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TSN Basketball Analyst

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FIVE QUICK NBA THOUGHTS:

1.  BRIAN SHAW: A good man and a solid coach got let go in Denver, but I'm not surprised. You could see this coming from a mile away. He got the dreaded vote of confidence and then they totally tanked and he got whacked. There are some bad actors in the mix on that team and he tried to challenge folks to change their ways, but the locker room environment wasn't healthy. Sometimes as a coach, you've got to make a stand and pick your battles and you know it could cost you in the end, yet it's the only way to do it. He'll bounce back.  I'm sure ownership/management know they have a problem on their hands beyond coaching that needs to be addressed. I expect to see some changes this spring into summer.  It's a mess.

2. JIMMY BUTLER (Bulls): Add this talented young player to the injured list alongside Derrick Rose and the Bulls are fighting for their survival as a top-four seed in the East.  Still, it was a huge win on Tuesday night  against the No. 5 Washington Wizards. They're undermanned, but they won't be outplayed or outworked.  Butler is on a similar timetable to Rose and, if both of these guys are back in time for the playoffs, this club will still be a dangerous team beyond April 15.  I feel bad for Butler - he's had a sensational season and he's one of my favorites in the league. The man competes.

3. NIK STAUSKAS (Kings): The Mississauga, Ontario native finally gets a little run (26 minutes against the Knicks) and gets 15 points for the Kings. With new coach George Karl on the bench, Stauskas is now playing for his third head coach in his first pro season, which is crazy for a rookie. Karl will be there for the long haul (I think, but you never know in this crazy league), so if you're going to hitch your wagon to the style of play and adapt your game to what's expected, here's your chance. Karl is an offensive-minded coach, so it will be imperative for Stauskas to shoot the ball much more consistently and play with energy defensively. With the Kings out of the playoff mix in the West, they'll be trying to take a look at all the components of their roster to see exactly what they have for the future. A great opportunity exists to make the right impression over the next six weeks.

4.  JOHN WALL (Wizards): I'm sorry, but if you're going to be a contender,  your point guard play has to improve significantly. Walla has committed an amazing 5.4 turnovers per game in his last five games. Under no circumstances, if you're an elite player, should that happen. He's the catalyst for his team and when he goes bad, the whole thing goes with them. They gotta get him right. I'm shocked by how poorly he's playing.

5. CODY ZELLER (Hornets): Zeller's showing more and more when he gets steady playing time. Over his last three games, Zeller's averaging 12 points and nine rebounds while shooting north of 60 per cent. I really liked him at Indiana and love how hard he plays and his ability to run the floor. He's got significant potential and, as he gains more comfort playing with Al Jefferson, you'll see even better numbers. Zeller will be a key piece for them down the stretch.