In 37 games since Wall’s return, the Wizards are 21-16. Not great, but consider that the Wizards were 5-28 beforehand, and you can see the impact Wall has on this team.

Last night, Wall helped the Wizards (who are 7-3 in their last 10 games) continue on their winning ways, in a 107-94 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. Wall was all over the court; playing defense, dishing out assists and scoring as well. In the end, he finished with a career high 47 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists.

Check out this video below for full highlights of Wall’s amazing night.

Mar 13, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards small forward Martell Webster (9) attempts a shot against the Milwaukee Bucks during the first half at the Verizon Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA Today Sports

Part of that revolution is realizing which shots are most efficient. Obviously shots at the rim are the most efficient, but what many people around the league have begun to realize, is that three-pointers, especially from the corner, are actually one of the most efficient shots in the game.

Lowe says in his piece,

“The [Raptors] analytics team is unanimous, and rather emphatic, that every team should shoot more 3s.”

*                                                                      *                                                          *

Over in Washington, Martell Webster is already ahead of the curve.

The 6^th overall pick in the 2005 draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, Webster has always been regarded as a good shooter.

His profile from Draft Express in 2005 reads in part,

“Webster is a very natural shooter with excellent mechanics and nice elevation on his jump shot. Once he sets his feet and gets his shoulders square, he is lights out. He can hit his jumper from anywhere on the court”

Over the course of his 8-year career, Webster hasn’t lived up to the expectations that come with being the 6^th overall pick. Due in some part definitely to a series of injuries, including a broken foot that caused him to miss the entire 2008-2009 season. He has however, proven that he can shoot, with a career three-point percentage of 38.8%.

This year, though, Webster has gone from a solid three-point shooter to one of the premier sharpshooters in the league.

In his first year as a Washington Wizard, Webster is averaging career highs in three-pointers attempted (4.3), made (2.0), and points (11.5) per game. He also is shooting a career best 45% from deep, the fourth best mark in the league.

So how has Webster been so good from deep this season? First, lets take a look at his shot chart.

Remember that corner three-pointers are one of the most efficient shots in basketball. Now take a look at the right corner, where Webster is shooting an astounding 60%. Most of these corner threes come off spot up opportunities, in which Webster is able to set his feet, which the scouting report mentioned makes him a deadly shooter.

Recently, Webster went on a 5 game stretch in which he shot 24/47 from deep. It was a continuation of the upward trend he’s shown ever since John Wall came back from injury. Since Wall returned on January 12^th, Webster is shooting 48.2% on threes.

Wall’s ability to get into the lane almost at will has really helped Webster, who likes to spot up. With Wall driving the middle, it forces the defense to collapse, and leaves Webster with open looks.

Spot ups from the corner amount for most of Webster’s three-point attempts, but the Wizards also like to run a flare screen action for Webster. A fairly simply set, Webster begins with the ball near the top of the key and makes a pass to the wing to Wall, who has just run off a triple screen, drawing the defense’s attention. Then, once Wall receives the pass, Emeka Okafor moves to set a flare screen for Webster. He sets the screen and Webster, instead of running off it towards the basket, flares out to the wing, which the defender is not expecting.

Already in his 8^th season, it would be surprising if Webster ever becomes the star player that some expected back when he was drafted 6^th overall in 2005. It does however, seem that he has found his calling in the league. Not everyone can be a star, and that’s okay. Teams need great shooters too, and that’s what Webster is.

February 8, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Charlotte Bobcats guard Gerald Henderson (9) drives past Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) during the game at Time Warner Cable Arena. Lakers won 100-93. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

Jordan Crawford is a complete enigma to me. Shot selection isn’t exactly his strong suit, but he can definitely score the ball. His streakiness could certainly provide some bench scoring for some team. Perhaps if he’s playing along side some better quality teammates, he’ll find his most effective role. Several teams are interested in bringing in Crawford. My first thought at the best fits would be the Celtics, Warriors or Pacers, all projected playoff teams that are thin at shooting guard and bench scoring.

Blair is sure to be gone from San Antonio before the deadline, which the Spurs have said they’ll take the best offer for him, likely a second-round pick. With Duncan, Splitter, Diaw and Bonner getting the bulk of the big man minutes, Blair is out of the rotation. There’s no way he re-signs with them again next season, so it’s definitely time to move on, where he can help another team. Blair could help teams like the Sixers, Pacers and Celtics.

I’m a little puzzled as to why the Bobcats are so eager to move Gerald Henderson. He’s their third leading scorer at 12.8 points per game and is a very solid perimeter defender. After the Ben Gordon meltdown, he’s sure to be moved, leaving the Bobcats very thin at the shooting guard position. Trading Gordon and NOT Henderson makes the most sense. But alas, it is the Charlotte Bobcats and true to form, Michael Jordan’s ownership skills are once again leaving people scratching their heads. It sounds like they’re asking for a first-rounder for Henderson, which they’ll likely screw up in the draft anyway. Henderson could help any NBA team in need of an above average wing defender, which pretty much includes ALL of them.

Latest Yahoo! Sports NBA trade deadline buzz. tinyurl.com/aqr2xrv

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) February 20, 2013

Stay with us at SavingtheSkyhook.com as we continue to report more on the highly anticipated NBA trading deadline. We will be getting news out as soon as we hear about it.

Jan 23, 2013; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Washington Wizards point guard John Wall (2) dribbles toward the basket during the first half against the Utah Jazz at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

If the Wizards had started their season on January 7th, they’d be the talking point of the NBA right now. While their 11-32 record still leaves them firmly in the cellar of the league, they’ve gone 6-4 in their past 10 games including remarkable wins over the Thunder, Nuggets and Bulls. Their loss to the Kings put an end to a 5 game winning streak at home, but that shouldn’t downplay the significance of the Wizards’ recent winning ways. More than half of their eleven wins have come in the past months, five of which have come with the return of point guard John Wall.

The new-found stroke of relative form comes as John Wall plays his way back into touch after missing the first 33 games with injury. Wall has averaged a remarkable 14.1 points and 6.7 assists in 25 minutes of action, pouring it in at an efficient 43% shooting from the field. It’s not the breath-taking numbers we know Wall is capable of, but an impressive return from injury nonetheless.

The return of John Wall has reborn the flailing Wizards, adding a brand new dimension to their play. The attention Wall demands on offense, coupled with his brilliant passing instincts, have made him one of the most dangerous young slashing guards in the league.Additionally, Wall’s impact has provided a positive presence for the downcast Wizards locker room, a sign of promise and potential to turn another embarrassing season into a more positive year. Since Wall’s return the NBA’s worst offense has scored a whole 7 points more per game. Over the past 10 games, their scoring average would place them 11th in the league for Points Per Game, an absurdly better position than 30th.

