team sure can grind. While weathering injuries to their backcourt (Hamilton, Hinrich), they’re still at 6-2 for December. As great as Deng and Noah are playing with their extended minutes, the likelihood of injury keeps rising, which would derail their season.

10. Minnesota Timberwolves | 12-9 | Last rank: 17

The return of Rubio has the T-Wolves flying high and rising up 7 spots in the rankings. This is a dangerous team, especially if they can get something out of the sporadic Derrick Williams.

11. Brooklyn Nets | 13-10 | Last rank: 7

December has not been kind to the Nets, who are 2-6 so far in the month. The bright spot however, is that they are finally seeing signs of old Joe Johnson, who’s been sneaking in some game-winners recently.

12. Denver Nuggets | 13-12 | Last rank: 14

The only thing this team does consistently is be inconsistent. However, a 3-1 week (including a win against the Grizz) earns them a slight bump up again. The Nugs can look forward to January where they play 12 of their 15 games at home.

13. Boston Celtics | 12-11 | Last rank: 11

The C’s offensive looks horrible right now. When Rondo’s not in the game to facilitate every play, they just toss the ball around until someone forces up a shot. Pierce looks really old. I also thought they’d get more from Courtney Lee.

14. Indiana Pacers | 13-11 | Last rank: 19

The Pacers were extremely impressive with their 3-0 week last week, beating the teams they should beat (CLE, PHI, DET) by 15, 10 and 11. David West has easily been one of the most consistent players in the league this season.

15. Utah Jazz | 13-12 | Last rank: 16

Getting beat up by the Suns and Grizz (at home) hurt a bit, but they’ve won 4 of their last 6. Shoutout to Mo Williams for that dagger against the Spurs. We know he had NO problem taking it. Is it time to start considering a story on Jamaal Tinsley’s return to relevance?

16. Milwaukee Bucks | 12-10 | Last rank: 15

After dipping below .500, the Bucks came back with 4 straight wins to get them back over. With his 16 point, 14 rebound (in 24 minutes) performance against the Kings, could we be on the verge of an Ersan Ilyasova resurgance? The Bucks sure hope so.

17. Los Angeles Lakers | 11-14 | Last rank: 10

Though they have played slightly better recently, we still can’t trust the Lakers. The return of Gasol, and of course Nash, can’t come quick enough. Haters gon’ hate, but Metta World Peace is quietly having a solid season. He’s playing 35 minutes per game, giving about 13 points, 6 rebounds and some solid D.

18. Philadelphia 76ers | 12-12 | Last rank: 12

It’s only a couple of games, but it’s easy to see what Jrue Holiday means to this team. When he’s not in the lineup, the Sixers are a bit like Spencer Hawes’ hair… a mess. After Bynum called out Kobe about “stunting his growth,” Mamba responded by dropping 34 and dealing them a loss at home.

19. Portland Trail Blazers | 11-12 | Last rank: 21

The Blazers are such a frustrating team to love. Their talent is unquestioned, but they lack consistency. Hopefully their 3-0 week last week (TOR, SAN, NOH) will be the start of that. J.J. Hickson quietly having a breakout season averaging 12.0 points and 10.5 rebounds.

20. Dallas Mavericks | 11-13 | Last rank: 20

The Mavericks age was clearly showing last week in dropping all three games of their mini road trip to the C’s, Raps and Wolves. As the current heart and soul of this team, O.J. Mayo is completely deserving of an All-Star nod. Maybe Cuban will go off is he gets left out?

21. Houston Rockets | 11-12 | Last rank: 18

Not surprisingly, James Harden ranks 2nd in the league (Dwight Howard) with Free Throws Attempted per game (9.6), a prime chunk of his scoring. Jeremy Lin’s 38 against the Spurs was fun to watch, even if it didn’t come with a Rockets win.

22. Orlando Magic | 10-13 | Last rank: 23

You really have to give it to the Magic, they have marginally exceeded expectations so far this season, an example of which, was a 14-point beatdown of the hot Warriors last week. J.J. Redick is becoming lethal and Nik Vucevik is averaging a near double double (10.0 pts, 9.4 rebs).

23. Phoenix Suns | 9-15 | Last rank: 24

For the Suns, a successful week looks like: Knocking off both the Grizzlies and the Jazz. Michael Beasley is proving to be one of the most inefficient players in the league. Will his name come up during trade talks?

24. Detroit Pistons | 7-19 | Last rank: 25

That little glimmer of promise that the Pistons showed is all but gone as they’ve managed to put together another losing streak. With the Raps and a back-to-back with the Wizards coming up, surely they can snap it. However, Brandon Knight continues to impress.

25. Sacramento Kings | 7-16 | Last rank: 28

The Kings have had losing streaks of 3, 5, 3 and 4 (and counting) so far this season. He won’t be entering the Hall of Fame anytime soon or anything, but Jimmer Fredette is averaging 7.6 points per game in only 12.3 minutes per game. Turn The Jimmer loose!

26. Toronto Raptors | 6-19 | Last rank: 26

First Dallas, then Houston. See what some home cookin’ can do for the Raps? Injuries to Bargnani and Lowry will be costly in the short term, but trust me when I say that Jose Calderon (leading the league in triple doubles with 2) has got things under control at the PG position right now.

27. Charlotte Bobcats | 7-16 | Last rank: 22

At 11 straight losses and counting, the ‘Cats have to take a tumble. Kemba Walker won’t make the All-Star team, but should definitely be tossed into the immediate conversation for Most Improved Player. Nothing wrong with 18.5 pts, 6.1 asts, 2.0 stls and an improved (for him) 43% from the field.

28. New Orleans Hornets Pelicans | 5-18 | Last rank: 27

After a heartbreaker in Portland, the Hornets have now dropped seven straight games. Ryan Anderson (almost 19 points per game) is becoming one of the most dangerous scorers in the league and has to be the odds-on favorite to win the 3-point challenge at All-Star Weekend.

29. Cleveland Cavaliers | 5-20 | Last rank: 29

About the only thing(s) rocking in the city of Cleveland right now are Kyrie Irving and Anderson Varejao. Wearing a black Phantom of the Opera mask in his second game back, Irving dropped 41 as MSG in a 1-point loss to the Knicks. I guess I can finally get over my “I didn’t think he’d be this good” feeling already huh?

30. Washington Wizards | 3-18 | Last rank: 30

Has anyone checked in on John Wall lately? He’s still alive through all this right? Another great question… could the Wiz make a run at the Bobcats losing history of last year? I vote “Yes.” Oh, the tragic fall that is Jan Vesely. Chin up Washingon, your Redskins could still win the NFC East.

Dec 15, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) carries the ball during the third quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at the Target Center. The Wolves defeated the Mavericks 114-106 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports

Welcome all stat geeks! “Box Score Bulletin’” is sifting through, analyzing and summarizing all of the NBA box scores from the previous day and night, so you don’t have to! So sip your coffee and enjoy the good, the bad and the ugly…

Warriors (16-8) 115 @ Hawks (14-7) 93

• Leading scorers: GSW – David Lee 20, ATL – Al Horford 17.
• David Lee continues his All-Star-like season with 20 points (10-14 FG), 11 rebounds, 4 assists and 3 steals.
• Steph Curry was only 6-20 from the field, but almost had a triple double with 18 points, 11 assists and 8 rebounds.
• The Warriors ended up with 99 field goal attempts for the game (which was only regulation).
• Josh Smith was freezing cold, finishing with only 3 points on 1-12 shooting.
• Ivan Johnson was solid for the Hawks off the bench with 15 points and 9 rebounds.

