Feb 25, 2015
Five thoughts on Rose, Raptors and more
TSN basketball analyst Jack Armstrong is back with five thoughts, including a look a the latest Derrick Rose injury, the Raptors' losses to the Pelicans and Mavericks, and the play of Devin Harris and Luke Babbitt. Plus could the NBA be headed for games in the summer?
FIVE QUICK NBA THOUGHTS
1. RAPTORS 4TH QUARTER WOES: Last two nights in New Orleans and Dallas had consistent issues that will need to be cleaned up to avoid frustrating collapses. Offensively, turnovers and shot selection are problems which have derailed them while defensively screen and roll coverages and controlling dribble penetration are paramount. The good news is that they're all correctable errors. The concerning news is that these issues have popped up on and off during the season. Gotta get to the point where they are steady and consistent with these areas. If they get it fixed, they will be fine but it has to get better.
2. DEVIN HARRIS (Mavericks): Was incredibly impressive on Tuesday night in Dallas. The man plays really hard. Was a disruptive force with his energy and impactful defensive plays. Really quick and a sound off-the-ball playmaker. Sound second unit guy.
3. LUKE BABBITT (Pelicans): Folks have been waiting for this former first-round pick to produce. Well he did on Monday night against the Raptors. What impressed me beyond his beautiful shooting stroke was his ability to create offence with the dribble and his willingness to be physical in the lane. He showed me some grit and toughness that I hadn't seen in the past. Worth giving looks to.
4. DERRICK ROSE (Bulls): What can you say? I'm heartbroken for him. He's a wonderful young talent who carries himself in a first class fashion and has just had a bunch of bad breaks. Can he come back and be 80/90 per cent of the player he once was? I'm starting to get concerned that this is going to be a continuing pattern. Fingers crossed he gets through this. He's a joy to watch. I know he'll work his tail off to come back - again. The Bulls will have to rely more than ever on Kirk Hinrich and Aaron Brooks for playmaking duties. Gonna have to ride their talented Bigs and Jimmy Butler down the stretch. Don't count out Coach Thib's team - ever.
5. GAMES IN JULY?: I heard Mark Cuban's comments about extending the season into July. I love the guy and what he's done to help the sport but - a big but - NO way should they extend the season into the summer. It's too long to begin with. Bag four pre-season games and start the regular season 10-12 days earlier and that will provide more space between games and less back-to-backs and four games in five nights scenarios. In addition, enough with the nonsense of more than one day off in between playoff games. Each series should go no more than 12-13 days. Teams are in great shape and game sharp come springtime. The extra time off takes teams out of their rhythm and flow. Nuff said!