Having Wall back in the line-up has also been beneficial for rookie Bradley Beal, who is embarking on an impressive rookie campaign which has kept him firmly in the Rookie of the Year race. Averaging 15 points on the season, Beal’s been the number one scoring option for the Wizards as Wall and Ariza have sat for most of the season thus far. January has been kind to the 19 year old out of Florida, with Beal dropping five 20+ point games, which makes it seven for the season. Among that was his 22 point effort in the upset win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. Beal hit the game-winner off of a pump fake to lead the Wizards, who were without John Wall or Nenê, to the unlikely victory over the defending Western Conference champions. His play has been slowed in recent games due to a right wrist injury, but prepare to see Beal take his game up a notch and find some consistency as he and Wall continue to gel after the All-Star break.

Complementing one of the youngest backcourts in the NBA is the pair of 30-year-olds in the frontcourt, Nenê and Emeka Okafor. Injury has restricted Nenê to a mere 29 appearances thus far, but he’s beginning to find some consistency in January. He’s played every match this month aside from the win against the Thunder on January 7th, and posted his best perfomance of the season in the recent win over the Trailblazers. The Brazilian veteran turned back the clock to put home 25 points while pulling down 9 rebounds, dishing 5 assists and snaring 4 steals. Okafor provides a nice frontcourt partner for Nenê, continuing to dominate the glass. Okafor’s 8.2 rebounds per game puts him at 25th in the league, tied with Roy Hibbert and ahead of David West, Marc Gasol and Chris Bosh. A known defensive specialist, Okafor has managed to benefit from Wall’s return on the offensive end. His average of 10.1 points per game is a welcome boost from his season average of 8.5, his offensive prowess on full display against the Kings as he put it 23 points on 9-13 shooting.

For all that Wall and the Wizards have done well on the offensive side of the ball, it’s their defense that’s causing headaches for rival defenses. The Wizards allow 96.2 points per game, good for 8th in the NBA, which is solid for a team that sits at the bottom of the East. Since Wall has returned, the defense has lifted spectacularly and in victories, has conceded an average of only 92.8 points which would rank fourth in the NBA behind the Grizzlies, Pacers and Bulls. The good defense has become great primarily thanks to Wall. The frontcourt presence of Okafor and Nenê kept the Wizards’ defense in the Top 10, but Wall’s impact has sent it to another level. In the victory against the Bulls, starting backcourt trio Kirk Hinrich and Richard Hamilton combined for only 16 points on 7-16 shooting. Nate Robinson led all scorers coming off of the bench with 19, but needed 19 shots to get there.

With a record at 11-32 and 4 losses over the past 10 games, the Washington Wizards aren’t overnight playoffs contenders by any means. However, with John Wall finding his footing again and Bradley Beal continuing to learn the game, the Wizards are again one of the most fun teams to watch in the league. Whether they edge the Thunder, dominate the Bulls or lose to the Kings, the new-look Washington Wizards only promise one thing – it’s going to be fun to watch, and that’s good enough for me.

January 7, 2013; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal (3) celebrates with Wizards point guard A.J. Price (12) after making the game-winning basket in the final second against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 101-99. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-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 (26-8) 99 @ Wizards (5-28) 101

•  Leading scorers: OKC – Kevin Durant 29, WAS – Bradley Beal, Martell Webster 22.
•  The Wizards: 5 wins in 33 games, 2 of them against the Thunder. Can’t make it up.
•  Bradley Beal hit the game winner, but also finished with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.
•  With the season he’s had, you could say that 10 points (5-6 FG) and 7 rebounds is practically a breakout game for Jan Vesely.
•  Beal and Webster went a combined 9 for 13 from behind the arc.
•  Durant (29 pts, 7 rebs, 8 asts) and Ibaka (26 pts, 11 rebs, 2 blks) had big games, but it couldn’t out do Westbrook’s 4 for 17 shooting night.

Celtics (17-17) 102 @ Knicks (23-11) 96

•  Leading scorers: BOS – Paul Pierce 23, NYK – J.R. Smith 24.
•  With NO Rajon Rondo, the C’s handled business in NY, winning their 3rd straight.
•  Garnett had a solid game with 19 points, 10 rebounds, 3 steals and 1 near-fight with Carmelo.
•  Jeff Green gave 16 points and 6 rebounds off the bench.
•  Carmelo shot a very ugly 6 for 26 from the field, finishing with 20 points.
•  Tyson Chandler had a big game with 13 points and 17 rebounds.
•  The Knicks knocked down 14 threes and still lost.

Cavaliers (8-28) 92 @ Bulls (19-13) 118

•  Leading scorers: CLE – Dion Waiters 18, CHI – Carlos Boozer 24.
•  Offensively, the Bulls had their best and most efficient game of the season, shooting 53.7% (71.4% from three) overall and dishing out 34 assists.
•  Carlos Boozer continued his string of very impressive stat lines with another 24 points and 11 rebounds.
•  Taj Gibson had 18 points (8-9 FG) and 7 rebounds.
•  The Cavs continue to miss Anderson Varejao as they got outrebounded 47-31 by the Bulls.
•  Dion Waiters had 18 points (6-11 FG) and 6 rebounds off the bench.

Spurs (27-10) 88 @ Hornets (9-25) 95

•  Leading scorers: SAN – Manu Ginobili 21, NOH – Eric Gordon 24.
•  Eric Gordon is quickly back to himself, launching 22 shots (making 9) and finishing with 24 points.
•  Greivis Vasquez (3rd in the league in assists) finished with a double double of 14 points and 11 assists.
•  Ginobili had a solid game for the Spurs with 21 points (7-13 FG), 5 rebounds and 4 assists.

Mavericks (13-22) 94 @ Jazz (18-18) 100

•  Leading scorers: DAL – Dirk Nowitzki 20, UTA – Gordon Hayward 27.
•  Gordon Hayward was brilliant for Utah in a comeback (24-16 4th quarter) win. He finished with 27 points (8-14 FG, 4-5 3PT), 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 2 blocks. Get him back into the starting lineup or don’t fix what ain’t broken? Tough call.
•  The Jazz shot 10 for 19 (52.6%) from 3-point range.
•  Big Al put up 15 points and 11 rebounds.
•  On the Mavs side, it certainly was nice to put Dirk’s name back into the “leading scorers” field. He had 20 on 7-14 shooting.
•  Elton Brand had 11 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks.