Magic (10-13) 107 @ Bobcats (7-16) 98

• Leading scorers: ORL – Glen Davis, Aaron Afflalo 20, CHA – Kemba Walker 32.
• 11 straight losses and counting for the Bobcats.
• The Orlando Magic starters shot a combined 29 for 49 (59%).
• Nik Vucevic had a double double with 13 points and 13 rebounds.
• Kemba Walker led the ‘Cats with 32 points (11-20 FG) and 7 assists.
• Gerald Henderson got back into the starting lineup with 34 minutes, 16 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists.

Cavaliers (5-20) 102 @ Knicks (18-5) 103

• Leading scorers: CLE – Kyrie Irving 41, NYK – Raymond Felton 25.
• Kyrie Irving had a career-high 41 points (15-25 FG), but it wasn’t enough to top the Melo-less Knicks.
• The Knicks knocked down another 13 threes (on 35 attempts).
• Tyson Chandler had a solid double double with 23 points (9-10 FG) and 10 rebounds.
• J.R. Smith and Jason Kidd combined to shoot 9 for 40 from the field.
• Anderson Varejao was surprisingly quiet compared to his usual 2012-13 self with only 9 points and 8 rebounds.

Wizards (3-18) 72 @ Heat (15-6) 102

• Leading scorers: WAS – Bradley Beal 19, MIA – LeBron James 23.
• Unlike last time, the Heat handled the Wiz easily in this one, behind LeBron’s 23 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists.
• All 13 Heat players that played in the game scored at least 3 points.
• Brad Beal (19) and Cartier Martin (18) were the only players in double figures for the Wizards.

Pacers (13-11) 88 @ Pistons (7-19) 77

• Leading scorers: IND – David West 23, DET – Greg Monroe 18.
• David West continued his efficient scoring with 23 points on 11 for 16 shooting.
• Paul George’s recent scoring binge was down a bit but he still finished with 15 points, 8 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals.
• The Pistons shot only 38.6% from the field.
• Rodney Stuckey finished with 15 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists.

Nets (13-10) 82 @ Bulls (13-9) 83

• Leading scorers: BKN – Deron Williams 24, CHI – Marco Belinelli 19.
• The Bulls went only 2-10 from downtown.
• Joakim Noah had another solid game with 12 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 2 blocks.
• Brook Lopez returned, played 25 minutes and still put up a double double with 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Mavericks (11-13) 106 @ Timberwolves (12-9) 114 – OT

• Leading scorers: DAL – Derek Fisher, O.J. Mayo 20, MIN – Nikola Pekovic 21.
• The return of RICKY RUBIO resulted in 8 points, 9 assists, 4 rebounds and 3 steals.
• The Wolves ended up with 15 steals in the game.
• ‘Big Pek’ finished with 21 points and 9 rebounds.
• Andrei Kirilenko finished with 14 points and 10 rebounds.
• Derek Fisher was the surprise guy for the Mavs with 20 points (5-8 FG, 7-7 FT).

Clippers (17-6) 111 @ Bucks (12-10) 85

• Leading scorers: LAC – Matt Barnes 21, MIL – Marquis Daniels 16.
• This would be 9 straight victories for the Clippers.
• Double doubles for Blake Griffin (18 pts, 11 rebs), Chris Paul (10 pts, 13 asts) and DeAndre Jordan (15 pts, 11 rebs).
• Matt Barnes with a solid game in 29 minutes. 21 points on 8-10 shooting.
• Brandon Jennings and Monta Ellis combined to shoot 7 for 27 from the field.

Celtics (12-11) 88 @ Spurs (19-6) 103

• Leading scorers: BOS – Jason Terry, Paul Pierce 18, SAN – Tony Parker 22.
• All 11 Spurs players scored at least 3 points.
• Tim Duncan had his worst shooting performance of the season (2-13, 5 points), not that it mattered.
• The Spurs also knocked down 12 of their 25 3-point attempts.
• Rajon Rondo had a rough game by his standards. 6 points, 9 assists.

Grizzlies (15-6) 99 @ Jazz (13-12) 86

• Leading scorers: MEM – Zach Randolph 25, UTA – Al Jefferson 21.
• Down 10 at the half, the Grizzlies outscored the Jazz 55-32 in the second half.
• Zach Randolph posted a 25 point, 16 rebound effort.
• The Grizz outrebounded the Jazz 48-35.
• Paul Millsap was quiet for the Jazz with 12 points and 4 rebounds.

Nov 4, 2012; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) before the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-US PRESSWIRE

The Knicks, Timberwolves and to some degree, the Grizzlies have all exceeded expectations and are pushing up the rankings. The Thunder, Lakers and Nuggets bounced back. Meanwhile, the Wizards and Pistons are battling to avoid the basement.

Welcome to The Skyook’s NBA Power Rankings, where any given week, things can change faster than a James Harden trade to Houston.

Previous weeks: Preseason | Week 1

Week 3 – November 12th, 2012

1. San Antonio Spurs | 6-1 | Last week: 2

The “old men” just keep on winning. Tim Duncan with another vintage week and now leads the team (by a wide margin) in Points (18.9), Rebounds (9.7) and Blocks (2.4). It’s also the typical Spurs to be leading the NBA in Assists, whcih they do, at 25 per game.

2. Miami Heat | 5-2 | Last week: 1

The Heat’s two losses came at the hands of the 5-1 Grizzlies and 4-0 Knicks, so timing is everything. While LeBron averages a double double (21.9 pts, 10.0 rebs), Chris Bosh is quietly having a solid start to the season with his 20.4 points and 7.0 rebounds per game.

3. Oklahoma City Thunder | 5-2 | Last week: 3

With Kevin Martin averaging almost 18 off the bench, the Thunder don’t miss Harden that much do they? They’ve put together a nice little 4 game win streak and look angry doing it. Looks like Serge Ibaka may have polished his offense in the offseason, now up to 14.6 points (a career high).

4. Memphis Grizzlies | 5-1 | Last week: 9

The Grizz are not messing around. During their 5-game win streak, their winning margin is at 12.6 points per game, including an 18-point drubbing of the Heat last night. Z-Bo has had a double double in every game so far and leading the league at 14.5 rebounds per.

5. Los Angeles Clippers | 5-2 | Last week: 6

Many great things happening on the red side of the Staples Center: Crawford’s relentlessness, the rise of Bledsoe, Paul’s assists, DeAndre’s defense. But am I wrong in thinking there’s something wrong with Blake? Doesn’t look right. Neither does the team’s rebounding (26th).

