Columnist image

TSN Basketball Analyst

Archive

1. JAMES JOHNSON (Raptors): Talk about making an impact! The last two games vs the Clippers and Spurs he's been huge. Bottom line; they don't win either game without him. He has that next level talent that when he plays under control can take his team to another gear. His versatility at the 3 and 4 spots is impressive. Sooner or later you knew he'd earn back some minutes and it couldn't have come at a better time. If he can stay consistent in his approach, it will really help this club. They need what he brings because in many areas they don't have enough of what he has. When he's right, they are a dangerous team.

2. DEAN SMITH (UNC): Sad day on Sunday in the basketball world. Had the opportunity to meet him a number of times over the years and as a young assistant coach at Fordham, I had the good fortune to be on the other bench facing him and his Tar Heels on a few occasions. He's a class act all the way and such an innovator. The Four Corners, The Secondary Break, The Point Zone, The 2nd Unit Concept, recognizing the great pass with the finger point, etc. The list goes on and on. He was all about team and program. The impact he made on the game is remarkable and the players, coaches, executives - and most importantly - good people he developed at UNC is his true legacy. It was an honor to meet him and I know I learned a ton from him.             

3. GRIZZLIES: Beat the Hawks 94-88 on Sunday and its funny; I had a few folks tell me that they can't keep up because they don't use the 3-ball enough. Well, they get out-scored 36-9 behind the arc (12-3 in 3's), yet they win. Why? They pounded the Hawks with physical play and allowed no free flow to their style. Out-rebound them by 18 and get 17 offensive boards. An impressive win. Two outstanding teams both trying to establish their style. There is no right or wrong way to win - you just have to play the style that best suits you.

4. BLAKE GRIFFIN (Clippers): Any time I hear staph infection I get nervous. Thank goodness they caught this early. Who knows how long he's out, yet they deal with it aggressively and he'll be back for the home stretch. They've lost three in a row and are already missing JJ Redick, and it could get dicey for a while. I'm not a fan of their team's collective DNA. They whine and complain constantly and don't seem to understand that you have to earn things first before you can expect anything. How can the Spurs win five titles, yet you watch them play and they complain a whole lot less than this crew. Doc Rivers says there is no reason for panic and I agree. But there is reason for concern because this team worries about the wrong things. Play the game hard and right, and the other stuff will come.

5. PAU GASOL (Bulls): I don't think we truly recognize just how good this guy is. He's been fabulous this year, averaging 18 and 12. I didn't expect him to be this good at this stage of his career. He's really impressed me with his overall ability to fit into his third pro team seamlessly. A joy to watch.