Grizzlies (22-10) 113 @ Kings (13-22) 81

•  Leading scorers: MEM – Wayne Ellington 26, SAC – John Salmons 17.
•  Another random big one for Wayne Ellington, finishing with 26 points, shooting an INSANE 10 for 11 from the field, including 6 for 7 from three in 26 minutes.
•  The Grizz also shot 11-20 from behind the arc and outscored the Kings 27-8 in fastbreak points.
•  For the Kings, Thomas Robinson had 8 points and 12 rebounds off the bench.

Magic (12-22) 119 @ Blazers (19-15) 125 – OT

•  Leading scorers: ORL – J.J. Redick 29, POR – LaMarcus Aldridge 27.
•  Perhaps most impressive? With the OT win, the Blazers are now 5-0 in overtime games this season.
•  All five Blazers starters scored in double figures and four of them had double doubles: Aldridge (27 pts, 10 rebs), Batum (16 pts, 10 asts), Hickson (20 pts, 15 rebs) and Lillard (18 pts, 10 asts).
•  Blazers shot 51.1% for the overtime game.
•  J.J. Redick finished with an impressive 29 points on 11 for 17 shooting, including 6 for 10 from three.
•  Jameer continues to play well with his 21 points and 12 assists.
•  This was the 9th straight loss for the Magic.

Dec 26, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) dribbles against the Minnesota Timberwolves during the first quarter at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Greg Smith-USA TODAY Sports

The Miami Heat might be the best team in the NBA, but concerns about their inability to rebound seem valid (they are the league’s second worst rebounding team according to ESPN.com). Hey, that’ll happen when you’re undersized. Has an NBA club ever been more infatuated with players of 6-feet-8-inches? The bottom line is that when you jack up hasty shots and don’t, well, rebound, poor stats follow. Forward Chris Bosh said the team needed to figure out a way to fix the problem. Here’s a suggestion Chris – try rebounding.

Houston Rockets superstar, James Harden, no longer second fiddle in Oklahoma, has taken the league by storm since his relocation. Harden top scored for the Rockets in most of their December games and also dropped 20-plus points in a 14 straight contests (at the time of writing). His beard, too, continues to be the benchmark for NBA facial hair, and has moved past Bill Walton’s werewolf era fuzz on the all-time list.

Like Washington’s politicos, the city’s Wizards face an unnerving precipice, one which could see its entire future fall into disarray. Okay, let’s be honest: the Wiz haven’t cast a good spell since Harry Potter sought the Philosopher’s Stone. And yet, amid all the turmoil, the ineptitude and disgrace, rookie Bradley Beal has been a beacon of hope on The Hill. Beal led all Eastern Conference rookies in scoring (13.4 ppg) and total assists with (41) in December. He also had six games with 15-plus points during the month.

It took an unlikely opponent in the Brooklyn Nets to upend Oklahoma City’s 12-game home winning streak with a recent 110-93 victory. This was, in part, helped by the ejection of a rather conversational Kevin Durant. The other part was a combination of Joe Johnson scoring 33 points, and Deron Williams taking charge with 19 points and 13 assists. Amazing how quickly he’s adjusted to his new coach, isn’t it?

Don’t look now but the Detroit Pistons are motoring, winning five of six en route to a 12-22 overall record (as of January 4). Sure, their record is still woeful, but we’re talking about the Eastern Conference here folks, where a sub-500 record is fashionable, and making consecutive free-throws is cause for All-Star consideration.

Meanwhile, the Boston Celtics are flat out of luck, losing four straight and dropping below .500. Most alarmingly, the Cs have lost each of these game by an average mark of 20 points. Things haven’t been this bad in Beantown since the Celtics 15-win season of 1996-97 on the back of Antoine Walker’s 33% from three-point land. Good times.

Portland Trail Blazers point guard, Damian Lillard, has fast become Rookie of the Year favorite. With the Blazers playing mid-tier ball, it was surprising to see them rattle the New York Knicks at home, let alone beat them. But Lillard is a big reason for that. He’s fearless, and plays an all-around game—scoring, rebounding, passing, you name it. For the Knicks, Amare Stoudemire returned to a standing ovation. He then proceeded to light up Madison Square Garden with 6 points, one rebound and two turnovers. Spike Lee was beside himself.

No round-up would be complete without something about Kobe Bryant. In recent days, the league’s best scorer has called his Los Angeles Laker team “old” and “slow”, and admitted that their Staples Center roomies, the once lowly Clippers, are in the mix for the NBA crown. Kobe even called the Clips, currently among the Western Conference’s elite, “one of the top contenders”. Presumably L.A. reporters are now seeking Bryant’s view on Daniel Day Lewis as an Oscar favorite, and his take on other outrageousness circling the internet.

December 4, 2012; Washington, DC, USA; Miami Heat shooting guard Dwyane Wade (3) sits on the bench in the fourth quarter against the Washington Wizards at Verizon Center. The Wizards won 105-101. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-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…

Timberwolves (8-8) 105 @ 76ers (10-8) 88

• Leading scorers: MIN – Alexey Shved 17, PHI – Evan Turner 19.
• Kevin Love with a slightly off night (6 pts, 10 rebs), but the Wolves get a big win on the road.
• On the other hand, the Wolves got an unexpected performance from Josh Howard with 16 points (7-12 FG) and 10 rebounds.
• Minnesota shot 52% (13-25) from 3-point range and 53.2% for the game overall.
• J.J. Barea posted a double double with 11 points and 10 assists.
• Evan Turner led the Sixers again with 19 points and 5 rebounds.

Heat (12-4) 101 @ Wizards (2-13) 105

• Leading scorers: MIA – LeBron James 26, WAS – Jordan Crawford 22.
• That score is correct, the Wizards shock the Heat for their 2nd win of the season and snap the Heat’s 6-game win streak.
• While the Wiz starting lineup was fairly weak, the bench was led by Kevin Seraphin (16 pts, 10 rebs) and Jordan Crawford (22 pts, 6 asts).
• LeBron had a triple double in the loss, going for 26 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists (also 3 steals and 2 blocks). But I’m sure he’d trade it for the win.
• Chris Bosh was very effective with 20 points (8-11 FG), 12 rebounds and 4 assists.
• Credit to @markov4 for his BOLD prediction yesterday, calling the Wizards to knock off the Heat. And he made the pick before the game. 135,000 points for you sir!