6. New York Knicks | 4-0 | Last week: 12

Hard to argue the impressive start. 4-0. 2nd in points scored (104.5). 1st in points against (87.5). 1st in 3-point makes (12.8). 2nd in 3-point percentage (.436%). 1st in point differential (+17). Wins over Heat, Mavs and Sixers (2). Can they sustain offense without relying on such ”hot shooting?”

7. Los Angeles Lakers | 3-4 | Last week: 4

What a gift to be able to beat up on peons like the Warriors and Kings after a 1-4 start. And now, there’s a NEW sheriff coming to down by the name of Mike D’Antoni. Don’t expect the Run N’ Gun Suns from years ago, but this team will be better with him at the helm. Ask Steve Nash.

8. Denver Nuggets | 4-3 | Last week: 8

What a turnaround for the Nugs. After an 0-3 start, they posted a 4-0 week last week. The offense has risen to 8th (99.o PPG) and if Danilo Gallinari can figure out his shooting stroke (only 30% from the field), they’ll crack the Top 5 in no time. Kenneth Faried truly is the “Manimal.”

9. Boston Celtics | 3-3 | Last week: 5

Can’t be satisfying when 2 of Boston’s 3 wins are against the Wiz. After only 6 games, we’re really starting to see the lack of size on this roster with the Celts averaging only 37.8 rebounds per game, second last in the entire league. A slow start is normal for these guys though, so no panic yet.

10. Philadelphia 76ers | 4-2 | Last week: 10

Have to give them credit, they’re hanging in there without Bynum. They don’t score much (27th), but they don’t give up points either (2nd). Holiday is an absolute legit point guard in this league (18.2 pts, 9.5 asts) and it looks like Turner may have found his groove (12.3 pts, 9.5 rebs, 3.3 asts).

11. Chicago Bulls | 4-2 | Last week: 14

The 4 Bulls wins have come against the Kings, Cavs, Magic and Wolves, so we’ll really see how they hold up against tougher competition and a 5-game road trip starting this week. The defense is obviously still in tact, holding opponents to only 88.7 points per game (4th overall).

12. Dallas Mavericks | 4-3 | Last week: 13

While the Mavs have to be happy with 4-3, hanging around until Dirk comes back, all they’re doing is leading the league in scoring (104.7 per game). O.J. Mayo (21.9 ppg) has been fantastic and his backcourt partner Darren Collison has been steady as well.

13. Brooklyn Nets | 3-2 | Last week: 11

With a 3-2 record, the Nets haven’t been very impressive. Thankfully they’ll welcome back Gerald Wallace and MarShon Brooks this week to spark the offense. What the heck is up with Joe Johnson? 13.6 points per game on 36% shooting? I don’t think this is what Brooklyn had in mind.

14. Minnesota Timberwolves | 4-2 | Last week: 22

One of the surprises so far, the Wolves are getting the job done without their two stars. The defense has been top notch, allowing 89.5 points per game, good for 5th overall. AK47 is looking great and worth the money. His line: 11.2 pts, 7.7 rebs, 4.2 asts, 1.7 stls, 2.0 blks.

15. Indiana Pacers | 3-4 | Last week: 7

The Pacers are a hard team to peg. The Granger injury looks like it’ll hurt them more than originally thought, as the depth is questionable. George Hill (15.1 pts, 5.1 asts) has been worth the money, while Roy Hibbert (8.7 pts, 7.7 rebs, 38% shooting) has not.

16. Milwaukee Bucks | 3-2 | Last week: 18

A very deceiving record at 3-2. An impressive win in Boston, but then beat the Wizards and needed a Jennings buzzer beater to beat the Cavs at home. How impressive has Larry Sanders been? Averaging 12.0 points, 9.2 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game in only 27 minutes.

17. Utah Jazz | 3-4 | Last week: 17

Home is where the heart is for the Jazz. They are 3-0 at EnergySolutions Arena and 0-4 on the road, though they’ve played some tough teams so far. The Utah frontcourt is in great shape with Jefferson and Millsap, but can Mo Williams keep up this 16.8 point, 6.3 assist per game effort?

18. Golden State Warriors | 3-4 | Last week: 15

Stephen Curry and perhaps Klay Thompson have the numbers, but most of us would (should) agree that the MVP of this team through 7 games is Carl Landry. At 16.1 pts, 8.1 rebs and 60% shooting, Landry has been a game changer off the Warrior bench.

19. Houston Rockets | 3-3 | Last week: 19

It’s still very early, but it sure looks as though the Rockets are going to lack the firepower (no pun intended) to contend for the playoffs in the West. Unless of course they can play the Pistons (who they beat twice) 76 more times. At least they’re 3rd in the league in rebounding (47.5).

20. Atlanta Hawks | 2-3 | Last week: 16

The Hawks have lost against some tough teams, but their remaining November schedule is very favorable. We’ll see what their record says then. Unfortunately, not all their shooters (Lou Williams 35%, Kyle Korver 32%) are shooting. Josh Smith needs to take over if he wants the BIG contact.

21. New Orleans Hornets | 3-2 | Last week: 23

The Anthony Davis effect: Hornets are 3rd in points allowed (88.6), 10 in rebounding (43.2) and as soon as he returns from a 2-game absence, they promptly beat the Bobcats. Al-Farouq Aminu quietly having a solid year with 12.8 pts, 8.6 rebs, 2.4 asts and 2.0 steals per game.

22. Portland Trail Blazers | 2-4 | Last week: 21

Seems like this team should be better than 2-4, but they’ve played the toughest schedule in the league so far (LAL, @OKC, @HOU, @DAL, LAC, SAN). Nicolas Batum (39.5 mins, 19.3 pts, 6.2 rebs, 2.7 stls) is finally breaking out!

23. Phoenix Suns | 3-4 | Last week: 26

At this pace, Marcin Gortat should be in the conversation for Defensive Player of the Year with his 10.7 rebounds and 3.9 blocks per game. On a disappointed, unrelated note, P.J. Tucker, Luke Zeller and Diante Garrett are all averaging more points than Wesley Johnson (1.3 ppg).

24. Toronto Raptors | 1-5 | Last week: 20

The injury bug has ravaged the Raptors so far with Lowry, Fields and now Alan Anderson out. It’s really incredible what a different team this is on both ends of the floor with Lowry leading the way. DeRozan and Bargnani will need to continue to be agressive. Give Jonas V more minutes already!

25. Cleveland Cavaliers | 2-5 | Last week: 24

Monday night’s “Kyrie and Dion Upset Show” in Los Angeles seems so far away now that the Cavs have dropped their last three, while giving up 106.3 points in those games. Unfortunately for the Cavs “young and fun” won’t win too many ball games this season with that defense.

26. Orlando Magic | 2-4 | Last week: 27

I hope Magic fans enjoyed that 2-0 while it lasted. Now they’ll need to get used to this being the regular deal. This roster, the lowest scoring one in the league (87.8 ppg), truly lacks a superstar, something every team needs. I love Big Baby and Afflalo, but they won’t cut it.

27. Charlotte Bobcats | 2-3 | Last week: 28

The ‘Cats are a surprising 7th overall in scoring (99.8) but a very unsurprising 30th in points allowed (107.2). Kemba Walker with a very solid 18.8 pts, 5.8 assists and 2.8 steals, while shooting an un-Kemba like 43% from the field. MKG is getting noticeably more comfortable now.

