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TSN Basketball Analyst

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FIVE QUICK HOOPS THOUGHTS:

1. P.J. TUCKER (Raptors): When you thinking of adding a player who brings such toughness, determination and grit to the table, you relish nights like Tuesday versus Chicago. The man brings it. His effort and spirit have a unique way of galvanizing a team. Tucker might not be the most talented guy on the floor, but he won't be denied - fun watching him compete.

2. ADAM SILVER (NBA): It was a brilliant move having the agenda for the owners being floated out there regarding teams sitting their star players. Public opinion over the next few weeks will be heard by those 30 owners and when they sit down in NYC in April to meet, there will be a good discussion on the direction the league needs to take this. In addition, I'm sure the TV network partners who have showered the owners and players with historic profits and salaries due to the new nine-year, $24 BILLION US TV deal are firmly stating their strong disapproval with healthy players not playing. The whole thing is bad for business on every front and the fact that it's now being debated publicly by fans and, more importantly, in private by the power brokers, I feel confident that an intelligent plan of action will be put in place for the 2017-18 regular season. This nonsense can't continue.

3. LARRY BROWN: Odd reports out of NYC have that LIU-Brooklyn is considering interviewing him for their job. I'm a huge fan of what the much-travelled Hall of Famer has accomplished in his career. With that being said, Brown left all three of his collegiate jobs (UCLA, Kansas & SMU) with NCAA issues. Not sure if LIU wants or needs the NCAA looking over their shoulders in order to win a few games and the press conference. Strange story.

4. DEVONTE' GRAHAM (Kansas): Josh Jackson and Frank Mason III get lots of hype and deservedly so, yet this man is a productive and steady piece for them with his shooting, versatility and sound D. They'll need lots of that from Graham to keep their explosive offence going.

5. De'AARON FOX(Kentucky): Can't wait to watch him compete head to head with UCLA's Lonzo Ball. He will be in Ball's grill the whole game. The man is lightning quick with big time pop in his game. Tough to contain. Big stage for both. Should be fun.