Thunder (15-4) 117 @ Nets (11-6) 111

• Leading scorers: OKC – Kevin Durant 32, BKN – Deron Williams 33.
• The Thunder shot an incredible 60.6% from the field for the game, with the starters going 34-55 (61.8%).
• Durant and Westbook went 18-33 from the floor and 18-20 from the free throw line.
• Deron Williams had his biggest point output of the season with 33 points on 10-20 shooting (5-9 3PT).
• Andray Blatche had another strong game with 19 points and 11 rebounds.
• Even in the loss, the Nets destroyed the Thunder on the offensive glass 16-2.

Pacers (9-9) 80 @ Bulls (8-8) 76

• Leading scorers: IND – Paul George 34, CHI – Nate Robinson 19.
• Paul George dominated in this game, scoring 34 points on 14-25 (56%) shooting and scoring 42.5% of the Pacers total points.
• The only other players in double figures for Indiana were Hibbert (10 pts) and West (10 pts) who combined to shoot 8 for 23.
• Nate Robinson led the Bulls with 19 off the bench in 25 minutes.
• With the Pacers win, there is now a 3-way tie for first place in the Central Division: Pacers (9-9), Bulls (8-8) and the Bucks (8-8).

Suns (7-12) 98 @ Grizzlies (13-3) 108 – OT

• Leading scorers: PHX – Goran Dragic 19, MEM – Zach Randolph 38.
• Zach Randolph easily had the line of the night with 38 points (15-22 FG), 22 rebounds and even 3 blocks. Beast!
• The Grizzlies outscored the Suns in the paint 60-38.
• However, the Grizzlies did have a very low assist rate of 32.5% (13 assists on 40 made field goals).
• As usual, the point guard Goran Dragic led the Suns with 19 points and 7 assists.

Lakers (8-10) 105 @ Rockets (9-8) 107

• Leading scorers: LAL – Kobe Bryant 39, HOU – Toney Douglas 22.
• The Rockets had an unbelievable 4th quarter, outscoring the Lakers 34-22 to pick up the comeback victory.
• Sparingly used Toney Douglas played 28 minutes and scored 22 points (3-7 3PT), with 4 rebounds and 3 assists.
• James Harden and Jeremy Lin struggled to shoot the ball, combining for a terrible 5 for 27 (19%) performance.
• Greg Smith (who?) was the star of the game with 21 points (several buckets down the stretch) and 9 rebounds in 24 minutes off the bench.
• Kobe Bryant continues to lead the league in scoring and poured in 39 points in this one on 14 for 31 shooting.
• The Lakers again struggled from the free throw line, going 22-34 (64.7%) as a team. Dwight was only 8 for 16.

November 21, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Hawks shooting guard Kyle Korver (26) celebrates a game winning three with small forward Josh Smith (5) in overtime against the Washington Wizards at Philips Arena. The Hawks won 101-100 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Shirey-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…

Editor’s note: My apologies, as we were hit with some technical difficulties, thus you’re seeing a quick, abbreviated version of Box Score Bulletin’. Major stats and one-liners only. Back on Saturday with Friday night’s games.

Raptors (3-9) 97 @ Bobcats (6-4) 98

• Leading scorers: TOR – Andrea Bargnani 25, CHA - Kemba Walker 19.
• Leading rebounds: TOR – Jonas Valanciunas 10, CHA – Byron Mullens, Bismack Biyombo 8.
• Leading assists: TOR – Kyle Lowry 8, CHA – Kemba Walker 7.
• Jonas Valanciunas finally got some big minutes (35), played in the 4th quarter and produced another double double of 16 points and 10 rebounds.

Pistons (2-10) 74 @ Magic (4-7) 90

• Leading scorers: DET – Greg Monroe 19, ORL – Andrew Nicholson 15.
• Leading rebounds: DET – Greg Monroe, Tayshaun Prince 8, ORL – Glen Davis 14.
• Leading assists: DET – Brandon Knight 5, ORL – Jameer Nelson, J.J. Redick 7.
• J.J. Redick’s assists numbers have been excellent this season. So far, he’s averaging 5.2 assists on the year.

76ers (7-5) 83 @ Cavaliers (3-8) 92

• Leading scorers: PHI – Jrue Holiday, Jason Richardson 16, CLE – Jeremy Pargo 28.
• Leading rebounds: PHI -  Thaddeus Young 11, CLE – Anderson Varejao 19.
• Leading assists: PHI – Evan Turner 7, CLE – Dion Waiters 6.
• Ummmm… Jeremy Pargo, WTF?!?

Hornets (3-7) 107 @ Pacers (6-7) 115 – OT

• Leading scorers: NOH – Robin Lopez 21, IND – Paul George 37.
• Leading rebounds: NOH – Robin Lopez 13, IND – Roy Hibbert 11.
• Leading assists: NOH – Greivis Vasquez 8, IND – George Hill 7.
• All Roy Hibbert did was record the team’s first triple double since 2003. 11 blocked shots!?! Of course he sat on my fantasy bench.

Spurs (9-3) 112 @ Celtics (6-6) 100

• Leading scorers: SAN – Tony Parker 26, BOS – Rajon Rondo 22.
• Leading rebounds: SAN – Tim Duncan 15, BOS – Jared Sullinger 7.
• Leading assists: SAN – Tony Parker 6, BOS – Rajon Rondo 15.
• Rajon Rondo easily extends his double digit assist streak to 35 games.

Wizards (0-10) 100 @ Hawks (6-4) 101 – OT

• Leading scorers: WAS – Kevin Seraphin 21, ATL – Josh Smith 25.
• Leading rebounds: WAS – Trevor Ariza 15, ATL – Josh Smith 12.
• Leading assists: WAS – A.J. Price 7, ATL – Al Horford 10.
• Josh Smith finally steps up with a 25 and 12 as the Hawks narrowly escape.

Bucks (6-4) 106 @  Heat (9-3) 113 - OT

• Leading scorers: MIL – Brandon Jennings 19, MIA – LeBron James, Dwyane Wade 28.
• Leading rebounds: MIL – John Henson 18, MIA – Chris Bosh 18.
• Leading assists: MIL – Brandon Jennings 6, MIA – LeBron James 8.
• Wow. John Henson gets some major minutes and turns in a 17 point, 18 rebound performance.

Clippers (8-3) 111 @ Thunder (9-3) 117 – OT

• Leading scorers: LAC – Blake Griffin 23, OKC – Kevin Durant 35.
• Leading rebounds: LAC – DeAndre Jordan 10, OKC – Serge Ibaka 12.
• Leading assists: LAC – Chris Paul 9, OKC – Russell Westbook 9.
• Durant, Westbook and Martin combined for 78 of the 117 points scored.