28. Sacramento Kings | 2-5 | Last week: 30

Just when things are going smoothly for DeMarcus Cousins, he has a “run-in” with an announcer? I thought he’d turned the corner. Such a shame. The proof is in the numbers with a team that we believe don’t play together and don’t share the ball: 16.6 assists per game (last in the league).

29. Washington Wizards | 0-5 | Last week: 25

The talent-deprived, winless Wizards have one of the puzzling stats so far this season. They rank 29th in scoring at 88.0 points per game, yet rank 4th in assists at 24.0 per game. How does that make sense?  Part of it is A.J. Price averaging 8.0 assists per game.

30. Detroit Pistons | 0-7 | Last week: 29

Words can’t describe how bad Rodney Stuckey has been. 7.9 points in 31.9 minutes from your “feature” guard. At this point, we have to feel bad for the situation Greg Monroe was drafted into. He’s going to have an All-Star season and are we sure the Pistons will have a win by then?

Nov 9, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forwards Andrei Kirilenko (47) celebrates the victory following the game as Indiana Pacers forward David West (21) walks off the court at the Target Center. The Timberwolves defeated the Pacers 96-94. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-US PRESSWIRE

Welcome all stat geeks! “Box Score Bulletin’” is sifting through, analyzing and summarizing all of the NBA box scores from the previous day and night, so you don’t have to! So sip your coffee and enjoy the good, the bad and the ugly…

Bucks (3-1) 101 @ Wizards (0-4) 91

• Leading scorers: MIL – Monta Ellis 22, WAS – Bradley Beal 22.
• Leading rebounds: MIL – Mike Dunleavy, Larry Sanders 9, WAS – Trevor Ariza 8.
• Leading assists: MIL – Brandon Jennings 7, WAS – A.J. Price 9.

Nets (2-2) 107 @ Magic (2-3) 68

• Leading scorers: BKN – Andray Blatche 15, ORL – E-Twaun Moore 18.
• Leading rebounds: BKN – Brook Lopez 10, ORL – Nikola Vucevic, Aaron Afflalo 5.
• Leading assists: BKN – Deron Williams, Joe Johnson, Andray Blatche 4, ORL – Glen Davis, E’Twaun Moore 5.

76ers (3-2) 106 @ Celtics (2-3) 100

• Leading scorers: PHI – Evan Turner 25, BOS – Paul Pierce 24.
• Leading rebounds: PHI – Evan Turner 11, BOS – Kevin Garnett 10.
• Leading assists: PHI – Jrue Holiday 14, BOS - Rajon Rondo 20.

Mavericks (4-2) 94 @ Knicks (4-0) 104

• Leading scorers: DAL – O.J. Mayo 23, NYK – Carmelo Anthony 31.
• Leading rebounds: DAL – Elton Brand, O.J. Mayo, Troy Murphy, Chris Kaman 7, NYK – Tyson Chandler 9.
• Leading assists: DAL – Darren Collison 8, NYK – Raymond Felton 9.

Heat (5-1) 95 @ Hawks (2-2) 89

• Leading scorers: MIA – Chris Bosh 24, ATL – Jeff Teague 20.
• Leading rebounds: MIA - LeBron James 11, ATL – Josh Smith 8.
• Leading assists: MIA – LeBron James 9, ATL – Jeff Teague 11.

Rockets (2-3) 85 @ Grizzlies (4-1) 93

• Leading scorers: HOU – Chandler Parsons 19, MEM – Rudy Gay 21.
• Leading rebounds: HOU – Omer Asik 13, MEM – Zach Randolph 14.
• Leading assists: HOU – James Harden, Patrick Patterson 4, MEM – Mike Conley Jr. 4.

Bobcats (1-3) 99 @ Hornets (3-2) 107

• Leading scorers: CHA – Ben Gordon 34, NOH – Ryan Anderson 25.
• Leading rebounds: CHA – Bismack Biyombo 13, NOH – Anthony Davis 11.
• Leading assists: CHA – Kemba Walker 6, NOH – Greivis Vasquez, Brian Roberts 8.

Pistons (0-6) 94 @ Thunder (4-2) 105

• Leading scorers: DET – Andre Drummond 22, OKC – Kevin Durant, Serge Ibaka 25.
• Leading rebounds: DET – Greg Monroe 10, OKC – Kevin Durant 13.
• Leading assists: DET – Greg Monroe, Rodney Stuckey, Brandon Knight 6, OKC – Kendrick Perkins, Russell Westbrook 6.

Pacers (2-4) 94 @ Timberwolves (4-1) 96

• Leading scorers: IND – George Hill 29, MIN – Chase Budinger 18.
• Leading rebounds: IND – David West 13, MIN – Nikola Pekovic 8.
• Leading assists: IND – George Hill 7, MIN – Alexey Shved 7.

Cavaliers (2-4) 105 @ Suns (3-3) 107

• Leading scorers: CLE – Dion Waiters 23, PHX – Goran Dragic 26.
• Leading rebounds: CLE – Anderson Varejao 10, PHX – Marcin Gortat 8.
• Leading assists: CLE – Kyrie Irving 8, PHX – Michael Beasley 5.

Spurs (5-1) 97 @ Kings (2-4) 86

• Leading scorers: SAN – Tim Duncan 23, SAC – Jason Thompson, Marcus Thornton 17.
• Leading rebounds: SAN – Tim Duncan 12, SAC – DeMarcus Cousins 9.
• Leading assists: SAN – Tony Parker 6, SAC – Tyreke Evans, DeMarcus Cousins, Chuck Hayes, Marcus Thornton 3.

Jazz (2-4) 84 @ Nuggets (3-3) 104

• Leading scorers: UTA – Gordon Hayward 15, DEN – Corey Brewer 20.
• Leading rebounds: UTA – Al Jefferson 11, DEN – Kenneth Faried, Kosta Koufos 10.
• Leading assists: UTA – Jamaal Tinsley 7, DEN – Ty Lawson, Andre Miller 7.

Warriors (3-3) 77 @ Lakers (2-4) 101

• Leading scorers: GSW – Stephen Curry 18, LAL – Kobe Bryant 27.
• Leading rebounds: GSW – David Lee 12, LAL – Pau Gasol 16.
• Leading assists: GSW – Stephen Curry 5, LAL – Kobe Bryant 7.

April 7, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Kevin Love (42) shoots over New Orleans Hornets power forward Jason Smith (14) during the second half of a game at the New Orleans Arena. The Hornets defeated the Timberwolves 99-90. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

Kevin Love
Resume: 26.0 points (4th in league), 13.3 rebounds (2nd in league), 39.0 minutes (2nd in league), 48 double-doubles (1st in league), 379 free throws made (4th in league), 460 free throw attempts (5th in league), 45% FG, 37% 3PT, and 82% FT… Team record in games played: 24-31 (2-9 without)… All-Star, 6th in MVP Voting, 2nd Team All-NBA

We’re just a single week away from the 2012-13 NBA season, and unfortunately, three of my top 12 players in the league won’t even be in uniform when their team opens the season. Dirk Nowitzki and Derrick Rose have already been covered in the countdown, and next up on the list is Kevin Love, who broke his right hand doing knuckle push-ups during a personal workout. Totally tragic, but in the big scheme of things the injury isn’t nearly as career altering as the ones that Nowitzki and Rose have suffered. However, this knuckle injury is putting a momentary damper on a year where Kevin Love transformed himself from a “Hey, that guy is pretty damn good” type of player to “Holy crap, this guy is a freaking superstar” level, despite having such limited natural ability.

