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TSN Basketball Analyst

Archive

FIVE QUICK NBA THOUGHTS

1. DWANE CASEY (Raptors): Team off to best start in franchise history at 6-1. Think back to the dark days of the 4-19 start during the 2012-13 season and how far they've come. From that point on, his teams have gone 84-64 and that includes a 6-12 start last year. Nice to finally have a good start this time around. Bottom line, the Organization has stayed patient with Coach Casey and they've been rewarded for it. Lots of work still to do and ground to cover with 75 games to play yet it's nice to briefly reflect on how far they've come. Leadership has had a lot to do with it. Coaching does matter a whole lot and Casey has paid his dues and deserved a second chance after the plug was pulled way too early on him in Minnesota. Good things happening for a good guy.

2. MATT DELLAVEDOVA (Cavs): Out for the next 4-6 weeks and even though he's not a household name by any means he's a guy that really brought great energy and defensive feistiness of the bench for Cleveland. You need the stars on any team to carry you and the Cavs will figure it out sooner or later yet that it's the secondary guys that help create the makeup of your team as much as the big fellas. Guys off the bench need to be sparkplugs to get you going many nights and he did this. He's impressed me with his fire and ability.

3. COURTNEY LEE (Grizzlies): He's an ideal fit for their team at the 2-guard spot. Having a sound season at 15 ppg - he's a skilled guy who can make shots (55 per cent / 66 per cent 3-pointers / 92 per cent free throws) and does it within the confines of your offence. He and Mike Conley are both intelligent no-frills players who get the job done with little fanfare. I like their approach and chemistry. Guard play is paramount to a team's success and this is an underrated back court.

4. KELLY OLYNYK (Celtics): This young man is gradually improving and making nice steps in his professional development. Really impressed with his versatility for a big man. How many bigs shoot 60 per cent along with 53 per cent on three pointers and 83 per cent free throws? Not a lot, that's for sure. Averaging 13 ppg and 7 rpg and having a good second year in Boston. Brad Stevens is an ideal coach for him that will utilize the cerebral big man effectively. I said this last week when the Raptors played the Celtics - the better the roster gets in Boston the more impact that Olynyk will have for you. He makes all the right plays and complements talented teammates. A good get for GM Danny Ainge.

5. LOU WILLIAMS (Raptors): Looks a lot more comfortable the past few games as he gets a sense of the Raptors system and how he fits in with his teammates. Has always been a good scorer but I've been impressed with his poise and his willingness to play really hard and attempt to defend. A valuable second unit pickup. Has already earned the respect of teammates and coaches with his ability to make plays at the end of the shot clock. Calm and mature personality who has a sense of what needs to get done - and does it.