Bulls (5-6) 89 @ Rockets (5-7) 93

• Leading scorers: CHI – Nate Robinson 21, HOU – James Harden 28.
• Leading rebounds: CHI – Carlos Boozer 15, HOU – Chandler Parsons 13.
• Leading assists: CHI – Kirk Hinrich 6, HOU – James Harden, Jeremy Lin 3.
• Chandler Parsons has been underrated all season. He played another 40 minutes and put up 18 points (7-13 FG) and 13 rebounds.

Nuggets (6-6) 101 @ Timberwolves (5-5) 94

• Leading scorers: DEN – Danilo Gallinari 19, MIN – Kevin Love 34.
• Leading rebounds: DEN – Kenneth Faried 14, MIN – Kevin Love 14.
• Leading assists: DEN – Ty Lawson 9, MIN – Luke Ridnour 6.
• Kevin Love, welcome back! Returning two weeks early from his broken hand, love posted 34 points and 14 rebounds. How typical of him (also left on my fantasy bench… a bad night for my fantasy squads).

Knicks (8-2) 111 @ Mavericks (7-6) 114

• Leading scorers: NYK – Carmelo Anthony 23, DAL – O.J. Mayo 27.
• Leading rebounds: NYK – Tyson Chandler 13, DAL – Elton Brand 8.
• Leading assists: NYK – Raymond Felton 11, DAL – Darren Collison 7.
• The usually stingy Knicks gave up 114 points to the Mavs, including 13-27 from behind the arc and 49.4% shooting overall.

Trail Blazers (5-6) 87 @ Suns (5-7) 114

• Leading scorers: POR – Damian Lillard 24, PHX – Marcin Gortat 22.
• Leading rebounds: POR – LaMarcus Aldridge 7, PHX – Marcin Gortat, Markieff Morris 7.
• Leading assists: POR – Nicolas Batum 4, PHX – Goran Dragic 8.
• The Suns shot an incredible 59.7% (46-77 FG) from the floor in pounding the Blazers by 27.

Lakers (6-6) 97 @ Kings (3-8) 113

• Leading scorers: LAL – Kobe Bryant 38, SAC – Marcus Thornton 23.
• Leading rebounds: LAL – Pau Gasol, Dwight Howard 9, SAC – Jason Thompson 10.
• Leading assists: LAL – Pau Gasol 4, SAC – Tyreke Evans 6.
• I know nobody wants to hear it, but Kobe Bryant really should be getting MVP consideration. 38 points on 11-20 shooting, including 5-9 from three and 11-13 from the line.

Nets (6-4) 93 @ Warriors (7-5) 102

• Leading scorers: BKN – Brook Lopez 22, GSW – Stephen Curry 25.
• Leading rebounds: BKN – Andray Blatche 7, GSW – David Lee 13.
• Leading assists: BKN – Deron Williams 8, GSW – Jarrett Jack 9.
• Steph Curry and Klay Thompson finally shot the ball a bit better together in this one, combining to go 17-32 from the field.

Nov 7, 2012; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Washington Wizards shooting guard Bradley Beal (3), guard/forward Martell Webster (9) and point guard A.J. Price (12) surround Boston Celtics small forward Paul Pierce (34) as he recovers a loose ball during the overtime at TD Banknorth Garden. The Boston Celtics won 100-94. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-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…

Suns (2-3) 117 @ Bobcats (1-2) 110

• Leading scorers: PHX – Shannon Brown 24, CHA – Byron Mullens 24.
• Marcin Gortat and Michael Beasley had monster games in a Suns victory. Gotat had 23 points, 10 rebounds and 7 blocked shots while Beasley had 21 points, 15 rebounds, 7 assists and 3 blocks.
• In leading the team with 24 points, Shannon Brown made 6 threes, ALL in the 4th quarter.
• Byron Mullens also knocked down 6 treys in scoring 24 points and 8 rebounds.
• The Walker/Sessions point guard duo combined for 34 points and 17 assists.

Wizards (0-3) 94 @ Celtics (2-2) 100 - OT

• Leading scorers: WAS – Bradley Beal, Kevin Seraphin, Martell Webster 16, BOS – Kevin Garnett 20.
• With Pierce having a bad shooting night (2-12), Rondo (18 pts, 14 asts) and Garnett (20 pts, 13 rebs) led the C’s to an OT win.
• The Celtics shot a ton more free throws than the Wizards, with the final count being 28-34 to 6-7.
• Kevin Seraphin had another nice game off the Wiz bench with 16 points and 9 rebounds.

Pacers (2-3) 86 @ Hawks (2-1) 89

• Leading scorers: IND – David West, George Hill 20, ATL – Al Horford 16.
• The Hawks used a 24-9 4th quarter and 17 offensive rebounds to come back and beat the Pacers.
• Al Horford led the way for the Hawks with 16 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocks.
• George Hill continues his strong point guard play for Indiana with 20 points (4-7 3PT), 3 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals.

Nets (1-2) 73 @ Heat (4-1) 103

• Leading scorers: BKN – Deron Williams 14, MIA – Dwyane Wade 22.
•  Is it possible that LeBron James has gotten even more efficient? 20 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists in only 30 minutes.
• Dwyane Wade also had a very efficient scoring night with 22 points on 10-14 shooting.
• The Nets shot 3-21 from behind the arc in only putting up 73 total points.
• Kris Humphries posted a double double with 11 points and 11 rebounds.

Grizzlies (3-1) 108 @ Bucks (2-1) 90

• Leading scorers: MEM – Zach Randolph, Marreese Speights 18, MIL – Brandon Jennings 19.
• Zach Randolph continues to dominate the glass, with another 13 rebounds tonight. His average for the season? A healthy 15.3 per game.
• Mike Conley Jr. posted a double double with 13 points and 12 assists.
• The Grizz shot 53% from the field (44-83).

76ers (2-2) 77 @ Hornets (2-2) 62

• Leading scorers: PHI – Jrue Holiday, Evan Turner 14, NOH – Al-Farouq Aminu 10.
• Let’s let the worst be first: The Hornets scored a franchise low 62 points in the game.
• New Orleans starters finished the night shooting 15 for 45 from the field and the entire team only attempted 69 total field goals.
• Al-Farouq Aminu was the only player in double figures (barely) for the Hornets with 10 points and 16 rebounds.
• Thad Young (12 pts, 10 rebs) and Jrue Holiday (14 pts, 12 asts) both posted double doubles.