Let’s flashback to one year ago, well actually, ten months ago since the owners and players tried to put me in a mental institution with the whole lockout situation. Ten months ago we were entering a season where Kevin Love was the reigning runaway winner as Most Improved Player of the Year, after ripping off a record setting 53 straight double-doubles in the 2010-2011 season. That stretch didn’t even include the most eye-opening stat line of the year, Love’s 31 point, 31 rebound game vs. New York. Needless to say, there was a whole bunch of “It’s time for Kevin Love to make the next step hype.” That hype was vindicated when Love put together an eight month stretch of basketball where he solidified himself as the best power forward in the NBA and one of the best basketball players in the entire world. If you’ve never even seen him play all you need to do is like at the stats above and it’s blatantly obvious that he’s an elite player. Look at all of the categories Love had top ten finishes in last year. Points, rebounds, double doubles, free throws made and attempted. Stats don’t always tell the clearest story, but in this case the message is received.

There was hardly any talk of the Timberwolves making the playoffs last season, especially compared to the warranted discussion they have generated this year. When you look at the Timberwolves record last year (26-40), it doesn’t look like one that belongs to a playoff sleeper. But you have to consider two things: Kevin Love missed the last seven games of the year (eleven overall) and the Timberwolves were 2-9 in those games. The second thing to consider is that Ricky Rubio tore his ACL on March 9^th. Going into that game vs. Los Angeles, the Timberwolves were very much in the playoff race, sitting at 21 wins and 19 losses.

Despite little media love (pun intended) due to a small market and a not quite elite team, Kevin Love delivered some of the more memorable regular season moments and stat lines in 2012 that most likely will only stand out to true NBA geeks like myself. One of the defining images of the season was Kevin Love with his arms raised soaking in the collective shock of the Staples Center crowd after he hit a DEEP game winning three pointer. This game stands out so much that I can remember being home writing my “Who Should Be On Team USA” piece as Kevin Love put the dagger right into the chest of the Clippers. I can remember switching from the NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 games to watch the double overtime Timberwolves/Thunder game that doubled as the most exciting NBA regular season game in recent memory. The Timberwolves, shorthanded due to the loss of Rubio two weeks earlier, needed a big time performance from Love who delivered in a humongous way by putting up a 51 point, 14 rebound, 7 three pointer, one game tying three pointer performance that doesn’t even sound as impressive as it was to watch at the time.

The defining moment in Kevin Love’s eight month stretch of basketball brilliance came in mid-August, not in an NBA game, but in the Gold Medal game of the Summer Olympics. The biggest stars of the day were Kevin Durant (30 points), and LeBron and Chris Paul, who shared closer duties for the game, but the telling story of the Gold Medal game was this: The line-up the United States went to war with in the fourth quarter was Paul, Kobe, LeBron, Durant and Kevin Love. Sure, Dwight Howard was injured and that spot most likely goes to him if he was on the team, but Coach K opted to go with Kevin Love over the other options (and he had options).

I’ve mentioned before that I try not to put too much stock in international play. And the way that Love played in London didn’t change his ranking at all. But Coach K’s decision to have Love in the line-up to close out the Gold Medal game speaks volumes about the way Love has evolved since he came in to the league, and it provides justification that he is without question a full-fledged superstar.

• 

  April 9, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets center JaVale McGee (34) reacts to his basket and foul against the Golden State Warriors during the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets defeated the Warriors 123-84. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-US PRESSWIRE

  JAVALE MCGEE, C, Denver Nuggets
  Last season: 25.2 MPG, 11.3 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 19.90 PER
  McGee is on just about everyone’s radar to gain most improved player recognition this season. A big reason is because of his well-publicized workout sessions with the great Hakeem Olajuwon in the offseason, leading us to believe that he’s going to have endless post moves this season. Personally, I’m looking forward to seeing these “tweaks” in game action to see if there’s a noticeable difference. Whether McGee’s offensive game is truly more polished or not, it’s his defense that the Nuggets will be depending on. We know this team will be able to score the ball (1st overall in points and assists last season), but they’ll need McGee to continue with his dominant shot blocking in the middle. You’d like to think McGee will take the young Kenneth Faried under his wing defensively and improve the Nuggets interior. McGee’s development may just be that crucial factor in the Nuggets contending the the LA’s and OK’s in the West or being just another middle-tier playoff team.

• 

  March 30, 2011; New Orleans, LA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers shooting guard Brandon Roy (7) against the New Orleans Hornets during the third quarter at the New Orleans Arena. The Hornets defeated the Trail Blazers 95-91. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

  BRANDON ROY, SG, Minnesota Timberwolves
  Last season: Did not play.
  Since he had the Wolves winning ball games last year, the X-Factor here could easily be Ricky Rubio, but let’s look past a certain degree of obvious here. Rubio won’t be ready to start the season, so only his absence will be a factor right away. The return of Brandon Roy on the other hand, will be huge for this team. The knee questions will be abundant in the beginning stages of the season and with the Wolves being extremely thin at shooting guard (Alexey Shved (rookie) and Malcolm Lee currently listed on the depth chart), they’ll need big minutes from Roy. Can he handle it? We’ll see. But Minnesota’s playoff shot depends on it. If Roy can return to even 80% of his peak form, he’ll be an excellent second option to Kevin Love. A season away, a fresh start, a new team… will the ‘Return of Brandon Roy’ be enough to propel the Timberwolves into postseason? Certainly an intriguing storyline.

• 

  June 4, 2012; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder center Kendrick Perkins (5) reacts against the San Antonio Spurs during the second half in game five of the Western Conference finals of the 2012 NBA playoffs at the AT

  KENDRICK PERKINS, C, Oklahoma City Thunder
  Last season: 26.8 MPG, 5.1 PPG, 6.6 RPG, 8.69 PER
  Everyone’s an X-Factor on this Thunder team. I need not label Durant, Westbrook, Harden and Ibaka as merely important, but rather they are collectively expected to produce. Perkins is that wild card. Even though he’s now a league veteran, he needs to become more than just the guy who leads in the league in Technical Fouls-to-Smiles ratio. The team needs defense and rebounding out of their 5-spot, certainly not scoring, with all the other All-NBA talent on the team. But doesn’t it seem like a starting NBA center that averages 27 minutes per game should have a higher PER than 8.69? If Perkins is so strong and solid defensively, why does he only average 6.6 rebounds per game? Part of the reason is foul trouble, he has to stay on the floor. Obviously the Thunder won’t have trouble competing in the West, but when it comes time to face the Dwight Howard’s in meaningful games, will Perkins be the X-Factor?

