Jan 27, 2016
Five Thoughts: Joseph impressive for Raptors
TSN basketball analyst Jack Armstrong offers up thoughts on Canadian guard Cory Joseph, Lance Thomas’s quiet effectiveness for the Knicks and Heat rookie Justise Winslow’s continued improvement
FIVE THOUGHTS:
1. CORY JOSEPH (Raptors): The Toronto point guard has bounced back of late, showing the playing form we saw from him earlier in season. The improved play of Terrence Ross and Patrick Patterson creates a lot of space to drive the ball to basket, which Joseph does quite well. He and Kyle Lowry operate beautifully together. Joseph competes very hard defensively and gives his team sound leadership. I have been impressed.
2. TERRY STOTTS (Blazers): Look at the Western Conference standings. If season ended today the Blazers would be in the playoffs. Who would have ever thought that at the start of the season? They lost four starters in the summer, making it look like it would be a long season for one of the great NBA markets. Yet here the Blazers are in late January, battling for a spot in the postseason. A lot of the credit goes to Stotts and his staff. They’ve provided sound leadership and good basketball acumen.
3. LANCE THOMAS (Knicks): The forward has quietly done a very nice job as a reserve for the Knicks. He’s an undrafted guy who appears to have found a home in New York, averaging nine points per game. He plays with energy and has good skills. The team has shown good improvement and chemistry this season. Guys like Thomas are a big reason why.
4. KHRIS MIDDLETON (Bucks): He's definitely been a smart investment for Milwaukee. Middleton comes to play every night and produces for you (18 points, four rebounds and four assists per game). The Bucks are finally getting healthy and starting to play a bit better. He's been one of their steady players.
5. JUSTISE WINSLOW (Heat): Every time I watch the Heat rookie I see a young guy who is getting more aware and confident in what he's doing on the court. He's got good coaching and veteran players around him in Miami. That will gradually take hold even further and you'll see greater consistency from the youngster. Has nice size and athleticism. With patience, he's going to become a good pro.