Nuggets (2-3) 93 @ Rockets (2-2) 87

• Leading scorers: DEN – Ty Lawson 21, HOU – Carlos Delfino 19.
• Kenneth Faried with a “Manimal” type game with 16 points and 16 rebounds.
• Odd stat line for Andre Miller in this one: 0 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists.
• Omer Asik grabbed another 13 rebounds, but actually got into double digit scoring this time around (10).
• Jeremy Lin (6) and James Harden (5) combined for 11 steals in the game.

Magic (2-2) 75 @ Timberwolves (3-1) 90

• Leading scorers: ORL – J.J. Redick 16, MIN – Luke Ridnour 19.
• Luke Ridnour had a nice game. He started, played 31 minutes and posted 19 points (3-4 3PT), 5 rebounds and 3 assists.
• The Timberwolves found a way to slow Glen Davis, as he finished with only 4 points.
• E-Twaun Moore still getting lots of minutes and playing well for the Magic. He had 36 minutes in this one with 10 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists.

Raptors (1-4) 104 @ Mavericks (4-1) 109

• Leading scorers: TOR – Andrea Bargnani 25, DAL – O.J. Mayo, Chris Kaman 22.
• The Mavs were down Elton Brand and Shawn Marion, but Chris Kaman made up for them, scoring 22 points and grabbing 8 rebounds.
• After 22 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists  in this game, O.J. Mayo is averaged 21.6, 3.6 and 3.2 on the season.
• DeMar DeRozan has a terrific all around game with 24 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists.
• Although he was 0-5 from 3-point range, Andrea Bargnani bounced back with 25 points and 9 rebounds.

Lakers (1-4) 86 @ Jazz (2-3) 95

• Leading scorers: LAL – Kobe Bryant 29, UTA – Al Jefferson 18.
• The Lakers shot 28 more free throws than the Jazz (46-18) and still lost the game.
• Kobe finished with 29 points and was 15-17 from the free throw line.
• Even though he played 36 minutes, Pau Gasol was a non-factor in the box score. Only 5 points on 2-9 shooting.
• Double double for Big All Jefferson with 18 points and 10 rebound (also 3 steals).

Pistons (0-5) 103 @ Kings (2-3) 105

• Leading scorers: DET – Greg Monroe, Brandon Knight 21, SAC – DeMarcus Cousins 21.
• First things first. Greg Monroe recorded the first Pistons triple double since 2004 with 21 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists.
• Aaron Brooks and Marcus Thornton each shot 5-12 off the bench for a combined 22 points.
• Brandon Knight stepped up for Detroit with 21 points (5-9 3PT).

Spurs (4-1) 84 @ Clippers (3-2) 106

• Leading scorers: SAN – Danny Green 12, LAC – Blake Griffin 22.
• Don’t expect to win many games when you’re leading scorer is Danny Green with only 12 points. The only other Spur with double figures? Tim Duncan with 10.
• The Spurs did have 46 bench points (Ginobili, Neal with 9 each).
• DeAndre Jordan had a hell of a game for the Clippers with 20 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks (maybe it’s because he didn’t have to shoot any free throws).
• Eric Bledsoe become a very reliable player, even down the stretch for the Clips. He had 15 points and 5 assists off the bench.

Cavaliers (2-2) 96 @ Warriors (3-2) 106

• Leading scorers: CLE – Kyric Irving 28, GSW – David Lee 22.
• David Lee was the man for the Warriors with 22 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists.
• Carl Landry continued his 6th man run with 19 points and 9 rebounds off the bench in 26 minutes.
• The Warriors shot 53.8% from the floor.
• Kyrie with another impressive stat line: 28 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists.

October 11, 2012; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Wizards guard Jordan Crawford (15) dives to control the ball in front of New York Knicks guard Jason Kidd (5), Knicks guard J.R. Smith (8), and Knicks forward Steven Novak (16) in the first half at Verizon Center. The Knicks won 108-101. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-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…

Heat (1-1) 94 @ Clippers (0-2) 80

• Leading scorers: MIA – LeBron James 20, LAC – Blake Griffin 19.
• Well, LeBron is clearly in mid-preseason form. 20 points 5 rebounds and 5 assists in 26 minutes.
• After going 0-1 from 3-point range in his first game, Ray Allen bombed 4-8 from behind the arc (15 total points) in this one.
• Did free throw shooting slide down to the bottom of the priority list for DeAndre Jordan this summer? Apparently, with his 1-10 from the free throw line. Good thing they’re “free.”
• The Clips turned the ball over 25 times in this game (Griffin 6, Crawford 5), with the Heat scoring 25 points off those turnovers.

Knicks (1-0) 108 @ Wizards (0-2) 101

• Leading scorers: NY – Steve Novak 21, WAS – Jordan Crawford 17.
• The Knicks shot an incredible 18-33 (55%) from 3-point range. Novak and Carmelo were a perfect 7-7 and 3-3, while Pablo Prigioni (who?) was 4-8.
• Rookie Bradley Beal impressed again with 15 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.
• Martell Webster continued his push for major minutes with 12 points and 10 rebounds.
• Defense? There was only 1 blocked shot in this entire game (Kevin Seraphin).

76ers (1-0) 102 @ Magic (0-2) 95

• Leading scorers: PHI – Jrue Holiday 27, ORL – Glen Davis 16.
• This was very much the Jrue Holiday show, as he went 12-14 from the field and didn’t even need a free throw to amass his 27 points. He also added 4 rebounds and 3 assists.
• Former Villanova Wildcat Maalik Wayns, vying for a roster spot, finished with 6 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists.
• Two Magic players posted double doubles: Glen Davis with 16 pts, 12 rebs and Nikola Vucevic (playing against his former team) had 12 pts and 10 rebs.
• Rookie Andrew Nicholson (sorry, a fellow Canadian) had 14 points on 7-15 shooting.
• The Magic outscored the Sixers 58-36 in the paint.

Hornets (3-0) 90 @ Bobcats (1-2) 87

• Leading scorers: NOH – Brian Roberts 16, CHA – Ben Gordon, Byron Mullens 15.
• VERY early rookie of the year comparison: Anthony Davis 12 pts, 9 rebs, 1 blk. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist 1 pt, 4 rebs, 2 blks.
• The Bobcats went 5-22 from three. Is it necessarily a good thing when your PF/C (Mullens) takes 7 of his 9 shots from behind the arc. Then again, Mullens does have a sweet moutstache and it is the Bobcats.
• This is as typical as it gets for a Ben Gordon game: 15 points (5-14 FG), 1 rebounds and 0 assists. Gordon gets my vote for the most over-hyped Fantasy player of all time.
• Another 3 blocks for Bismack Biyombo his this game. That’s 8 so far in 3 games for the second year big man.