• 

  July 19, 2012; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) drives in the first half of the game against the Atlanta Hawks at the Cox Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-US PRESSWIRE

  DAMIAN LILLARD, PG, Portland Trail Blazers
  Last season (at Weber St, 32 games): 34.5 MPG, 24.5 PPG, 4.0 APG
  Boy has this team flipped it’s roster upside down over the past season. It seems there will be plenty of opportunity for some new faces, as well as rookies… including the co-MVP of the Vegas Summer League, Damian Lillard. After a stellar NBA summer and incredible college career at Weber St., Lillard should be featured immediately in the Blazers starting lineup. On top of that, after LaMarcus Aldridge and likely Nicolas Batum, Lillard could figure to be the third scoring option on this team, considering he averaged 24.5 ppg in college last year. Combine that with a lot of Rookie of the Year talk, and that’s a ton of pressure. Fortunately, expectations for the Blazers are not very high in this “transition” season.

• 

  October 1, 2012; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz small forward Marvin Williams (2) poses for a portrait during media day at the Zions Bank Basketball Center. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-US PRESSWIRE

  MARVIN WILLIAMS, SF, Utah Jazz
  Last season: 26.3 MPG, 10.2 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 15.87 PER
  This is beginning to feel like Groundhog’s Day. We’ve been waiting for the Marvin Williams “breakout season” for about 5 years now… let’s just face reality, it’s not happening. As I look up and down the Jazz roster, they are the weakest at the small forward position, where Marvin currently occupies the starting spot. Right now, the Jazz are a borderline playoff team with most of their offense coming from the Jefferson/Millsap combination. If Marvin doesn’t adjust well to his new team and he’s deemed “limited” offensively, we could see a Derrick Favors or Enes Kanter spike in minutes or take over the starting spot. Who knows, maybe Marvin will adapt better to a new situation and a switching of conferences? For the Jazz to have an overachieving (think mid-low playoff seed) campaign, Marvin Williams will have to be worth every penny of the $8,287,500 he’s owed in 2013.

Jan 18, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Ricky Rubio (9) and forward Kevin Love (42) smile during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Pistons at the Target Center. The Timberwolves defeated the Pistons 93-85. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-US PRESSWIRE

Just two years removed from complete basketball irrelevancy and playing the role of Ricky Rubio’s spurned foreign lover, the Minnesota Timberwolves have suddenly assembled one of the most interesting, versatile, and perhaps promising rosters in the NBA.  GM David Kahn remains the butt of the most popular league-wide Sci-Fi parody, and his lottery selections of departed players like Johnny Flynn and Wesley Matthews as well as public pimping of Darko Milicic give that thinly veiled criticism weight.  But just as confoundingly impressive as some of his other moves are comical is how he shored up Minny’s depleted wing rotation in this wild off-season with the signings of talented question marks Brandon Roy, Andrei Kirilenko, and Alexey Shved.  Even the Wolves’ first major move of the summer – trading their first-round pick to Houston for Chase Budinger – comes with a sense of the unknown.  As the only member of Minnesota’s new perimeter quartet that played in the NBA last season, Budinger’s career trajectory is still anything but definitively linear.  This woebegone organization’s direction as a whole, though, is trending up despite the seemingly endless array of queries for this coming season and those following.

Most important to the Wolves’ development is the health of Rubio, their sophomore wizard of a point-guard who tore his ACL mid-way through last season.  Minny was poised for an unexpected playoff spot in 2012 with him in the lineup, and even after his injury stayed afloat longer than anyone anticipated.  Rubio will miss the first few months of this season and projects to play again sometime after the new year, so this new roster will be molded without him at the beginning.  He should make a relatively seamless transition as point-guard of the New Timberwolves once healthy, though, his infectious personality and playmaking on both ends of the floor easy to integrate.  Rubio has his flaws, obviously, and needs to improve as a shooter, but it’s safe to say Minnesota is in good hands as long as he’s the one driving.

Of course, Rubio’s health and the Wolves’ new collection of wings wouldn’t matter without Kevin Love.  Maybe the best power forward in the world, Love is the the player this franchise has been longing for since the departure of Kevin Garnett in 2007, a dominant (if limited) force on the court and an extremely marketable personality off it.  Love’s game deserves criticism and has a way to go to be considered one of the league’s true best on either end, but is the always necessary bed-rock for a team on the rise like Minny.  And with behemoth paint-scoring savant Nikola Pekovic by his side, the Wolves have a young frontcourt tandem to build on.  They’re challenged defensively, yes, but with the proper pieces around them it’s easy to imagine Minnesota winning multiple playoff series with Love and Pekovic manning the interior.

These are the Timberwolves’ answers, the value, merits, and potential of young and supremely talented players like Rubio, Love, and Pekovic.  The questions? They’re endless, far-reaching, and will ultimately decide just how good this team can be over the next several seasons.

Dec. 10 2010; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Portland Trailblazers guard Brandon Roy (7) reacts on the court against the Phoenix Suns at the US Airways Center. The Trailblazers defeated the Suns 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-US PRESSWIRE

This maze of free-agent moves mostly began with Roy, so it makes sense to tackle his role for Minny first here.  We all know Roy’s story – from rookie of the year to franchise to player to multiple knee surgeries to twenty-something has-been to premature retirement following 2011 – but what we don’t is what of it to extrapolate to his future as a member of the Wolves.  His days as an All-Star are long gone, we surely agree, so will Roy be comfortable playing the part of a supporting piece for the Wolves? Will he even be okay with coming off the bench, the most sensible choice for a player with his fragile body? His recent comments – “… it’s always hard to keep me out of the starting lineup” and “… [I'm] ready to play at a high level” – cast doubt on both of those likely scenarios and thus how happy he’ll be his first days in Minnesota.  Roy has value – his knack and skill is superb and should be unaffected by balky knees – but does he know his true and present worth as a player? Time will tell.

Kirilenko is the newest member of the Timberwolves, agreeing to a two-year, 20 million dollar contract last week after Minnesota moved Wes Johnson and other financial considerations to clear the cap space to sign him.  Once one of the NBA’s best all-around talents and five-by-five innovators (at least five points, rebounds, etc. in five box score categories), he played in his native Russia last year with CSKA Moscow after going back abroad during the lockout.  Kirilenko won the Euroleague equivalents of MVP and Defensive Player of the Year during his short foreign sojourn, but nonetheless faces a myriad of questions regarding his effectiveness in the NBA.  As a 31 year-old with well over a decade of experience playing professionally, it remains to be seen how a player that relied so much on his rare combination of length and athleticism at his peak will adjust.  He’ll guard multiple positions effectively and is a sure upgrade on Wes Johnson, Martell Webster, or any other journeyman Minny played on the wing in recent years, but is still a risk given his age and lack of shooting ability.

Shved, Kirlenko’s teammate for CSKA Moscow and the Russian national team playing in the Olympics, has never played in the NBA but has been known as a promising international prospect for years.  A 23 year-old combo guard with size and athleticism, Shved should help make up for Rubio’s absence as a playmaker but won’t help much spacing the floor for Love and Pekovic.  He’s been erratic from behind the arc as a pro and shooting has always been the part of his game most lacking.  Like Kirilenko, though, he’s a net positive talent-wise in relation to Timberwolves reserve guards of the past as is and still has room to grow.  How he will transition to the pro game is anyone’s guess, but his physical profile encourages in that regard.

