This week’s look around the NBA to determine who has been great (tops) and not so great (flops) in the last seven days.
Tops
Indiana Pacers– A great trade sent Danny Granger to Philadelphia, in return for very talented Evan Turner, who could be a great asset for his new side. Danny Granger (aged 30) was playing very few minutes, and quite frankly Indiana will be happy to have gotten rid of him, especially for a player like Evan Turner, and center Lavoy Allen as well.
Victor Oladipo– The Orlando rookie made a big statement by dominating Rookie of the year favorite Michael Carter-Williams in a double digit victory against the Sixers. The young guard scored 17 points, grabbed 11 boards and two steals, whilst limiting his rival to just eight points (3/13 FG) and four assists. With Philly on a 12-game losing streak, Oladipo is looking in a great shape to beat Carter-Williams for Rookie of the Year honours.
Thomas Robinson– The Portland Trailblazers’ forward performed a sensational block on Corey Brewer, leading to a Will Barton alley oop dunk on the fast break. The chase down is undeniably the block of the year so far, and could rank very highly in the Top 10 plays of the year.
Flops
New Orleans Pelicans– Their injury-packed season intensified after All-Star forward Anthony Davis sprained his left shoulder, consequently adding to the dramatic list of injured players that the newly named franchise carries- Jrue Holiday, Ryan Anderson and Sam Smith are also unable to play, meaning the Pelicans are lacking four of their top six scorers. Not ideal for a team looking to make a big playoff surge.
Raymond Felton– Knicks’ guard Felton was arrested earlier this week for criminal possession of a weapon, and released on bail for $25,000. This sadly portrays the current form of the Knicks, who have only won two of their last ten games, and are currently 11th in the Eastern Conference, five games behind 8th place.
Oklahoma City Thunder-Since Russell Westbrook’s return, OKC have lost 3 games in a row, all three of which were at home. San Antonio are now only one game behind them in the Western Conference. Defensively, Kevin Durant’s side is looking very vulnerable, having conceded over 100 points in each of their last four games.
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