Maccabi (N/A) 100 @ Warriors (3-0) 108

• Leading scorers: MAC – Donta Smith 28, GSW – Carl Landry 24.
• Maccabi didn’t get much of a bench contribution, as the starters combined for 82 of the 100 points scored.
• Warriors starters (Landry, Barnes, Thompson, Ezeli and Curry) shot a collection 31-50 (62%) from the floor.
• After saying that he was exhausted and his ankle felt sore after his first game back in months, Steph Curry bounced back in this one with a double double, 13 points, 10 assists and 4 rebounds.

• 

  Jan. 2, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Atlanta Hawks center Al Horford (15) is fouled by Miami Heat center Joel Anthony (50) during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

  AL HORFORD, C, Atlanta Hawks
  Last season: 31.6 MPG, 12.4 PPG, 7.0 RPG, 19.02 PER
  When he’s on the floor, Al Horford is one of the more efficient, well-rounded centers in the Eastern Conference and has made a couple of All-Star appearances as proof. However, reader Wesley Morton once pointed out that ”it’s unfair to compare him to centers.” Really? Should we compare him to point guards then? Regardless of that nonsense, Horford is considered an above-average center and will continue to perform consistently as long as he plays in the majority of the Hawks games. Given the roster was completely turned upside down in the offseason, it’s hard to pinpoint any of the new guys (could make a small case for Lou Williams) to be X-Factors. With Horford’s presence, the team at least has a chance as a postseason run, without him, they are in the lottery. We’ve been down the Zaza path before, it’s bleek.

• 

  June 28, 2012; Newark, NJ, USA; Michael Kidd-Gilchrist (Kentucky), right, is introduced as the number two overall pick to the Charlotte Bobcats by NBA commissioner David Stern during the 2012 NBA Draft at the Prudential Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-US PRESSWIRE

  MICHAEL KIDD-GILCHRIST, SF, Charlotte Bobcats
  Last season (at Kentucky, 40 games): 31.1 MPG, 11.9 PPG, 7.4 RPG
  Surely the Bobcats won’t break NBA history once again and duplicate their .106 winning percentage from last season. I like that they did add some veterans in Haywood, Gordon and Sessions to blend with the insanely young roster of a year ago. That should make them better, albeit only slightly. With those three ultimately being of the role player variety, the true improvement of this team, now and long term, rests on the shoulders of their #2 overall pick, Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. Expectations will be high, but given MKG’s versatile skill set and relentless hustle, he should keep the Bobcats in a few more games this year and will certainly make them more bearable to watch, perhaps even exciting. Time will tell if this is Michael Jordan’s smartest decision yet, though it looks like it before the season tips off.

• 

  July 11 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Miami Heat player Ray Allen (34), center, hold up his jersey next to president Pat Riley (left), and head coach Erik Spoelstra (right) during a press conference during a press conference at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

  RAY ALLEN, SG, Miami Heat
  Last season: 34.0 MPG, 14.2 PPG, 3.1 RPG, 14.83 PER
  We all know exactly what the NBA Champion Miami Heat are… juggernauts. The team hardly needing fixing and is basically unchanged from last year, other than adding a couple of former teammates (on the cheap) named Rashard Lewis and Ray Allen, you might have heard of them. Of course LeBron, Wade and Bosh are the focal points and will get theirs. Allen is the true X-Factor and with him, the Heat addressed one of the areas that they’re generally slammed for, their outside shooting. Who knows how far back the broken Mike Miller comes back and if he’ll be able to contribute at all? Even though Ray is well past his peek, the open looks he’ll get with the playmaking and command drawn by the “Big Three” (man I hate using that) makes them even more dangerous, if that’s even possible.

• 

  Oct 14, 2010; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers guard Eric Gordon (10) is defended by Denver Nuggets guard Aaron Afflalo (6) at the Staples Center. The Nuggets defeated the Clippers 100-95. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee/Image of Sport-US PRESSWIRE

  AARON AFFLALO, SG, Orlando Magic
  Last season: 33.6 MPG, 15.2 PPG, 3.2 RPG, 14.76 PER
  With the way the Magic’s roster has changed over the past couple of months, you could literally pick an “X-Factor” out of a hat. This franchise will be in trouble this year. Big Baby Davis needs to come into camp in shape, Jameer needs to play steady, Reddick needs to step forward and of course, you never know what to expect from Hedo. That’s why I think the real star of this team needs to be Aaron Afflalo. Already a terrific defender, Afflalo’s offense has gotten progressively better in each of his first five seasons, with his point totals looking like this: 3.7, 4.9, 8.8, 12.6 and 15.2. Based on that trend, he should make another leap this year. He did get a pretty generous contact in Denver, but he has a chance to prove that he’s worth even more this year as the potential face of the new-look Magic franchise and launch himself into the conversation of the premier guards in the East. He’ll certainly get to know them up close and personally when he’s in their face every night.

• 

  January 13, 2012; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Hornets center Emeka Okafor (right) drives in against Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Kevin Love (left) during the second quarter of a game at the New Orleans Arena. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-US PRESSWIRE

  EMEKA OKAFOR, C, Washington Wizards
  Last season: 28.9 MPG, 9.9 PPG, 7.9 RPG, 15.13 PER (27 games)
  True story: I lost $500 on this game last season when the Washington Wizards decided to put up one of the most prolific shooting barrages the NBA has ever seen while visiting Portland. I watched, I almost cried, I could barely breathe. My point is, that was the ’11-12 Wizards, a careless, zero expectations crew that could string together a ridiculously lucky offensive performance every few weeks. This season, they NEED defense. I’ve encountered people of the opinion that the Wiz are a potential sleeper and have a shot at snagging a bottom playoff seed. To do that, they need a full, consistent season from Emeka Okafor. Yes, Nene absolutely has to play the same way, as well as the young fellas that make up the bench in Booker, Seraphin and Vesely. But Okafor must revisit the Charlotte Bobcats version of himself and get back near that double double player he once was. Although if Wiz are terrible again, no one will be shocked.