Budinger, too, is better than Minny’s wing options last season and is in line for big minutes due to his deep shooting prowess and ability to run the floor with Rubio.  He’s more a known commodity than the trio of new Wolves above so we won’t go dwell on him here, but it’s still unknown whether he can start in this league or is merely a bit player off the bench.  Minnesota is probably counting on him as somewhere in between, and it will be interesting to watch him respond.

Roy, Kirilenko, Shved, Budinger.  Four new perimeter options for Rick Adelman to juggle and manage, each a far different player than the next, and each with natural talent or skills to burn but major adjusting or developing to do, too.  And it all starts without Rubio before he’s thrust back into a leading role in early 2013, and – almost just as important – without a defined role for former second overall pick Derrick Williams, a combo forward blocked by the presence of Love and Kirilenko.

Where the Timberwolves ultimately end up is hard to project and impossible to do so with any confidence until we see this team, this new, cobbled together collection of chess pieces playing together in Spring of next year.  But what’s for sure is that Kahn and his fellow front office brass have shown tenured players (the always perceptive Love in particular) and fans that this organization is committed to winning sooner instead of later and willing to take major financial risks to have that chance, a major and drastic development for a franchise so inconsequential to the NBA landscape at the turn of the decade.

Mar 7, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves forward Derrick Williams (7) dunks against Portland Trail Blazers small forward Nicolas Batum (88) during the second quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Greg Smith-US PRESSWIRE

Portland Trailblazers free agent wing Nicolas Batum agreed on a 4 year, 45 million dollar contract with the Minnesota Timberwolves yesterday, a deal that with incentives is pushed past 50 million dollars.  Shortly after his agent announced the news, Batum indicated his strong desire to play in Minnesota next season, despite the fact that the Blazers have publicly said they will match the Wolves’ offer for the restricted free agent when contracts can be officially signed on July 11.  So no matter Batum’s wishes, it seems, he will play the next several seasons of his young career in Portland instead of Minnesota.

Upon learning of the Blazers’ intention to match their offer sheet and retain Batum’s services, reports began to surface that the Wolves were offering second-year forward Derrick Williams and journeyman Martell Webster to Portland for Batum in a sign-and-trade.  Williams, the number two overall pick in last year’s draft, had a middling rookie season for Minnesota as he adjusted to the size and speed of the NBA game.  Even so, he remains a very promising prospect as basketball’s modern forward, a player with the size of a 4 but talents and athleticism of a 3.  Williams will be on his modest rookie contract until the 2015 season, too, making him one of the best values in the league assuming some accelerated development.

Nevertheless, Portland seems to have no interest in a potential Batum-Williams swap, instead preferring to retain the 23 year-old frenchman.  On the surface and given Batum’s sterling reputation as a player and prospect, this makes sense.  His new contract isn’t outrageous and Batum, at the very least, has proven himself as the rare wing with great length and deep shooting ability.  If he improves just modestly he’s a valuable piece on any team, and his age and experience suggest he’ll do better than that.

But is Batum so good, today or four years from now, that the Blazers and the basketball blogosphere/twitterverse should so brashly refute Minnesota’s offer of a player like Williams? Using logic based on advanced statistics, roster fit, or salary cap implications the answer is defiantly no, which says a lot about the league’s collective view of each player.  They’re both well below 25, both have positional versatility, and both exemplify the direction the NBA is headed in terms of size, skill, and athleticism.  Given that information alone, this trade merits at least a second look from Portland, and that’s before we get into the several advantages Williams presents and debunk the myth of Batum as an impactful two-way performer.

Williams is two years younger than Batum at 21 and has just one year of playing experience compared to his counterpart’s 4.  He was a late-bloomer in high-school and as a collegian at Arizona, so his contract should be one of the most bang-for-your-buck in basketball in a year or two.  Plus, he’s an ideal fit alongside LaMarcus Aldridge – best suited as a Center despite Portland’s offer to Roy Hibbert and drafting of Meyers Leonard – in the Blazers frontcourt as a stretch 4 capable of scoring in various ways.  He should be able to defend opposing 4s relatively well, too, as his well-documented size issues are actually anything but; he’s just over an inch shorter than Blake Griffin but makes up for it with a far better wingspan and standing reach.  Williams, even underwhelming rookie season taken into consideration, remains one of the game’s better prospects if for not much on-court evidence; his physical gifts and flashes of talent displayed last year (like this one) are enough to deem him so.

Batum, meanwhile, has been one of the league’s most vexing players since his breakout sophomore campaign of 2009-2010.  At 6’8” or 6’9” with quick feet and arms that go forever, he’s an ideal size for a wing and combines it with a rare combination of three-point shooting acumen and finishing ability at the rim.  He’s a career 37.2% shooter from deep and shot better at the rim than league average for his position each of his seasons in the league.  All that length and offensive talent is enough to make Batum a nice piece, but in tandem with what should be awesome defense given his physical attributes, it’s easy to see the league’s infatuation with him – except for the fact that he’s been a huge net negative defensively for his entire career.  Portland allowed 5.3 fewer points per 48 minutes with him on the bench in 2012, a number supported by data dating back to his rookie season.  The Blazers have been worse defensively with Batum on the floor every year’s he’s been in the league, and they haven’t been good enough on the other end to off-set those deficiencies; he had a plus-minus in the red this season and last.

There are drawbacks to these statistics (namely +/-), of course, but given the amount we have – four seasons worth – indicating Batum is a bigger liability on defense than he is an asset on offense, his reputation as a player is hardly justified.  Not to mention the Blazers’ steadfast refusal to consider Minny’s offer of Williams (and Webster) and the ramifications of Batum’s new contract that will pay him well in excess of 10 million dollars per season.  Portland, essentially and through a glass half-empty lens, is sacrificing considerable future cap flexibility and the acquisition of a still very good prospect for a player that does more harm than good.  Where’s the sense in that?

This team, assuming Indiana matches the offer to Hibbert and Batum is retained, is one that can only go so far.  LaMarucs Aldridge is a star, Wesley Matthews is a nice two-way player, Damian Lillard has some potential as a scoring lead-guard (though how much is in question given his age and lack of NCAA competition), and then there’s Batum.  That’s a solid quartet to build on, but one that is missing another player at or near Aldridge’s level and doesn’t have unlimited salary cap flexibility given the annual numbers to he and Batum.  And if the latter doesn’t improve and start to actually help the Blazers, that’s a contract that’s potentially damaging and hard to move.

The smarter play, then, is to bite the bullet, come a bit closer to re-building and complete the Batum-Williams deal with Minnesota.  A could-be star in Williams and future cap room is well worth several wins and a chance at the playoffs next season, and if Williams fails to develop Portland would be able to start all over again when he and Aldridge are free agents in 2015.  It seems all for naught, though, and Portland will do the easy thing to placate fans and the organization’s present state and simply match Batum’s offer sheet.  Whether or not doing that or the opposite will ultimately yield to more success for the Blazers nobody knows for sure, but only the latter option offers them the potential to eventually threaten for the Western Conference crown that’s eluded them for 20 years.

