Jun 22, 2016
Five quick hoops thoughts
TSN basketball analyst Jack Armstrong checks in with his thoughts on the upcoming NBA Draft as well as a well earned championship for the city of Cleveland.
TSN basketball analyst Jack Armstrong checks in with his thoughts on the upcoming NBA Draft as well as a well earned championship for the city of Cleveland.
1. TORONTO RAPTORS DRAFT: I’m not sure if a Tracy McGrady or DeMar DeRozan will fall in to the Raptors lap at the nine spot like in previous years; but ultimately they'll get a good player to develop, trade or stash overseas. This is just step one in the process along with free agency and trades to try and put together a roster for training camp that will be able to once again compete at a high level next season.
2. BOSTON CELTICS & PHILADELPHIA 76ERS: Be sure to keep an eye out for both of these Atlantic Division rivals. Both teams have three first round picks as well as cap space and their GM's Danny Ainge (Celtics) and Bryan Colangelo (Sixers) who won't shy away from being bold and making deals. It should be fun to watch.
3. CLEVELAND CAVALIERS CHAMPIONSHIP: I’m thrilled for the long suffering fans of Cleveland. It’s great that they are now able to put 52-years of sports frustration behind them. It’s just another example of how a team and a community feed off of each other. In many cases you see the value in that connectivity.
4. LUKE WALTON (Lakers): Had his opening press conference as the new Lakers coach on Tuesday. I think he'll do a very good job for them. Obviously you need better players, but he impressed me big time leading the Warriors in Steve Kerr absence earlier this season, guiding them to a 39-4 start. He knows his hoops, he has a good way of communicating and he reacts quickly. This was a sound choice by Lakers management.
5. DWIGHT HOWARD (Rockets): He'll be a free agent on July 1st and it will be interesting to see which teams want to get involved with him. This will be team # 4 coming up for him. He has just as many doubters as he does fans at this point. The style of play in the NBA has changed lots over the years and that presents several questions: Does he even fit in anymore? And if he does, at what price point? There is going to be lots of money flooding the market this summer, yet I see this particular case as one where some buyers might still be somewhat cautious due to the changing playing style and Howard's personal makeup.