Feb. 20, 2012; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Washington Wizards guard (2) John Wall takes a shot under pressure from Phoenix Suns guard Steve Nash at the US Airways Center. The Suns defeated the Wizards 104-88. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

John Wall
Resume: 16.3 points, 4.5 rebounds, 8.0 assists (7th in league), 1.4 steals, 0.9 blocks, 36.2 minutes, 317 free throws made (7th in league), 402 free throw attempts (8th in league), 42% FG, and 79% FT… Team record in games played: 20-46

You might have noticed by now that my mind works in an interesting way. I like to make comparisons that won’t always make sense to you, even though they will to me. Maybe this upcoming comparison won’t make any sense, but maybe some people will see where I’m coming from and totally understand what I mean. I look at John Wall the same way that I look at Blake Griffin. Aren’t Wall and Griffin both superior athletes who have their specific calling cards; Wall’s breathtaking speed and Griffin’s ability to dunk over anyone? Aren’t they both players still a little raw when it comes to pure basketball skill? Wall still hasn’t quite figured out how to play the point guard position, and he still manages to average 8 assists per game, while Griffin isn’t a totally polished offensive player but still put’s up 20 points and 10 rebounds a night. Aren’t they both by all accounts big-time personalities, who are just as bright off the court as they are on? John Wall created his own dance and then mastered the Dougie like nobody else has been able to. Blake Griffin jumped over a Kia and then made bank by starring in a number of hilarious Kia commercials. The similarity between the two that matters the most for now is the fact that both Wall and Griffin are unfinished talents. In the next month I’ll touch on Griffin, but for now I want to focus on John Wall, who is such a brilliant athletic specimen that it’s probably going to take some time for him to figure out how to maximize that athleticism. The biggest problem I’ve seen with John Wall over the last two years is that his athleticism gets in his own way sometimes.

Watching John Wall is like watching a super hyper little kid. You know the type of kid I’m talking about. The kid who is having so much fun playing with his friends that he gets a little too excited and ends up accidentally making one kid cry because he got a little too excited. He didn’t mean to hurt him and make him cry, but that’s just what happens when you get out of control. Wall is so ridiculously fast, sometimes he actually goes too fast. If you look at the best point guards in the NBA (Chris Paul, Rajon Rondo, Deron Williams, Steve Nash, etc.), they all play at a pace they are comfortable playing at. It’s like they have a switch that they can turn on and off depending on the moment. Either Wall wasn’t constructed with that switch or he just hasn’t been able to find it yet. When Wall can harness the incredible athleticism he’s been blessed with and clean up the turnovers (255, the most in the NBA, which are based on him just going too fast) he has a real chance to be an elite NBA player. Can you imagine when John Wall finds that switch AND develops a jump shot? Good grief! He shot 7% from downtown this year. That isn’t a misprint. John Wall made exactly 3 out of 42 three-point attempts and he’s still one of the best young point guards in the world. Over time, Wall is going to learn how to find a better balance between “athletic freak” and “basketball player.” When he does the league should look out.

April 21, 2012; Miami, FL, USA; Washington Wizards center Nene (42) against the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-US PRESSWIRE

Perusing the basketball web into the earliest hours of the morning before bed last night led me to this video of John Wall casually playing one-on-one against Tyrek Coger, a marginal division one prospect from the high school class of 2013.  There’s nothing to be learned from that clip, but it encouraged me to dig deeper into Wall’s brief, up-and-down, two-year career as the point guard of the always-mercurial Washington Wizards.

Wall’s game didn’t take the jump many thought it would last season.  He still couldn’t hit a jumper to save his life, his high turnover rate from his rookie year spiked just a bit more, and even his assist rate dipped, too.  Wall’s PER jumped to a very solid 17.77, though, and his defensive rating and per-36 minute +/- were much better.  So even though he didn’t develop in his sophomore season the way hyper-athletic point guard predecessors Derrick Rose and Russell Westbrook did, Wall was still a better overall player his second year in the league than he was in his first.

By far the most problematic area of Wall’s is his glaring, glaring lack of a jumper.  He shot just 3-42 (7%) from three-point range last year, and an absolutely abysmal 29.7% from everywhere on the floor outside the restricted area.  Wall doesn’t just need to find a perimeter shot, he needs to find an in-between and closer one too.  But those things can be developed, and Rose and Westbrook are as good an example as any of that.

So what struck me most in analyzing the numbers of Wall and the Wizards in general last season was the impact the trade for Nene had on the team.  Getting rid of the influence of Javale McGee and Andray Blatche this season should help Wall, but even more so is adding that of the veteran Brazilian center.  Nene played just 11 games for Washington last year due to injury but thrived when he was on the floor.  His personal numbers and the overall effect he had on a young Wizards roster is glaring to say the least – see for yourself.  All that even translated into wins for the Wizards, too, as Nene went 7-4 in a Washington uniform including five consecutive wins to end the year.  That needs to be taken with a grain of salt because of the small sample size and state of the league at the time (hello tanking!), but it’s worthy of mention nonetheless for an organization so badly needing just a glimmer of hope.  And maybe better than all of that is the early synergy developed between Washington’s two best players.  Wall and Nene had an undeniably positive influence on each other last season, evidenced by their individual and team-wide statistics when the two of them played together.

So there’s reason to be sort of excited for the Wizards this season.  Surrounding Wall with legitimate NBA talent that plays hard and the right way is a good enough start, and given the way he played with Nene last year and how his game seems to fit on paper with prized rookie Bradley Beal it’s easy to imagine Wall breaking out in his third season whether his jumper improves much or not.  And if it does, don’t be surprised to see he and the Wizards perform well above preseason expectations.

We now have the official draft order for the upcoming NBA Draft:

1. Cleveland Cavaliers
2. Minnesota Timberwolves
3. Utah Jazz

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The San Antonio Spurs have signed former UNC standout Danny Green for the remainder of the season. Green played for the North Carolina Tar Heels from 2006-2006 and is the only player in ACC history with 1,000 points, 500 rebounds, 250 assists, 150 three-pointers, 150 blocks and 150 steals. He also played more games (145) and had more wins (123) than any other Tar Heel before him. His team won the NCAA Championship in 2009, the Final Four in 2008 and the Elite Eight in 2007.

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For today’s report, I’ve highlighted a few important news items in the world of the D-League and included a list of all the D-League Call Ups and Assignments so far this season. Enjoy!

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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…)

Cleveland’s record now: 8-45.

I’ll be the first to admit. I guaranteed victory for the Cavs over the Pistons. Guaranteed! I simply had no doubt in my mind that they would win.

But of course, when the Cavs got down 52-36 at the half, reality set in. Did I really just guarantee victory for a team that had lost 25 straight games? (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…)

There were a few of those games last night. You had the Pacers and Sixers with a tight game in the final two minutes or so, with the Pacers stopping their road losing streak and getting a nice win. You had the Kings and Wizards putting up 130+, which ultimately ended with the Kings missing a three to tie with two seconds left (which was taken by DeMarcus Cousins…..). (more…)