Feb 11, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Nikola Pekovic (14) shoots during the third quarter against the New York Knicks at the Target Center. The Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 100-98. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-US PRESSWIRE

NBA teams have forever hitched their championship hopes to the wagons of dominating inside-outside duos like those.  The present day Minnesota Timberwolves? Not so much.

Kevin Love and Ricky Rubio are (or will be, in the latter’s case) great players.  But they lack a trait clear as day that  the championship-winning tandems above had in spades – the look.

Russell, Wilt, Kareem, The Dream, and Shaq were built in a lab dedicated to genetically engineering prototype big men, towering over their peers and outmuscling, quicking, or leaping them to heights we always knew guys that looked – and by proxy, played – like them would eventually reach.  Their playmaking, pace-inducing, highlight-producing backcourt mates shared that same appearance both on and off the floor, one that immediately screams “basketball player.”

These guys were always going to be good.  It was predetermined.

Minnesota’s guys? One’s a floppy-haired, frail Spaniard that shotputs his jumper.  The other’s a wide, wanting-for-height, white dude from Oregon.  They hardly strike fear in the heart of opponents when stepping off the bus, and on the macro level the same could be said for their respective games.  It takes time to appreciate the unorthodox beauty to the playing styles of these guys, but by the end of a half or quarter it’s obvious to even the most casual of basketball observers.

Where is this going? Not where you think.  On to the real point:

Nikola Pekovic.  Love and Rubio don’t look like your typical NBA stars, but compared to Minnesota’s massive Montenegrin center they’re the hoops equivalent of Hollywood starlets.  To wit: Pek’s got the bulk of an offensive tackle, face of a teddy bear, tattoos befitting the worst Eastern European stereotypes, and runs like his feet weigh ten pounds apiece.

As the old adage goes and Love and Rubio prove, though, looks can be deceiving.  Since Pekovic logged his first extended minutes of the season in a mid-January loss to Atlanta, the second year behemoth has played the lion’s share of Minnesota’s minutes at center.  Better, he’s produced like one of the league’s brightest young big men.

Pek’s basic numbers for the month of February: 18.3 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks per game.  He’s shooting a scintillating 61.7% from the field and a solid 75.5% at the free throw line.  Even better, though, is the impact he’s made in the win-loss column.  The Wolves are 13-8 since Pekovic started taking minutes from the woeful Darko Milcic and Anthony Randolph, a dramatic increase in winning percentage since Minnesota began the season 4-7.

So how’s the big guy doing it? Finally, to the graphs!

Minnesota has been far better offensively with Pekovic in the lineup.  As you can see in the chart above, Adelman’s team had a below average offense in their first eleven, Pek-less games, a rarity for a coach known for his prowess on that end of the floor.  Since Pek’s “arrival,” though, the Wolves score 101.9 points per 100 possessions, a number that would rank tied for ninth in the league if it was based on results of the entire season.

Utilizing supreme spacing provided by Love’s shooting prowess as well as Rubio’s penchant for passing, Pekovic is by far the league’s most active center at the rim offensively.  He takes a staggering 11.3 shots at the rim per 40 minutes, a full 2.3 more than second place Greg Monroe.  More important, he shoots an efficient 69.8% from that distance, far outpacing the league average of 64.9%.  Shown in the graph above for comparison is Dwight Howard.  The NBA’s top big man takes four fewer rim attempts than Pek, and makes just over two percent more of them.  Obviously, Pekovic fares pretty well in this facet of the game, and Minny has thrived offensively as a result.

By now you should be properly provoked by Pekovic’s proficiency, but we’re not done.  Prior to that fateful January day against the Hawks, the Wolves boasted a solid rebound rate differential of +1.22.  Today, that would rank as the league’s 11th best rate.  That distinction, while impressive, pales in comparison to where Minnesota actually ranks right now – fifth.  Yes, Love is one of the best rebounders in the world, but the insertion of Adelman’s offensive tackle/teddy bear into the lineup coincides directly with his team’s rise to the top of the rebounding ranks.  Taking just post-Pekovic numbers into consideration, Minny’s differential is +3.83, just behind juggernauts Chicago and Cleveland for the best number in the league.

Bottom line: the Minnesota Timberwolves were never going to look like one of the best teams of today, and that was before the 300 solid pounds of stuffed animal-looking Nikola Pekovic took over as the team’s devastatingly effective starting center.  That should hardly matter to the Wolves and their fans, though, because behind Love, Rubio, and the NBA’s most underrated big man, they’ll be sitting very pretty in the standings for the foreseeable future.

Note: Advanced statistics courtesy of Hoopdata.com.

• Jonas Valanciunas has a buyout in place; however that agreement will not allow him to come over until after next season. This should scare away some teams that are looking to make an impact right away with their picks; such teams would include Toronto at 5, Detroit at 8 and Charlotte at 9. If he slips passed Cleveland at 4 Valanciunas could be in for a slide
• Despite reports of the contrary, Cleveland has not guaranteed Irving that he will be their pick at number one. Although it remains likely that this will be the case, picking Williams would severely shakeup the top of the Draft board. (more…)

The NBA is a business, it moves fast, s*** happens and things change. Here in my segment, ‘Blurbs on Ball’, I’ll touch on weekly stories that are quality news, but I’d rather not write a full post on. No slouching here, just quick, thoughtful opinions.

(more…) ]]> http://savingtheskyhook.com/2011/06/04/blurbs-on-ball-june-4-11/feed/ 0 http://savingtheskyhook.com/2011/05/17/early-reaction-nba-draft-lottery/ http://savingtheskyhook.com/2011/05/17/early-reaction-nba-draft-lottery/#comments Wed, 18 May 2011 02:02:20 +0000 http://savingtheskyhook.com/?p=1938 After some drama (and by ‘drama’ I mean that I found myself shouting at the television when they announced that the Utah Jazz had a top three pick but then cut to commercial: “Seriously?!? Who do you think you are? Dancing with the Stars?!? You’re not Dancing with the Stars! TELL ME THE DRAFT ORDER!!) [...]

Early Reaction: NBA Draft Lottery - Saving the Skyhook - Saving the Skyhook - A General NBA Fan Site - News, Blogs, Opinion and More

As for the other game, the Orlando Magic were great defensively in a 89-75 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers. Like most have said, the Lakers looked tired, and the Magic just took it to them in the second half.

You can bet that some of yesterday’s games had an impact in our power rankings this week, so let’s get right to them! (more…)

But now that the Super Bowl is officially in the books, the NBA takes center stage, and as we start to hit the stretch run of the season, there are some teams that are starting to separate themselves from the rest of the pack. Therefore, it’s time once again for STS’s super duper mega awesome power rankings. Or something like that.

We’ve got the whole crew assembled this week, and we’ve got our list ready. Our opinions differ on several spots, but hey, if we had the same list from top to bottom, that would be rather boring wouldn’t it? (more…)