LEAGUEWIDE
These players might not be big names, but they could have a huge impact on who wins at the deadline
Eamon Cassels, Fansided
Keon Ellis is a curious case — it seems like every NBA (follower) loves his game. Yet, under two different coaches now, Ellis has failed to earn a consistent role with the Sacramento Kings. Marc Stein has noted that Ellis is one of the most likely players to be moved ahead of the deadline, and that 14 teams (!!) are interested in his services.
BI Note: The Kings’ continuing refusal to play Keon minutes appropriate for a team’s best defender who also shoots 40+% from three gives new meaning to the word “inexplicable”.
Cooper Flagg and Kon Knueppel: Friends and former Duke roommates, now ROY favorites
Christian Clark/Brendan Marks, The Athletic
One Thought From Each Game on Wednesday Night
Dustin Brewer, Hoops
Giannis Antetokounmpo trade story exposes worst instincts of NBA media
Brendon Kleen, Awful Announcing
TEAM-SPECIFIC
CHA: How the Hornets are on the verge of crashing the playoff party
Above The Break
CHA: It’s Moussa Diabate’s world and we’re all living in it
’Nata Edwards, Dispatches From Spectrum
CHA: GAMENOTES: Regular Season Game #48
Evan Hale, Every Hornets Boxscore
A Moose outworks 15 Grizzlies!
CHI: NBA trade deadline: Is Coby White the Bulls’ highest-value asset?
Julia Poe, Chicago Tribune
CLE: Game Night Observations: LeBron’s Reflections and A True Winning Streak
Danny Cunningham, The Inside Shot
The first quarter wasn’t an overly impressive display of basketball by either team. Both squads seemed to struggle with the heavy emotions of the evening. Once the second quarter arrived, the Cavs composed themselves and outscored the Lakers 105-71 over the final three quarters.
They did it by, once again, doing the little things at a big level. In this recent stretch of basketball the Cavs have consistently won the effort categories. They’ve gone from one of the worst rebounding teams in the NBA to one of the best. They’re no longer getting crushed in transition, the defensive rotations have been tighter. After spending the first two months of the season trying to win games played in a style that’s been dictated by the opponent, the Cavs have been the ones to consistently set the tone.
“I thought we imposed our will, physically,” Cavs head coach Kenny Atkinson said after the game. “50-50 balls, the rebounds, we kind of got to them first. I think that was a big key, too.”
That’s who the Cavs have been. They’ve become the hungry team again. They force turnovers, the make the right plays consistently. They’re not playing beautiful basketball, at least not right now, but they’re building a foundation that should allow them to reach a much higher peak when they’re fully healthy, if that day ever comes.
DET: Pistons’ center Jalen Duren breaks down plays in his own words: Film study
Hunter Patterson, The Athletic
GSW: The biggest questions for the Warriors ahead of the NBA trade deadline
Anthony Slater, ESPN
LAC: Clippers and NBA trade deadline: Does league-best stretch change outlook?
Law Murray, The Athletic
The rest of the team-specific stories as well as draft-related items follow for paid subscribers